Cancún

Cancun is a purpose-built resort city on Mexico's Caribbean coast, developed by the government starting in the 1970s specifically to attract international tourism, unlike most Mexican cities that grew organically over centuries. The Hotel Zone, a narrow strip of beachfront resorts, functions separately from Ciudad Cancun, the actual city where most residents live and work. It's the main gateway to the wider Riviera Maya, including Tulum and Playa del Carmen, rather than a destination locals consider culturally representative of Mexico.

Tacos al pastor and fresh ceviche are easy to find, but the real Yucatecan food, cochinita pibil and sopa de lima, a lime and shredded chicken soup, is worth seeking out downtown rather than in the Hotel Zone. All-inclusive resorts dominate the visitor experience here more than almost anywhere else in Mexico. Tipping in pesos or dollars is expected and often assumed at resorts, check whether service charges are already included before adding more.