What can you do in Cancun over the weekend?
Go to the beach
Cancun is home to sparking, crystal-clear waters and pristine stretches of sand. Browse deals on airfare to Cancun and spend your entire trip beach hopping between the different playas. Some of the top beaches are Linda, Chac-Mool, Tortugas, Langosta and Juventud. Golf enthusiasts thinking about flights to Cancun could even spend a morning catching a tan at Paseo Kukulcan and then tee off at the nearby Pok-ta-Pok Golf Course.
Explore the Mayan Ruins
Few visitors who buy return flights to Cancun miss out on the opportunity to explore the Mayan Ruins. One of the most popular day trips from the city is Chichen Itza. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is three hours’ drive away and is one of Mexico's best restored archaeological sites. If you don't mind waking up early on the weekend, you can book an early-access tour and a private archaeologist will take you around the site. Alternatively, you can hire a car through Webjet or when you land at Cancun International Airport (CUN) to drive yourself out to the site.
Go to the Cancun Underwater Museum
Want to do something unique with your flights to Cancun? Go to the Cancun Underwater Museum. It's a seabed attraction with 500 sculptures submerged at depths between three and six metres. If you don't have your open water diving qualification, you can view the incredible attraction from a glass-bottom boat tour.
The Scenic Tower
End your time in Cancun with a trip to the top of the Scenic Tower. It's 80 metres tall and offers visitors a bird's-eye view of the city. Those keen on exercise can climb to the top using the stairs, or simply take the elevator if you prefer a more leisurely ascent. The Tower is one of the attractions inside the Xcaret theme park. Families travelling to Mexico aboard return flights to Cancun can plan an entire day out at the park, moving between other attractions including a traditional Mayan village, underground rivers, a dedicated children’s world, and a number of live performances
What should I pack for Cancun?
Swimsuits
It would be almost impossible to travel to Mexico with flights to Cancun and not spend time at the beach - at least once. When packing for your flights to Cancun, think about bringing along between more than one swimsuit. Travelling with a few sets will mean avoiding having to wriggle into damp bathers when you decide on an impromptu pool dip or beach visit.
Rash guard
With plenty of underwater activities like snorkelling and scuba diving, packing a rash guard for your return flights to Cancun is a must. It'll help you avoid sunburn while you’re out in the water, and can help protect your skin if you brush up against any rocks or coral.
Cover-ups
Those travelling on summer flights to Cancun won’t want to forget putting a beach or pool cover-up in their suitcase. Something that can be slipped on over swimsuits will give your skin an extra layer of protection from the sun as you laze in a poolside lounge, relax on the beach, or enjoy a walk around town. Look for a cover-up made from light, breezy fabrics.
Rain jacket
If your airfare to Cancun falls over the rainy months, you'll want to pack an umbrella or rain jacket. It's also wise to invest in a dry bag to keep your phone and camera equipment dry.
What's on in Cancun?
Inception Music Festival
Want to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) for a festival? Book tickets to Inception Music Festival. It's one of the city's iconic events and runs for 30 days and 30 nights. The event starts in March and features some of the top electronic artists from around the world. If you want the full Inception experience, travellers buying flights to Cancun can opt for Gold or Platinum Party Packages. You'll get access to the city's top clubs with open bar.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is one of the top jazz festivals in the world. The free-to-attend festival has been held for the last 14 years, and sees talent such as The Gang, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Tower of Power take to the stage. Jazz or music-lovers hoping to attend the festival should book their tickets to Cancun a few months in advance, as the event also falls within the city’s high season for visitors.
Fiesta de la Playa en Cancún
Fiesta de la Playa en Cancún is touted as the world's biggest beach party, and this fete is a popular reason for revelry-makers to book their own cheap flights to Cancun. The party happens across August 12 to 14, on an 11-kilometre-long beach that stretches from Cancun to Punta Nizuc. The event includes surfing competitions, soccer tournaments, live music, DJs, runway shows and more.
Carnaval
Want to soak up some of Mexico's culture with your tickets to Cancun? Time your trip to coincide with Carnaval. Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) before Ash Wednesday and celebrate with the whole country for one day and night. You can expect plenty of colourful parades, costumes and firework displays.
When is The Best Time to Visit Cancun?
The best time to visit Cancun is during its peak season (December to April). The weather is near perfect, and despite the crowds, you'll find affordable room rates and cheap flights on budget airlines. If you book your accommodation a few months in advance, you'll find the best deals before rates start to increase.
Just avoid mid-March to early April, if you don't want to be around for the spring breaker rush.
From May to August the weather becomes more humid, and temperatures start to rise. On the plus side, you'll find significant discounts on hotels and airfare, plus the spring crowds will start to thin out.
If you are planning on visiting Cancun during its autumn and winter seasons, storms could change your plans. From September to November the region faces its worst hurricanes, but it's also the best time for last minute deals.
For travellers on a budget, check the weather forecast for the next ten days. If it's clear, you'll be able to find some great holiday packages and have Cancun's famous beaches all to yourself.
Airports in Cancun
Cancun International Airport
Located 18 km from the city centre is Cancun International. It is Mexico's second busiest airport and the busiest point of entry into the country. The airport has three commercial terminals used for domestic routes, international airlines from North America and low-cost carriers. It's also a focus city for Aeroméxico, Interjet, VivAaerobus and Volaris.
Getting To and From Cancun International Airport
The bus from the airport to Cancun is the cheapest option if you are on a budget. Fares are MXN 130 one way and can be bought online. The buses are available every day and take 25 minutes to get to the city centre.
Taking a taxi from the airport to Cancun is the most expensive option. If you need to take a cab into the city, pre-arrange your ride. Last minute taxi rates are five times higher, and tickets can be purchased at booths inside the terminals.
There are also shared shuttles running from the airport and Cancun. While it is more expensive than taking the bus, you are paying for a more comfortable journey. The only downside is that your journey will take longer and the service is only available between 8 am to 8 pm.