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Mexico had been on my travel list for years. And I mean years! I’ve always wanted to do Cancun, Mexico and go to Mexico City, Tulum and Cabo for ages. If you planning 5 days in Cancun Mexico and not sure where to start? Today, I’m sharing exactly how I spent 5 days in Cancun as a first-time visitor.
I was actually meant to visit Mexico for one of my birthdays, but like many travel plans at that time, it was cancelled because of COVID-19. At the time in the UK, we where still going through the traffic light system and Mexico was in the Amber list and for me travelling to Mexico just felt too risky.
I only got to do 5 days in Cancun, Mexico this time as I have quite a few trips this year and wanted to make sure I was using my annual leave (vacation days) effectively. However, I would say 5 days in Cancun, Mexico is perfect for anyone that’s looking got a quick short break and has limited time to explore.
In this guide I’m sharing how to do 5 days in Cancun, Mexico for first-timers which will include everything you to do, where to stay, what to eat, answer any questions around safety while solo travelling and the experiences that made my first trip to Mexico so memorable for me.
If you’re planning a Central America trip, you might also enjoy reading –6 Amazing Days Solo in Guatemala Itinerary: What to Do, Stay and Eat.
And for solo travel destinations read: 16 Best Countries for Black Women to Solo Travel (Safe & Real Experiences)
About Mexico
Mexico is a large country located in North America, bordered by the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. It is known for its vibrant culture, ancient civilisations, incredible cuisine and beautiful coastlines.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun itself is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula and is one of the most popular destinations for travellers visiting Mexico. The area is famous for its turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, nearby Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá, and natural sinkholes known as cenotes.
While Cancun is often associated with luxury resorts and beach holidays, there is also a rich cultural history to explore. The region was once home to the ancient Mayan civilisation, and many of their ruins and traditions remain an important part of the area today.
Entry Requirements for Mexico
Entry requirements for Mexico will depend on your passport. Travellers from the UK, US, Canada and many other European countries can visit Mexico visa-free for tourism for up to 180 days. You will need a valid passport (6 months or longer), a completed immigration form (which is sometimes provided on the plane or at the airport). For all other countries you will need to check if you need a visa via iVisa here.
It’s always recommended to check the official government travel advice for your country before travelling to make sure requirements haven’t changed.
Quick Things to Know
- Hotels: If your hotel is on the Lagoon and you are doing activities like Chichén Itza then you may be asked to meet the guides at another hotel as they are not able to stop on the Lagoon. Your guide will inform you before your tours. Travel Tips for Cancun.
- Tours: Book popular tours such as Chichén Itzá in advance. I booked my Chichén Itzá tour via GetYourGuide you can check the exact tour I used here.
- Internet: You’ll definitely want internet while exploring the city. I usually use Airalo for an eSIM, which allow you to get mobile data as soon as you land.
- Travel Insurance: I recommend anyone travelling should have travel insurance which you can get via SafetyWing here.
- Payments: Most places in Cancun accept card payments, so you rarely need to carry much cash.
- The British Embassy/Consulate: The British Consulate is in Cancun. Here is the address: Punta Nizuc – Cancún, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. You can always check your countries Embassy or Consulates on Embassies.info. You should always do this before you travel.
How to Get Around Cancun
I mainly got around via Uber and taxis. Depending where you stay you can easily walk to a few places. For example, because I stayed at the Hotel Zone I was able to walk to the ferries, (which was less than 5 mins away). There were also some restaurants and shops that I walked too and felt very safe doing this alone. There is also public transport, which is relatively easy but can take a long time to get to your destinations.
Is Cancun Safe for Solo Travellers?
In terms of answering the question is Cancun safe for solo travellers I would say so yes. I was by myself lets say 70-80% of the time and felt safe. Now I will say that I actually met friends in Cancun who stayed at Hyatt Vivid Grand Island. I’m not a big fan of resorts and the resort was quite pricey for me, so I stayed about 15 mins drive from them at Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel. Both the hotels me and my friends stayed at are on the Hotel Zone, which is heavily touristy and generally felt very safe (more detail on hotels later).
For me I will always say with any destination (within reason) you go to as a solo traveller, it’s important to take sensible precautions such as avoiding quiet areas. Walking around late at night and always using registered taxis or organised tours.
