Morelia to Cancun - the Morelia Cathedral and the Cancun hotel zone

Morelia to Cancún: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Morelia to Cancún?

Most people would immediately think of taking a commercial flight, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Cancún.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Morelia to Cancún simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

Why Should You Visit Morelia?

Morelia is a large city of over one million people and is the capital of the state of Michoacán, Mexico. It was founded in 1542 and is known for having some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in Mexico.

Its architectural beauty comes at least in part from the very distinctive rose-colored stone called cantera used in many of its buildings. The pink stone was quarried locally and was easily cut and shaped, and historically it was often used as a building material in the city as a result.

The imposing Morelia Cathedral is the best example of both the colonial architecture and the beauty of the cantera stone. The cathedral was constructed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and is a wonderful example of the Spanish baroque architectural style.

Another beautiful example of architecture in the city is the 18th century Morelia aqueduct. It runs for over a mile through the historic center and features 253 graceful arches and two square tower-like structures known as “water boxes”.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Morelia is also known as the food capital of Michoacán. Typical dishes that you can find in Morelia include uchepos, a type of very sweet, creamy tamales; corundas, which are cheesy triangular tamales; and gazpacho, which is a wild combination of chopped fruit, cheese and chili.

And if you want to explore a little farther afield, some of Michoacán’s “magic towns” (pueblos mágicos) like Pátzcuaro are within easy reach and make a great day trip from the city.

Before we jump into getting from Morelia to Cancún, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Cancún in the first place.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

Why Should You Visit Cancún?

If you’re wondering if Cancún should be on your list of places to visit in Mexico at all, I think the answer is definitely yes. It’s often referred to as the “Mexican Las Vegas”, and the description is accurate in that you’ll have a huge range of experiences to choose from.

For beach-lovers, Cancún is right on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.  It has miles of beaches where you can swim, snorkel, surf and do just about any other water sport you can think of.  

If you’re interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it.  Chichén Itzá is just a few hours away and there are also several archaeological sites within Cancún itself.

And if you’re travelling with a family, Cancún is perfect.  There are a huge amount of family-friendly activities including adventure parks that your kids will absolutely love.

If you’re a Mexico purist, you might find the cultural attractions of places like Oaxaca more to your liking.  I think Cancún is great because it has something for everyone. For the sheer number of things to do, especially if you’re travelling with children, I think Cancún is unbeatable in Mexico.

So let’s look at how to get from Morelia to Cancún and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

1. Fly to Cancún

Gate seating at an airport with a glass wall beside it, outside of which a plane is taking off, similar to the trip from Mexico City to Zipolite

It’s possible to fly from Morelia to Cancún, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest and most convenient option.

This is the case even when you add the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly and to get a taxi to your hotel after you land.

Fast Facts: Flying From Morelia to Cancún

  • Starts at around US$250 one way
  • Flight time is around 2 hour 30 minutes
  • One flight per day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
  • Departs from Morelia International Airport (MLM)
  • Arrives at Cancún International Airport (CUN)

Where Do I Book A Flight To Cancún?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

You’l be able to see the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

How Do I Get From Morelia To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Morelia International Airport (MLM) from Morelia.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at the airport before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Morelia International Airport (MLM) for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has several options.

Private transfers will start at around US$45 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Morelia, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$15 to US$20, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Morelia and it’s perfectly safe to use. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Morelia to the airport should cost you around US$15, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

5. Public Transport

According to Mexican government, Morelia had a population of 988,704 in 2020. However, unlike some of the larger cities, there’s no metro system, so you’ll need to use the public bus system.

There are buses operated by Coordinados Zinapécuaro that can take you to Morelia International Airport (MLM). You can take it on highway 43 near the Morelia Institute of Technology (Instituto Tecnológico de Morelia). You can get there by taking the orange colectivo line (naranja) on Calle de Vasco de Quiroga north.

The airport bus will cost around 27 Mexican pesos and the colectivo will cost 10 Mexican pesos.

What’s Great About Flying?

