Cancun

Filled with straight couples crowding into Senor Frog’s and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Cancun sometimes seems like the antithesis of a gay destination. But the low-key gay spots are far from the neon-splashed Zona Hotelera. Head to El Centro, the village that was here before the government decided this was the perfect spot for a resort town. There, just off the main drag you’ll find go-go boys, drag shows, and open-air dance floors.

For sun and fun, local gays used to recommend the Mirador, a rocky area with a very phallic lighthouse at the elbow of the main island. But these days they head to Playa Delfines, a stretch of powder-soft sand at the extreme southern end of the Zona Hotelera. If you’re visiting this Caribbean coast resort in May, take advantage of the Cancun International Gay Festival, which includes beach parties, sunset cruises, and other events.

Getting here

Cancun Internacional Airport is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. Getting to your hotel will mean a local bus, shuttle bus, taxi, or limo.
 

Getting around

Many people never leave their hotel, so if that’s what you’re planning, don’t rent a car. You can get around in the Zona Hotelera by bus or taxi. A car is handy for visiting out-of-the-way beaches and archeological sites.

Currency and Money

Mexico’s currency is the peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. ATMs are everywhere in the city, so there’s no need to carry a lot of cash

Media

Antros Gay has listings for most Mexican cities, including Cancun and other Quintana Roo towns nearby.

Playa Maya News is news and information source for the whole Riviera Maya region.

For bars, hotels and other Cancun listings see our map & listings tab.