How to make the most out of your layover in Cancun

Cancun, located on Mexico's stunning Mayan Riviera, has a well-deserved reputation as a great place to party. Packed with beach resorts that are popular with tourists from all over the world, Cancun's hotel zone is a fantastic place for anyone who wants to leave their worries behind for a week or two by spending all day on the beach and all night at the club.

However, there's much more to the city than just the well-known beaches, clubs, and Cancun hotels. Downtown Cancun is a great place to explore Mexican culture or sample delicious food, and thanks to the rich Mayan and colonial Spanish history of the area, there are endless temples, pyramids, and ruins to seek out.

If you're passing through Cancun Airport, it's worth considering seeing a little bit of the city before your connecting flight. Depending on how long you have between flights, you can head into town or to the beach and sample a little bit of what makes this place so popular before your next flight.

Bounce can help you explore this part of Quintana Roo. Cancun safety is usually very good, but it will be a weight off your mind to know that your bags are safely looked after while you explore. Not only does that help you stay safe, but it also makes it easier to get around so you can see more of the city, especially if your time is limited.

Things to know before leaving the airport on a layover in Cancun

Navigating Cancun International Airport

Cancun International Airport is one of the busiest in Mexico, with efficient services and well-connected terminals. If your arriving and departing flights are on the same airline, transferring is straightforward. The airport also has plenty of dining options and shops featuring local crafts and souvenirs, ideal for shorter layovers.

Be aware, though, that scammers do operate in Cancun Airport. Taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers outside the airport, and ridesharing services are also not allowed, so be wary of anyone offering you a taxi or an airport transfer. They may lie to you and say that the airport shuttle has already left and that you need to pay extra money for a new private transfer. The best way to avoid this is to book your transfer into the city in advance.

Also, be aware of the requirements for visiting Mexico. If you are from the United States, Canada, the Schengen area of the EU, or some other countries, you can visit Mexico without a visa. However, other countries do require a visa, so make sure you have all your paperwork in order before you try to enter the country to avoid immigration jail. Also, make sure to leave enough time to clear customs and make your way to the city and back. You can save yourself a lot of time and hassle by leaving your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage close to the airport. That way, you won't need to worry about your things and can just pick them up on your way back to the airport.

Transportation from the airport

Cancun offers several ground transportation options:

• Taxis and rideshares: Readily available, though it’s best to confirm prices before departing.
• Shuttle services: Many hotels and tour companies operate shuttles.
• ADO buses: A budget-friendly option for getting to downtown Cancún or Playa del Carmen, this local bus is cheap but tends to be a lot slower than the shuttle buses and designated hotel transportation.

Minimum layover times in Cancun

The city’s proximity to the airport makes it easy to explore, even on a short layover:

• 2-3 hours: Stay at the airport and enjoy its amenities, including restaurants and shops.
• 4-6 hours: Head to the Hotel Zone for a quick meal, beach visit, or shopping.
• 8+ hours: Venture further to explore Mayan ruins, relax at the beach, or visit the city center.

What to do in Cancun during a layover

Cancun’s blend of stunning beaches, historical sites, and vibrant local culture makes it an excellent layover destination. Depending on what you want to do with your time, you can find plenty to keep you occupied here. If you brought your swimsuit, you can even contemplate going to the beach and taking a dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean to refresh yourself before your next flight. Alternatively, if you have the time, you can explore atmospheric Mayan ruins. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Short layover (2-3 hours): Relax at the airport

If your layover is brief, enjoy Cancun Airport's amenities. Although it's not the biggest airport in the world, there is enough to do here to keep you occupied for a couple of hours, so it's probably not worth heading into the city if your connecting flight isn't far away.

• Activities: Browse local souvenir shops for Mexican crafts, textiles, and tequila. Relax at a café or bar offering authentic Mexican snacks and drinks.
• Dining choices: Try regional dishes like cochinita pibil or tacos at Jose Cuervo or Guacamole Grill, located within the airport. You can also search online for a suitable Cancun restaurant. Trip Advisor and other travel sites can be helpful for this.

Half-day layover (4-6 hours): Hotel Zone highlights

With more time, head to the iconic Hotel Zone, known for its gorgeous beaches and lively atmosphere.

• Activities: Visit Playa Delfines, a public beach with white sand and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. You can change your clothes and leave everything you don't need behind at a Bounce luggage storage, making it much easier to enjoy the beach and still make it back in time for your next flight. Stop by La Isla Shopping Village, a waterfront mall featuring shops, restaurants, and an aquarium. Take a short stroll along the beach or enjoy fresh air while soaking up the tropical vibe.
• Dining options: Visit La Casa De Los Abuelos in the Hotel Zone for traditional Mexican cuisine. For quick and casual dining, try El Fish Fritanga, offering fresh seafood in a laid-back atmosphere.

Full-day layover (8+ hours): Explore Cancun’s rich history and natural beauty

A longer layover allows for a deeper exploration of Cancún’s cultural and natural attractions.

• Activities: First consider exploring the El Rey Ruins, an ancient Mayan archaeological site in the Hotel Zone. This small but fascinating site is a peaceful escape and gives insight into Mayan culture. Then, take a catamaran tour or ferry to Isla Mujeres, a nearby island known for its serene beaches and snorkeling opportunities. Still have time? Visit downtown Cancun and explore Mercado 28, a bustling market offering local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.
• Dining options: Enjoy authentic Yucatecan dishes at La Parrilla, a popular spot in downtown Cancun known for its festive atmosphere. For a beachside experience, try Lorenzillo’s, a renowned seafood restaurant offering lobster and Caribbean flavors.

Tips to make the most of your Cancun layover

• Plan your time wisely: Allow at least an hour to return to the airport, especially during peak travel times. Be aware that Cancun does impose a nearby departure tax, and if you have to pay this at the airport, which you probably will if you're on a layover, you will need to pay it in cash.
• Currency: While Mexican pesos (MXN) are preferred, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Be wary of anyone offering to change money for you at the airport. It's safer to use official money-changing booths or even take money straight out of an ATM with your home bank card.
• Pack essentials: If you plan to visit the beach, bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay comfortable.
• Stay safe: Stick to well-known tourist areas and secure your belongings while exploring. Cancun is one of the safest places in Mexico, but problems can still occur, so be careful. Bounce can help look after your belongings for you so that you have one less thing to worry about. Most of the crime in Cancun is based around scams directed at tourists, but you can be a lot more on your guard if you don't have to watch over your things the whole time.
• Weather: Cancun is warm year-round, but it’s a good idea to check for rain if you plan outdoor activities.

Whether you’re lounging on Playa Delfines, shopping at La Isla, or exploring Mayan ruins, a layover in Cancun offers an unforgettable glimpse into Mexico’s Caribbean beauty. Cancun is a fantastic place to visit on a multi-hour layover, so if you have enough time at the airport, you should definitely consider making the trip into the city, even if only for a leisurely meal. Leave the things behind with Bounce, and you can really make the most of your time in the area, even if you don't have long.