See detailed views of the Cancun map set
Frequently asked questions
Is Cancun Safe? You tell your friends and neighbors you are planning your next trip to Cancun, they say “are you crazy, it is so dangerous there!”
Well, they are wrong, in fact Cancun and the entire area of Riviera Maya are quite safe for travelers. Other than petty theft, you will rarely hear of any crimes against tourists.If you leave your camera or your wallet sitting on your beach towel there’s a good chance it won’t be there when you come back.Our advice is if you use common sense you will be as safe in Cancun as you are in your own hometown.
Map of safe and unsafe areas of Mexico
Safety Tips:
- Do not leave valuables laying around.
- Use the buddy system, do not walk around unpopulated areas alone at night.
- Stay out of trouble! Obvious things you wouldn’t do at home, don’t drive drunk, don’t buy drugs, be respectful.
- In clubs stay with your drinks at all times, anyone could slip something into your drink.
- Always have bus fare. Take a bus back to your hotel after you’ve been out clubbing. Some taxi drivers may take advantage of you and charge way too much and being on a bus with other tourists is much safer than a taxi.
- Don’t go off somewhere with someone you just met!
How do I get to my hotel from the airport?
I think I see this question more than any other question. Go to this page for all of the details. Cancun airport transportation
Food & water safety
- Most hotels now have purified water systems. The system is only as good as the upkeep and since I don’t know how well they take care of things I always drink only bottled water and brush my teeth with bottled water. I’d rather play it safe than be sorry.
- Fruits, vegetables & salads are safe to eat in most restaurants. Small loncherias and street food vendors may not be.
Getting around
The very best way to get around Cancun is the public bus system, 8.5 pesos per person and yo can get anywhere in the Cancun hotel zone or downtown Cancun in a matter of minutes. Read my Bus Tips page.
If you’d like to take a day trip on your own to places along the Riviera Maya or inland to Chichen Itza, you can rent a car. We rarely rent cars anymore, the public transportation is so good and I don’t have to worry about car insurance, being scammed at a gas station, or by the police.
Things to do
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