Local experts reveal 5 places you shouldn’t visit in Cancun this winter

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Being Mexico’s most popular beach getaway, it’s easy to find where to go with a little research.

On the other hand, whether it’s sensational reviews or in-your-face guides pushing you to certain restaurants so they can make some kickbacks, who are you to believe?

Here at Travel Off Path we believe that our friends at the Cancun sun who have boots on the ground all year round.

As now is the time of year when Cancun is often overrun by winter sun seekers, their local experts have revealed 5 destinations not to visit on your next holiday – and some you probably didn’t expect to see!

5) Beware of pharmacies

We’re not here to play doctor, but what we can tell you are the cold hard facts about some pharmacies in Cancun.

Sure, Americans venture to the nearest border town every day to pick up cheap prescriptions — and who can blame them?

But Cancun vacationers should be aware that not all pharmacies are what they seem. The tourist zone is full of brightly advertised storefronts with funny Viagra jokes and a laundry list of other well-known medications.

However, it is well documented and even supported by the American Embassythat this industry is unregulated and even contains hardcore drugs such as Fentanyl.

We recommend you visit these 3 pharmacies instead, rather than potentially risky holes in the walls:

• Pharmacy Guadalajara
• Farmacias del Ahorro
• Farmacias YZA

4) Chichen Itza can be unbearable

Who wouldn’t want to witness a true wonder of the world? Well, the answer is: everyone – and that’s the problem…

You see, Chichen Itza has become one of the most popular add-ons to Cancun’s itineraries. By noon it is very busy.

The Cancun Sun has a benchmark for the best times to visit, and they say afternoon is the worst possible time to go.

However, it’s not just the ugly crowds that unintentionally bombard all your photos.

Sun seekers may be in for more than they bargained for: the Mayans may have left behind some stunning structures, but they didn’t plan that centuries later we would need shade to cool off.

It’s best to visit as early as possible, such as around 8am, to beat the crowds and bright sunshine for an overall better experience.

But don’t forget using the Mayan TrainThere are many incredible ruins to see in the region that aren’t as crowded as Chichen Itza.

3) Breakfast disguised as a business meeting

Look, we’re not real estate agents or lawyers here, but we’ve all heard the nightmare stories about timeshares…

Some resorts try to entice you to get into the timeshare business by offering perks that seem too good to pass up, like free tickets to Xcaret, for example.

Saying “no” to a friendly face handing out free gifts can be awkward, but not as awkward as pushy timeshare places on what you thought would be a nice breakfast on vacation.

These so-called ‘breakfasts’ can last for hours on end, taking away large chunks of your day when you could be relaxing on the seaside or at the pool bar.

If approached, perhaps use my favorite line from Love on the spectrum: ‘Very interesting, but I’m not interested’.

2) Market28 is a daytime stop

Downtown Cancun is almost mandatory to visit at some point during your trip. However, according to the Cancun Sun, the very popular Market28 should be for a day of shopping only.

Around sunset, vendors begin to close their shops and the busy streets become barren and a bit vague to navigate, as this maze of roads is often unguarded.

During the day it’s great to browse endless souvenirs and handmade treats, as long as bargaining doesn’t bother you.

There is one market in the city center that is open until the early hours, and it is well lit and safe for the whole family to visit – Las Palapas Park.

1) Be careful which ATM you choose

Even seasoned travelers like me forget to bring cash in advance. Luckily, technology has our backs with a simple “ATM” search on our card apps.

However, not everything is as it seems in downtown Cancun. Some street ATMs have been easy targets for thugs looking to steal tourists’ money.

Known as ‘skimmers’, these virtually undetectable devices are implanted on typically more generic-looking machines to steal your card details and drain your bank balance.

It is best to avoid all outdoor ATMs and instead use those in banks or supermarkets, especially large chains such as Chedraui or Soriana.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.

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