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Cancún, Mexico, is a popular travel destination thanks, in part, to its beaches and nightlife.
But some visitors say the vacation destination has its downsides, including pollution and crowds of rowdy college students.
From white sand beaches to clear blue water, Cancún, Mexico, looks like the perfect vacation destination.
It's been rated as the "go-to spot for beaches, golfing, and nightlife," and Cancún is popular among foreign travelers, especially those coming from the US.
According to Mexico's National Institute of Immigration, just over two million American tourists stayed in Cancún in 2018. Almost half of these tourists visited with their partner for a honeymoon, wedding, or a couples' vacation, while 32% of American tourists visited for a family trip.
The institute reports that top activities for Americans when visiting in 2018 included outdoor recreation like hiking and horseback riding, exploring archaeological and historical sites, and water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
Although Cancún has all the makings for an idyllic vacation, some things aren't perfect, according to some travelers. From pollution to crowds of rowdy college students, some say Cancún also has a few downsides.
Keep reading to see what it's really like to travel to Cancún, Mexico.
Cancún and its neighboring towns have tons of unique experiences to offer travelers ...
... from watersports activities like parasailing ...
... to Cancún's underwater museum (MUSA) made up of 500 life-sized sculptures ...
... to Xcaret, an ecological park where you can play with dolphins ...
... to stunning freshwater reservoirs where visitors can swim.
Jonah_Photos/Getty
Inside Cancún's Hotel Zone, a 17-mile stretch of beach between the Caribbean sea and the Nichupte Lagoon that houses many of Cancun's visitors ...
... you'll find pools ...
Adam M./Foursquare
... the El Rey ruins ...
... and beaches, among other things.
When you think of Cancún, you probably also think of stunning oceanfront resorts…
… and breathtaking blue water.
Wikimedia/Dronepicr
Of course, like many vacation destinations, not everything about Cancún is idyllic.
The beaches aren't always picturesque…
… some of the shopping and dining options are less than authentic…
… and resorts can sometimes get packed.
Victor Ruiz Garcia/ Reuters
Cancun is known for its balmy tropical weather.
Sandra Duarte / EyeEm / Getty Images
Source: USA Today, US News
But you might want to check the weather forecast before you travel.
Israel Leal/ AP
September through December are Cancún’s rainiest months.
Source: Hidden Cancun
Despite ongoing, large-scale removal efforts, Cancún's beaches are also sometimes plagued with sargassum algae blossoms.
Source: Riviera Maya News, The Los Angeles Times, Reuters
The algae has a variety of sources, including hurricanes, climate change, and pollution.
In addition to ruining your beach photos...
… the algae blossoms reportedly release a pungent, rotten egg-like smell.
Source: The Los Angeles Times, Reuters
Cancún is also home to mangrove swamps…
… which are being destroyed by nearby construction.
Aside from algae and damaged natural environments, some of Cancún’s beaches are also polluted.
Locals blame rapidly increasing tourism for the damage that’s been done to Cancún’s beaches.
Natural disasters have also taken their toll on Cancún’s beaches.
These austere concrete blocks were put on Cancún beaches to serve as protection from hurricanes in 2013.
The same hurricane season that affects Louisiana and Florida in the US can also wreak havoc on Cancún.
Hurricane season can result in anything from cloudy skies…
… to high winds…
… and choppy seas.
Gerardo Garcia/ Reuters
In addition to its beaches, Cancún is also known for its nightlife.
Source: US News, Cancun.com
But it’s not always as glamorous as you might think.
Some bars and clubs can be packed with tourists.
And the wild nightlife doesn’t always end when the sun comes up.
Source: Cancun.com
The beach town is sometimes flooded with tourists looking to party, especially during spring break season.
Source: Journey Mexico, USA Today
Thanks to its affordability and popularity among college students, Cancún was rated as the best spring break destination.
Approximately 220,000 American tourists —or 11% of American tourists — visited Cancún with friends in 2018.
Source: Mexico's National Institute of Immigration
Much of Cancún’s spring break destination fame came from MTV’s Spring Break series, which visited the popular beach destination until 2005.
From copious amounts of alcohol on the beach…
… to jam-packed nightclubs…
… Cancún was long a haven for spring breakers.
MTV’s annual beach celebration drew college students from all over the US…
… and was notorious for its wild beach parties.
After a 14 year break, MTV Spring Break will be returning to the Grand Oasis Cancún in 2019.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food and culture…
... Cancún's Hotel Zone may not be right for you.
The Forum by the Sea mall features many American-themed restaurants ...
... including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
The same goes for La Isla Shopping Village…
Eduardo P/Wikimedia Commons
… where there are popular chain restaurants like Starbucks and McDonald’s…
… and high-end designer stores.
Cancún has a lot to offer travelers.
And any traveler would be wise to consider when they visit and what they want out of their vacation.
And if you're looking for peace and quiet ...
Willard/iStock
… you might want to rethink visiting during the busiest seasons.
This article has been updated based on information provided after the original publication.
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