Top Things to Do in Cancun’s Hotel Zone
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - About Cancun's Hotel Zone
Located between the Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, Cancun’s Hotel Zone covers a length of 22.5 kilometers. While the top thing to do in Cancun’s Hotel Zone is to visit the Caribbean Sea beaches, there are many other attractions in the Hotel Zone as well. I visited Cancun in December of 2020 and spent three days exploring Cancun’s Hotel Zone. In December of 2021, I visited Cancun again for two days. This section will cover the activities and places I visited during my stay.
Cancun’s Hotel Zone is very touristy, and you will be approached by people trying to sell you souvenirs, tours, and transportation. By the end of my three days, I was slightly irritated by the constant offers. I found that the best way to respond was by saying, “No quiero, gracias.” This means “I don’t want, thank you.” I usually followed up with “Feliz Navidad” (Merry Christmas) or “Feliz Año Nuevo” (Happy New Year). Most of the time, I would receive a smile and the saying “Igualmente,” which means equally or the same to you.
The shops and restaurants located in the Hotel Zone take both Mexican Pesos and US Dollars. I chose to use Mexican Pesos as the exchange rate was not nearly as friendly when paying in US Dollars.
I would like to add that I felt safe the entire time, including when walking at night. I made sure that I followed basic safety precautions, such as making sure that my wallet was zipped in my side pocket and that my camera was secured by a strap around my neck.
Throughout my time in the hotel zone, I stayed in two different hotels and visited five different beaches. While it is possible to walk the entire hotel zone, I chose to take taxis as 22.5 kilometers is quite the walk.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Table of Contents
- About the Cancun Hotel Zone
- Walking Around the Hotel Zone
- Cancun Scenic Tower
- Asta Bandera Monumental
- Los Cubos de Forum
- La Isla Shopping Village
- El Sol de Cancun (Ferris Wheel)
- El Rey Archeological Site
- Private Beaches
- Public Beaches
- My Meals in the Cancun Hotel Zone
- Cancun Tours and Packages
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- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Walking Around the Hotel Zone
One of the top things to do in Cancun’s Hotel Zone is to walk the various sidewalks and walking paths. During my trip, I spent a lot of time walking around Cancun’s Hotel Zone. While I didn’t walk the entire 22.5 kilometers at once, I did cover most of it over my three-day visit.
When walking around the Hotel Zone, I recommend splitting time between the Caribbean side and the Nichupte Lagoon side. Below are some of the pictures of some of the interesting sights I saw during my walks.
On the right is the typical sidewalk on Blvd. Kukulcan, which is the main road in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Blvd. Kukulcan is split The boulevard is easy to cross as there are bridges, crosswalks, and tunnels that provide pedestrians safe crossings.
I began my walk around Cancun’s Hotel Zone near my hotel at the 12.5 KM marker. On the first day, I walked north to the 3.5 KM marker. I crossed the bridge by the Cancun Scenic Tower that connects the Nichupte Lagoon to the Caribbean Sea.
Other than a couple of beaches, I found there was much more to see walking to the south. I made it as far as the 18.5 KM marker. Below are some of the highlights.
During my walk, I enjoyed looking at the Gieger Trees. The trees have leaves that are rough like sandpaper and fragrant orange flowers. I took these pictures around the KM14 sign, but they can be found anywhere along the Hotel Zone.
I also enjoyed looking at the palm trees. Some of the most picturesque palm trees are located near the Grand Oasis. Almost all of the palm trees in Cancun have coconuts.
A common type of palm tree in Cancun’s Hotel Zone is the Foxtail Palm. The Foxtail Palm has a red fruit that is NOT edible. You can see Foxtail Palm trees along the entire Hotel Zone. The picture below was taken near KM14.
Be sure to occasionally cross the boulevard to get take in the sights of the Nichupte Lagoon. Some of the best views are around the KM13 area.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Cancun Scenic Tower
One of my favorite things to do in Cancun’s Hotel Zone is to visit the Scenic Tower. The Cancun Scenic Tower is 262 feet tall and provides a panoramic view of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. A 15-minute ride in the rotating observation capsule costs MX$400 (USD$20).
During my visit, I was the only person in the capsule. The journey began with the capsule slowly ascending to the top of the tower as an audio recording played information about the history and geography of Cancun. Once at the top, the observation capsule rotated for about 10-minutes.