5 Days in Cancun, Mexico Itinerary
Now the fun part! Here is everything you can do from my 5 days in Cancun, Mexico itinerary. I am so glad I did Cancun first because it was a perfect destination for me to just relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, eat incredible food and still have time to unwind. Here’s exactly how I spent my 5 days in Cancun as a first-time visitor:
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Hotel Zone
Depending on what time your flight arrives, your first day in Cancun will likely be a slower one. I usually like to start all my trips with ease. After checking into your hotel, take some time to explore the Hotel Zone, which is the main tourist area of Cancun. This strip is famous for its long stretch of white sand beaches, restaurants, shopping stores, malls and turquoise Caribbean waters.
Many hotels here have direct beach access, so it’s the perfect opportunity to relax after your flight. You could also walk along the beach, grab a cocktail at one of the beach bars or simply enjoy the sunset.
In the evening you can have dinner at Krudo Raw Bar & Grill and maybe head to the club. Cancun is known for its nightlife, so if you have energy after travelling, there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can start your trip properly.
Day 2: Chichén Itzá & Cenote Experience
One of the highlights of visiting Cancun is the chance to see Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You will have to have an early start so be mindful of clubbing too hard the night before! The ancient Mayan city is located around 2-3 hours from Cancun, so most travellers visit with an organised tour.
Walking through the ruins and seeing El Castillo pyramid in person was honestly a pinch-me moment for me. The site dates back over a thousand years and was once one of the most important Mayan cities in the region.
Fun fact: during the equinox, the sunlight creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid steps.
After visiting Chichén Itzá, many tours also include a stop at a cenote, which is something I did with my tour. Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes that were formed when limestone caves collapsed. Swimming in one is a completely unique experience and I would highly recommend enjoying this if and when you visit Cancun. How to Get From Cancun to Chichén Itzá: A Special World Wonder
In the evening you can have dinner at Rosa Negra. I ordered the crab, and me and friends got lots of various tacos.
Day 3: Isla Mujeres Day Trip
If you’re visiting Cancun. I would highly recommend a day trip to Isla Mujeres it is so worth it. I was able to walk 5 mins to the ferry from my hotel which was super handy.
I would also suggest that you get to the ferry at least 20-30 mins before it’s leaving as there will be likely a long queue/line if you are going early in the morning.
The island is only about 20 minutes by ferry from Cancun. Depending on the time you get the ferry there is usually onboard entertainment with food and drinks to purchase (you will need cash for this though).
One of the best places to visit on the island is Playa Norte, which is often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. The water is shallow, calm and crystal clear. You can easily spend a few hours swimming, relaxing on the beach or exploring the small shops and cafes around the island.
I ate at Oh My Brunch, and would recommend it’s a lovely cafe. I got a poke bowl because I knew I would be eating a lot of Taco’s for dinner. Many people rent golf carts to explore the island, but even just wandering around the main area is enjoyable. I highly advise taking sunscreen and water as it gets very hot.
In the evening head over to Downtown Cancun for the Taco Tour! While many visitors stay within the Hotel Zone, heading into the city centre gives you a completely different view of Cancun and the Mexican tacos are the best. You will have all types of tacos, filled with meats like pork, beef or chicken, topped with fresh onions, coriander and salsa.
Day 4: Ennea Beach Club
I did a whole day with friends at the Ennea Beach Club which cost me around $80 for the day. You can go very early in the morning to make the most of the day.
Day 5: Relax & Enjoy Cancun
Your final day in Cancun is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the destination. You will need to have everything packed, make sure you are checked-in online to fly back home. And then head to the airport.
Where to Stay in Cancun
During my time in Cancun I stayed at the 5* Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel, which was a great choice for my trip.
Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel is located just outside the main Hotel Zone and offers apartment-style accommodation, which makes it ideal if you want a bit more space during your stay. My room had a massive kitchen area, a comfortable bed and access to a pool.
If you are looking for a boutique hotel in Cancun that is comfortable, affordable and well located, Casa Tortugas is definitely worth considering. I have added a map of all the hotels around the Hotel Zone strip, which is where the other hotels are below:
What to Eat in Cancun
Food was honestly one of the highlights of my trip to Cancun. I knew I was going to enjoy the street tacos, the actual spicy foods that Mexicans eat and the overall upscale dining experiences, here’s exactly what I ate and where.
