CancúnvsSan Juan
Can't decide between Cancún and San Juan? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Cancún
Cancún is Mexico's Caribbean playground, where turquoise waters lap white sand beaches lined with mega-resorts. Beyond the Hotel Zone, discover ancient Maya ruins, cenotes for swimming, and the vibrant culture of the Yucatán.
Known for
San Juan
San Juan is one of the Caribbean's most vibrant and historically rich cities. The colorful cobblestoned streets of Old San Juan, massive Spanish forts, world-class rum distilleries, and nearby bioluminescent bays make it a unique blend of colonial heritage and tropical paradise.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Cancún offers Hotel Zone Beaches, Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres
San Juan offers Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Old San Juan, La Fortaleza
Food & Dining
Cancún is famous for its local dining scene
San Juan is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Cancún has legendary nightlife
San Juan offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
December to April
December to April
Weather
Summer: 33°C, Winter: 26°C
Summer: 31°C, Winter: 27°C
Top Attractions in Cancún
- 1Hotel Zone Beaches
- 2Chichen Itza
- 3Isla Mujeres
- 4Cenotes
- 5Tulum Ruins
- 6Xcaret Park
Top Attractions in San Juan
- 1Castillo San Felipe del Morro
- 2Old San Juan
- 3La Fortaleza
- 4Condado Beach
- 5Casa Bacardí
- 6Paseo de la Princesa
Cancún is Popular With
San Juan is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Cancún
- 1
El Rey Archaeological Zone
A small but fascinating Maya ruin site right in the heart of the Hotel Zone, surrounded by mangroves and inhabited by friendly iguanas.
- 2
Isla Blanca
A long, pristine strip of sand and shallow turquoise water north of Cancún, past the Hotel Zone, leading towards the Holbox channel.
Hidden Gems in San Juan
- 1
Caña de Azúcar Rooftop Bar
A sophisticated rooftop bar at the O:LV Hotel offering panoramic views of Old San Juan and the Atlantic Ocean.
- 2
Parque de las Palomas
A small park next to San Juan Cathedral filled with hundreds of friendly pigeons and stunning views of the city walls.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Cancún
Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone)
The iconic, 14-mile-long strip shaped like a '7' that put Cancún on the map.
El Centro (Downtown Cancún)
The authentic heart of the city where locals live, work, and shop.
Top Areas in San Juan
Old San Juan
The historic heart of Puerto Rico, featuring 500-year-old Spanish colonial architecture, blue cobblestone streets, and massive fortifications overlooking the Atlantic.
Condado
San Juan's upscale beachfront district known for luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Cancún
Budget in San Juan
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Cancún
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in San Juan
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Cancún
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Cancún
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Find cheap transport to San Juan
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Our Verdict
Both Cancún and San Juan are incredible destinations. Cancún excels in beaches and resorts, while San Juan stands out for Old San Juan and rum.
Best destination for:
nightlife
Cancún
beaches
Cancún
families
Cancún
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