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7 Best Cancun Food Tours to Eat Like a Local in 2024 

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Are you ready to book one of the best Cancun food tours?

I’ve got you covered with this list of the best food tours in Cancun!

Being from the Oklahoma/Texas area, where Mexican food is a rite of passage, I didn’t know anything could compare to the Mexican food I was used to.

After taking a few food tours in Cancun, however, I can confidently say that the flavors and experiences of Mexican cuisine here are unlike anything else!

From cozy food stands to high-end restaurants, you’ll never be short of flavorsome options for your palate.

With so much to offer, it can be hard to decide where to eat, which is why a food tour in Cancun is the perfect way to explore this culinary mecca!

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the hidden gems of Cancun’s culinary scene with these ultimate Cancun food tours, including a few street food tours in Cancun as well!

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

Top 3 Picks: Cancun Food Tours

#1 TOP PICK

Three tacos filled with meat and topped with salsa verde, onions, and cilantro which you can sample on several Cancun food tours.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cancun Taco Tour, Local Beer, and Night Market
✔️ Small group of max 15 travelers
✔️ Includes 4 beers + churros
✔️ Vegetarian options available per request

#2 PICK

Grilled corn on the cob on a street food cart on one of the best food tours in Cancun.

3-in-1 Street Food Tour With Local Markets & Murals
✔️ Hotel pickup included
✔️ Knowledgeable & friendly tour guides

#3 PICK

A plateful of six street tacos with lime wedges on a street food tour Cancun.

Taco Tour With City Tour, Tequila, Beer, and Shopping
✔️ Small group of max 10 travelers
✔️ Sample tequila and mezcal

7 Best Cancun Food Tours

1. Five-Stop Taco Tour, Local Beer, and Night Market (Best Option)

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🌮 Book it! 

Three tacos filled with meat and topped with salsa verde, onions, and cilantro which you can sample on several Cancun food tours.

Cancun food tours: Try delicious tacos like these on this five-stop taco tour!

If you’re a taco lover like me, this five-stop taco tour is one of the best Cancun food tours you’ll find! 

You’ll sample a variety of authentic Mexican tacos from four of the best Cancun taco joints paired with local beers while learning about the history of the food and its various ingredients and cooking techniques. 

Each stop on the tour features unique tacos that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds, such as a Mexico City style taco, taco de Surtido, Cochinita Pibil, and more. 

“The tacos very very good and the spots were authentic. The information they provided about the history and culture was very informative. Would recommend to anyone.” – Douglas_C (Read more reviews)

You don’t have to stand in line to wait for your tacos and beer, either. Your friendly guide will handle everything for you so you can enjoy the live mariachi music and the night market. 

The best part about this 5-stop Cancun taco tour is that you’ll get to sample a fresh churro at the final stop, so be sure to save room for dessert!  

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Five-Stop Taco Tour, Local Beer, and Night Market

2. 3-in-1 Street Food Tour With Food Stalls, Local Markets, and Murals

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | 🌮 Book it!

Grilled corn on the cob on a street food cart on one of the best food tours in Cancun.
Discover delicious street food on this 3-in-1 street food tour in Cancun, which is one of the best food tours in Cancun.

This 3-in-1 street food tour in Cancun is the perfect way to experience authentic Mexican flavors in all the best spots and explore the vibrant culinary culture of the city. 

You’ll get the chance to try several street food dishes like tamales and barbacoa tacos while weaving in and out of markets, street food stalls, and alleyways with murals.

“Very good food and even better company. Tour guide was great. Shared great info on the local culture and showed us how the locals really eat. Great shopping for souvenirs as well.” – Ashley_E (Read more reviews)

This street food tour of Cancun is even more special because the tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their city and food. They love sharing their experiences and stories about Mexican food, making it an authentic experience like no other. 

You’ll end the tour by trying homemade popsicles and ice cream with over 40 flavors to choose from! What better way to end this epic street Mexican food tour?

✅ Check Prices and Availability: 3-in-1 Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local, Markets, and Murals

3. Cancun Taco Tour With Tequila, Beer, and Shopping

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-4 hours | 🌮 Book it!

A plateful of six street tacos with lime wedges on a street food tour Cancun.
If you’re looking for a street food tour in Cancun, this Cancun taco tour with tequila and beer is perfect for you!

Tacos, tacos, tacos! Hey, I’m not complaining! What’s a trip to Cancun without trying a variety of tacos and other local street food dishes?

