Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

Cancun is a popular destination for U.S. travelers, offering easy access, affordable flights and no current entry restrictions.
Peak season is December through April, but spring break crowds arrive in March and April, while hurricane season runs from September to November.
The area is known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, family-friendly resorts and proximity to natural and cultural attractions like coral reefs and Mayan ruins.
Travelers can choose between the beachfront Hotel Zone or downtown El Centro, with a variety of all-inclusive and points-friendly accommodations available nearby.

What to consider

A negative COVID-19 test is required to re-enter the U.S., but most resorts can assist with this process.
Trip insurance with hurricane coverage or a cancel-for-any-reason option is recommended during hurricane season for added flexibility.
The U.S. Department of State currently advises reconsidering travel to Mexico, though many tourists feel safe within Cancun's resort areas.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed guide to Cancun's top resorts, activities and tips for planning a safe and enjoyable visit.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

For decades, Cancun, on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in the southeast of the country, has been a go-to for Americans looking for a quick beach getaway. It's just a two- to three-hour flight from cities like Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Flights have traditionally been inexpensive and, in this age of COVID-19, Mexico has made it easy to visit. Mexico is one of TPG's picks for where to travel right now. There are no restrictions or requirements to enter Mexico at this time. You will, however, need a negative COVID-19 test to re-enter the U.S., but most resorts in Cancun can assist you with this.

There are two things that typify Cancun: the Caribbean Sea that laps its incredible white sand beaches and the party scene that's a fixture of many resorts, bars and clubs. Most travelers start with a visit to the ubiquitous Senor Frogs bar and grill chain and then work their way up to the city's classic nightclubs.

But, there is so much more to Cancun than its spring break scene. It's home to the world's second-longest coral reef, which means there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Parasailing and fishing are other popular pastimes and there are some Mayan ruins, such as Zona Arqueologica El Rey, that you can see right in town.

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to Cancun.

When to visit Cancun

December through April is peak season in this part of Mexico, but steer clear of March and April if you wish to avoid spring breakers. May through August brings warmer and more humid weather. You may encounter perfect weather from September through November, but it's the season for rain and hurricanes so keep that in mind as a possibility.

If you travel during hurricane season and your trip investment is hefty, consider buying trip insurance that covers named hurricanes. But if you want more flexibility to cancel your trip based on the threat of bad weather, purchase a policy with a cancel for any reason add-on.

How to get to Cancun

Pricing of nonstop flights to Cancun. (Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights)

I know this is The Points Guy and we all love using miles and points for all our trips. However, it's usually quite easy to find very affordable airfare from U.S. gateways to Cancun. The above map shows nonstop, round-trip prices from a variety of cities to Cancun for dates from June through October. We're talking $173 round-trip from Miami, $181 round-trip from Denver and $245 round-trip from New York.

Before redeeming miles, check cash prices to see if it makes more sense to book your flights that way.

Cancun is a fantastic option for a special trip where you want to pull out all the stops because it is possible to fly there in style. Learn how to fly to Cancun in a lie-flat seat.

Business class on American Airlines' updated 787-8. (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

These are the U.S. gateways with service to Cancun International Airport (CUN). (Note that not all airlines have resumed routes from all gateways to Cancun. Check with your preferred airline to confirm the route has returned or when it's scheduled to resume.)

Atlanta (ATL): Delta
Austin (AUS): Southwest, Spirit
Baltimore (BWI): Southwest, Spirit
Boston (BOS): American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue
Charlotte (CLT): American Airlines, VivaAerobus
Chicago (MDW): Southwest
Chicago (ORD): American Airlines, Frontier, Spirit
Cincinnati (CVG): Delta, Frontier, VivaAerobus
Cleveland (CLE): Frontier, Spirit
Columbus (CMH): American Airlines
Dallas (DFW): American Airlines, Spirit, Sun Country
Denver (DEN): Frontier, Southwest, United Airlines
Detroit (DTW): Delta, Spirit
Durham (RDU): American Airlines, Delta
Fort Lauderdale (FLL): JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit
Houston (HOU): Southwest
Houston (IAH): Spirit, United Airlines
Indianapolis (IND): American Airlines, Frontier
Kansas City (MCI): American Airlines, Frontier
Los Angeles (LAX): Delta, Interjet, United Airlines
Miami (MIA): American Airlines, Interjet, LATAM
Minneapolis (MSP): Delta and Sun Country
Nashville (BNA): Spirit, VivaAerobus
Newark (EWR): Frontier, United Airlines, VivaAerobus
New Orleans (MSY): Spirit
New York (JFK): American Airlines, Interjet, JetBlue
Orlando (MCO): Delta, JetBlue
Phoenix (PHX): American Airlines
Pittsburgh (PIT): Spirit
Philadelphia (PHL): American Airlines, Frontier, Spirit
Portland (PDX): Alaska Airlines
Saint Louis (STL): American Airlines, Frontier
Salt Lake City (SLC): Delta
San Diego (SAN): Alaska Airlines
San Francisco (SFO): United Airlines
Seattle (SEA): Alaska Airlines, Delta
Washington (IAD): United Airlines

Where to stay in Cancun

As you search for the perfect resort, understand that Cancun is divided into two areas: the Zona Hotelera and El Centro. The Hotel Zone is a long beachfront strip of resorts interspersed with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping centers. When people think of Cancun, they are picturing this area and it's where you want to stay. El Centro is a downtown area.

