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Plan Your Journey to Cancun with Confidence

Plastic surgery travel tips for a smooth, stress-free experience

Navigating Your Path to Rest and Recovery in Cancun

Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or preparing for your very first trip abroad, choosing to travel to Cancun for plastic surgery is a bold and empowering decision. This guide is designed to walk you through every step—from booking your flight to recovering peacefully—so you can feel confident, supported, and prepared from start to finish.

Arriving in Cancun is straightforward, with Cancun International Airport (CUN) offering numerous easy, direct flights from many U.S. places. Planning your travel carefully ensures a smooth start to your trip.

Booking Your Flights

booking your flight 1

Compare prices on

For the most direct support consider booking directly on the airlines official website. Also check flight + hotel package options on Expedia.com for better deals.

Consider booking refundable flights or flights that allow you to change the flight for a fee in case you need a last minute change.

Booking Your Hotel

where-to-stay

Explore options on

These websites typically buy blocks of hotel rooms and often have lower pricing and refundable rooms—when compared to the hotel’s website!

Consider booking refundable hotels or other stays in case you have a last minute change.

Pre Procedure Arrival

Patient-Favored-Hotels

Arrive two days early to rest and prepare. Don’t forget to pack:

  • Travel Documents: Passport, ID, flight and hotel confirmations.
  • Comfortable Clothing: Loose, easy-to-put-on clothes, plus hats and scarves for sun protection.
  • Essential Medications: Your regular prescriptions and basic over-the-counter items.
  • Entertainment: A book, tablet, or laptop and an HDMI cable. Many Mexican hotel TVs have limited channels, so an HDMI cable lets you connect your laptop to TV to watch your own shows.

Important Considerations for Your Stay

To ensure a smooth and safe recovery, please keep these crucial points in mind for your time in Cancun.

Prioritize Healing

comfort meets

To help your body heal, stay out of the sun and avoid swimming. It’s the best way to protect your results and avoid problems.

Stay Close Clinic

downtown-hotels

Choose a hotel 3-5 miles (5-8 km) away—ideally in the northern most Hotel Zone or Downtown—for easier, faster trips to your follow-up appointments.

Check Access

team travel

Make sure your hotel allows your nurse to come in and park easily, and visit your room.

Some places have rules about outside visitors or need permission ahead of time.

My experience with Dr. Valdez was amazing from start to finish. He has a professional team that works alongside him to make sure all the logistics (like the shuttle from the airport and transportation to all the appointments are taken care of and included in the price of the surgery). He performed surgery on my eyes and I am very satisfied with the results. Read Full Review on Real Self.

Aayala | July 2025

Know Your Hotel and Recovery House Options

Where to Stay in Cancun: Beyond Just a Room

Choosing the right recovery space is key to a smooth healing process. Beyond standard amenities, think about the atmosphere that will make you most comfortable. Do you want a lot of natural light and a good view, or a more private setting? Is being near the beach or closer to clinics and shops more important? A recovery house is often located in a residential area, offering a distinct home-like feel. Choose the vibe that you find ideal for your recovery journey.

  • Full-service hotels offer amenities like room service and daily housekeeping.
  • Limited-service hotels are more budget-friendly and include a continental breakfast.
  • Self-service stays like an Airbnb or condo allow you to manage your own meals and cleaning.
  • Recovery houses provide a dedicated space and staff for post-operative care.

The best choice for your recovery is the one that fits your specific needs and helps you heal with ease.

Full Service Hotels and Resorts

full service hotels

Best for stress-free, high-comfort recovery

  • On-site restaurants, room service, concierge, spa, daily room cleaning, sheets changed on a schedule
  • Ideal for patients without a caregiver
  • Great for first time international travelers.
  • All needs handled—just focus on healing
  • Higher cost, but maximum support and convenience

Top Patient Picks:

Limited Service Hotels

limited-service-hotels

Good balance of comfort and independence

  • Clean rooms, Wi-Fi, often free continental breakfast
  • Often lacks room service or amenities
  • Rooms are cleaned regularly by staff, sheets changed on a schedule
  • Great for people with light recovery needs
  • Caregiver or patient must handle most meals, errands
  • Best for: Budget travels who want some structure

Top Patient Picks:

Self Service Stays in Cancun

apartment

Best for independent travelers with caregiver support.