This exciting and ultimate Cancun taco tour with tequila, beer, and shopping takes you to five different local gems, including the city’s main local park, where you’ll try delicious tacos in places like the famous Mercado 28 and local taquerias. 

My favorite thing about this tour is that you’ll sample unique tacos you usually wouldn’t think of trying, such as beef tongue, tripe, and more.

“If you love authentic real deal street tacos then this tour is for you. Luis, our guide was amazing and took us to where the locals go for the best street tacos in Cancun! Would definitely do this tour again! Enjoy!” – Chuck_T (Read more reviews)

Besides tacos, you’ll also get to try fish and shrimp quesadillas at a famed restaurant and enjoy a little tequila and mezcal tasting while enjoying some souvenir shopping at a crafts market.

This taco and tequila tour is truly one of the best Cancun food tours!

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Cancun Taco Tour With Tequila, Beer, and Shopping

4. Lucha Libre, Tacos, Margaritas, and Tequila Tasting

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🌮 Book it!

An image broken up into two sections with one side being a photo of colorful Mexican wrestling masks and the other side being a plate of street tacos, which is one of the most unique tours in Cancun.
One of the most unique food tours in Cancun is this lucha libre, tacos, and margaritas tour because it combines the city’s traditional cuisine with a cultural experience.

Lucha libre is a type of professional wrestling that has been around since the 1800s and is known for its loud music, flashy costumes, and spectacular stunts. 

This lucha libre, tacos, margaritas, and tequila tasting tour offers a special foodie experience because it combines so many fun and delicious elements into one. 

This is one of the best experiences in Cancun because it’s a fun way to learn all about the history of Mexican wrestling while watching some of the most popular luchadors in action while snacking on chicharrones, esquites, homemade popcorn, and other delicious food. 

“Very fun tour! It exceeded our expectations. Tacos were delicious & the wresting was so entertaining!” – Jennifer_M (Read more reviews)

You’ll also sample five tacos, and guacamole, and end your culinary experience with decadent churros.

Other highlights of this lucha libre taco tour include a margarita souvenir cup, your own luche libra mask, making your own hand-made tortillas, and tasting five different types of tequila. 

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Lucha Libre, Tacos, Margaritas, and Tequila Tasting Tour

5. Cancun Street Food and Urban Art Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | 🌮 Book it!

A plateful of tamales with strawberry margaritas and garnishings for the tamales.
Cancun street food and urban art tour is one of the most exciting experiences!

On this Cancun street food and urban art tour, you’ll get off the beaten track, sample four traditional dishes, and explore the local art scene while gaining a unique perspective of the city.

In addition to visiting two local markets and seeing a few historic places that have contributed to the local culinary scene, you’ll also learn about the unique ingredients used in traditional Mexican cuisine, including some of the more exotic spices and herbs. 

“The food was great! Our guide gave us a mini course in types and history of Mexican dishes. The art was amazing. It was a great activity!!” – Jody (Read more reviews)

Some of the local dishes you’ll try include barbacoa tacos, tamales, ice lollies, freshly squeezed juice, guacamole, pico de gallo, beans, salsa, and much more! 

This Cancun street food and urban art tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff, and they’ll tailor the tour to suit your needs if you have any food restrictions.

If you’re looking for a unique food tour where you can try lots of local food and diverse Mexican food, you’ll love this one!  

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Cancun Street Food and Urban Art Tour

6. Cancun Authentic Taco Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | 🌮 Book it!

A street vendor making authentic street tacos.
The best Cancun food tours include street tacos, just like this Cancun authentic taco tour.

Treat yourself to some mouthwatering tacos on this Cancun authentic taco tour that will take you around the vibrant downtown area and to some of the best hidden gems. 

You’ll try five authentic dishes and two drinks at family-owned street food carts and sit-down restaurants while learning about local cooking techniques and discovering fascinating stories about Mexican gastronomy and years and years of Mexican history.

“We got to see how fresh tortillas are made and even got a chance to help make some. It wasn’t just a taco tour, but also a downtown city tour. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking to get out of the hotel zone and learn more about Cancun and see where the locals eat and enjoy their evenings.” – Natalie_T (Read more reviews)

This evening tour is capped at ten people, so you’ll have a personal, intimate experience and get a behind-the-scenes look at Cancun’s food game while meeting some of the people who call this place home.

You’ll also end the evening with delicious churros. After all, what’s a good Cancun food tour without churros? 

