Cancun Car Hire

Guide of Cancun

History

Cancun is a city created to attract tourists. Amazingly, when development started in 1970, there were only three coconut caretakers living on Isla Cancun. The first nine hotels were funded by the government as investors were wary of ploughing their funds into an unproven region, yet today this former fisherman’s island is as famous as a tourist magnet as Acapulco. And building a new city on sand dunes, marshes and mangroves is no easy feat. 16 wells had to be sunk for drinking water, 100km dug for sewerage, and 240 hectares of topsoil driven in by trucks to construct the golf course alone. With a constellation of hotels and its own international airport, Cancun has grown from strength to strength since.

Culture in Cancun

Chances are you already know Cancun’s party reputation – it’s famous (or rather, infamous) as a Spring Break destination – a magnet for millions of young partygoers eager to let their hair down all the way every year. Then return home with the mother of all hangovers. But naturally there’s a lot more to the region because it has a history that stretches back to the ancient Mayans. The Museo Maya is located bang in the middle of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and here you can get a taste for this civilisation’s impressive art, architecture and daily life. If this spurs your interest, famous sites like Chichen Itza and its mind-blowing Kukulkan pyramid are just a day trip away.

Family activities

So Cancun has an awesome reputation for hedonism. But don’t worry if you’re planning a family holiday – there’s plenty for kids of all ages to do. For instance, how about swapping your regular ride for an ATV and taking your older kids on a wild adventure motoring through the Cozumel jungle? If that’s not adventurous enough, if you’re here between July and September, you can swim with shale sharks and part of organised dives off Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. And if you and your kids prefer being above the waves, a Captain Hook pirate dinner cruise on a replica 18th century Spanish galleon is always a treat – no need to walk the plank as long as everyone behaves. Last but not least, the All Ritmo Water Park is perfect for active kids who love splashing around and you don’t even need to be a guest at the All Ritmo resort to use the facilities!

Things To Do in Cancun

Hotels

As you know, Cancun’s hotels are its heartbeat. But which comfy establishment should you choose to lay your head in? If you love luxury, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is definitely worth considering. Its gourmet restaurants are fantastic for foodies, there’s a lagoon infinity pool with Bali beds (by the side), a Mayan spa and even a pool with a fake coral reef for keen divers to explore. But if you’re a livewire, you might prefer the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun – this all-inclusive hotel has premium drinks on tap, sumptuous suites with guitars next to the jacuzzi (not plugged into amps, don’t worry) and you can rock out to concerts on the beach. However, if you’re after that exclusive vibe in an all-adults environment, Secrets The Vine Cancun is a great choice – the top-class cuisine and romantic ambience are amazing too.

Bars and clubs

The only problem with partying in Cancun is that there are so many excellent pubs, clubs and nightspots that it’s tough to sample them all. If we had to choose one venue not to miss, it would probably be Coco Bongo – it’s not only one of the biggest clubs in the resort, it also mixes floor-filler tunes with inventive drinks and live acrobatic performances by the likes of Spiderman (or at least, someone very supple dressed as him). But if sultry salsa dancing is more your vibe, Mambocafe fits the bill – located downtown in Plaza Hong Kong, it offers live music, bachata, cumbia and salsa dancing Wednesday-Saturday. And if you want to experience the most bang for your buck, invest in a Cuncrawl ticket – this gets you into three venues with an open bar, with no need to waste fun time waiting in queues.

Shopping

Fancy indulging in some retail therapy? There are plenty of places to burn a hole in your credit card in Cancun. Puerto Cancun Marina Town Centre is as good a place to start as any – you’ll find lots of desirable international labels in this expansive city centre complex, as well as tasty Asian and European cuisine. Alternatively, La Isla Shopping Village in the Zona Hotelera is close to the aquarium and has a Ferris wheel and kids play areas – perfect for families. If you’re still not maxed out, try Las Plazas Outlet Cancun for labels like Nike and Guess, and you can even try to claw some cash back from your spending spree at the in-house Casino – don’t gamble what you can’t afford to lose though!

Eating Out in Cancun

Mexican

Does authentic Mexican spice tempt your tastebuds? You’re spoiled for choice in Cancun. If seafood tickles your fancy, head downtown to La Habichuela for some of the freshest around, while La Parilla combines delicious local dishes with a live mariachi soundtrack. Alternatively, La Buena Barra in the Hotel Zone serves refined contemporary Mexican cuisine, and Tacun across from Plaza Flamingo serves up first-rate cuisine at an affordable price.

International

Fancy some international fare? There are several eating establishments in Cancun that take you on a culinary trip around the world. Taste of India serves terrific curries, Ilios Greek Estiatorio is a top draw for fresh Mediterranean dishes, and Nicoletta is the place to be for inspirational Italian food. Meanwhile, Big Ben Steakhouse does exactly what it says on the sign. And very well indeed.

Fast food

Yearning for your fast food fix? No problem. You’ll find McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway and Vikingdogs. And there’s also KFC, Bun Sliders & Shakes and The Surfin Burrito – an excellent choice for beachside Mexican snacks and drinks. And if pizza peaks your interest, try Rino’s Pizza Time, Rocca Cinco and Pizzeria Luna Rossa. As you can see, whether you like haute cuisine or fast, tasty snacks (or anything in between) you’ll never go hungry in Cancun.

Transport

Airports

The main airport in Cancun is Cancun International Airport (CUN). It’s served by carriers including Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Southwest and more. Want to hire a car at Cancun International Airport? No worries – you can do that right here at Enjoy Travel.

Public transport

Cancun has a decent public bus system – it’ll take you around the Hotel Zone and most major parts of the city.

Driving

For lots of visitors, driving in Cancun is the easiest and most convenient way to get around. You can travel in the comfort of your own social bubble, to your own timetable. Remember to drive on the right of the road and overtake on the left. Speed limits in Mexico are 20km/h near schools, 40km/h in most built-up areas, 70km/h outwith built-up areas and 110km/h on motorways. An SUV-style vehicle is a good choice if you’re heading on regular road trips, but you might prefer a swish convertible if you plan on mainly cruising around town.