I recommend a visit to the Cancun Scenic Tower as it provides great views and photo opportunities. The Cancun Scenic Tower is located near KM4.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Asta Bandera Monumental
The Asta Bandera Monumental is a 328-foot tall flag pole that displays the Mexican Flag. During my visit to Cancun, the flag was missing, so I was only able to photograph the flagpole. The Asta Bandera Monumental was part of a 1999 program by the Mexican Government promoting the flag. Hopefully, the flag will return to the flagpole soon so visitors can get a better photograph than mine. The Asta Bandera Monumental is located near KM6.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Los Cubos de Forum
Los Cubos de Forum is a bunch of concrete cubes that extend out in the Caribbean Sea. During my visit, I walked out about halfway to the end of the cubes. I chose to stop halfway as the cubes were slippery and many of them were at an angle. It seemed that it would be very easy to slip and fall.
While Los Cubos de Forum provides a great view of the Caribbean beaches, there is a small chance of injury. If you choose to walk out on the cubes, understand that you are taking a slight risk of injury. Go slow, and plan each step carefully, so you don’t fall.
Near the end of the cubes, there was a bunch of people fishing. I did not see them catch any fish, but I assume, based on their equipment, that they must occasionally catch something.
Los Cubos de Forum is located near KM9 behind the Hyatt Ziva.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - La Isla Shopping Village
For those looking to shop on Cancun’s Hotel Zone, I highly recommend visiting La Isla Shopping Village. La Isla Shopping Village is an open-air shopping mall near the center of the Cancun Hotel Zone. I visited Cancun in December of 2020, and La Isla was decked out for Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year.
I ate multiple meals at the restaurants that overlook the Nichupte Lagoon. These meals will be featured on this page in the “Meals in the Cancun Hotel Zone” section.
Located behind La Isla is a Ferris Wheel named La Gran Rueda Cancun. During my first visit to Cancun, I did not go on the Ferris Wheel as I had already gone to the top of the Cancun Scenic Tower. I did go on the Ferris Wheel during my second visit to Cancun.
La Isla Shopping Village is located near KM12.5.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - El Sol de Cancun (Ferris Wheel)
One of the top things to do in Cancun’s Hotel Zone is to go for a ride on El Sol de Cancun, which is a giant Ferris Wheel that has a maximum height of 70 meters.
The cost of a ticket is $17.50 per person, although family discounts are available. The ride takes a little over 15 minutes and stops three times (once at the top height) so passengers can embark and disembark.
One of my least favorite things about tourist attractions like the Cancun Ferris Wheel is the mandatory photographs that visitors are required to take. As a solo traveler, I have no interest in purchasing souvenir photos. Thankfully, I was able to convince the photographer to let me skip this step.
This trip to Cancun was amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, and I was assigned my own Ferris Wheel capsule.
Throughout my time on the El Sol de Cancun, we stopped three times. The first two times, we stopped at lower heights. The third time, we stopped at the top height.
By the time my ride had come to an end, the sun had almost totally set. I highly recommend a visit to the Cancun Ferris Wheel as it is a great way to see a panoramic view of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - El Rey Archeological Site
El Rey was closed during my December 2020 visit to Cancun. I wanted to promote it anyway so that visitors know that they can see Mayan Ruins located within Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
To learn more about El Rey, I invite you to visit “I Want to Travel To’s” review of El Rey. You can read their review by clicking HERE.
El Rey is located near KM18.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Private Beaches
While all Cancun beaches are technically public, their access has been restricted by the resorts. I spent one night at the Krystal Grand Cancun, which had direct access to the beach. All of the beach amenities, including towels, chairs, and cabanas, were constantly watched by hotel employees. Without the official hotel wristband, beachgoers were quickly asked to leave.
I learned this firsthand when I wandered onto the property of the Hyatt Ziva. A security guard quickly informed me that this was private property, and that I needed to return to the water or the property of my own hotel.
Thankfully, there are 11 public access points where anyone can enter and enjoy the beach.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Public Beaches
There are 11 public access points throughout the Cancun Hotel Zone, where visitors can access the Caribbean Sea beaches. Despite each public access point being clearly marked with signs, some of the access points are still difficult to find. Also, at each beach, there are vendors that will attempt to sell you chairs, cabanas, drinks, and towels.
