my cousin went there a couple years after you and said they redid the mural but made it way too bright, kinda lost the old school vibe. if you want a pic try the escuela's facebook page, they post old photos sometimes for anniversaries and stuff. also check the cancun nostalgia group on fb, someone might have snapped it back in '08 when it was still faded

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

i still live a few blocks from there, they fixed the mural around 2015 i think. it's not exactly the same though, they repainted it in brighter colors and the design is a little different now, less faded and cracked obviously. if you're ever back in cancun you can just walk into the courtyard during school hours, they let former students peek at it if you ask the secretary nicely

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

yeah that mural's still there just way different now, they went over it with super neon colors that kinda clash with the old building. if u want the original vibe check the "cancun antes" facebook group, tons of grainy pics from the early 2000s pop up there

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

honestly the guide's pretty spot on. one thing i'd mention is that coco bongo's cover is steep but the show itself is worth it at least once, just don't go expecting a normal club night. it's more like a cirque du soleil show with drinks. if you're on a budget, the cover at mandala gets you into the city too since they're connected, so you can bounce between both without paying again.

for a different vibe, check out the rooftop at the ritz carlton if you want something classy. it's pricey but the view of the lagoon at sunset is unreal and they don't let the crowd get too rowdy. also, if you're downtown and want cheap food after drinking, the taco stands on avenida 20 de noviembre are open til 3am and way better than the hotel zone stuff. just bring cash, most don't take cards

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

the guide's right about taxis but just a heads up, the hotel zone ones will try to charge you more after midnight. always ask the fare before u get in and if it sounds high just wait for the next one. also if you're staying in the hotel zone and wanna avoid the $15 rides, the R1 bus runs all night down kukulcan for like 12 pesos. it's safe and full of other people going to the same clubs, just watch ur phone.

for downtown i'd add that la vaquita gets packed on weekends and the bathroom line is brutal. bar bar is more chill but the karaoke crowd can be hit or miss. if you want something in between try la santa, it's a block off tulum and has a mezcal selection that's way better than most spots, plus it doesn't get that touristy until later

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

This is a solid guide, really covers the main spots. One thing I would add is that many of the Hotel Zone clubs, especially Mandala and Coco Bongo, offer guest list entry if you find their promoters on social media before your trip. You can often skip the cover charge or get a discounted open bar wristband if you arrive before 11 PM. I've done it a few times and it saved me about $30 each night. Also, for a more relaxed start to the evening, the rooftop bar at Selina Cancun in the Hotel Zone has great views of the lagoon and a younger crowd, good for pre-gaming without the hotel lobby prices.

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply