Cancún closes October with signs of recovery and one of its most beautiful weeks of the year: Day of the Dead the Maya way, with altars, catrinas and traditional cooking.

What's making news this week

After the Cancún Travel Mart (October 21–23), the governor announced a 20% increase in the tourism promotion budget for next year and a new plan from the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Board was presented. According to SITURQ figures reported by local media, Mexican Caribbean occupancy rose in one week from 50.4% to 55.7%, with Cancún at 58.3% and Costa Mujeres leading at 67.1%; local officials expect to close the year between 75% and 80%. For travelers, that means there's still good availability before high season. And this week brings Hanal Pixán in Puerto Juárez, October 30 to November 2: it opens Friday the 30th at 4:30 p.m. with the catrina boat procession at the Calle 45 pier, free shuttles run from Malecón Tajamar and El Crucero from 5:00 p.m., and the Dinner of Souls takes place at Parque de las Palapas on October 31 and November 1 from 7:00 p.m. (times come from a single published guide; it's worth confirming them with the city).

Must-do activities

  • Catrina boat procession — Friday, October 30 at the Calle 45 pier in Puerto Juárez, followed by a parade with a brass band.
  • San Miguelito Archaeological Zone — next to the Maya Museum, which celebrates its 14th anniversary with free Hanal Pixán activities on October 31 and November 1.
  • Playa Marlín — a public beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone, with white sand and open turquoise sea.
  • Xoximilco Cancún — an evening ride on colorful trajinera boats with live Mexican music and a traditional dinner, right in the spirit of the season.
  • Ruta de los Cenotes — a road in Puerto Morelos lined with cenotes for swimming and snorkeling, about 40 minutes from Cancún.

Best spots to visit

If you're after a calmer Cancún, look to Costa Mujeres, north of the city: wide beaches, newer resorts and calm water facing Isla Mujeres. This week it was also the area with the highest occupancy in the Mexican Caribbean, a good sign of the interest it draws.

Where to stay: the top-rated hotels

  • TRS Coral Hotel — adults-only in Costa Mujeres, with a luxury feel and a wide beach.
  • Finest Playa Mujeres — family all-inclusive with spacious suites and a kids' club.
  • Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres — an elegant all-inclusive with several pools and a spa.
  • Riu Palace Costa Mujeres — 24-hour all-inclusive on a quiet beach.
  • Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort — a family choice next to the Playa Mujeres golf course.

Where to eat

For a lively dinner in the Hotel Zone, Rosa Negra is one of the busiest Latin American dining rooms; for something simple and very local, Tacos Rigo downtown is a classic for cochinita and tacos al pastor. And these days, don't miss the Dinner of Souls at Parque de las Palapas, with traditional Hanal Pixán dishes such as mucbipollo.