Top 11 things to do in Cancun for couples – Your ultimate Cancun itinerary

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So you found a cheap flight to Mexico with your significant other and you’re landing in Cancun. You’re wondering if it’s worth spending a few days in the city just to get your toes in the water before embarking on an epic Mexico trip. Well, you’re in the right place. We created this Cancun itinerary for you to help you plan the best things to do in Cancun for couples.

From beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, nearby cenotes, islands to explore, a booming nightlife and some incredible scuba diving, Cancun truly has something for every type of couple.

Beaches in Cancun. One of the best activities for couples in Cancun
View of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. PC: Canva Pro

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Why you should visit Cancun as a couple

We’re going to be honest here. Cancun was never a place that we thought we would spend time in, let alone a place we would end up enjoying. The city has a reputation of being super touristy, a rowdy party place that doesn’t have much to offer for couples. But that reputation couldn’t be further from what we experienced.

Maybe it’s because we were staying in a very well-located and comfy hotel. Maybe it’s because we did some of our best diving in Mexico here. Or perhaps it’s because we found pristine beaches, amazing food and hidden Mayan gems that we ended up loving our stay in Cancun.

Since we had such a great time, we wanted to share the highlights of what to do in Cancun for couples, so you can love this city as much as we did. We even have an itinerary set up for you so you can plan how to best spend 3 to 5 days in Cancun. We made this Cancun itinerary flexible enough that you can make it your own and enjoy every minute of it.

How to get to Cancun

Cancun is a major international hub. The airport here has flights to and from major cities in the US, Canada, Europe and other destinations in Mexico. The port is also well connected. If you want to get to Cancun, here are the best ways to do it:

Getting to Cancun by plane

The Cancun International Airport has flights to major cities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Cancun airport is also one of the easiest ways to get to the Yucatan peninsula from anywhere in Mexico. It has frequent flights from pretty much all the major cities in Mexico.

Make sure you shop your flights on Skyscanner to find the best deals!

The Cancun airport is a short 25-30 minute ride from the city center. Although most hotels offer shuttle transportation to and from the airport to your accommodations, you can always take the ADO bus as well. You can find kiosks at every terminal, so you’re all set!

Getting to Cancun by car

This option is a good one if you’re planning on road-tripping from where you are to Cancun, and then all around Mexico. Although to get to Cancun by car, you will need to cross a major part of Mexico from either the States or other countries to the South of Mexico. This is an amazing way to discover the country and see how the culture varies from one state to the next!

You can also rent a car from a different state in Mexico and drive through to Cancun. However, this will require quite some planning and a bit more of a budget. Although car rental is quite affordable in Mexico, prices can get very high depending on the insurance package you choose, which states you’ll be crossing and how long you’re renting the car for. You may also have a crazy surcharge to pay if you’re not dropping the car in the same location as you picked it up.

Getting to Cancun by sea

Being on the coast, Cancun is also a popular stop for cruise ships and passenger ships. However, this will require a more substantial budget and time. Also, if you’re planning on coming to Cancun for 3 or 5 days, a cruise ship may not offer that flexibility.

Whatever way you choose to come to Cancun, we strongly encourage you to offset your carbon footprint. Here’s a way you can do it!

Cancun sign
The famous Cancun sign. PC: Canva Pro

How to get around Cancun

Getting around Cancun is quite easy! You have many different options available depending on your budget and the time you have. Here are some of the options you have to explore in Cancun as a couple:

Driving around Cancun in a car

Driving in Cancun is pretty straightforward, especially if you come from a country that drives on the right side of the street. Cancun (and Mexico) follow the same guidelines you’re used to at home. In certain cities, drivers are a lot more aggressive, but Cancun seemed quite laid-back in terms of driving.

Car rental in Mexico is pretty affordable, especially if you plan on doing it for a few weeks, and even more so if you’re staying in the same state and returning your car to the same location you picked it up in.

Google Maps works really well here (although Waze seems to be the app of choice for locals). So put in your destination and head on your way! If you don’t plan on buying a SIM card during your stay in Cancun, make sure you download Offline Maps to have access to your destinations without having a wifi connection.