During my visit to Playa Tortugas, one man tried to tell me that this was a “private beach,” and to stay I would either have to pay MX$100 (USD$5) or buy a drink. I simply replied, “es un playa publica” (this is a public beach,) and he walked away without his 100 pesos.
I only visited five of the eleven beaches, so I will promote some fellow bloggers by linking their reviews to the six beaches I didn’t visit.
Playa Las Perlas
It wasn’t until my second visit to Cancun that I visited Playa Las Perlas. Located at KM2.5, Playa Las Perlas is one of the first beaches visitors come across in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. When I arrived, the beach wasn’t that crowded, which was surprising. Some of the other beaches in Cancun are so crowded that it is impossible to find a spot.
I spent about an hour at Playa Las Perlas and enjoyed wading in the water. The water at Playa Las Perlas was much calmer than the open waters near the end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
I also found that the vendors that were trying to sell beach chairs, umbrellas, and drinks were less aggressive than the vendors towards the middle of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
Having walked around 6 kilometers from my hotel to Playa Las Perlas, I decided to take an Uber back to my hotel. When taking an Uber, visitors must be careful, as Uber Drivers are harassed by cab drivers. Be sure to try to blend in and not look like you are waiting for a rideshare.
At Playa Las Perlas, there is a parking lot, which was perfect for meeting my Uber Driver. One last Uber tip, always sit in the front of the Uber.
Playa Linda
Playa Linda is located near KM4. I have not visited Playa Linda during any of my trips to Cancun.
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta was the northernmost beach that I visited. It was also one of the least crowded beaches I visited and was mostly free of vendors selling things.
Playa Langosta is located near KM5 and was easy to find. Simply find the sign that marks the access point and turn right. Then walk past the Cancun letters and the children’s play area, and you will be at the beach.
One of the perks of Playa Langosta is that there are natural barriers that block the waves. This means that the water is much calmer than some of the other public beaches.
Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is one of the beaches that I would avoid. As you arrive, you will be surrounded by vendors trying to sell you tours to Isla Mujeres. I made the mistake of telling them I was headed to Isla in two days, which only meant they bothered me more.
When I got to the beach, I was told that this was a “private beach” and the cost would be MX$100 or USD$5. I explained in Spanish that this was a “playa publica” (public beach) and was eventually left alone.
I did not experience this treatment at any of the other public beaches, so I highly recommend avoid Playa Tortugas and going somewhere else.
Playa Tortugas is located near KM6.
Playa Caracol
Playa Caracol was another one of the public beaches that vendors claimed was private. This time, I didn’t even go into the beach area. I took a picture from the access point and kept on walking.
Playa Caracol is located near a small shopping mall and a few different restaurants. It seemed better than Playa Tortugas but not by much. Unless you are set on this particular area of the Hotel Zone, I recommend heading further south.
Playa Caracol is located near KM8.
Playa Gaviota Azul
Playa Gaviota is another one of the beaches I did not visit. To learn more about Playa Gaviota Azul, and to support a fellow blogger, click HERE
Playa Gaviota Azul is located near KM9.5.
Playa Chac-Mool
Playa Chac-Mool was another one of the beaches I did not visit. To learn more about Playa Chac-Mool, and to support a fellow blogger, click HERE.
Playa Chac-Mool is located near KM10.
Playa Marlin
Playa Marlin is my second favorite public beach in Cancun. The beach is located within walking distance of the La Isla Shopping Village, and the access point is easily marked.
I visited Playa Marlin twice, once to swim, and the other time to photograph the sunset. During the day, there was security personnel checking temperatures and ensuring that everyone sanitized their hands. Playa Marlin has a changing area and public restrooms. The restrooms closed around sundown and were not open when I came to the beach in the evening.
One of the big perks of Playa Marlin was the lack of vendors trying to sell tours, beach chairs, and food. While there were beach chairs available for rent, the vendors were not pushy and waited to be approached by the beachgoer.
Playa Marlin is located near KM13.
Playa Marlin is a great place to watch the sunset. I visited Playa Marlin one evening, and it was not crowded at all. I was able to set up my tripod to capture pictures of the sunset without being disturbed.
I also visited Playa Marlin during the day. One thing that is worth noting about Playa Marlin is that it is not located near any of the breaks that block the waves coming in from the Caribbean Sea. As a result, I was unable to go in past my knees since there were large waves and a red flag warning.
Still, it was great to be able to sit out on the beach and enjoy the warm weather.
