My retired husband and I are going to Cancun for the month of November. We have not spent much time in Mexico; this is a stretch. Any "must see's; must do's; where to grocery shop, etc."! Would you rent a car? What is the easiest, safest, and most affordable way to get around? Who does the best tours? You get the idea; now GO!!! THANKS!!!

Mexico Lindo Cooking class! So much fun! Alltournative tours are amazing!

We enjoyed Local Quickies tours. They have the largest racing catamaran in the Caribbean. Very knowledgeable and cognizant of the environment

What area of Cancun will you be staying in? There is a great grocery store in the hotel zone called Chedraui selecto. Its fantastic for groceries (although I got wicked food poisoning there from there prepared food, I am sure of it). We have rented cars in Cancun and its great if you want to get out of the tourist areas and visit cenotes. The toll roads are pretty safe. Just try not to drive after dark.

Marie Amaro I think we're in the hotel zone (lol); across from the mall.

Tulum! Take the tourist bus (it's white and can't miss it). Way cheaper than a tour. Bring your suits and towels and food and chill at the beach there. (The one inside the ruins at bottom of stairs). One of the nicest beaches I've ever seen.

If you’re “young” seniors check out Xcaret. It would be a full day trip from Cancun.

Rio Secreto is an awesome water cave crawling cenotes experience.

Craig i second this one!!

Take the ferry to Isla Mujeres, rent a golf cart and spend the day.

Kenny TuFu
Book an early morning tour to Chichen Itza. You can beat the crowds and see the pyramids and the site while it is relatively cool as well. And visit Isla Mujeres

Philip Dalgleish or rent a car for the day and drive yourself instead of a tour (that’s how we did it- but take the toll roads! The local roads take waaay longer)

Xel-ha for snorkeling

Check the area where you are staying as there has been a lot of cartel violence in some areas.

Personally, I would get out of Cancun. Head to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar. Cancun is full of tourists and super Americanized. The beaches barely have any trees because they're lined with hotels.

Niesz Playa del Carmen is full of tourists too and so is Tulum. We go at least 4 times a year to this area and we actually enjoyed Cancun the most this time. It is a lot calmer than Tulum and Playa.
As well, there is a HUGE problem with massive amounts of seaweed in the Mayan Riviera right now. Cancun and Isla Mujeres are the only 2 places where the seaweed isn't a big problem.

we rented a car and went to Chichen Itza. We also went to Xel Ha and the snorkeling was fun. Telum for ruins.

Sure. I still think PdC and Tulum are nicer. Cancun is a big city with lots of buildings and doesn't have nice beaches, IMO.

Niesz maybe in the past. Playa del carmen beaches are eroding so fast that when the tide is high, there is barely anywhere to lay your towel town. Combined with the insane amount of seaweed, I would chose Cancun again any day. Not all the resorts on the hotel strip are mega all inclusives.

Would leave Cancun ASAP. We flew into Cancun, because we had no choice. Then took a bus to Valladolid. Spent 5 nights there. Lovely non touristy town. Very friendly locals. We then took a bus to Merida. Fascinating city. So much to see and do. Spent a week there. Then rented a car for another week. Spent 5 nights on the coast in Chelem. Very undeveloped part of the Yucatan. We loved travelling into the interior of the Yucatan. Not once did we feel unsafe. The local people were very hospitable. So much to see and the first class busses are cheap and extremely comfortable.

Cancun is probably one of the last places I’d want to be for a month. It’s become a very dangerous, violent town. Cartel activity has completely overwhelmed law enforcement, even with an increased Federales presence. if your hearts are set on Cancun, be realists. DON”T leave the resort property after dark, or without other people. be VERY careful about carrying good camera equipment, cellphones, jewellery. Don’t flash ash around; take only what you’ll need, carry it in multiple locations. hit the dollar store and buy two or three “throwaway” wallets or small purses. stick old photos, parking or ski passes, etc. in them with 10 one dollar US bills to surrender in case of mugging. leave the real wallets at the hotel.

I prefer being at a resort closer to Playa Del Carman but my son and his girl stayed right in Cancun and raved about it...they snorkelled from a catamaran and did all the stuff young people love to do. Just have a great time. I love the Mayan

I would take a bus to Playa Del Carmen

Take bus tours to all of the various ruins. They are nearby and quite amazing.

Go to Xcaret

Costco

Love Costco!!!

Boat trip to Isla de Mujeres

Wow..not very good reviews from the people here! I would say that it depends on type of vacation you are looking for..not everyone has the same tastes/expectations. I would check out google and trip advisor...people will give you their feedback on a specific area...
All I can say is that, we had a great time in Cancun, Mazatlan, Huatulco and Peurto Vallarta...but each was a different experience....
Wherever you travel, I hope you can enjoy and experience all the world has to offer!...Happy travels to you!

Isle Majeures!!!

Oh and if you’re up for a little adventure... take the Collectivo! It’s super cheap to get around!
I got to see Tulum for $12USD instead of the
$80USD the resort wanted to charge

Take the bus to Belize, 8 hours ride and you'll love it!

Which bus do you take, do they have a washroom on board, and did you stay overnight in Belize? Why would we love it? Thanks Sashraik!!!

Judy it's the Ado bus service, they leave at 7.30 am and 4 pm (I think) and the cost is about $60 CAD one way.. Belize's official language is English owing to their diverse heritage, the food is fantastic as well. Although a bit more expensive than Mexico, you'd feel a lot safer in Belize.

Sashraik - do they have a restroo. On the bus? Thanks!!!

Restroom

Judy yes they do. Wifi enabled as well. They're very cautious of people's time and strive to be on time, always..

Check on private tours from Lehi tours cost a little more than big tour operations but more personal with nice meals.

Go to Mahahual.....you will love it

Do you like pina coladas?

Not sure I've ever had one (lol)!!!

I haven’t stayed in Cancun since 1997 but we were in Tulum and Valladolid a couple years ago and it was fantastic! I would not be afraid to rent a car for at least part of the time - we did and had no trouble. Rent directly from the local agency and know what insurance your credit card covers in Mexico. If you get to Valladolid, I highly recommend Casa de Los Venados. It’s a restored hacienda with an amazing private Mexican folk art collection. The tours are so interesting and the history of the collection is incredible. You don’t have to ba an art lover to appreciate it. A rental car gives you the opportunity to explore. Have fun!

If you like caves, the Cenote tours are amazing. Also the street markets in Playa del Carmen are fun and interesting, super nice beach there too.

We cabbed it to Playa, but make sure you get a quote first and that it covers the whole party, not just you.

The hotel
will be a big help !
Just enjoy and be friendly .

Cozumel was fun you can rent a Jeep or motorcycle and drive around the Island - lots of cool spots on the “other side of Cozumel...