Taking taxis around Cancun

Taxis (as well as Uber and Didi) are quite popular in Cancun. Taxis can either be called (your accommodations or restaurant usually have a preferred vendor). Prices are set depending on where you’re going. The cost will usually vary between $100 to 200 pesos to get around from the Centro to the Zona Hotelera. Just make sure you agree on a price before taking the ride.

Similarly, you can take Uber or Didi around as well. Prices are in the same range as cabs, between $100 to 200 pesos per ride. Just know that the prices seem to fluctuate almost by the minute. We would sometimes check and see a price closer to $200 pesos, but it would drop to $125 just a few minutes later. Make sure you plan your rides accordingly.

Take the bus around Cancun

A very cheap (and eco-friendly) way to get around Cancun is to take the local buses. They run quite often, they’re clean and very affordable. Each ride only costs $12 pesos per person.

Routes are clearly determined on the windshield. Route 1 is a popular one that will take you from the Centro to the Zona Hotelera.

If you want to get around without paying a ton (ok, we know $100-200 pesos is not that much, but it adds up if you’re a budget traveler), and you want to see how locals get around, the bus is a great option.

beaches in Cancun, activities in Cancun for couples
One of Cancun’s best beaches. PC: Canva Pro

The 11 best things to do in Cancun for couples

Now that you know how to get around Cancun and how to get here safely, let’s talk about what to do here as a couple. Truth is, Cancun has a lot more to offer than just a party scene. Here are the 11 best things to do in Cancun for couples.

There are a ton of fun couples things to do in Cancun, no matter what you and your significant other are into, what your budget is and how long you’re staying here. We’ve outlined the best things to do in 3 to 5 days here. If you’re here for a shorter timeframe, choose the activities that make sense to you and that will bring you the most joy. 

After all, you are here to enjoy your time in Cancun!

beaches in Cancun, activities in Cancun for couples
The amazing beaches of Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

1. See the local life at Mercado 23 (and get some souvenirs, if you want)

Mercado 23 is an eclectic mix of vendors. It’s a weird combo of local shops and stalls like a fishmonger, fruit, spices, flowers and butchers. Right next to them, you’ll find stalls and stalls of souvenir vendors. 

Coming here is a bit of a trip. You can do your groceries for your stay in Cancun, and you can also buy the souvenirs you’ll bring home. 

Mercado 23, one of the best things to do in Cancun for couples

Like most souvenir vendors, they love to haggle here. But they’re super nice. Some even start talking to you in all sorts of languages, which is fun if you want to try your luck in French, Italian or another language they’ll surprise you with!

At Mercado 23, you’ll find your usual types of souvenirs like shot glasses, mariachi hats, magnets and skulls (in all shapes and sizes and formats – mugs, t-shirts, you name it!) You’ll also find some more authentic clothing and leather goods. For kinkier couples, you’ll also find some very erotic and suggestive souvenirs, if that’s your thing!

Mercado 23, one of the best things to do in Cancun for couples

There are also a few restaurants selling local cuisine. However, you won’t find any vegan food here… 

Tips for couples visiting Cancun’s Mercados: Before you head into the market, make sure you discuss your spending budget. This will allow you to stay within your trip budget. The last thing you want is to show a divided front when you’re negotiating pricing.

2. Check out the Mayan Ruins in Cancun

We had no idea that there were Mayan Ruins when we came to Cancun. Most people only talk about Chichen Itza or day trips to the Tulum Ruins or the Coba Ruins. 

However, there are 2 ruins that are located in Cancun proper. You can easily visit El Meco and El Rey Archaeological Ruins for a minimal cost. 

El Meco ruins in Cancun, a fun thing to do in Cancun for couples
El Meco Ruins in Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

El Meco is located to the north of Cancun, on the way to Punta Sam and Puerto Juarez. It was recently opened to the public and it’s quite impressive to see. It’s a smaller Mayan ruins site with several buildings. It’s beautiful and worth the visit. 

What makes this site quite special is that the Castillo structure is the highest archaeological structure in the northern peninsula at 12m (or 40 ft). Specialists believe that this location was used for maritime navigation since, from the top of the Castillo, you can see the Caribbean Sea, all of Cancun’s lagoons and Isla Mujeres. It acted like the lighthouse back in the days!

