Eating is 50% of any Mexican trip’s success. The local cuisine is world-renowned for a reason! And Cancun might be the best place in Quintana Roo to try it. The immense variety of taco flavors, tortillas, and traditional delicacies is impressive… and utterly delicious!
There are plenty of things to do in Cancun, but eating my way through the city is one of my favorites. There are plenty of affordable, hidden local joints that produce mouth-watering dishes in the downtown area.
If you’re not familiar with the city but are still interested in discovering new local dishes and learning about culinary traditions, your best bet is to join a food tour. They all include delicious bites as well as a knowledgeable, foodie guide.
Check out this post to find the best Cancun food tours out there, and enjoy a fantastic (and yummy!) experience.
Why can you trust my picks? I truly believe food tours are some of the best Cancun tours you can join. With my six-month adventure through Mexico and a decade of expertise in selecting exceptional tours, I’ve handpicked the best food experiences for you. Dive into authentic flavors, from street tacos to gourmet Mayan cuisine, and discover the stories behind each dish.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide when booking tours around the world, and I especially recommend them because of their fantastic free cancellation policy. If for any reason your travel plans change, you can get a full refund by canceling most activities up to 24 hours in advance.
Limited time? These are the best options:
THE BEST TOUR | Cancun Street Food Tour |
THE BEST TACO TOUR | Cancun Taco Tour |
MEZCAL & FOOD TOUR | Small Group Food Tour & Mezcal Tasting |
OUR PICK: The BEST Food Tour in Cancun
The Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals is the best experience for foodies in my opinion. You’ll spend half a day exploring the city’s culinary gems with a guide.
Start with a visit to Mercado 23, a bustling landmark where you’ll find plenty of delicious bites. You’ll also pop by local eateries and street food stalls for snacks, including carnitas tacos, barbacoa, and tamales.
Learn about Cancun’s foodie scene, and cap off the tour with ice cream and handmade popsicles – there are over 40 flavors to choose from! Be sure to go with an empty stomach, because there’s plenty of food to fill you up.
➤ Why is this my top tour? With hundreds of 5-star reviews, this tour stands out from the rest. It offers plenty of food – prepare to be stuffed! – along with fresh juices, allowing you to try a diverse range of authentic dishes.
And you’ll enjoy them in a variety of locations, from markets to local stalls and restaurants. Plus, your knowledgeable guide will tell you all about Mexico’s culinary secrets and a bit about the culture and history of the city as well.
Read what the reviews say:
”This food tour did not disappoint! Our guide, Diego, was amazing! I am pescatarian, so he made sure that I was accommodated at each restaurant. He also provided some history about Cancun and Mexican culture. We also enjoyed shopping at the market, dessert, and viewing local artwork. Overall, I highly recommend this tour. It was very efficient and enjoyable.”
Brittney_M – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Transfers, bottled water, and all the food tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Taco Tours in Cancun
▶️ This Cancun Taco Tour, Local Beer and Night Market with Transportation is specially designed for taco lovers. You’ll spend over 4 hours roaming around Cancun, learning about the Mexican history of tacos and relishing great food.
You’ll try the classic Al Pastor tacos, cochinita pibil, arrachera tacos, and surtido style tacos. Wash it all down with four beers, and cap off the tour with a delicious churro for dessert.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, tacos, beers, a churro, a local guide, and vegetarian alternatives. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Cancun Taco Tour – City Tour, Tacos, Tequila, Cerveza & Shopping is a great option for those with limited time. In less than 3 hours you’ll get to sample a great variety of tacos paired with beer. Think Al Pastor, seafood, suadero, chicharron, chorizo…Yes, you’ll get to try them all!
You’ll also visit a craft market for tastings of mezcal and tequila, and enjoy free time to do some shopping. End the tour on a sweet note by having dessert in a park. It’s one of the best food tours in Cancun for taco lovers!
This tour includes: All tacos, drinks, tequila and mezcal tastings, dessert, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Cancun Authentic Taco Tour is a 2.5-hour experience led by a local guide. The tour allows you to uncover a side of Cancun that very few people see: its bustling, delicious street food culture!
You’ll visit everything from food stalls to formal eateries in search of the perfect dish. Enjoy five delicious tacos, including Al Pastor, fish, and carnitas tacos, and two drinks. Finally, relish a sweet churro for dessert.
This tour includes: Great food tastings, two drinks, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Mezcal Tasting in Cancun with Food Tour
If you’re into spirits, you can’t skip this Small Group Food Tour and Mezcal Tasting in Cancun, which combines the best of both worlds. Mexican cuisine + Mexican drinks: a fiesta!
You’ll dive into the world of Mezcal with a professional mezcalier, learning about its making process and characteristics. You’ll then sample different varieties paired with local snacks such as tapas and montaditos.
This tour includes: The option to choose a private tour, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE