Discover the Best Vacation Rental Apartments in Cancún, Mexico

Experience Cancún from a locals perspective with a stay in your own rental apartment
Experience Cancún from a local's perspective with a stay in your own rental apartment | © RooM the Agency / Alamy Stock Photo
Alex Robinson

Cancún has far more to offer than spring break parties and all-inclusive hotels. Scratch below the surface and explore the city beyond the hotel zone by booking a vacation rental in Cancún with Culture Trip.

Although it wouldn’t be a trip to Mexico without a few margaritas, in Cancún – at the northeastern tip of the cenote-scattered Yucatán Peninsula – it’s worth wandering away from the bar-lined seafront. Discover ancient displays at the Museo Maya de Cancún, El Meco’s iguana-dotted Mayan ruins and a multitude of local ceviche spots and taco joints. Here’s our pick of the best vacation rentals and airbnb apartments in Cancún.

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Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Marina Beachfront 2 Bdr – Amazing Oceanview

Apartment

A balcony with a table and two chairs looks over a pool towards the ocean.
© Marina Beachfront 2 Bdr – Amazing Oceanview / Expedia

Flaunting a beachfront location, you’ll need no other convincing to stay at this fantastic Cancún vacation rental apartment. The water is always in view no matter if you’re prepping lunch in the kitchen, binging TV in the living room or savoring a drink on the balcony. You’re welcome to use the outdoor pool, but once you slip on a swimsuit, you’ll want to head straight to Playa Puerto Juarez. Fresh ceviche and tequila sunrises will keep you calm, cool and comfortable as the sun sets on Cancún.

Beachfront Penthouses at Brisas by the Spot

Apartment

Beachfront Penthouses at Brisas by the Spot overlook this luxurious pool and the ocean beyond.
© Beachfront Penthouses at Brisas by the Spot / Expedia

Beachfront and penthouse combine for a Cancún stay like no other. This vacation rental apartment has three bedrooms, so you can share the views with your closest friends or favorite family members. Grill up shrimp tacos and have a picnic outside if you’re not keen to dirty your kitchen stovetop. Slide on a pair of comfortable sandals and your feet will glide you to Delfines Beach and El Rey Ruins in 15 minutes. For a quicker pace, hail a taxi and hit Aquaworld for adventurous water sports action.

Luxury 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments

Apartment

High-rise blocks that home luxury 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments behind an outdoor pool area.
© Luxury 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments / Expedia

You’ll feel lucky in these luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments – and that’s not because you’re within a 15-minute drive of the Dubai Palace Casino. Furnished balconies and extra living space offer more than enough room for you and your crew to have a laid-back stay. Afternoons spent poolside are equally enjoyable, unless you’d prefer to take an easy 20-minute rideshare to the beach. With a dedicated children’s pool, your kids won’t mind staying close to this vacation rental.

Cancun Jr Suite En Resort Vista Al Mar

Apartment

A luxury pool deck with ocean views and three jacuzzis sunken beside the pool.
© Cancun Jr Suite En Resort Vista Al Mar / Expedia

The Casino Macao, Yamil Lu’um ruins and the beach are among the many hotspots within walking distance of this one-bedroom airbnb in Cancún. Small yet more than sufficient, a kitchenette is all you’ll need to reheat delicious leftovers from the nearby waterfront restaurants. Retail therapy awaits at La Gran Rueda Cancún, a perfect place to pick up a few new swimsuits for the inevitable hours you’ll spend sunbathing at the Chac Mool Beach.

Stunning Suite Ocean View

Apartment

The patio at Stunning Suite Ocean View can be seen with palm trees and ocean behind.
© Stunning Suite Ocean View / Expedia

The serene ocean views alone make this Cancún vacation rental apartment worth more than a quick night’s stay. Coffee, tea and cocktails are easy to stir in the kitchenette – and even easier to imbibe on the private furnished balcony. You’ll see the sea from new vantage points with a 15-minute walk to Forum Beach or a bit longer of a hop to the Punta Cancún Lighthouse. That is, if the seaside bars along the way don’t set you off course.

Paradise Beachfront & Nightlife Heart

Apartment

A contemporary styled bedroom with private balcony and ocean views at Paradise Beachfront & Nightlife Heart.
© Paradise Beachfront & Nightlife Heart / Expedia

Cancún locations don’t get much better than this. These three vacation apartments-with-a-view sit right over the beach at the northern end of the hotel zone. The Coco Bongo, one of the city’s busiest clubs, is outside the front door, and the surrounding streets are packed with bars, burrito stalls and restaurants. The apartments have ample space – especially in the two-bedroom Panoramic Studio, with its wraparound balcony offering 270-degree ocean views, which sleeps seven.

City Suites Cancún Aeropuerto Riviera

Hotel, Apartment

Palm trees are reflected in a pool as clouds gather overhead at the City Suites Cancún Aeropuerto Riviera.
© City Suites Cancún Aeropuerto Riviera / Expedia

These simple suites are next to Highway 307, just over 1km from the beach, but only a 10-minute drive from Cancún International Airport. Rooms are simple but contemporary – with wood laminate floors and warm neutral tones. They sit over a large swimming pool with ample sun-lounging space. Stays come with complimentary breakfast and a free airport shuttle. The Xoximilco Mexican theme park – offering night cruises and kitschy themed cultural shows – is on your doorstep.

Apartamento de Lujo en Cancún

Apartment

An ocean front pool with sun loungers lined up against the shoreline.
Courtesy of Apartamento de Lujo en Cancún / Expedia

These Puerto Juarez apartments – some of which are big enough for families – are only a 15-minute cab hop from Cancún’s busy center, yet they’re quiet enough that only the music of the waves and calling gulls will disturb your sleep. While the beach isn’t as long as on Cancún’s hotel strip, the sand is still powdery and pearl-white, plus the apartment has access to a big, free-form infinity pool and children’s paddling area.

Extended Suites Cancún Cumbres

Apartment

The red and beige exterior and intimate pool area at te Extended Suites Cancún Cumbres.
© Extended Suites Cancún Cumbres / Expedia

These economical, contemporary Cancún airbnb apartments feature queen-size beds and kitchenettes within Extended Suites Cancún Cumbres, an aparthotel in Cancún’s southern suburbs. Off the main state thoroughfare, Highway 307, it’s an ideal stay for those on a budget who want to be close to the airport. Digital nomads will appreciate the in-room workstations, while downstairs is a small pool and sundeck for lazy afternoons. Stock up on groceries at the large supermarket across the street – there’s also a string of US chain restaurants, cafes and takeaways if you don’t want to cook. Downtown Cancún is less than a 20-minute drive away.

Molly Codyre and Nick Dauk contributed additional reporting to this article.
On a budget? Check out our guide to the most budget-friendly hotels in Cancún, bookable on Culture Trip.

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