Visiting El Meco Ruins will cost you $65 pesos per person. Make sure you get there early as it does quite hot later in the day.

El Meco ruins in Cancun, what to do in Cancun for couples
El Castillo, the jewel of El Meco Ruins in Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

El Rey is another popular Mayan ruin in Cancun. It probably has to do with the fact that it’s right beside Playa Delfines, in the Hotel Zone of Cancun.

El Rey is still a relatively small archeological site with 40+ buildings. If you’re a fan of iguanas, you’ll have a chance to see a ton of them here… just like at most archeological ruins in Mexico.

El Rey ruins in Cancun, what to do in Cancun for couples
El Rey Ruins in Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

What makes El Rey special is that it was part of an important ancient Maya trade route back in the day. The reason it’s called El Rey (or The King) is because of a stone sculpture bearing the same name found there. There is also a beautiful garden on the site of the ruins.

El Rey is open daily, from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The entrance costs $65 pesos. You’ll probably need about 1 hour to visit the full site.

Both these ruins are located near the Hotel Zone, so they’re much more convenient to visit than the ones in Tulum, Coba or Chichen Itza. Keep those for a longer Yucatan Peninsula trip or even a day trip from Cancun, if you have the time. 

El Rey ruins in Cancun, what to do in Cancun for couples
El Rey Ruins in Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

Cancun travel tip for couples: If you plan on visiting these ruins, know that they offer free entrance to Mexican locals on Sundays which make it a very busy day to visit them. Plan your schedule accordingly.

3. Visit the Mayan Museum – The Best thing to do in Cancun for couples when it rains

If you want more Mayan culture during your 3 days in Cancun, check out the Museo Maya de Cancún y Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito. The Mayan Museum is probably one of the best things to do when it rains in Cancun, or if the weather is incredibly hot.

Located next to Playa Delfines, the Museo Maya is home to an impressive collection of Mayan artifacts. It’s not quite like the Archaeological museum in Mexico City, but it’s still one of the best collections in the Yucatan peninsula. 

4. Lounge on the best beaches in Cancun

Would a couple’s trip to Cancun be complete without visiting one of the many beaches here? Of course not! 

There are plenty of beaches to choose from, but unfortunately, many of them have become crowded. You may also run into the chance that there is a lot of sargassum there, caused by global warming. 

Beaches in Cancun. One of the best activities for couples in Cancun
A stunning beach in Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

Here are some amazing beaches to check out in Cancun as a couple. If you have the time, hop around and see which one is more your style!

  • Playa Caracol: This first beach is located in the Hotel Zone, near the Riu Hotel. Because of this, you can expect crowds. But we can’t blame anyone, because this Cancun beach offers silky soft white sand in a convenient location. There are lounge chairs and palapa-style umbrellas for rent.
  • Playa Chac Mool: This beach was recommended to us by locals. It’s a quieter beach that’s perfect for swimming and water sports. The sunset here is one of the best in the city. If you head here early enough, the families won’t be around, so you can enjoy some quiet couple time!
  • Playa Delfines: Located in the Hotel Zone, Playa Delfines is one of the most popular beaches. It’s a long white-sand beach with shallow waters, but with some very tall waves. There are umbrellas, restaurants, free car parking, showers and a lookout point here (mirador). This beach is also known as “El Mirador”, or “The Lookout Point”.
Beaches in Cancun. One of the best activities for couples in Cancun
An unforgettable sunset at a beautiful beach in Cancun. PC: Canva Pro
  • Langosta Beach: This sandy beach is located on the northern side of the Hotel Zone. It’s a much quieter beach than others if you’re looking for some alone couple time. It’s perfect if you want to go for a swim. It’s also located close to where you take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.
  • Playa del Nino: A small beach with playgrounds for kids. It’s located next to the Puerto Juarez ferry port. With smaller waves and all those swing sets, it’s a location that is very popular with families… not ideal for couples who want a quiet getaway.
  • La Playa Tortugas: This is a popular beach for locals, especially families. Since the reef doesn’t allow for large waves to break, it’s ideal for families with small children who want to relax. It’s a little trickier to get to from the hotel zone, which is why you’ll find less tourists here.
  • Isla Blanca: Located on the opposite end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this beach barely has people visit. It’s perfect for couples who want to get off the beaten path. It’s best to have your own transportation here as buses are rare.

5. Go scuba diving in one of the nicest reefs in the Caribbean

Did you really think we would come all the way to Cancun and not go scuba diving? Of course not! Anytime there is a reef, you can expect to find us in the water, exploring the waterworld!

After diving in Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, we had to give Cancun a try. And it did not disappoint! We actually liked diving here more than those two places. 

Scuba diving in Cancun, what to do in Cancun for couples
Scuba diving in Cancun’s shipwreck, C-55

The reefs and wrecks we visited had a ton of marine life, beautiful corals and more. Although the current was often quite strong, we’ve come to expect drift dives in this part of the world. 

If you’re looking to dive in a great place, we highly recommend checking out Coconut Divers. We had a great experience with them.

Eco-friendly tips: Whenever you dive, make sure you bring plenty of water with you, in a reusable water bottle, of course! And if you’re in a country where the water isn’t potable, bring your Grayl with you.
Also, never wear sunscreen when diving. Even if it says it’s reef-safe sunscreen. It can actually still cause harm to the reef.
Finally, if you see trash, pick it up. It’s a great way to leave our oceans clean and happy!

6. Go snorkeling, if you can’t scuba dive

If you haven’t done your scuba certification, you can still enjoy the underwater world. Snorkeling in Cancun is pretty awesome! 

One of the newest additions to the landscape in Cancun is the underwater museum. Here you can snorkel, scuba dive or even rent a glass-bottomed boat, and explore tons of statues that they have put on the ocean floor, all in an effort to promote coral regeneration and marine life. 

MUSA underwater museum in Cancun. One of the best things to do for couples in Cancun

The Cancun Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) features sculptures from famous artists. There are about 500 sculptures that are spread out over 2 sites. The prices to snorkel here range from $50-70 USD for a tour.

There are actually 3 places you can explore at the MUSA museum:

  • Punta Nizuc is the first site where you can find 33 sculptures at a depth of 2 to 4 meters. The site is located at the southern tip of Cancun’s hotel zone. It’s perfect for couples who want to snorkel.
  • The next site is Salon Manchones. It’s home to 473 sculptures at a depth of 8 to 10 meters. This site is off the coast of Isla Mujeres and it’s perfect for couples who love to scuba dive.
  • You can also visit the above-water Galeria Villa Roda-MUSA. It’s a great way to learn the history of MUSA and even to talk to the founders. Here, couples can discover the sculptural garden with replicas of sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, Elier Amado Gil and Roberto Díaz Abraham. You can even see how the sculptures are made in the MUSA workshop. You need to make reservations in advance to visit this Galeria.

If this is out of your budget, you can always snorkel on one of the beaches in Cancun. If you have your own gear, you can do this for free – a mask and snorkel will do. No need for fins.

Another option is to go on a day trip to Akumal, located between Cancun and Tulum. It’s the best place to snorkel with sea turtles. You can do this for free or with a guide. We recommend going with a guide, so you don’t disturb the efforts that are being put into increasing sea turtle numbers. 

7. Go to a cenote near Cancun

If beaches aren’t your thing, you’re in luck because there are plenty of cenotes near Cancun. No need to deal with saltwater. You can enjoy these freshwater sinkholes. There are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Cenotes play a special role for the people of the Yucatan peninsula. They are said to have been formed by the meteor that hit Earth over 60+ million years ago and that wiped out the dinosaurs. They also played an important role in Mayan culture. 

Cave cenote on the Yucatan Peninsula
Iconic dips in the best cenotes in Quintana Roo. PC: Canva Pro

Cenote hopping is one of the best things you can do in the Yucatan peninsula. They’re in beautiful settings and they’re super refreshing. 

Although there are a few that are close to Cancun, most are near Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Merida and Valladolid. You can easily combine a cenote visit with a day trip to one of these cities. 

Looking to check out the best cenotes in Mexico? We’ve covered them in our full article here about the best cenotes in Quintana Roo. Or in this article about the most amazing cenotes in the state of Yucatán.