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Cancun Authentic Taco Tour

7. Cancun Taco and Local Beer Tasting Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🌮 Book it!

A platter of three street tacos with a side of radish slices and a glass of beer.
Beer and tacos: it doesn’t get much better than this taco and local beer tasting tour.

The best Cancun food tours include tacos and beer, just like this Cancun taco and local beer tasting tour.

After you get picked up at your hotel or meeting point, you’ll embark on a gastronomic adventure where you’ll indulge in four different beers, five unique tacos, and churros.

You’ll also make homemade tortillas and listen to a mariachi band while soaking in the colors and culture of downtown Cancun.

“An absolutely phenomenal tour! A must-have if you want to experience the best tacos of Mexico! Our tour guide Hector went above-and-beyond for us with his passionate story-telling and delectable details on the tacos at each stop.” – Nicholas (Read more reviews)

This delicious tour also offers skip-the-line access, so you’ll spend more time eating and less time waiting for your food, and you can also snack on guacamole and pico de gallo in between tacos.

Dessert is also provided so you can finish this taco and beer-tasting tour on a sweet note.

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Cancun Taco and Local Beer Tasting Tour

BONUS: Top 3 Cancun Cooking Classes 

Are you looking for a great way to deepen your appreciation of Cancun’s culinary culture? These hands-on cooking classes will allow you to learn local recipes and ingredients while creating dishes you can replicate when you return home. 

1. Mexican Cooking Class With Fresh Local Ingredients

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🌮 Book it!

A cooking class where the participant is holding dried red chili peppers with a bowl of four other spices.
This Mexican cooking class is a great alternative to Cancun food tours if you want a more hands-on approach.

Taking this Mexican cooking class in Cancun will surely be an amazing experience!

Not only will you learn how to make some authentic Mexican cuisine, but you’ll also get to explore the area’s rich cultural history while learning about traditional cooking techniques.  

This class is led by an experienced chef who will show you all the ins and outs of Mexican cooking, and you’ll also get to pick out fresh ingredients at the local market to use in your dishes! 

“Five stars!! Best part of our trip. I can’t brag enough and encourage everyone to do this!! The chef was excellent and we had so much fun shopping in the market then drinking margaritas, preparing food and eating it.” – Donnaptak (Read more reviews)

While sipping on margaritas or soft drinks, you’ll make a four-course Mexican feast, including guacamole, handmade tortillas, enchiladas, and other traditional delicacies.

This cooking class is capped at ten participants, so you’ll get plenty of individual attention, no matter your skill level in cooking. 

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Mexican Cooking Class With Fresh Local Ingredients

2. Cancun Cooking Class and Market Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🌮 Book it!

A food market with lots of vegetables in crates including bellpeppers, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and more.
Have you always wanted to make traditional Mexican food? This Cancun cooking class and market tour is perfect for you!

One of the best things to do in Cancun is to take a cooking class, and this cooking class and market tour is the perfect way to get an introduction to the city’s local cuisine. 

First, you’ll visit a local market with a local guide to get ingredients for the dishes you’ll be making, and then you’ll head back to the kitchen for some hands-on instruction from a professional chef. 

“If you want to truly see Cancun, this is the way to do it. Our guide, Nassim, was extremely knowledgeable and eager to share what Cancun has to offer. We were able to have authentic Mexican cuisine and learn to make it at home as well.” – Laura (Read more reviews)

You’ll even learn how to use traditional Mexican cooking tools like clay pots, stone griddles, and comales, and you’ll learn step-by-step how to create the most delicious Mexican dishes that will impress your family and friends. 

This Cancun cooking class is the perfect food tour for experiencing traditional Mexican food while learning about its culture and history!

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Cancun Cooking Class and Market Tour

3. Cancun Chocolate Making Class 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 🌮 Book it!

Chocolate bars with cinnamon sticks and anise cloves scattered around them for decorative purposes.
A chocolate-making class in Cancun is one of the most fun and exciting Cancun food tours!

Chocolate in Mexico dates back to an ancient Mayan civilization. The Aztecs believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods, and it was served as a luxury beverage in royal courts. 

Today, Mexican chocolate is renowned for its unique flavor profile that combines rich, smooth cocoa with hints of spices such as cinnamon and cardamom.

This Cancun chocolate making class gives you a chance to learn traditional Mexican chocolate-making techniques, all under the guidance of a local expert who will provide you with valuable tips and tricks for creating delicious chocolates. 

