Spanish is the official language.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Direct flight: 5h
Connecting flight: 7h to 12h (depending on connection times)
Mexico time zone: UTC-5
0h ahead of Quebec (EST)
1h ahead of Quebec (EDT)
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. Carrying pesos is recommended for small purchases, taxis, and local markets. It’s best to exchange Canadian dollars beforehand, although pesos can also be withdrawn at hotels. American dollars are accepted, but at a less favourable exchange rate, with change given in pesos.
In Mexico, tipping (propina) is expected. In restaurants, leaving 10%–15% is recommended if service is not included. In bars, 20 pesos per drink is sufficient. At hotels, it is customary to tip 20–50 pesos for staff such as housekeepers and porters. For drivers and tour guides, leaving 50–200 pesos is standard. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common.
Travellers should stay alert in Mexico. Tourists can be easily targeted, and petty theft may occur. Avoid displaying valuables and use the hotel safe whenever possible. It is recommended to stay within tourist areas, avoid walking alone at night, always use official taxis, and never leave your drink unattended in bars or nightclubs.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Mexico Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
Holbox, a small, peaceful, bohemian island in the Gulf of Mexico, charms travellers with its authenticity and fine-sand beaches along crystal-clear waters. Here, you can swim with whale sharks, paddle through flamingo-filled mangroves, and watch the sea glow with bioluminescence at night.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a pristine wilderness where nature reigns supreme. Turquoise lagoons, mangroves, tropical forests, and coral reefs provide a habitat for dolphins, manatees, turtles, crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, and more than 300 bird species.
Outside Tulum, Laguna Kaan Luum is a vast crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by jungle. Shallow turquoise freshwater surrounds a striking, deep-blue cenote plunging 85 metres at its heart. Visitors come to swim, relax, and marvel at this truly unique landscape.
Isla Contoy is the last untouched island in the Caribbean. This biodiversity sanctuary, accessible only by boat, is home to tropical birds, sea turtles, and exotic fish thriving among its reefs and mangroves. Fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters complete the scenery of this protected paradise.
Holbox, a small, peaceful, bohemian island in the Gulf of Mexico, charms travellers with its authenticity and fine-sand beaches along crystal-clear waters. Here, you can swim with whale sharks, paddle through flamingo-filled mangroves, and watch the sea glow with bioluminescence at night.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a pristine wilderness where nature reigns supreme. Turquoise lagoons, mangroves, tropical forests, and coral reefs provide a habitat for dolphins, manatees, turtles, crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, and more than 300 bird species.
Outside Tulum, Laguna Kaan Luum is a vast crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by jungle. Shallow turquoise freshwater surrounds a striking, deep-blue cenote plunging 85 metres at its heart. Visitors come to swim, relax, and marvel at this truly unique landscape.
Isla Contoy is the last untouched island in the Caribbean. This biodiversity sanctuary, accessible only by boat, is home to tropical birds, sea turtles, and exotic fish thriving among its reefs and mangroves. Fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters complete the scenery of this protected paradise.
“I loved visiting the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula. I discovered an ancient Mayan city steeped in history, dominated by an impressive pyramid. I had dreamed of visiting this remarkable place for a long time—it truly took my breath away.”
Ceviche is a fresh, tangy, and lightly spiced dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice along with red onions, tomatoes, chili, and coriander. Served chilled, it is usually paired with corn chips or served in small glass bowls.
Cochinita pibil is a traditional dish from Yucatán. Pork is marinated in a paste of achiote, orange juice, and spices. Then it is slow cooked in banana leaves to give the meat a rich flavour and a tender texture. It is served with tortillas, red onions, chili sauce, coriander, and lime juice.
Originally from the Yucatán region, sopa de lima is a warm, flavourful dish served as a starter or main course. It is made with chicken broth, fresh lime juice, shredded chicken, crispy fried tortilla strips, and coriander. This soup is known for its refreshing citrus tang and crunchy texture.
Horchata is a refreshing Mexican drink made from rice soaked with cinnamon then blended with milk, vanilla, and sugar. It has a milky-white colour, a creamy texture, and a sweet, delicately spiced flavour. It is served chilled over ice cubes.
Aguas frescas are sweet, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. They are made by mixing water, sugar, and a flavouring ingredient—such as fruit, grains, flowers, or vegetables—then infusing and straining the mixture. Served chilled, they come in a wide variety of flavours and are commonly found in restaurants.
Ceviche is a fresh, tangy, and lightly spiced dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice along with red onions, tomatoes, chili, and coriander. Served chilled, it is usually paired with corn chips or served in small glass bowls.
Cochinita pibil is a traditional dish from Yucatán. Pork is marinated in a paste of achiote, orange juice, and spices. Then it is slow cooked in banana leaves to give the meat a rich flavour and a tender texture. It is served with tortillas, red onions, chili sauce, coriander, and lime juice.
Originally from the Yucatán region, sopa de lima is a warm, flavourful dish served as a starter or main course. It is made with chicken broth, fresh lime juice, shredded chicken, crispy fried tortilla strips, and coriander. This soup is known for its refreshing citrus tang and crunchy texture.
Horchata is a refreshing Mexican drink made from rice soaked with cinnamon then blended with milk, vanilla, and sugar. It has a milky-white colour, a creamy texture, and a sweet, delicately spiced flavour. It is served chilled over ice cubes.
Aguas frescas are sweet, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. They are made by mixing water, sugar, and a flavouring ingredient—such as fruit, grains, flowers, or vegetables—then infusing and straining the mixture. Served chilled, they come in a wide variety of flavours and are commonly found in restaurants.
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and we invite you to try this version featuring scallops and shrimp, enhanced with a zesty citrus mayo. A pure delight! (Video in French only)
The best time to visit Cancún and the Riviera Maya is from November to April during the dry season. Temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C, with little rainfall.
It is recommended to avoid the period from June to October, which happens to be both the wet season and the hurricane season. During these months, sargassum seaweed is more common, making swimming less enjoyable.
The most efficient way to get around Cancún and Riviera Maya is to rent a car. It offers greater freedom to explore at a lower cost. Full-insurance coverage is recommended.ADO buses connect Cancún to major cities and popular destinations such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal. For hotel guests, private shuttles or taxis are convenient options. In all-inclusive packages, bus transportation is included.
10 days.
This is an ideal time frame for travellers who want to enjoy the beaches while also exploring remote sites and the region’s main attractions.
Cozumel Carnival: For several days in February or March, the island comes alive with colourful parades, costumes, traditional dances, and a festive atmosphere. Both locals and visitors join in to celebrate Mexican culture.
Travel in complete peace of mind.
Fast, compliant and guaranteed service.
Useful for driving abroad.
Online application service.
Double-check the rules before you travel.
Suitcases, anti-theft bags, and more!
Create your personalized travel itinerary.
Road guides and road maps.
The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Cancun and Riviera Maya, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.