8. Go to Isla Mujeres, one of the best things to do in Cancun for couples

Located a short 20-minute ferry ride away from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to discover. Your tickets will set you back about $160 pesos per person one-way or $300 roundtrip. 

Isla Mujeres, a day trip from Cancun. One of the best things to do for couples in Cancun
View of Isla Mujeres, the perfect place to go for a day trip from Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

The ferry dock is located at Puerto Juarez, just a few minutes from Cancun Centro. The ferry operator is Ultramar, and they have a boat leaving every half hour from 5 am to 9:30 pm. It will take you 15 minutes to get from one port to the next.

You can spend a day exploring the town there. You can rent a golf cart or a bike to do this easily. You can also chill on one of the beaches or party at the beach clubs on Isla Mujeres. If you want some island vibes, this is the perfect place to escape to from Cancun. 

Tip: If you stay at Enigmatic Hotel in Cancun, you get free access to their Isla Mujeres beach club. 

Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres, a day trip from Cancun
Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres, an iconic a day trip from Cancun. PC: Canva Pro

9. Go on a day trip from Cancun

Because Cancun is such a central hub, it’s easy to go on day trips from here. Depending on what you’re looking to do, here are some options for you:

  • Chichen Itza: If you want to discover one of the new wonders of the world, head to Chichen Itza. A 2-hour ride from Cancun, many tour operators offer trips to this amazing place. Often, they combine the trip with a stop in a cenote, making it a perfect day.
  • Playa del Carmen: For beautiful beaches and more of a party scene, Playa is the place for you. About one hour from Cancun, there are many buses and tours that go here daily. 
  • Akumal: Located 1.5 hours away from Cancun, this is the perfect place to hang out on the beach or snorkel with turtles. 
  • Tulum: Head here on a day trip from Cancun, and make sure you check out our full article on what to do in Tulum. After a 2-hour ride, you’ll be able to visit some of the Insta-famous places, check out the beaches and cenotes or the Tulum Ruins.

10. Check out all the amazing street art in Cancun, perfect for a leisurely couple’s walk

Like in many Mexican cities, there is beautiful street art sprinkled all over the city of Cancun. If you’re staying in Cancun Centro or the Hotel Zone, you’ll be able to walk around and stumble upon some beautiful murals.

Street art in Cancun, what to do in Cancun for couples. Cancun itinerary
The beautiful street art in Cancun

Almost every street we walked on had art decorating the walls of buildings. Most of these works were created under the initiative Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans. It was backed by the PangeaSeed Foundation, an international marine conservation organization that creates awareness for the oceans through art.

This initiative in Cancun began in 2017 when PangeaSeed started working with local groups to create public art programs. Their focus was to rejuvenate the buildings around Cancun, all while promoting ecotourism and ocean conservation.

Artists from all around Mexico and all around the world started volunteering to create murals. Today, they make the city more beautiful and pass an important message to locals and visitors alike!

11. Go party in Cancun’s best clubs

Some might think that Cancun is the place to go party during Spring Break, but the truth is that party keeps going all year round! And for those who want to dance the night away, there are plenty of bars and clubs for every budget, every type of music and scene you’re looking for.

From the iconic Coco Bongo to the famous Senor Frogs, there are party places sprinkled throughout the hotel zone and Cancun Centro. However, most clubs and bars are concentrated in Punta Cancun. That’s where you know you’ll never miss out on the party. Most bars offer an ‘open bar’ option, so if that’s what you’re eyeing, make sure you cab it (don’t drink and drive).

Enigmatic hotel in Cancun

3 to 5-day Cancun itinerary

Wondering how to spend your days in Cancun for the 3 to 5 days you’re there? Here is our Cancun itinerary for those days. Just make sure you go at your own pace. The goal is not to do as many things as possible, but rather, to enjoy your time in this amazing city.

If you feel like lounging around the hotel or laying on a beach all day, then do that! If something we recommended isn’t your style, just skip it. Do whatever you and your significant other are most into!