- Rosa Negra – is one of the most popular restaurants in the Hotel Zone is Rosa Negra. It is known for its lively atmosphere, music and Latin American-inspired dishes. It’s the type of place that feels like a dinner party mixed with a restaurant experience. I ordered the crab legs and me and my friends shared a varrations of tacos and Elote (so juicy and flavoursome).
- Ennea Beach Club – This was the perfect place to enjoy the beach, have a drink and take in the views of the Caribbean Sea. I ordered so many dishes from fish, beef tacos, desserts and more with lots of mocktails too.
- Krudo Raw Bar & Grill – I also visited Krudo Raw Bar & Grill, which was a great spot for fresh seafood. Cancun is located right on the coast, so seafood is naturally a big part of the local food scene. I also ordered a Mexican dish which was called the Fish fillet with talla sauce it came with refried beans, red rice avocado and tortillas.
- Oh My Brunch at Isla Mujeres – While visiting Isla Mujeres, I stopped at a brunch spot which was the perfect place to relax after exploring the island. Isla Mujeres has a much more laid back atmosphere compared to Cancun, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy brunch with views of the ocean. At Oh My Brunch I got me a poke bowl after eating so many tacos lol!
- Taco Tour in Downtown Cancun – One of my favourite foodie experiences in Cancun was doing a taco tour in downtown Cancun. The tour started at Parque de las Palapas, which is a lively local square filled with street food vendors and families enjoying the evening.
During the tour we visited several taco spots and tried different types of tacos. Mexican tacos are simple but incredibly flavourful soft tortillas filled with meat and topped with onions, coriander and salsa. If you love food, this is one experience I would definitely recommend. You can book the same taco tour here.
5 days in Cancun What to Do?
Cancun offers much more than just beach resorts. Here is what 5 days in cancun what to do looks like and what I would recommend.
- Visit Chichén Itzá – Standing in front of the El Castillo pyramid was a real pinch-me moment for me. If you are in Cancun you have to visit to Chichén Itzá. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient Mayan city dates back over a thousand years and was once one of the most important centres of Mayan civilisation. Standing in front of the El Castillo pyramid was a real pinch-me moment.
- Swim in a Cenote – Many tours to Chichén Itzá also include a stop at a cenote, which are natural freshwater sinkholes formed in limestone caves. Swimming in a cenote is such a unique experience. The water is incredibly clear and surrounded by jungle, which makes it feel like a hidden oasis.
- Take a Day Trip to Isla Mujeres – A day trip to Isla Mujeres is another must-do when visiting Cancun. The island is just a short ferry ride away but has a much more relaxed atmosphere. It’s known for beautiful beaches, small restaurants and colourful streets. One of the most famous beaches is Playa Norte, which is often ranked among the best beaches in Mexico.
- Ennea Beach Club – Cancun has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, and spending time at a beach club is one of the best ways to experience them.
More Travel Tools & Resources
- My Instagram and TikTok have quick snap videos on the specifics of my visit to Mexico and DM me if you have any questions about your trip.
- Before you do 5 days in Cancun, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
- Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for 5 days in Cancun Mexico. Please read the reviews before booking!
- Get travel insurance, I recommend anyone travelling should have travel insurance which you can get via SafetyWing here.
- I used Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279 for a discount.
Final Views on 5 Days in Cancun, Mexico
And there you have it a 5 days in Cancun itinerary for first timers. Like I mentioned at the beginning I have had Mexico on my travel list for years, and I’m so glad I finally got to actually experience it and go and do it.
I got to add another New Seven Wonders of the World to my list, swim in cenotes, eat incredible tacos, and spend time with my girls. As someone that is often travelling solo it was nice to have some company. The trip really did have the perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. I defo need to go back to Mexico and experience it fully solo and in other places like Cebu, Mexico City and even Tulum.
If you are looking for a destination where you can experience history, food, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, then this 5 days in Cancun itinerary is definitely worth visiting. What do you think would you consider travelling to Cancun, Mexico after reading this?
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Otherwise as always speak soon,
MBV x