  • Full apartments via Airbnb, VRBO or others (kitchen, laundry, space)
  • Ideal for privacy, comfort, and home-like recovery
  • Caregiver or patient must handle meals, errands and daily help
  • No hotel staff—self reliance required for cleaning, etc.

Top Patient Picks:

Recovery House Options

recovery house

Good options for patients traveling alone

  • Some recovery houses offer professional care and luxury amenities in a comfortable setting for those who need extra care.
  • They may provide private villas or hotel suites, with concierge services for meals and other needs.
  • Care can include on-call doctors and nurses for daily check-ups and pain management, with some locations offering 24/7 on-site staff.
  • Medical BNB

Important Tip

Before you book check recent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Expedia to see how the hotel is doing. Call to make sure they have what you need—and that your nurse or care team will be allowed to visit.

Recovery Houses confirm the recovery house you are staying in has the amenities that you need.

Protect Your Results: Skip the Sun

For optimal results, staying out of the sun is essential during your recovery. Sun exposure can significantly impact healing and your final outcome. We’ll remind you of this vital precaution throughout our guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Valdez’s office does not assist with booking your flight or hotel. On the Travel Guide page (above) there are some patient recommended hotels. Before you book, think about what kind of recovery and hotel experience you want so you can find the perfect place for your stay and budget. Friendly reminder to look at pictures of the rooms, read the hotel reviews, call the hotel to make sure they will allow care team access.

There are apartment and suite stays in Cancun! These options are best with a caregiver and can offer the ultimate privacy in the comfort of a home. You will have to make your own meals, clean and change your linens, be prepared for that.

List of things you should confirm or check before you book:

  • Read recent hotel reviews
  • If you like a bright sunny room, make sure the hotel can provide one
  • If you want room service, confirm they have room service.
  • If you want a dining experience from morning until evening, confirm that too.
  • Make sure the place your are staying has many photo’s online of the property, the surrounding grounds, the lobby, the rooms.
  • If cleanliness is important to you, find out from the hotel how often they clean your room, and change your bed linens.
  • Find out what the tipping policy is for house cleaning staff and restaurant staff.
explore-cancun-beyond

Explore Cancun Beyond the Beaches

While you focus on recovery, your companions can explore Cancun’s vibrant offerings:

  • Local Culture: Wander through lively markets, enjoy upscale shopping, or visit the Mayan Museum.
  • Adventures Await: Discover ancient ruins and mystical cenotes.
  • Culinary Delights: Experience the city’s diverse and lively food scene.

Should you feel up to it, you’re welcome to join. This flexibility ensures your companion enjoys Cancun while you prioritize healing.

getting-around

Getting Around Cancun & Essential Travel Tips

  • Medical Transportation: Your concierge nursing service handles all medical transport (airport & appointments). Stress-free from arrival!
  • Personal Travel: For leisure (dining, exploring), arrange your own:
    • Local Bus: Affordable & convenient in Hotel Zone (~$1 USD/ride).
    • Ride-Shares: Uber/similar services are readily available.
  • Currency: U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Financial-Considerations

Financial Considerations

  • Cash is King: While credit cards are common, it’s smart to carry some cash.
  • Notify Your Bank: Contact your bank/credit card company before your trip. Inform them of your travel dates and adjust daily spending limits for large expenses (hotel, medical). This prevents fraud alerts.
  • ATM Access: Be aware some ATMs may not work with all international cards.
  • Documents: Always remember your passport and essential travel documents for safe, seamless travel.

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