Boutique Hotels in Cancún, Mexico

Where the Mexican jungle meets the sea, Cancun is a beautiful city that offers more than just beaches and resorts. In the heart of Quintana Roo, you can sample a mix of the old and new, from ancient ruins to modern day beach clubs. To understand how Cancun grew into the resort destination that is today, one must understand its history.

The oldest neighborhood in Cancun is El Centro, which was founded in the 16th century. The modern city of Cancun was built on top of this historic neighborhood, so much of it has been preserved. It's home to many colonial-era buildings and churches that are worth visiting.

Another interesting historical neighborhood is San Nicolas, which has a distinctive Spanish feel with its narrow streets, cobblestones, and plazas. There are many restaurants and shops here where you can get a taste of local cuisine and culture. If you want a truly old world experience, check out boutique hotels in Cancun.

Deep in the Mayan jungle, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Mexico's most visited attractions. It's also one of the best places to see Cancun nature at its finest—the surrounding jungle gives visitors an opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of this historic site. Keep your eyes peeled for wild iguanas; they’re everywhere! Also, not to be missed is the Tulum Archaeological Zone. Perched atop a cliff in the Caribbean, these picturesque 13th century ruins are a popular stop for tourists and locals alike. A nod to Tulum’s days as a port city of Coba, you can view sacrificial altars, art and more when staying at unique boutique hotels in Cancun.

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the Xcaret Eco Theme Park. Located on the coast near Playa del Carmen, this ecopark offers visitors an experience like no other with rides and attractions that include snorkeling with dolphins, swimming with stingrays, and exploring underground caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The park even has its own beach resort!

If you want to escape the tourist crowds, unwind in a cenote. These pools of underground water were formed when limestone cave ceilings collapsed thousands of years ago—and now they're some of the most popular tourist destinations in Cancun and Tulum. The ancient Mayans made many a sacrifice here, as these were viewed as portals to the Gods. The Ik Kil cenote near Chichen Itza is a popular one for its many photo opportunities, so get your camera ready.

In the past, the Mayans were known for their love of food. They had over 200 different varieties of corn, and many different types of peppers. They were also known to make what we today would call tamales.

If you’re in the Yucatàn peninsula, one must try the Cochinita Pibil. This is the national dish of the area and is packed with flavor. Slow-roasted with banana leaves in a citrus juice, this is smoked carnitas married to a host of flavors, including pickled onions and charred garlic.

Don’t forget to try the Pulpo or Octopus. Whether it’s served in a traditional ceviche or alongside some fresh, grilled cactus, your tastebuds won’t be sorry when staying at boutique hotels in Cancun.

Don't forget to check out our boutique hotels nearby in Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Miami Beach.