View of airplane wing from within the aircraft with clouds in the background

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. Faster Trip Time

Flight time from Morelia to Cancún is around 2 hours 30 minutes, which is a big time saving compared with the minimum 28 hour long bus trip.

If you’re short on time, every hour you lose travelling is time that you could spend exploring Cancún. I’d definitely recommend flying over driving or taking the bus if you’ve only got a few days in Mexico.

2. Great Views From The Plane

Even after years of flying, I still like to stare out the window of a plane at the city as we’re taking off and getting ready to land.

Flying will also give you the chance to see the forests, mountains and sprawling valleys of Mexico from above as you head east away from Morelia.

3. safest Way To Travel

Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel in the world, and this holds true in Mexico.

Since 1919, Mexico has only had 158 air travel deaths in total, an average of about 1.5 people per year. In 2022, there were around 107 million air passengers in Mexico.

That puts your chances of dying on a flight to Cancún at about 1 in 71 million. By comparison, the World Health Organisation suggests based on 2019 data on Mexican road deaths that the odds of dying per year were 1 in 7,813.

That means that you are more than 9,000 times safer flying than taking the bus!

FAQs: Flying To Cancún

View of aircraft wing and land below from interior window of aircraft

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Morelia to Cancún flying commercially.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Cancún?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$250 from Morelia to Cancún.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Morelia?

Volaris fly direct from Morelia to Cancún once per day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and AeroMexico fly daily via Mexico City.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a direct commercial flight is around 2 hour 30 minutes. The AeroMexico flights stop in Mexico City and flight time will be longer.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Morelia to Cancún is approximately 921 miles (around 1,482 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Morelia International Airport (MLM) to depart and you’ll use Cancún International Airport (CUN) in Cancún when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

Cancún International Airport is about 12 miles (20 km) south of downtown Cancún.

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To My Hotel?

You can get a taxi, a private transfer or the public bus to the city.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$40 to US$50 (MX$650 to MX$800) and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you.

If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$50 (MX$800).

Bus

There is also an ADO bus route that you can use that runs from the airport into downtown Cancún. It will drop you off at the ADO bus station in Avenida Uxmal and will cost around US$8 (MX$135).

If you’re staying at a hotel in the hotel zone, you’ll need to then take one of the local buses into the hotel zone. They stop right outside the bus station on Avenida Tulum. Route R-1 will take you into the hotel zone and will cost around US$0.50 (MX$12).

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$35 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

2. Rental Car To Cancún

A road trip from Morelia to Cancún is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Morelia to Cancún

  • Starts at about US$1,200 plus gas, driving one-way
  • Travel time is about 24 hours
  • Morelia (various locations)
  • Cancún (various locations)

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 24 to 25 gallons to get to Cancún.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Cancún when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$1,200 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Morelia, then you’ll pay around US$60 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Morelia to Cancún?

The route from Morelia to Cancún starts by taking highway 43 north for around 15 miles until you reach highway 15D.

You’ll take highway 15D to the east and will follow that for nearly 90 miles until you reach Arco Norte. You’ll follow Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 150D just outside Puebla.

You’ll keep heading east on highway 150D until you pass through Córdoba. About 30 miles after Córdoba, you’ll take highway 145D south-east for another 150 miles or so until you reach a town called Minatitlán.

At Minatitlán, highway 145D becomes highway 180D (sometimes called highway 180) and you’ll follow that for another 150 miles to Villahermosa. You keep following that same highway through Villahermosa, then through Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche and on to Merida.

From Merida, you’ll continue on the same highway east across the Yucatán Peninsula for the last 190 miles until you reach Cancún.

What’s Great About Driving to Cancún?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Cancún.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re traveling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

FAQs: Rental Car From Morelia to Cancún

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Morelia to Cancún by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Morelia to Cancún?

A rental car that you pick up in Morelia and drop off the next day in Cancún will cost around US$1,200. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Morelia, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$60 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Morelia to Cancún?

The route from Morelia to Cancún starts out on highway 15D and follows it for nearly 90 miles until you reach Arco Norte.

You’ll follow Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 150D just outside Puebla, which you follow until you reach Córdoba in the state of Veracruz.

