Made famous by spring breakers, Cancun is without a doubt, the premier destination for Mexico nightlife—no matter the season. Many of the top spots are found within the Cancun Hotel Zone, a 17-mile long peninsula flanked by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Nichupte Lagoon on the other. This strip is home to dive bars, “Super Clubs,” lounges, discos and everything in-between, making party-hopping a breeze. With its location on the water, the Cancun Hotel Zone is a popular spot for a sunset drink, but the real action kicks off at around 10:30 p.m.

The most popular spots are the over-the-top bars. Packed with international partygoers these bars boast lively energy and all manner of games and contests that encourage customer participation. The social atmosphere is perfect for mingling, and these venues provide a casual warm up round for what’s to come. Just after midnight, the action shifts to Cancun’s many nightclubs for dancing and epic revelry. Cancun’s “Super Clubs” boast music in every genre, jaw-dropping live performers, circus-worthy acrobatics and all the Technicolor lasers, lights and giant video screens imaginable. Nightclubs stay open until at least three in the morning, but some only close their doors when the sun starts to come up.

Insiders tip: Most bars and clubs offer what’s called an “Open Bar,” which means a cover fee paid at the door includes drinks. This usually includes only “well”drinks (not premium liquor), and can sometimes apply to a specific window of time. Ask about the details to ensure an “Open Bar” is the right deal for you. Also, the most popular bars and clubs are packed, so it’s smart to tip your bartender up front. This ensures attentive service the whole night.