Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
- Home
- Destinations
- Mexico Cancun
Flights to Cancun: Enjoy Mexican magic on your next holiday
Why do so many people rave about Cancun? It's time to find out! This beach resort is a legendary spring break destination, but it's not just for student partygoers. You'll find something for everyone, with breathtaking beaches, stunning ancient monuments, amazing sea life and great food. Want to know more? Just keep reading.
Cancun: What to know before you travel
Cancun sits on Mexico's Caribbean coast, where warm, clear waters entice visitors from around the world. It's part of the Yucatan Peninsula, which was once a stronghold of the ancient Mayan civilisation. Today, many of their relics and monuments can still be seen, sharing space with Cancun's glamorous hotels and resorts.
Cancun at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 11 hours
Main airport: Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Population: 725,000
Language: Spanish, but English is widely understood in resort areas.
Currency: Mexican peso (MX$)
Socket type: Usually Type A, although many hotels have Type B (US standard). Mexico's supply voltage is 127V, so you might need an adapter.
Time zone: EST (GMT-5)
Hotels in Cancun: Where to stay for your next holiday
Cancun may be small, but it is divided into several different zones. Each neighbourhood has its own distinct character, so choose wisely before you book a hotel in Cancun. Do you want to be in the heart of the action, or would you prefer a quiet area where you and your kids can relax? Are you a culture vulture, or are you looking for a chilled-out beach holiday? You'll have a very different experience in Cancun depending on where you stay.
North hotel zone
This is the best part of Cancun for families, as its beaches are blessed with shallow, child-friendly waters. Elsewhere, you may find dangerous rip tides, but this area is safe. There are also lots of family attractions around the north hotel zone. Don't miss the chance to take the kids on a pirate ship adventure to unleash their inner Jack Sparrow. Look for all-inclusive hotel deals in the area for a stress-free holiday.
Punta Cancun
Say hello to Cancun's best nightlife! Punta Cancun is the place to stay if you want epic parties after the sun goes down. This is where you'll find some world-class beach clubs. Let's be clear: Punta Cancun is a party zone. This is where the main nightlife action happens, so if you want a relaxing getaway, look elsewhere. If you want the party of a lifetime, book a hotel in Punta Cancun.
East hotel zone
This is the place to stay if you want to explore ancient Mayan culture. You'll be a short walk away from some of Mexico's most intriguing archaeological sites, including El Rey and San Miguelito. As well as these spellbinding Mayan settlements, you can also visit the Museo Maya de Cancun. Here, you'll be able to learn more about this fascinating lost civilisation.
The best things to see and do in Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, and not just for the partygoer crowd. There's so much to see and do beyond the beach clubs. The area has so many natural wonders to explore and cultural activities to keep you busy. Here are some of the best things to do while you're there.
Must-dos during a Cancun holiday
Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the clear waters of the Caribbean. The water around Cancun is warm all year round, without too many dangerous currents. You'll be stunned by the sea life, including colourful fish, sea turtles and bull sharks.
Explore the pyramid at Chichen Itza. This sacred ancient Mayan site has become one of the most famous symbols of Mexico.
Go swimming in a cenote. You'll only find these mysterious natural sinkholes in Mexico. Ancient Mayans believed they were the gateway to the land of the dead, but nowadays, visitors are enchanted by their crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations.
Take a boat trip along the Río Secreto. The name literally means ‘secret river’ because this waterway is hidden inside a cave. You'll be dazzled by the hanging stalactites over the water.
It's time to see Cancun for yourself. Book flights or a package holiday today and explore the wonderful Yucatan Peninsula on your next holiday!
FAQs about Cancun holidays
Q: What's the cheapest month to go to Cancun?
A: Cancun's off-peak season runs from May to late November, but the weather can vary quite a bit, depending on when you visit Mexico. Avoid Christmas and busy peak periods if you want to save money on your holiday. Take care around late August and September. Prices may be low, but that's because it's hurricane season, so you may not be able to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Q: Why is it so expensive to fly to Cancun right now?
A: Cancun is a long-haul destination from the UK, so prices are generally high. On the plus side, it's a budget-friendly place when you arrive. Flights will often be your main expense.
Q: Who flies from the UK to Cancun?
A: British Airways, TUI and Virgin Atlantic all have direct flights from London to Cancun. If you want to save money, you may find cheaper routes by taking a connecting flight through the US. Many American airports have regular direct flights to Cancun.
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalised content. To deny, .