About 30 miles thereafter, you’ll take highway 145D south-east, which becomes highway 180D and which will take you the rest of the way through Villahermosa, Campeche and Merida before finally bringing you to Cancún.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 24 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Morelia to Cancún?

The total distance is approximately 1,183 miles (around 1,903 km) from Morelia to Cancún.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Morelia?

There are several places in Morelia where you can rent a car, including on Guillermo Prieto in the historic center and at Morelia International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Morelia. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Morelia have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

What do I need to rent a car?

You’ll need to be at least 21 years old and you’ll need to have held your driver’s licence for at least a year before you rent a car.

You’ll also need to bring a credit card in your own name and your passport.

Will I have Any Liability?

If you book through DiscoverCars, the deductible on the included insurance is usually zero for damages to bodywork from a collision.

However, sometimes not all parts of the car are covered, so check the terms of the policy before you book and consider upgrading the insurance package for greater peace of mind.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

3. Carshare To Cancún

Another option you can use to get from Morelia to Cancún is a carshare.

Car-sharing is very popular in Mexico and it’s a great cheap way to travel while getting to know new people.

Fast Facts: Carshare From Morelia to Cancún

  • Starts at around 1,500 Mexican pesos (US$90) per person
  • Travel time is around 24 hours
  • Pick-up depends on trip
  • Drop-off depends on trip

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Morelia to Cancún?

The easiest way to find a reputable carshare service is on BlaBlaCar.

There are different options available and you can choose a ride with a verified driver with lots of positive reviews.

What’s Great About A Carshare?

Although you won’t be able to take full control like you could with a rental car, there are some benefits of using a carshare rather than driving yourself.

1. Cheap Way to Travel

Car-sharing is often much cheaper than any other option.

Similar to Uber, the car-sharing model is unregulated and costs are lower as a result.

2. Easy to Organize

Arranging a car-share is very easy through online platforms like BlaBlaCar.

You’ll be able to see the pick-up and drop-off points at the time of booking and you’ll then pay when you’re picked up.

3. No Responsibility for the Vehicle

Similar to the other options where you’re being chauffeured, you won’t be responsible for what happens to the car while you’re on the road.

You’ll only be responsible for paying the agreed price and your liability ends there.

FAQs: Private Transfer From Morelia to Cancún

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Morelia to Cancún by carshare.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Morelia to Cancún?

A private transfer starts at around 1,500 Mexican pesos (US$90) per trip for one person. If you book with a larger group, the price per person will usually go down.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Morelia to Cancún?

The route from Morelia to Cancún by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 24 hours.

What is the Distance From Morelia to Cancún?

The total distance is approximately 1,183 miles (around 1,903 km) from Morelia to Cancún.

Are The Carshare Cars Comfortable?

Drivers with good reviews will have comfortable vehicles. Contact the driver ahead of agreeing to a carshare ride to confirm.

Is It Safe To Travel By Carshare?

Yes, but you should be aware that some people may try to use the platforms to run scams.

You should be able to easily avoid this by choosing drivers who have verified profiles and lots of positive reviews.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

4. Bus To Cancún

Internal bus seating, similar to on a trip from Mexico City to Puebla

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Morelia to Cancún, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Morelia to Cancún

  • Starting at around US$165
  • Travel time is around 28 hours, depending on the trip
  • Multiple trips per day
  • Terminal de Autobuses, Morelia
  • Change buses in Mexico City (Central de Autobuses del Norte, TAPO)
  • ADO Terminal, Cancún

Where Can I Book A Bus From Morelia to Cancún?

In Mexico, different bus companies service different parts of the country.

For the route from Morelia to Mexico City, the largest provider is Futura.

For the route from Mexico City to Cancún, ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and AU (Autobuses Unidos) are the largest providers.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 1,183 miles (around 1,903 km) from Morelia to Cancún through the mountains, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Morelia to Cancún, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Cancún.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the town center, you can take a short taxi ride or bus ride to your hotel.

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Morelia to Cancún

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Morelia to Cancún by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Morelia to Cancún?