“This was a wonderful class. We learned a lot, enjoyed the hands on processes roasting beans and making chocolates, and the energy and passion from the hosts is a delight. I highly recommend this class!” – Marianne (Read more reviews)

You’ll also get a chocolate welcome drink, snacks, and a chocolate dessert while becoming an expert at all things chocolate!

This chocolate-making class is a unique and delicious experience and one of the best Cancun food tours!

✅ Check Prices and Availability: Cancun Chocolate Making Class

FAQs: Cancun Food Tours

What is the most famous food in Cancun? 

The most famous food in Cancun is arguably tacos. Tacos are made with various fillings, including beef, chicken, pork, and fish. They are usually served with onions, cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges. The flavors of the different fillings combined with the fresh ingredients make for a delicious meal.

What food is known in Cancun?

The local cuisine in Cancun includes an eclectic mix of Mexican, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and other international flavors. Popular foods found in Cancun include tacos al pastor, chilaquiles, cochinita pibil (pork stew), enchiladas, tamales, ceviche, and panuchos. Seafood is also popular in Cancun with dishes like Huachinango a la Veracruzana. Flan and freshly made churros are popular desserts. 

How much does a meal cost in Cancun?

Eating out in Cancun can be quite affordable, depending on where you dine. A Mexican meal at a casual restaurant usually ranges between $7 and $15, while an upscale restaurant costs around $20 per person. Street food is also an option if you’re looking for something quick and inexpensive — tacos, quesadillas, and other snacks are available for just a few dollars each. 

What is the best food tour in Cancun? 

This five-stop taco tour is one of the best Cancun food tours and a top selection because you’ll sample four tacos at four different restaurants/taco joints and finish the experience with some artisanal churros. You’ll explore downtown, meet locals, and learn about different taco styles from an expert guide while indulging in the flavors of real Mexican food.

Are Cancun food tours worth it?

Yes! Taking a foodie tour in Cancun is the best way to learn about Mexican cuisine and Mexican culture while trying new things. This unique experience allows you to sample local dishes and alcoholic beverages from various restaurants, markets and the best Cancun street food. You can also learn how traditional recipes are prepared and served in Mexico. Additionally, since most tours include a cultural experience such as live music or dancing, it’s a great opportunity to have some fun with your culinary exploration while having a knowledgeable guide show you all the best pop taco shops and the best local restaurants.

Final Thoughts: Cancun Food Tours

Going on a food tour/food tasting is a must on any trip to Cancun. From bustling street food markets to more upscale local Cancun restaurants, Cancun city is one of the best places for foodies who crave amazing food and want the real Mexican taste.

Whether you want to explore the local cuisine or sample international flavors, Cancun food tours are a great way to experience it all. 

You’ll be delighted with Cancun’s lively culinary culture regardless of if you choose to go on a food tour or take a cooking class!

More Mexico Travel Guides You’ll Love:

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Mexico travel insurance for Cancun?

100% YES! Having travel insurance can be incredibly beneficial in a variety of situations. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen items, etc. It’ll give you peace of mind while traveling starting at only $5-10 USD per day with Safety Wing.

🚰 Can you drink the water in Cancun?

No. Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Cancun. I recommend buying a Brita insulated filter water bottle so you can filter your water on the go without worrying about getting sick.

🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in Cancun?

Yes! Renting a car in Cancun is safe, and it’s one of the best ways to explore the city and its surroundings. I recommend Discover Cars because you can easily compare the prices and policies of several companies at once so you can find the best deal.

📱 Will my phone work in Cancun?

Maybe. Some phone companies in the States offer service in Mexico included in their plan. But it’s best to check with your provider before you go to ensure you can use your phone there. If not, get an eSIM card from Airalo. Rather than going through the hassle of buying a physical SIM card when you land, you can download an eSIM through Airalo’s app and install it right away so you can use your phone as soon as you land.

🏨 What’s the best way to book my Cancun accommodations?

My go-to for booking hotels in Cancun is Booking.com because they have a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to luxury. If you’re looking for a more home-y feeling place, I recommend VRBO, which is a cheaper and better option than Airbnb.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Cancun?

I recommend Kiwi.com for finding cheap flights to Cancun. They offer an easy-to-use website that compares prices from multiple airlines to help you find the best deal on flights to your trip to Cancun and anywhere else in the world.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Cancun?

Most likely not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism purposes. However, check out this website to ensure you don’t need a Mexico travel visa.

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