Let’s just get it out of the way. Swine flu. There we said it.
Anybody contemplating a trip to Mexico the past few weeks has undoubtedly been troubled by the reports of H1N1 swine flu virus. The global media has been in full-on scare mode, warning visitors away from Mexico until the swine flu outbreak is under control.
Well, it is now under control. The US State Department has not yet updated its Mexico travel advisory (as of May 7), but we’re seeing news reports and hearing from travelers on the ground that arrivals in Mexico are up. We’re also hearing that Mexico’s tourism authorities are (belatedly) getting the news out that, as of today, there are still no confirmed swine flu cases in the beach resort areas of Cancun, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta.
The mighty ruins of Chichen Itza, on a Cancun day trip
Plus it’s a safe bet that airfares to Mexico are cheaper than they’ve been in a long time. Hotels in Mexico generally, and in Cancun specifically, are also dropping prices in order to draw visitors back. With that in mind, here’s our “Top Things to Do in Cancun” recommendations, the swine flu be damned!
Top things to do in Cancun: Hit the beach
In the 1970s Mexico’s tourism agency set out to duplicate the success of Acapulco by creating a new, purpose-built resort from scratch. They found what they were looking for along the Yucatan Peninsula at Cancun. Back then it was a deserted stretch of stunning beach; today it’s a well-developed stretch of stunning beach.
If you need more action than dozing under a sun umbrella, there are plenty of Cancun water sports (you can even swim with dolphins if the mood strikes!) and sunset and dinner cruises to keep you entertained. If you have kids, a trimaran cruise to Isla Mujeres is another popular option.
Top things to do in Cancun: Take the kids to Xcaret & Xel-Ha
Xcaret - a great day out with the kids
A day trip to Xcaret, billed as an “eco-archaeolgocial” park, is a good option if you want to have a resort-style experience without paying resort prices. It’s also a great option if you have young kids. Xcaret is only 35 miles from Cancun, with an aquarium, aviary, orchid garden, natural beaches, Mayan Village, museum, archaeological sites, Mayan river, underground river (you can swim in it!) and a popular nighttime show.
Xel-Ha is a similar set-up with an even stronger water theme. Xel-Ha features underground rivers that feed a vast series of creeks and lagoons. You can snorkel, take the kids on a massive rope swing, rent bikes, rent kayaks, you get the picture. Again, if you have kids, take them here and they will love you forever (assuming you don’t embarrass them in front of their friends). Another popular option is a day trip to Tulum and Xel-Ha; it’s a long-ish day of sightseeing, but it’s perfect if you want to combine a visit to the 12th-century Mayan ruins at Tulum (the most popular ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula) with an afternoon at Xel-Ha.
Top things to do in Cancun: Chichen Itza
A day trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun is another “must do.” Tulum may be the most visited archaeological site in the Yucatan, Chichen Itza’s ruins are the most visually impressive. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Traveling to Chichen Itza from Cancun is a long day, there’s no denying it. But if you’re of the mind that “I’m here, may not be back again anytime soon, let’s see Chichen Itza”, then you’re in luck.
-Sue W
Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s things to do in Cancun and Cancun day tri.
May 8th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan are all free of swine flu too, so there are a lot of good Mexico hotels to visit in those areas! The other thing is that occupancy is low so there will be a lot less crowds. I know I’m sold!
August 25th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I agree that people are troubled when they hear about the the swine flu in Mexico. I would highly suggest that even though the swine flu is under control. I would still suggest travelers to take pre-cautions
I included some ways how travelers can help protect themselves and others by following some simple prevention steps.
Regular hand-washing, normal cough etiquette, avoiding contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections–these are a few of the steps travelers can take.
If you or someone you know must to travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu, the CDC recommends that you/they:
can check on updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization.