The year 2026 is shaping up to be a spectacular season for exploring the Mexican coasts and the Caribbean. But we know that not all travellers are looking for the same thing.
While some dream of waking up in front of an infinity pool overlooking the desert, where it meets the sea, others imagine endless nights of partying or afternoons of complete disconnection in a hammock under the palm trees.
We've put together a comprehensive guide to the three-star destinations for this year: Los Cabos, Cancún/Riviera Maya, and Punta Cana. We analyze their vibe, their must-sees, and we'll tell you how to get around, where to stay, and what activities will make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Jump to:
1. Los Cabos: Where the Desert Meets the Sea
If you're looking for exclusivity, dramatic landscapes, and a touch of sophistication, Los Cabos is your destination. This corner of Baja California Sur offers a unique aesthetic: the arid desert embracing a deep blue sea.
The Vibe: Chic, modern, and luxurious. Don't expect a tropical jungle; here, the star is the contrast between golden cliffs and the ocean. It's the jet-set paradise, with a top-tier culinary scene and hotels that are architectural works of art.
Ideal for: Couples seeking boutique hotels, foodies, golf and sport fishing enthusiasts, and those looking for a romantic escape.
Los Cabos Must-Sees & Dos
- El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: The region's icon. It's the rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Arrive by boat (or a private luxury yacht) and take the opportunity to see the nearby Lover's Beach.
- Whale Watching: From December to April, gray whales arrive in these waters to mate. It's one of the most moving natural spectacles that exists.
- Dinner in San José del Cabo: The historic center of San José offers an unparalleled farm-to-table experience. Places like Flora Farms (an organic farm with a restaurant) or Acre (with its treehouses and renowned cuisine) are mandatory stops.
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Route: Although not in Los Cabos (it's about a 2-hour flight + 1.5-hour drive away, in Ensenada), many travelers combine them. But if you're staying put, look for local wine tastings offered by luxury resorts.
Getting Around in Los Cabos
The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is located between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
The best option is to rent a car (preferably an SUV) if you plan to explore restaurants and beaches, as the destination is quite spread out.
Cabo San Lucas Airport Shuttle Services and taxis are also available and are great options.
To move between hotels and commercial centers, Uber and local taxis work well, although prices are often negotiated in advance.
Fun Fact: Many luxury hotels have "non-swimmable beaches" due to the strong Pacific currents, but they more than make up for it with the world's best infinity pools, designed to look like they merge with the sea.
Best Hotels in Los Cabos
- Montage Los Cabos: A luxury resort in Santa María Bay, with impressive architecture and one of the best spas in Mexico.
- Mar Adentro Cabos: For minimalist design lovers. Its iconic floating structures and reflecting pools are an Instagram dream.
- Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection: A classic of elegance, with spectacular views of the Arch and impeccable service.
- Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos: For those seeking luxury but with a more modern and lively atmosphere.
Best Activities
- Sport Fishing: Known as the "Marlin Capital of the World," it's the ideal place for a fishing excursion.
- Snorkelling at Santa María Bay: A protected bay with calm waters and abundant marine life.
- 4x4 Beach Tour: Explore dunes and virgin beaches in an off-road vehicle.
2. Cancún and Riviera Maya: Adventure, History, and Neon
If there's one complete destination in the Mexican Caribbean, it's this one. Cancún and the Riviera Maya are a perfect mix of modern mega-resorts, non-stop partying, the mysticism of the jungle, and the grandeur of Mayan culture.
The Vibe: Energetic, diverse, and cultural. Here you can go from dancing in a world-class nightclub to swimming in a sacred cenote in a matter of minutes. It's impossible to get bored.
Ideal for: Groups of friends, active families seeking more than just a hotel, and explorers who want to combine relaxation with daily excursions.
Cancún & Riviera Maya Must-Sees & Dos
- Cenotes: These are underground freshwater sinkholes sacred to the Mayans. Swimming in their crystal-clear waters is a mystical experience. Recommended: Cenote Ik Kil (near Chichén Itzá), Gran Cenote (in Tulum), or Cenote Dos Ojos.
- Tulum Archaeological Zone: The only Mayan ruins facing the sea. Sunrise here is simply magical. Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Chichén Itzá: One of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World. The Kukulkán pyramid will leave you breathless. It's worth getting up early for a guided tour to learn about its incredible acoustics and astronomy.
- Xcaret and Xel-Há Parks: Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park with underground rivers, Mexican folklore shows, and a butterfly pavilion. Xel-Há is a huge natural inlet ideal for snorkeling and floating down a "river of life."
- Isla Mujeres: A ferry from Cancún takes you to this island of turquoise waters. Rent a golf cart and tour the island, ending at Playa Norte, considered one of Mexico's best beaches.
- Party in Cancún's Hotel Zone: Coco Bongo, Mandala, or The City are party temples for those seeking neon-lit nights and spectacular shows.
Getting Around in Cancún & Riviera Maya
The Cancún International Airport (CUN) is one of the busiest in the world. The best way to get around depends on your plan:
- Car Rental: Highly recommended if you want the freedom to explore cenotes, ruins, and towns like Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Highways (like Highway 307) are in good condition.
- ADO Buses: Comfortable, economical, and connect everything: Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chichén Itzá.
- Collectivos (shared vans): The cheapest option for moving between Riviera towns.
- Taxis and Transfers: There are many, but agree on the price beforehand, especially in tourist areas. The Cancun Airport offers Cancun Airport Transportation service with good prices.
Fun Fact: You can go from an epic party at Coco Bongo to the total peace of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (a World Heritage site) in less than an hour. The diversity is amazing.
Best Hotels in Cancún & Riviera Maya
- Hotel Xcaret México: An "all-inclusive" paradise that also includes unlimited access to all parks in the group (Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, etc.). Ideal for families and adventurers.
- Nizuc Resort & Spa: Absolute luxury in a private area near the airport, with spectacular suites and the best spa in the region.
- Rosewood Mayakoba: In an exclusive private community with navigable canals. Discreet luxury amidst nature.
- Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún: For lovers of the adult "all-inclusive" concept, focusing on sensory experiences and gastronomy.
Best Activities
- Cenote Diving: For certified divers, exploring caverns like The Pit or Taj Mahal is an out-of-this-world experience.
- Swimming with Turtles in Akumal: You can snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat.
- ATV Jungle Tour: Pure adrenaline combined with a visit to hidden cenotes.
- Visit to Cobá: Climb the tallest pyramid in the Riviera Maya (still possible, with caution) and enjoy the view from the top of the jungle.
3. Punta Cana: The Eden of All-Inclusive
If your goal is to disconnect from the outside world, forget about your wallet, and live in a postcard of palm trees and white sand, Punta Cana is your place on the planet. This is the temple of total relaxation.
The Vibe: Tropical, relaxed, rhythmic, and warm. It's the classic concept of a "Caribbean vacation": leaning palm trees, flour-like sand, turquoise water, and the sound of bachata in the background.
Ideal for: Those seeking the best value for money in "All-Inclusive" hotels, destination weddings, hassle-free honeymoons, and pure beach lovers who need nothing more than a lounge chair and a drink with an umbrella.
Punta Cana Must-Sees & Dos
- Bávaro Beach: A stretch of coast that frequently appears on lists of the world's best beaches. Crystal clear waters, fine sand, and an endless turquoise sea.
- Saona Island: The quintessential excursion. A catamaran (or speedboat) trip that includes sailing through shallow waters, seeing starfish in their natural habitat, and enjoying a virgin beach with pool-like water. The "typical lunch" on the island is part of the experience.
- Catalina Island: Another excursion option for diving or snorkeling on a spectacular coral reef.
- Local Rhythm: Learn a few bachata or merengue steps with a "coco loco" in hand. Many hotels offer free classes.
- Scape Park at Cap Cana: An ecological park with cenotes, interior lagoons, and private beaches, ideal for a half-day excursion without straying too far from your hotel.
Getting Around in Punta Cana
The Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the main entry point. The dynamics here are very different from the Riviera Maya:
- Airport Transfers: Most travelers book a round-trip Transfers from the Punta Cana Airport to the hotel and don't need transportation again until they leave.
- Booked Tours: For excursions like Saona Island or Catalina Island, the tour includes pick-up and return by bus or van.
- Taxis and Uber: They exist, but prices to leave the hotel zone towards downtown Bavaro or Punta Cana village can be high.
- Renting a Car: It's not the most common, as many hotels are designed for you not to leave, but if you want to explore on your own (e.g., going to Cap Cana or restaurants outside the resort), it can be an option.
Fun Fact: In the Dominican Republic, the treatment of tourists is famously exceptionally warm.
Dominicans will make you feel like an honored guest on every corner, with a smile and kindness that will steal your heart.
Best Hotels in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the king of "All-Inclusive." Here are some of the best:
- Excellence Punta Cana: An adult-only classic, with spectacular beach, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana: Wellness luxury, all-inclusive but focused on health and absolute relaxation.
- Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort: Family-friendly but with an adult section, great dining options, and located in the exclusive Bavaro area.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana: The largest and with the most "festive" vibe, full of activities, ideal for those seeking movement without leaving the resort.
- Sanctuary Cap Cana: A luxury Spanish castle-style resort, with butler service and one of the most private beaches in Cap Cana.
Best Activities
- Marinarium (Cap Cana): Catamaran excursion with snorkeling in a natural pool and swimming with (harmless) nurse sharks and stingrays.
- Beach Buggy Tour: Explore virgin beaches like Macao in a buggy full of mud and adrenaline.
- Punta Espada Golf Course: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it's one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Caribbean.
- Horseback Riding on the Beach: A sunset horseback ride along the shore is pure magic.
Conclusion: What's Your Style for 2026?
As you can see, there's no single "best" destination, just the one that best suits your travel desires.
- Choose Los Cabos if you're looking for sophistication, renowned cuisine, and dramatic landscapes.
- Choose Cancún and Riviera Maya if you want adventure, history, cenotes, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Choose Punta Cana if your thing is absolute relaxation, postcard-perfect beaches, and the limitless comfort of All-Inclusive.
Each corner has its magic and awaits you with open arms for an unforgettable vacation in 2026.
Have you decided on your next destination yet? Tell us in the comments.
Leave a Reply