Mexico: First Impressions of Cancun

A common impression of Cancun is that it is merely a party city. However, this party city has more to offer than just hangovers!

• Water Bottles

Ah, the dreaded affliction – Montezuma’s Revenge. Bottom line, don’t drink any water in Mexico that isn’t bottled. You even need to be careful of what food you eat and what other drinks you buy. It’s a very real issue, trust me, I know.

Luckily, the locals know that this is a problem and (at least wherever I went), exclusively brought bottled water to your table to fill your glasses.

• Driving

This might be only an impression for Cancun, but either way keep in mind that all road signs are in Spanish. It’s pretty basic, so a quick review before you drive would be sufficient (even if you have a GPS, just to be careful).

People in Mexico drive on the right side of the road like in the USA. Most traffic rules are the same as well, you cannot use your phone, you must wear a seatbelt, and speeding is bad. However, most locals speed like crazy and are intolerant of tourists going slower than them. Be sure to be in the slow lane.

You might have heard rumors about being able to pay police officers off if you get pulled over. While this can be true, it is still illegal and you are still a tourist so be careful of your actions.

• Party City

Cancun and Cabo, the two most famous party cities in Mexico. Cancun on the right with the Atlantic and Cabo on the left with the Pacific. Both are famous for their nightlife and will not disappoint the most avid party-seekers.

Coco Bongo is perhaps the most famous nightclub, featured in numerous travel articles and shows. However, don’t discredit the (slightly) more chill Señor Frogs and Carlos N’ Charlie’s, they can pack a punch.

Fun Fact! – I almost had my hair lit on fire at Señor Frogs.

• Chips and Guacamole

You’ll get a tiny amount of chips and POUNDS of guac. That’s all I have to say about that.

• $$$$

The currency of Mexico is pesos, but what’s interesting about Cancun is that people will gladly accept American dollars in place of pesos. In touristy areas, it’s a “one or the other” situation. This was an absolute savior when it came to tipping.

With tipping, keep in mind that this is a touristy area and they are used to receiving tips, so they will expect one. How much is up to you, but I usually tip like I do in Europe. A bit for cheaper restaurants or drinks, and more for tour guides. You should tip at all inclusive resorts too, when you get the bill.

• Wildlife

Iguanas. Iguanas EVERYWHERE. And crocodiles, yuck.

Let’s just say that I’m very much not a fan of reptiles, and in this regard, Mexico was very much my enemy. Turtles I can do. But in Cancun you’ll be subjected to iguanas, snakes, other lizards, crocodiles… lots of reptiles, you get the picture. For those who are like me, be very careful where you step outside of your hotel, or even in your hotel because you can’t escape those damn iguanas.

• No shirts, no shoes, no pants

Cancun dwellers are casual and don’t like to feel restricted by the confines of clothes. So, you’ll see shirtless people everywhere when it’s hot, on and off the beach. Sometimes, you’ll hope it’s just the shirt that gets taken off.

• Eco-friendly

Cancun has become extremely eco-friendly and they want you to know it! Signs about the wildlife and what to do/not to do are everywhere and lots places have reduced their use of plastic.

Say hurrah for eco-friendly straws!

• Seaweed

Seaweed has officially taken over, head to the hills, protect your children, run for your lives!

But really this is only for the east coast of Mexico. It’s called Sargassum, and is a thick algae that has been terrorizing the coasts – leading to an incredible drop in tourism around Cancun.

The reason? Well, other than the fact that it’s EVERYWHERE, once on the beach it rots and stinks to high heaven. In many places, it’s considered a hazard for swimming as well.

This stinky problem doesn’t seem to have a solution and many scientists are saying to buckle up, because it doesn’t seem as if it’ll go away any time soon. That means, problems for tourism in eastern Mexico as well as the Caribbean islands.

• Toilets

Yes I realize that this is an odd impression of Cancun to inform you of. But, some don’t have seats, many don’t have toilet paper. Just be aware – you’re welcome.

• Spanglish

Some people speak English perfectly and some don’t speak it at all, but most of the time you’ll hit a sweet spot of Spanglish, where both of you can understand enough of each other to communicate.

If you’ve grown up in the American southwest, then you should be more used to such communication and getting around will be relatively easy for you. If not, time to brush up on your Spanish skills!

• Food

A California native, I’m no stranger to Mexican food. However, nothing can compare to the real thing. YUM.

• Long Commercials

If you’ve ever had to sleep in the same room as someone who HAS to keep the TV on at night, you’ll understand what I mean when I say that commercials are the worst when you’re trying to sleep.

Everyone knows that they up the sound during commercials so that you have to pay attention, but in Mexico I think they decided to turn it up 10 notches and make the commercials three minutes longer than normal.

Basically commercials in Mexico are the enemy of sleep.

Conclusion

Yes, Cancun is a party city. And boy do they do it right! However, there is a lot to see and experience in this eastern part of Mexico. Be sure not to miss out!

Any questions? Contact me or comment below!