Most visitors to Cancún never leave the Hotel Zone, and that’s where they miss the city’s best food. This tour takes you into downtown Cancún, where real local cooking lives, connecting you with family-run eateries, street vendors, and food markets serving flavours from across Mexico.
Instead of resort-style dining, you’ll taste the dishes locals actually eat, from handmade tamales and slow-roasted lechón tortas to stuffed gorditas and chilli-spiked chamoy nieve. Along the way, you’ll also gain insight into Cancún’s transformation from a small fishing village into the vibrant city it is today. It’s the most delicious way to experience the real Cancún beyond the beach.
Our Cancun food tour offers guests a culinary experience around the city's medina. It's a carefully curated food adventure, led by our team of Cancun tastemakers.
Before we get started, our tour reflects the local cuisine, and the limitations of street food vendors and local eateries mean we cannot cater for every dietary restriction. Here's an honest appraisal for the tour, so no-one is disappointed:
✘ Unsuitable for vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian as the number of tastings would be very limited.
✔ Gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, mild nut allergies, no pork diets and no seafood diets are possible, though some tastings do not have alternatives available
If you are feeling adventurous for a foodie journey, read on!
This four-hour lunchtime food tour takes you beyond Cancún's Hotel Zone and into the parts of the city where locals really eat. The experience visits busy markets, street stalls, and family-run kitchens, offering 15+ tastings that showcase the best of Cancún's flavours.
Along the way, you’ll sample classic Mexican dishes. Tear into warm gorditas filled with creamy requesón cheese, sip gently spiced bowls of pozole with hominy corn, taste slow-roasted lechón, and handmade steamed tamales filled with chicken and salsa verde among much more. Tastings can vary, but each one reflects everyday local cooking.
Although Cancún is a relatively young city, its food culture draws on traditions brought by migrants from across Mexico. You’ll learn how ingredients like corn form the foundation of Mexican cuisine and why these dishes remain central to daily life.
This guided lunchtime tour offers an authentic introduction to Cancun’s local food scene, far removed from the resort experience.
The tour concludes after 3.5-4 hours. You'll leave not only full, but with a much deeper understanding of Mexican food culture and the confidence to continue eating your way through the country.
The meeting point is outside the front of the Teatro 8 de Octubre in Cancun's Downtown. It's best reached via taxi if travelling from the Hotel Zone.
Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan offer a captivating blend of stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant culture. This region is renowned for its turquoise waters, lush jungles, and rich history, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid.
A stunning coastal Mayan ruin overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
An eco-archaeological park offering a mix of cultural performances, wildlife exhibits, and adventure activities.
Slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote, wrapped in banana leaves.
Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
A traditional Yucatan soup made with lime, chicken, and tortilla strips.
This is the most popular time to visit due to pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring ancient ruins.
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time
127VV, 60HzHz
Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan are generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Stay alert and take precautions.
Cancun Bus Station, Playa del Carmen Bus Station
Affordable and efficient, but can be crowded during peak times.
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Car, Bike, Scooter
A small island known for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and relaxed atmosphere.
A colonial town with a rich history, known for its beautiful architecture and nearby cenotes.
A car-free island known for its pristine beaches, bioluminescent waters, and wildlife.
Price varies by option