Welcome to your Cancun Vacation

Prior to the 1970s, this once sleepy island was little more than a neglected back water, until a computer was asked to pinpoint the perfect spot to build an internationally appealing mega resort, and chose Cancún.

Since then, monolithic hotels have sprung up to compete in kudos and size, lining up in a 14 mile north-south row of concrete, steel, glass and holiday indulgence. For many, the tropical climate, powder white beaches, and affordable packages are worthy of the long journey in themselves. For others, a visit to Mexico simply has to include excursions to one of the stunning Mayan and Toltec archaeological sites scattered throughout the region.

Things to do in Cancun

There are a thousand and one things to do in Cancun. There are many world-class luxury hotels dotted all along the edge of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, and on the other side you have the Nichupte Lagoon with many romantic waterside restaurants and trendy bars. Add a full range of watersports, including some of the world’s most exquisite snorkeling and scuba diving, plus championship golf courses and you have a location that will delight even the most discerning traveler.

Sightseeing

The Archaeological Museum of Cancún, close to theConvention Centre, houses many objects belonging to the Mayan culture, while a manageable introduction to their ancient structures can be seen at El Rey, located between the Hilton and El Pueblito hotels. An added side show here are the hundreds of iguanas living amongst the ruins located between the Hilton and El Pueblito hotels. An added side show here are the hundreds of iguanas living amongst the ruins

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The aquarium at Parque Nizuc is one of the most comprehensive on the continent and comes with a 30 minute opportunity to swim with dolphins. Despite the short ferry ride, the Isla Mujeres is a million miles from the modern atmosphere of Cancún and makes an enticing escape for the day and retains some of its sleepy village charm together with a turtle sanctuary and small zoo.

Shopping

Cancún brims over with international duty free designer shopping within the numerous monolithic malls of Cancún's hotel zone and, if so inclined, it is possible to shop, eat, drink and even dance the night away beneath one palatial roof. Away from Luis Vuitton, Bally, Gucci and such like, Coral Negro open air market close to the Convention Centre has around 50 stalls selling indigenousness craft items that include silver, amber, leather and ceramics.

In Cancún city, Ki Huic Market on the Avenida Tulum and Market 28 just off Avenida Yaxchilan are good places to practise bartering skills directly with local artisans and where prices should be around half of those found in hotel gift shops. Opening hours for most retail therapy is seven days a week, ten am to two pm, five to nine pm, while others operate from nine am to nine pm.

Cancun Watersports

For watersports enthusiasts, Cancun offers some of the best scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing in the world, owing to the Great Mesoamerican Reef just off the coast of Cancun. This is the second largest reef in the world – second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

 

Cancun Restaurants and nightlife

In Cancun you have such a varied choice of cuisine, with everything from downtown traditional Mexican restaurants to ultra-chic bistros. You will find something to suit all tastes and budgets and ill get fantastic service with a smile wherever you go. Cancun’s Hotel Zone is renowned for its nightlife, boasting some of the best nightclubs in the world playing everything from salsa to disco to R & B and live music venues. You will find something to suit all ages and tastes.

After Dark

Twenty four hour partying is the pleasure principle of Cancún, and the 'strip' offers an endless assortment of nightclubs and bars dedicated to Western ears. Christine's, Coco Bongo and Dady'O all boast impressive light and laser shows to accompany the pounding beats.

For anyone wanting to mingle and party with the inhabitants, head for Cancún city where the drinks are cheaper and the music can be more home grown. Something a little higher brow can be found at the Convention Centre where professional ballet is regularly performed or at the Teatro de Cancún which presents nightly traditional song and dance shows.

Day Trips

The crowning glory of the Yucatan's heritage is the fifth century Mayan city of Chichén Itzá. Located at the heart of this UNESCO site is the castle or pyramid which you can clamber to the top of and, if the exertion doesn't take your breath away, the views of the seemingly endless jungle beyond certainly will. Nearby Tulum is another ancient monument with the added attraction of a stunning beachside location.

Away from Mexico's ancient heritage, Xel-Ha is a water based eco park with a collection of inlets, lagoons, sinkholes and caves that offers the chance to swim, snorkel and raft amongst all kinds of sea creatures. For those uncomfortable in water that's teeming with life, there are nature trails, bicycle paths, solariums and informed presentations on the endangered species to be found nearby.

Etiquette

A great deal of emphasis is placed on politeness with arrogant and inconsiderate behaviour very much frowned upon. Visitors should also bear in mind that punctuality as understood elsewhere is not necessarily a Mexican habit and at least half an hour's grace should be given. On the same theme, impatience is generally an alien emotion here and should be kept in check.