Cancún remains one of the Mexican Caribbean's favorite destinations, and this week brings a special cultural lineup on top of the usual draws: white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and a Hotel Zone that keeps adding new openings.

What's making news this week

From September 10 to 14, Cancún hosts the Raíces Cubanas Festival, five days of workshops, parties, concerts and cultural shows celebrating Cuban heritage in the region — a great excuse to pair beach time with live music and nightlife during your stay.

Must-do activities

  • Xcaret — the area's most popular eco-archaeological park, with water activities and cultural shows.
  • Chichén Itzá — the UNESCO World Heritage Maya pyramid, with its central temple, ball courts and its own cenote.
  • Tulum — Caribbean-facing ruins where you can swim on the beach right below the ancient structures.
  • MUSA Underwater Museum — more than 500 submerged sculptures, great for divers and snorkelers alike.
  • Isla Mujeres — snorkel at Manchones Reef and dive at the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks.

Best spots to visit

Playa Delfines remains Cancún's most iconic beach — endless white sand and the famous "CANCÚN" sign for the obligatory photo. Minutes away by boat is the world's second-largest coral reef, home to tropical fish, rays and sea turtles.

Where to stay: the top-rated hotels

  • JW Marriott Cancún — one of the Hotel Zone's most consistent picks; its Gustino restaurant serves one of the best-rated rib-eyes in the region.
  • Secrets The Vine Cancún — a newer resort with seven gourmet restaurants, a 24-hour private concierge and live nightly entertainment.
  • Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach — beachfront five-star with three pools (one infinity) and four restaurants.
  • Atelier Playa Mujeres — all-inclusive with a recently renovated, modern look.
  • Grand Oasis Cancún, Riu Cancún and Moon Palace Cancún — the Hotel Zone's three top-rated properties; Grand Oasis stands out with 18 different restaurants, from Mexican to a sushi bar.

Where to eat

For one memorable reservation, Gustino (inside JW Marriott) is a top pick for steak lovers. If you'd rather not leave the resort, multi-restaurant properties — Secrets The Vine, Grand Fiesta Americana and Grand Oasis — let you switch cuisines every night without stepping outside the complex.