Prices start at around US$165 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Morelia to Cancún?

For the route from Morelia to Mexico City, the largest provider is Futura.

For the route from Mexico City to Cancún, ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and AU (Autobuses Unidos) are the largest providers.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Morelia to Cancún?

No, there is no bus service that can take you the whole way from Morelia to Cancún without a stop in between.

Most of the buses will stop in Mexico City, although you can also find buses that make a stop in Puebla if you would prefer to stop over there.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 28 hours, depending on the time of day you’re traveling, the provider you use and the layover time between connecting buses.

What is the Distance From Morelia to Cancún?

The bus route is approximately 1,183 miles (around 1,903 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Morelia, the pick-up point is Terminal de Autobuses, Morelia, just a few miles north-west of the historic center.

In Mexico City, you’ll usually be dropped off at Central de Autobuses del Norte in the north of the city. The connecting bus to Cancún usually departs from TAPO, just to the east of the city, but you can easily reach it with a quick ride on the Metro.

The stop next to Central de Autobuses del Norte is called Autobuses del Norte on Línea 5, and the stop next to TAPO is called San Lázaro on Línea B. You’ll need to change lines at Oceanía.

In Cancún, the drop-off point is ADO Terminal in the downtown Cancún.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From MOrelia to Cancún

5. Private Jet to Cancún

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Morelia to Cancún.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Morelia to Cancún

  • Starts at around US$15,800
  • Flight time is around 2 hours 30 minutes direct
  • Departs from Morelia International Airport (MLM)
  • Arrives at Cancún International Airport (CUN)

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Morelia to Cancún?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Morelia to Cancún route.

How Do I Get From Morelia To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Morelia International Airport (MLM) from Morelia. The options and prices are broadly the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

There are obviously some big positive aspects of flying with a private jet.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Cancún than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re traveling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

FAQs: Flying From Morelia to Cancún by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Morelia to Cancún by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Morelia to Cancún?

If you want to fly privately from Morelia to Cancún, you’re looking at around US$15,800 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$45,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 2 hours 30 minutes.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Morelia to Cancún is approximately 921 miles (around 1,482 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Morelia International Airport (MLM) in Morelia to depart and you’ll use Cancún International Airport (CUN) when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

Cancún International Airport is about 12 miles (20 km) south of downtown Cancún.

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$35 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

What Are The Best Things To Do In Cancún?

Woman photographing the Cancun sign on the beach promenade in Cancun, Mexico

Cancún is loaded with brilliant things to do. Your problem won’t be finding things to occupy your time. Your problem will be fitting them all into your trip!

The city is located right on the Caribbean Sea with miles of pristine beaches with beautiful turquoise waters where you can swim, snorkel or just enjoy the sun under a palapa. There’s also a huge reef nearby that is perfect for scuba-diving.

Just off the coast, you can take a ferry or go on a sailing trip to nearby Isla Mujeres to swim with whale sharks or sea turtles. You can also venture farther afield to the idyllic Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox if you want to visit the more remote, pristine islands.

If you’re traveling with children, Cancún has lots of different adventure parks where you can swim in natural pools, slide down enormous water slides and can even go ziplining over the tops of the trees. They’re definitely some of the best things to do in Cancún with kids.

For couples, there are lots of great waterside restaurants like RosaNegra and Taboo that serve great food and are perfect for a romantic evening. Cancún is also known for its nightlife and there are lots of great nightclubs like CoCo Bongo and The City where you can dance away into the wee hours of the morning.

If you were thinking that there isn’t much Mexican culture in Cancún, that’s not the case at all. If you’re interested in the Mayan civilization, the ruined city of Chichén Itzá is just a few hours drive from Cancún. While you’re there, you can visit one of the 10,000 cenotes for a swim in a unique location.

And if you don’t want to travel that far, Cancún itself is home to the site of several ruins including El Rey and El Meco. There is also a Mayan museum that you can visit in the hotel zone to learn more about the fascinating Mayan civilization.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Cancún?

The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico
Image credit: Expedia.com

When you make it to Cancún, the next obvious question will be where do you stay?