Playa Ballenas
Playa Ballenas is another one of the beaches that I did not visit on my trip. From my research, this beach is highly rated, and if you are in the area, you should definitely check it out. To learn more about Playa Ballenas, and to support a fellow blogger, click HERE.
Playa Ballenas is located near KM 14.5.
Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines was my favorite beach in the Cancun Hotel Zone. This beach earns its high ranking partially because of its sheer size and its lack of nearby hotels. Playa Delfines is huge, which made it extremely easy to find a spot where I wouldn’t be bothered. Another perk was the extreme lack of vendors selling chairs, tours, and drinks. I was not bothered once during my time at Playa Delfines.
Playa Delfines has multiple changing rooms and bathrooms and also has its own parking lot. When arriving, be sure to walk towards the middle so you can take your picture with the Cancun letters.
The only issue with Playa Delfines is that it does not have a natural break to protect swimmers from the waves. During my visit, the lifeguards blew their whistles every time someone went out in the water past the knees.
Playa Delfines is located near KM18.
Playa Nizuc
Playa Nizuc is the Hotel Zone’s southernmost beach. I did not make it far south enough to visit this beach.
Playa Nizuc is located near KM24.
My Meals in the Cancun Hotel Zone
One of my favorite things about Cancun’s Hotel Zone was the food. There are so many fabulous restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine. I highly recommend looking for smaller, less-fancy restaurants. They often have the best food. When dining in Cancun, take advantage of the cheap price of avocados. Guacamole can be purchased as an appetizer for between $3-5 USD.
El Granero Grill and Drinks
El Granero Food and Drinks is located near KM9.5. While I was ordering, a super-friendly waitress named Emily brought me chips and salsa. I preferred the salsa verde to the salsa rojo. At El Granero Food and Drinks, I ordered Tacos con Sirloin and a delicious appetizer of Choriqueso Dip. I highly recommend both dishes, especially the choriqueso dip. The dip consisted of spicy chorizo and delicious cheese that I could wrap in flour tortillas. The cost of my meal was around MX$600 with a tip (USD$30).
VIPS
VIPS is a chain restaurant that has numerous locations in Cancun. I chose this restaurant to try to save a little money as the entrees were about half the price of many of the other restaurants. I ordered chips and guacamole and carne asada, which came with potatoes and delicious crunchy wraps stuffed with cheese. For dessert, I had strawberry cheesecake. My meal was great, and the price was just under MX$500 (USD$25) with a tip.
Tacos y Tequila
Tacos y Tequila is located in the rear of the La Isla Shopping Village and overlooks the Nichupte Lagoon. I began my meal with chips and salsa and then ordered a Chicharrón de Queso as an appetizer. I wasn’t really sure what it was, but the reviews said it was delicious. It turned out that a Chicharrón de Queso is a giant roll of deep-fried cheese. It was good at first, but I was tired of it by the time I finished it. For my main course, I went with an Arrachera Platter. It consisted of skirt steak, rice, vegetables, beans, and potatoes. Like all my meals in Cancun, it was excellent. This meal was slightly more pricy, coming in at around MX$700 (USD$30) with a tap.
Taco Grill La Isla
Taco Grill La Isla is located in the rear of the La Isla Shopping Village. At Taco Grill, I ordered chips and guacamole and tacos con sirloin. For dessert, I went with cocoflan. My favorite thing about Taco Grill was the toppings that came with my tacos con sirloin. Those topping really allowed me to customize each taco and try various flavors. Be careful of the habanero salsa. If you eat it by accident, a lime will help remove the burning from your mouth. This meal was also quite expensive at MX$700 (USD$35) with a tip.
The Top Things to Do in Cancun's Hotel Zone - Cancun Tours and Packages
Cancun’s Hotel Zone offers many different tours and packages. I highly recommend booking ahead of time, so you do not have to deal with the vendors on the street trying to sell you tours. Some of the most popular tours and packages include snorkeling, sailing, visiting the Mayan Ruins, visiting the Cenotes, fishing, and ziplining. As an affiliate of Viator, I will earn a small commission if you purchase a tour or package using one of the links below. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of April 2023.
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 Chichen Itza tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya - $106.66 The Archaeological zone of Chichén Itzá is located 90 minutes far from Merida Yucatán, this places called a World Heritage site by UNESCO, It was one of the most representative ceremonial centers of this culture. |
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