Great Runs in Cancún and the Mayan Peninsula
Note: For the Full Guide to Running in Cancún and the Mayan Peninsula, see the GR Website
Cancún is located on the northeast coast of the Yucatán peninsula and is a popular vacation destination owing to its great beaches, numerous hotels, reliably good weather, and relative proximity to the United States. It’s also the northern anchor point of the ever-growing Riviera Maya (Mayan Peninsula), which stretches along Highway 307 south to Tulum and is lined with beach resorts looking out to the Caribbean Sea. Despite the sea, beaches, and good weather, the options for running in Cancun and vicinity aren’t great. There are few secondary roads or multi-use paths, and no major public parks. But we’ve done the research to find you the best places to run in Cancún and the Mayan peninsula.
Cancún Hotel Zone Running Options: There are basically two options for running in the ‘Hotel Zone’: along the nicer sections of beach, or the sidewalk paralleling the main road, Kukulcan Blvd. There’s a red-colored bike for between km 10 and km zero. Not beautiful, but functional.
Central Cancún: In central Cancún, the best options for running are: the bike path that extends towardd the hotel zone for 10 km; Malecón Tajamar, which has some nice water sections; Kabah Park’s 2.5 km of paths, the some quieter streets around the port.
Best Beaches for Running: Classic beach running, with views of turquoise waters and and firm, packed sand near the water. The best section is the 9 km between Playa Forum and Playa Delfines, which is wide, continuous, and open to the public.
Playa del Carmen Area: Coastal town on the Riviera Maya. Best running options are the pedestrian path along the Quinta Avenida, several beach sections, and a lovely loop around the golf course in Playacar, a high-end neighborhood just to the south.
Tulum Area: Ancient Mayan port city of known for its well-preserved ruins, archeological park, and beautiful beach. Best running options are several bike paths, the 1.5 km along the beach, and paths around the ruins.
Cozumel: This resort island 12 miles east off the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula is FABULOUS for running, owing to many dozens of km of dedicated, waterside paths. Oceanfront running on both the more developed west side and the more rugged east side.