Well, you’re in luck because Cancún has an huge array of places to stay for you to choose from. In fact, there’s an entire area of Cancún called the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), which has some of the most amazing hotels in Mexico.

I’d suggest starting by looking at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, the Riu Palace Kukulkan and Temptation Cancun Resort. All of those are all-inclusive hotels, so even though the rates might seem a little high, you can get quite a bit of bang for your buck.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, there are also some great hostels like the well-known Selina Cancún Laguna, which offers a fantastic location at a reasonable price.

You can check prices and availability at Booking.com or Expedia.com.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

When is the Best Time to Visit Cancún?

A scuba diver underwater swimming after a sea turtle in Cancun, Mexico

I think it’s fair to say that there is no truly bad time to visit Cancún.

There’s very little difference in average temperature across the year. It goes down to 75°F (24°C) in January and up to 85°F (30°C) in August, so whenever you visit, you can count on nice warm weather.

There are two distinct seasons, though, due to its tropical location. June to October is the rainy season, and it’s also the hottest part of the year. December to April is the dry season, and those are also the coolest months.

The best time to visit will depend a little on what you’re looking for. I’ve outlined this below.

Dry Season: December to April

This is the tourist high season. The cooler weather and the Christmas and New Year holidays initially drive up the tourist numbers. In March, US college kids then pour into Cancún to party away during Spring Break.

This is definitely the best time to visit Cancún if you’re looking to party or if you’re looking for the coolest weather. Bear in mind that because of the high demand from tourists, flights and hotel costs are at their highest.

Rainy Season: June to October

June to October is the tourist low season and if you’re looking to travel on a budget, this is the best time. Hotel prices are off their peak, and crowds are smaller, save for the tourists taking advantage of the balmy evenings during July and August.

This is also breeding season for whale sharks and sea turtles in the waters off Isla Mujeres and you, so if you’re keen to do some snorkelling or scuba-diving, this is the time to do it.

Shoulder Seasons: April to May & October to November

If you’re not keen on visiting during the rainy season but don’t want to have to pay the higher prices during the dry season, you can visit during what are known as the shoulder seasons.

The shoulder seasons are basically the two bridges between the two seasons. During this period, you can often still get a great deal on flights and hotels, but have the advantage of fewer tourists and great weather.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

What Should I Pack To Go To Cancún?

Woman sitting on a pink suitcase in an airport

Cancún has warm days all year round, with cool nights during the dry season. There isn’t really much temperature change throughout the day, so you won’t need to worry about wearing layers.

If you travel during the rainy season, you can also expect to have very humid days. After a heavy rain, it isn’t uncommon for the humidity to reach over 80%, which is another reason to only wear airy, light clothing.

So, what should you pack? Whenever you travel, you should bring (or buy shortly after you arrive) a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a sun-hat, lot of light clothes for the day, and a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings.

If you’re going to travel in the rainy season, you should add a few more of everything, because you’ll probably want to change your clothes more often if there’s high humidity. You should also bring or buy an umbrella.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

Where Are The Best Cancún Beaches?

If you decide to visit Cancún, you’ll soon realise that it has no shortage of amazing beaches.

The most popular beach is without a doubt Playa Delfines. It’s in the southern part of the “7”-shaped hotel zone, just south of Iberostar Selection Cancún. Playa Delfines is patrolled by lifeguards who set out flags, so as long as you swim between the flags, you’ll be safe enough.

If you’re looking for more sheltered beaches, you can also try Playa Caracol, Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas. Those are all located at the top part of the hotel zone and the waters are usually more peaceful because Isla Mujeres acts as a barrier against strong waves and currents.

Playa Gaviota Azul is situated on the corner of the 7-shape, and is also sheltered by a rocky pier, making it another great option to swim.

In addition to the beaches in the hotel zone, there are also lots of others like Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres as well as other beaches further south towards Puerto Morelos.

How to Get From Morelia to Cancún

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Morelia to Cancún beyond just renting a car or taking the bus.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with those options, and frankly they’re probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

Your options to get from Morelia to Cancún are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Cancún!

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