For families, here are some particularly family-friendly resorts in Cancun.

If you're not sure if Cancun is right for you, check out TPG's favorite points hotels on the beach in Mexico.

Cancun all-inclusive resorts

Armar House, All-Inclusive (Marriott)
Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Ascend Collection: from 65,000 Choice points
Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun All-Inclusive Resort (Marriott)
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort: opening soon
Hyatt Zilara Cancun: from 25,000 Hyatt points
Hyatt Ziva Cancun: from 25,000 Hyatt points
Now Jade Riviera Cancun, Ascend Collection: from 25,000 Choice points
Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, Ascend Collection: from 25,000 Choice points
Planet Hollywood Cancun All-Inclusive Beach Resort (Marriott)
Planet Hollywood Adults Scene Cancun All-Inclusive Beach Resort - Adults Only (Marriott)
Royalton CHIC Suites Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa (Marriott)
Royalton Riviera Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa (Marriott)
Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Ascend Hotel Collection: from 75,000 Choice points
Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, Ascend Collection: from 90,000 Choice points

Cancun resorts

A hotel exterior and its swimming pool near the ocean — The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun (Photo courtesy of the resort)

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla: 35,000 to 80,000 Hilton points
InterContinental Hotels Presidente Cancun Resort: from 30,000 IHG points
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa: from 40,000 Marriott points
Marriott Cancun Resort: from 30,000 Marriott points
Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina: from 30,000 Marriott points
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun: from 40,000 Marriott points
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun: from 40,000 Marriott points
The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun: from 30,000 Marriott points
Waldorf Astoria Cancun: opening soon

Riviera Maya resorts

The Presidential Suite pool at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya (Photo courtesy of the resort)

Riviera Maya, another popular Mexican resort area, is just to the south of Cancun and encompasses destinations such as Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Cozumel Island. It's about an hour's drive to Riviera Maya from Cancun and two hours to Cozumel.

Acanto Playa del Carmen, Trademark Collection by Wyndham: from 15,000 Wyndham points
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya: from 25,000 Hyatt points
Cozumel Hotel & Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham: from 15,000 Wyndham points
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort: from 25,000 Hyatt points
Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort: 46,000 to 80,000 Hilton points
Hotel La Semilla, Playa del Carmen, a Member of Design Hotels: from 30,000 Marriott points
InterContinental Hotels Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa: from 44,000 IHG points
Secrets Aura Cozumel, Ascend Hotel Collection: from 35,000 Choice points
Sunscape Sabor Cozumel, Ascend Hotel Collection: from 30,000 Choice points
The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton: 35,000 to 70,000 Hilton points
The Westin Cozumel: from 30,000 Marriott points
The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: coming soon
Thompson Playa del Carmen Main House: from 12,000 Hyatt points
Thompson Playa del Carmen Beach House: from 20,000 Hyatt points
Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen: from 15,000 Wyndham points
Viva Wyndham Azteca - All-Inclusive Resort: from 30,000 Wyndham points
Viva Wyndham Maya - All-Inclusive Resort: from 30,000 Wyndham points

What to see and do

Sand, sun and sea are the main draws in Cancun and you can enjoy all three from the comfort of your resort. Most hotels in Cancun's Hotel Zone are beachfront with plenty of loungers, palapas or cabanas to choose from and they also have pools for when you're not in the mood for sand.

The world's second-longest coral reef is right offshore, so you can book snorkel or diving excursions -- or even just a sunset catamaran sailing if you'd prefer to stay topside.

If you do go diving, check out the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) at the National Marine Park of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. You can explore 500 sculptures in three galleries: Manchones Gallery, in Isla Mujeres, where the sculptures are 26 feet deep and Punta Nizuc Gallery and Punta Sam Gallery, both in Cancun, with sculptures at a depth of 3 feet.

Shop for Mexican handicrafts at Mercado 28, located downtown. Just be ready for aggressive sales tactics and know that negotiating price is expected. There are some good restaurants and street food in the area and it's also a good place to find tour operators if you're not satisfied with the options at your hotel. You can book everything from parasailing to horseback riding to trips to a local cenote (a sinkhole swimming hole).

For a bit of history, check out the Mayan Museum of Cancun and the Zona Arqueologica El Rey ruins.

Finally, for adrenaline junkies, Xavage by Xcaret offers white-water rafting, jet boat tours, ziplines, ropes courses and even a "monster truck" experience.

Safety in Mexico

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Mexico. You can read the COVID-19 health alert and the security alert pertaining to cartel violence in the country.

Despite the travel advisory, many Americans feel safe traveling to Cancun because it is a very defined resort area catering to tourists. Some visitors preferred to stay at their resort for the entirety of their stay. If you venture beyond your resort, take the same type of precautions you would at home. Be aware of your surroundings, know where you're going and how to get there, and avoid sketchy areas. Your hotel concierge can help you map out a plan to see the surrounding areas in a safe way.

Bottom line

Beach fans, divers and anyone that enjoys resort-style vacations will fall in love with Cancun and its affordability. Visitors tend to return year after year -- either to their favorite resort or trying a new spot on every trip. It's the perfect place to home base for day trips to visit Playa del Carmen, Xcaret or Cozumel as well.

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.