  • Day 1: Relax at the beach + Street art walk
  • Day 2: Scuba diving (or snorkeling) + Mayan ruins
  • Day 3: Cenotes + Mercado 23 + lounging at the hotel
  • Day 4: Isla Mujeres
  • Day 5: Day trip to Chitchen Itza, Tulum or Playa del Carmen

Where to stay in Cancun for couples

When looking at where to stay in Cancun, the choice can be overwhelming! There are so many parts of the city to choose from. So many choices of accommodations in each area. We’re here to help you decide on the best place to stay when you’re in Cancun

Understanding where to stay in Cancun. The best areas to choose for couples

Cancun is broken up into different areas that offer something unique and different. Here’s a quick breakdown of each area to help you choose where to call home during your 3 days in Cancun.

  • El Centro or Downtown Cancun. This is a mainly residential area that’s also home to a great range of hotels, like our favorite Nomads Enigmatic Hotel & Restaurant. This area will give you a glimpse into the local life in Cancun. Staying in Centro, getting to any of the attractions around Cancun is very easy. Plus, there’s a ton of street art to take in, which adds to the charm of the area. If you plan on cooking while you are in Cancun, this area is perfect as there are many grocery stores around.
  • Punta Cancun. If you’re looking to party, this is the place to be! Punta Cancun is where you’ll find all the best bars, restaurants and clubs in the city. So if you want to dance the night away, Punta Cancun is the place for you. Again, you’ll find a range of hotels here for every budget and taste.
  • The Zona Hotelera. This infamous area is the first thing you’re bound to notice when you fly into Cancun. An impressive stripe of large hotels lining the blue shores of Cancun. If budget is not an issue, and you’re looking to stay within the comforts of big brand hotels, take a look at the hotels in the Zona Hotelera. This is where you’ll find mostly families and retirees who are looking for a stress-free vacation

Booking a stay at the amazing Nomads Enigmatic Hotel & Restaurant

We were lucky to stay at Nomads Enigmatic Hotel & Restaurant in the heart of Centro Cancun. The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay in Cancun while being close enough to all the amazing things to do here.

Located less than 10 minutes walking from the ADO Centro location, this hotel is the perfect place to set up camp for exploring Cancun. The 40-room boutique hotel offers everything from deluxe double rooms, to 6-bed female or mixed dorms as well as quadruple rooms. One thing we found really fun was that each room was named after a drink (like Tequila sunrise) or a drink brand – our deluxe room was aptly named Moët.

This rustic-style hotel has found the perfect way of making you feel like you’re in nature, even in the heart of Cancun. There are beautiful plants everywhere, from the hallways to the rooms. We loved this touch!

The hotel also features a common kitchen that all guests can use – perfect for early morning breakfasts before scuba diving! A tattoo parlor is also on location where we were really tempted to get a new tattoo. They also have bikes available for rent for a mere $350 pesos, which is a great way to get around the city.

There’s also a pool where you can cool down after hot exploration days. And if the pool at this hotel isn’t good enough, you can also go hang out at the rooftop pool of the Nomads sister property, just 5 minutes away. If pools aren’t your thing, you can choose to hang out at their Isla Mujeres Beach club location. And all of this is for free. That’s a pretty sweet deal!

We absolutely loved our stay at Nomads Enigmatic Hotel. The Moët deluxe double room had a lovely balcony where we were able to see the lunar eclipse. It also had a desk, which was perfect for working. And, one of our all-time favorite features was the walk-in closet in the bathroom. After 4 months of traveling through Mexico, it was great to have a place to really unpack our backs.

The Nomads Enigmatic hotel really felt like home to us! We would highly recommend a stay here, whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or more of a party vibe. You’ll totally find something that

Where to eat – the best vegan restaurants in Cancun

Cancun has an amazing food scene and if you’re a plant-based couple, you’re in luck because there are a ton of options here for you as well. We had the pleasure of eating at all these amazing places and couldn’t recommend them more! Each has something different yet delicious to offer.

