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Last Updated on June 15, 2021 by Natalie

I have a not very well kept secret: I love Mexico and I really love the state of Quintana Roo. Quintana Roo is the home of the Mexican Riviera which includes, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum. If you’re planning to visit Mexico but can’t decide between Cancun and Cozumel, here’s help. Cancun vs Cozumel, which is the place for you?

Cancun vs Cozumel

Cancun or Cozumel, which is better?

Cancun or Cozumel, Cozumel or Cancun is a question many travelers have asked themselves. It may come down to the type of traveler you are or the type of vacation you’d like to have. Both destinations have similar climates. Both destinations have awesome resorts and hotels. They also have many activities available.

I’ll highlight the best of each destination and let you decide based on the type of travel you’re looking for right now!

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Cozumel

I’ll admit to loving the island of Cozumel far more than I anticipated. Never in my life did I think I’d get to vacation there once and now I’ve had the good fortune to visit twice. I’ve visited during normal times and post-lockdown times.

While you can do day trips to the mainland from Cozumel, it’s an awesome place to explore and there is plenty to do right on the island. The beaches in Cozumel are also stunning and a perfect place to spend all day. In fact, the beaches of Cozumel are the most stunning of those I’ve had the pleasures of visiting in Mexico.

Prices between the two are actually pretty comparable, even with Cozumel being an island.

Things to Do in Cozumel Highlights

Another big advantage of vacationing on Cozumel Island is that you can circle the island in an hour or so, even when there’s traffic. Here are some of the highlights of Cozumel.

You can also check out all about things to do in Cozumel with kids.

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins are a lovely set of ruins to visit. Located inland, they are surrounded by jungle. We checked them out and enjoyed the visit! Plus, it will likely only take 30-60 minutes from anywhere on the island. They also weren’t busy during pre-lockdown times.

Making Chocolate

We visited the Mayan Cocoa Company, located at Playa Mia Beach Club and we made chocolate! It was a fun experience for the whole family and I do recommend trying your hand making chocolate from crushing the cocoa beans to taste testing your creation!

Additionally, the kids made chocolate milkshakes and the adults were treated to a chocolate margarita. Yum!

Punta Sur

Punta Sur is the southern point of the island and also an eco park. Inside the park, there are three large lagoons, filled with crocodiles. You can step onto a boardwalk with a tower and see if you can spot any. There’s also a lighthouse to climb and I highly recommend doing it if you are able. The 133 steps to the top is worth the incredible view!

Visiting Beaches

Our resort in Cozumel had an incredibly beautiful beach (check it out), but we didn’t check out any other beaches during our first trip to the island. However, Cozumel has a stunning coastline and even the East side beaches are worth at least a few hours. I recommend Chen Rio with kids.

Cancun

Cancun is famous for a reason: it’s a great vacation destination. From Cozumel, the day trips all over the Yucatan peninsula are plentiful and easier to do, since you don’t have to add a 2 hour round trip ferry ride. In fact, if you want to do multiple day trips during your visit, it makes a lot more sense to stay in Cancun.

Things to do in Cancun Highlights

Cancun has the benefit of being on the mainland, so it’s even easier to arrange tours. These are just a few of the many things to do available from Cancun.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is located in a little town in Yucatan state called Piste. It is the most famous archeological site in Mexico for a reason and I loved our visit. If you go with a tour, it’ll be easy and everything will be taken care of for you. However, if you are arriving there on your own, I recommend being there by opening. You can enjoy the site without the crowds and heat for a few hours.

Xel-Há Park, X-plor Park

Xel-Há is part of the Xcarat group of parks and has a lot of outdoor water activities. It’s an amazing place! I do recommend to avoid the captive animal activities, which are an additional price (therefore, not spending your dollars on those things will eventually help to get the message across that captive animal attractions are not wanted by the public). Some of the cool activities available are zip biking, snuba, Sea Trek, and Children’s World (for the kids). Some of the activities included in admission, is the lighthouse (with a 98 foot water slide), snorkeling, a floating river tour, and visiting Xel-Há Cave.

X-Plor is the adventure park by the same group. Inside, you’ll find many activities, including zip lines, water slide, underground river expeditions, and more. There’s even hammock zip lining! This park is perfect for the adrenaline junkie.

Purchase here!

Tulum

Tulum is a gorgeous beach town just 81 miles (under 2 hours) from Cancun. There’s a chill vibe and its still slightly cheaper than Cancun regarding food and souvenir prices. While there, you can also visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, which are probably the prettiest ruins in Mexico.

Cenotes

Quintana Roo and Yucatan have many cenotes. Cenote (seh-note-ay) doesn’t have a direct translation to English. It’s a natural sinkhole filled with water. There are so many options for swimming and often, are included in tours that you can book. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best cenotes (especially for kids) in the whole of Yucatan.

Current Conditions

Cozumel and Mexico in general are hurting due to the circumstances of the year 2020. Tourism dropped drastically. Hotels and resorts were closed for months. Cruise ships aren’t allowed yet (2020 and into 2021) and therefore, aren’t bringing the daily number of tourists, which averaged around 10,000 visitors per day just from that source. Many places we visited were virtual ghost towns. In fact, it’s an amazing time to visit if you don’t like to be in with crowds. Not every tourist activity will be available, but there is still a lot to do (and safely) in Mexico. Cancun is also suffering.

Until tourism can recover to closer to normal numbers, we are tipping more than before. We are also buying extra souvenirs, since we were able to save money this year due to 1) not being allowed to go out and shop and 2) not needing clothing and other items as often, since we weren’t leaving our house for months. We are aware that not everyone has fared as well financially. Additionally, prices in Cozumel seemed a little bit lower than during our previous visit. I’d wanted a t-shirt last year and didn’t get one. I made sure I got one from this year!

What to Expect When Coming to Mexico 2021

You will be required to fill out a form when you arrive and leave Mexico regarding your current health.

In Mexico, your temperature will be taken at the airport and again before getting on the airplane. Additionally, it will be taken before entering all large stores, attractions, restaurants, and malls.

Masks are required pretty much everywhere. Within the resorts, you will have to check if you must wear them at all times (except while at the pools and beaches). It’s also important to check the requirements of the state(s) in which you are traveling, as each will be different and changes frequently. Though I found a lot of the requirements stressful during travel, it doesn’t seem quite so exhausting while actually at the resort.

So, Cozumel or Cancun?

Cozumel is an incredible destination for scuba divers, those who love gorgeous beaches, and are eager to explore Cozumel. Cancun is a better home base for those who want to explore the Mexican mainland, so as to avoid the 2 hour round trip ferry ride per daily outing. It’s also a wonderful place for adrenaline junkies who are yearning for adventure activities.

That being said, both are awesome destinations, with Cozumel being my personal favorite.

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