If you’ve never been to Cancun yourself, we wouldn’t blame you for being somewhat skeptical of the Mexican hub’s triumphs as a tourist destination.
After all, it hardly has that novelty factor–it feels like everyone has been already, so why even bother?
Overdevelopment is starting to take its toll on local communities, and of course, there’s always that occasional safety concern.
What can we say? It’s not like mainstream media treats Mexico kindly with their news reporting, even though it’s far from being the only country in North America to have issues with organized crime and urban violence––hello, has anyone here ever set foot in Detroit or SanFran?
Still, year after year, Americans flock to Cancun for their winter sun getaway despite the scaremongering and regardless of how expensive some hotels can be, so if you’ve yet to, it’s only natural you’re asking yourself why.
Lucky for you, we’re here to shine some light on this topic, and give you not one, but 5 different reasons why Cancun is the best beach escape for Americans:
Magnificent All-Inclusive Resorts!
It’s not a Cancun trip unless it’s an all-inclusive feast, and in case you were wondering why the coastal metropolis is set for a new tourism record this winter, well, there are 3 brand new properties launching soon that are set to further elevate the level of luxury:
We have a new Hyatt Vivid Grand Island opening, described as a peaceful adults-only retreat a convenient 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, with two towers overlooking a pristine Nichupté lagoon, and a whopping 400 rooms.
The second big launch is Secrets Playa Blanca, yet another Hyatt listing, this time in the laid-back Costa Mujeres, 10 miles north of Cancun: boasting 500 modern suites and promising a tropical feel, it is one of the season’s most highly-anticipate openings.
Finally, there’s AVA Cancun, a 1,600-room behemoth commanding breathtaking ocean views and offering a big selection of restaurants and entertainment: think 17 restaurants, multiple nightlife venues, artificial lagoons, and a 66,000 ft2 spa––we doubt guests will ever want to leave.
It’s Very Safe For Tourists
Time to address the elephant in the room: just how safe is Cancun right now? After all, the latest report issued by the National Urban Public Security Survey showed a moderate decrease in safety perception among residents and tourists, down from 77.8 percent to 73.2.
As the Cancun Sun reports, most people still feel safe in Cancun, as visitors often do not leave tourist-designated areas, or even their resort compounds, unless it’s for guided tours, and the gang activity you see on the news takes place almost exclusively in marginal areas.
Unless they are involved with organized crime, tourists have nothing to worry about, especially within the perimeter of their hotel, and if you’re overly cautious about planning trips to Mexico, if it’s in any way reassuring, you’ll be thrilled to know security has been ramped up significantly:
The Quintana Roo State Governor Mara Lezama confirmed 60 new smart surveillance cameras have been installed in the Hotel Zone, not to mention jet ski patrolling to monitor the situation on beaches, and an additional 600 military personal to discourage crime on the streets.
It’s Probably The Most Tourist-Friendly Destination In Mexico
Now that we’ve mentioned day tours, one of the main reasons why Americans love Cancun, and keep returning yearly, is how tourist-friendly it can be when it comes to planning cultural or nature-based activities, compared to other parts of Mexico.
If you have reservations about exploring the region independently, every possible attraction under the sun is covered by tour providers, taking you to all those ancient sites public transport can’t reach, without the added stress of logistics and safety precautions.
They’re also pretty affordable to book: for starters, you can go on a jungle ATV tour with zip lining, and even a cenote swim, from only $58.65, or if you love ancient culture, this guided excursion visiting the Mayan World Wonder of Chichen Itza starts from a very-reasonable $38.35.
Is exploring the ruins of Tulum on your list instead? Worry not: for $28.53 this season, you can tick off the world-famous archeological zone, and enjoy an early-afternoon swim at Cenote Mariposa, one of the most beautiful in the Mexican Caribbean.
All Aboard The Maya Train!
The most exciting attraction tourists are looking forward to experiencing firsthand, and that wasn’t available in previous years is, without question, the hugely-popular Maya Train, the new scenic train departing from Cancun.
Launched in phases since December 2023, winter 2024 marks the first season the train is fully operational, with all stations on both the westbound, and southbound routes open, linking Quintana Roo to 4 other states, and over 20 destinations.
It is the closest Mexico has to a Europe-style public transportation system, and in all fairness, it works quite smoothly, with comfortable seats, free WiFi available, modern toilets, and wide windows for panoramic viewing.
When it comes to deciding your next destination after Cancun with the Maya Train, this accompanying article might be a good place to start––whether it’s the UNESCO-protected city of Campeche, with its intact colonial walls, or a yellow-washed, Instagram-ready Izamal, you’re spoiled for option.
Cancun Airport Is The Best One To Fly To
Cancun International Airport is undoubtedly the best-equipped and most convenient entry point for Americans landing anywhere in Mexico, starting with the fact that it has fully-functional eGates U.S. passport holders can use for faster, hassle-free border crossings.
Secondly, they have recently eliminated the hefty $200 customs fee that used to be slapped on tourists who brought additional electronics in their luggage, such as second computers, electronic tablets, or even more than one camera.
Thirdly, Cancun Airport is part of the Maya Train railway line, with the station located only a few steps beside the airport––if you’re using Cancun as a gateway for reaching Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, or other Mexican Caribbean town, you’re no longer subject to abusive taxi fees or unreliable buses!
Last but not least, it has the best connectivity on the Mexican coast, with over 20 U.S. destinations within reach, around 89 daily U.S. flights, and the most attractive flight fares for Americans planning a trip to Mexico in the high season, starting from as low as $72 one-way.
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