  • Bao Vegan: Located close to Mercado 28, this vegan restaurant was amazing. We had the pozole, a typical Mexican stew (made with mushrooms instead of meat for the vegan version) and it was so tasty. We also had their Gringa, and it was also delicious. Although we wanted to try Bao Vegan’s desserts, they were low on their selection this time. We’ll need to go back!
  • Sirena Morena: This amazing vegan restaurant is located steps away from the Enigmatic Hotel. They offer a wonderful array of meals, from breakfast to lunch, to delicious smoothies and healthy drinks. We absolutely loved Sirena Morena’s vegan burger (it’s huge and so tasty) as well as their tropical wrap. We highly recommend this place.
  • Las 3 Puertas: This hidden gem is a place to discover. Quirky and laid-back, this restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it was such a treat to eat here. We learned that they make many of their meals from the ingredients they grow in their own yard. We loved their jackfruit sandwich and quesadilla, as well as their maracuya water (passion fruit) and their berry smoothie. A family-run business, the staff was so sweet! We loved Las 3 Puertas.
  • CheChe: This restaurant had a great range of vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous dishes. There’s something for everyone here! Plus, they’re part of a little collective of artisans, so their bread was made fresh from a neighborhood bakery, the coffee was also amazing. We enjoyed the vegan mushroom burrito and the artisan tomato bread with eggs. We highly recommend stopping at CheChe for breakfast or lunch.

The best time to visit Cancun for couples

The weather in Cancun is pretty nice year-round, except for the rainy season. Depending on what you’re looking to do, there may be a better time for couples to visit Cancun.

The winter and spring months, between December and April, are usually the peak season. Although the weather is hot and sunny, that’s when all the tourists flock to the city. Between the Holiday break and Spring break, you won’t actually be able to get a break! This is when the accommodations and prices are at their highest. If you’re planning to visit during this time, make sure you book ahead of time.

The shoulder months of late April to May, and late October and November are great times to visit. This is when the weather is still amazing, but the crowds have left. You’ll have a better chance of having places (like pristine beaches) to yourself. Rates will also be cheaper. Couples who are looking for a more laid-back trip to Cancun should consider these times.

Finally, June to October are when Cancun sees the heaviest rainfall. After all, this is hurricane season in the Caribbean. We can’t recommend visiting during this time as the weather is just not pleasant. And if you only have a limited time, you want to make sure you have sunny days ahead!

Cancun Travel tip: In recent years, mainly caused by climate change, the sargassum problem has been growing. The Mexican government is working to clean up the beaches and shores of this seaweed, but the amounts seem to increase every year. You can help fight climate change with small steps.
April to October are when sargassum takes over Mexico’s finest beaches, and might be a period you want to avoid, if this is going to bother you. To be honest, during our trip, we saw the beaches in Playa del Carmen and Tulum ruined by sargassum. Cancun didn’t seem so bad as many hotels would organize cleanup efforts.

beaches in Cancun, things to do as a couple in Cancun
The best time to visit Cancun. The shoulder season. PC: Canva Pro

The 11 best things to do in Cancun for couples

Here is a quick recap of all the best things to do in Cancun for couples. We covered a wide range of things to do so that there’s something for everyone. This will be enough to fill a good 3 to 5 days in Cancun.

But as we mentioned, if you want to chill out more, don’t feel pressured to do all these activities. Just do whatever you’re most interested in.

  1. Check out the best beaches in Cancun
  2. Go scuba diving on one of the nicest reefs or shipwrecks
  3. Visit the Mayan Ruins in Cancun
  4. Go snorkeling in the Underwater Museum
  5. Get a taste of local life at Mercado 23 or 28
  6. Visit the Mayan Museum
  7. Go cenote hopping near Cancun
  8. Check out Isla Mujeres
  9. Go on a day trip (to Chichen Itza, Tulum or Playa Del Carmen)
  10. Discover some beautiful street art
  11. Go party in Cancun’s best clubs

There you have it! All the best activities in Cancun for couples. We hope you have a blast on your trip there!

Let us know in the comments what you’re most looking forward to. Is there anything else you’d like to know about your trip to Cancun? We’re happy to help you plan your couple’s getaway.


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Hi there!

We’re Carine and Derek, two Canadians in love with each other, the environment and this world. We left our old routines behind to discover all the wonders our planet has to offer. We want to inspire everyone to chase their dreams and leave a positive impact on Earth.

Carine and Derek aka We did it our way
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