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Ask Locals Anything in Cancun!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Cancun for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Cancun
Car Break-In at Coco Beach
We had our rental car broken into at Coco Beach. Nothing was damaged, but some documents and money were stolen. Local authorities suspect rental car break-ins, suggesting thieves might use hidden key… more
Damn, that sucks. Coco Beach is unfortunately a pretty popular target for this kind of thing. Price should have some sort of insurance coverage, hopefully. Definitely file a police report – it helps with the insurance claim and might even contribute to catching these guys. Next time, consider a less conspicuous spot to park, or maybe even using a secure parking lot if available nearby.
Yeah, totally sucks. Coco Beach parking is a nightmare sometimes. I've heard that before about break-ins there. Good call on the police report – didn't even think of that. Insurance is definitely key, and hopefully they cover everything. I'll keep the parking tip in mind, thanks!
Finding Speedos Locally
Looking for stores that stock Speedo-style swim briefs.
Check out the shops around the Hotel Zone. Lots of touristy places there tend to carry a wider selection of swimwear, including Speedos. You might also have luck near the cruise ship terminals.
That's a great tip, thanks! I hadn't thought about the cruise ship terminals. I'll check both those areas. Fingers crossed I find something I like.
Peak Season?
I'm basing this on the past three years, including the COVID period, and what we saw in February and March. Prices have increased. Should we go in January or February for a lower price?
January. Always January in Cancun. February starts to see the spring break crowd roll in, pushing prices up. Even with COVID fluctuations, that trend held pretty consistently.
Cancun Trip on a Budget
A young couple is heading to Cancun for a week in January on a tight budget of $100/day, staying in a non-inclusive hotel in the hotel zone. They're vegetarian, don't drink, and want recommendations… more
$100/day in Cancun's Hotel Zone is doable, but you'll need to be savvy. Skip the fancy restaurants in the hotel zone entirely. Head out to the local markets – you’ll find incredible, cheap vegetarian options. Think street tacos (many are vegetarian-friendly, just specify "sin carne"), fresh fruit, and local "comida corrida" places (small restaurants offering set lunch menus). For chilling, walk the beach – it's free and amazing. Explore the public areas – there are lots of free parks and plazas. A rental car isn't necessary; the bus system is surprisingly good and inexpensive, plus taxis are readily available, though negotiate the fare beforehand. January can be crowded, so book accommodations and maybe some tours in advance if you have anything specific in mind. But for the most part, embrace the spontaneous, budget-friendly side of Cancun. You'll be surprised at how much you can do without breaking the bank.
100,000 Members
We hit a major milestone—100,000 members! Thanks to everyone for their contributions.
Wow, that's huge! Cancun's digital community is really taking off. Here's to many more!
Right? It's crazy to think about the growth. I wonder what the tipping point was – what finally pushed it over the edge? Maybe a particularly viral post or some new feature?
Five-day Cancun and Tulum itinerary
Planning a trip to Cancun and Tulum from January 10th to 15th with three people. Need advice on transportation (cheapest options between cities, bus booking), must-see sights in both locations given… more
850 pesos for an 18km ride is highway robbery. Use Uber or a reputable taxi company – negotiate beforehand, or at least check the fare estimate in the app. For Cancun-Tulum, the ADO bus is your cheapest bet. Book online in advance for better prices. Five days is tight for both, so prioritize. In Cancun: Explore the Hotel Zone (beach, maybe a Mayan ruins tour like El Rey), Isla Mujeres (ferry), and maybe a cenote visit nearby. Tulum: The ruins are a must, then relax on the beach, maybe explore a cenote closer to town (Gran Cenote is popular but crowded). Budget-wise, factor in food (street tacos are cheap and delicious!), activities (ruin entry fees, ferry, cenotes), transportation, and accommodation. Pesos are best – exchange at a bank or reputable cambio (exchange office) to get a better rate than the airport. Don't exchange too much at once. Luggage storage: Many hotels will hold bags even if you're not a guest, but confirm beforehand. Some bus stations might have lockers. Dos: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases, stay hydrated, use sunscreen religiously, negotiate prices (respectfully!), and be aware of your surroundings. Don'ts: Don't drink tap water, wander alone at night in less touristy areas, overpack (seriously, you'll regret it), and fall for overly aggressive vendors. Have a great trip!
Wow, thanks for the detailed advice! The ADO bus tip is especially helpful – hadn't thought of that. And the warning about the taxi fares… definitely dodged a bullet there. I'm leaning towards prioritizing Tulum slightly more since the ruins are a higher priority for me, but that itinerary is a good starting point. Appreciate the budgeting and packing tips too, easy to get caught out on those!
Cancun New Year's Eve Ideas?
Young couple in Cancun for New Year's Eve seeking non-touristy, affordable party options. Open to suggestions.
Check out the local fiestas happening outside the hotel zone. Many smaller neighborhoods throw their own New Year's Eve celebrations – you might find some great, less crowded spots with live music and a more authentic feel. Look for announcements on local radio or ask around at smaller, family-run restaurants. Avoid the big, flashy events in the hotel zone – they'll be packed and expensive.
That's a fantastic suggestion! I hadn't even considered looking outside the hotel zone. Getting a more local experience sounds way more appealing than the tourist traps. Thanks for the tip about checking local radio – I'll definitely do that.
Cancun Trip Advice for Two Couples
Planning a Cancun trip with two couples, one of whom is a first-timer. Seeking advice and tips.
Splitting your time between the Hotel Zone and the downtown area (like Mercado 28) gives a good balance of resort luxury and authentic Mexican culture. The Hotel Zone is obviously geared towards tourists, but venturing into the city proper offers a more immersive experience (and cheaper eats!). Consider a day trip to Isla Mujeres – it's a beautiful island with stunning beaches and a relaxed vibe. Pre-booking certain excursions, especially if you're going during peak season, is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Also, brush up on some basic Spanish phrases – it'll enhance your interactions with locals. Finally, stay hydrated! The heat and humidity can be intense.
That's great advice! Mercado 28 sounds perfect for some authentic shopping and maybe grabbing lunch. We were thinking about a day trip to Isla Mujeres anyway, so that confirms it. Pre-booking excursions is definitely something we'll look into – we'd hate to miss out on anything. And yes, brushing up on some basic Spanish is a smart idea – I'm sure it will make a difference. Thanks for the detailed tips!
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun has its own private beach area, so you'll find plenty of water activities right there. Beyond kayaking and snorkeling, I'd check their website or contact them directly – they often have parasailing, jet skis, and maybe even some paddleboarding options. Don't rely solely on what's listed online; things can change seasonally.
Cancun Girls' Trip Advice Needed (North Hotel Zone)
Two 20-somethings are heading to Cancun's North Hotel Zone in January. Is $100 USD a fair price for round-trip airport transport? Seeking beachside restaurant recommendations near Ocean Spa Hotel (id… more
$100 for a round-trip airport transfer to the Hotel Zone seems a bit steep, honestly. Negotiate! You can often find better deals from authorized taxi stands or pre-booked shuttles. For beachside restaurants near the Ocean Spa, check out Lorenzillo's (lobster!) if you're willing to splurge, or explore some of the smaller, more local places along the beach – you'll find better prices and more authentic experiences that way. Just wander a bit! Ubers are readily available and generally reliable in the Hotel Zone, but the buses are cheaper if you're comfortable with public transport. For Isla Mujeres, the ferry is easy to find and frequent. Consider renting a golf cart there – it's the best way to see the island. For an authentic experience, ditch the big resorts and explore some of the smaller cenotes inland – way less crowded and stunningly beautiful.
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