Things To Do In Cancún
A famous holiday spot, Mexico’ Cancún offers sun, nightlife and archaeological wonders.
The lure of the crystal-blue Caribbean Sea, the wonder of the ancient Mayan civilisation, and neon nightlife that is second to none make the charm of Cancún a worldfamous resort on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico irresistible.
Cancún, first developed as a tourism mecca in the 1970s, has grown in popularity among holidaymakers, and the reasons are many. Sparkling sandy beaches and the stunning Caribbean provide the setting for a variety of water sports, including diving, parasailing, riding watercraft, and exploring neighbouring islands by boat. Shopping, fine dining and a round of golf are appealing options as well.
The breathtaking archaeological history of the Maya, one of the world’s oldest cultures, is explored by thousands annually. Accommodations are plentiful in the Cancún Hotel Zone, and range from unsurpassed luxury to economical. After dark, a vibrant club scene brings local culture and top entertainment to life, with stunning shows featuring dancers, acrobats and other performers.
Located on the southeast coast of the Mexican Yucatán in the state of Quintana Roo, Cancún is famous the world over for its variety and spice of life. Getting there is relatively simple, Travellers are required to have a passport and tourism card, which is available through your airline of choice, any Mexican consulate, or the Mexican tourism office. Daily air service is available via Cancún International Airport. Take a taxi from the airport to the Hotel Zone, approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) away. Accommodations in the Hotel Zone range from all-inclusive resorts to clean inexpensive rooms for travellers on a budget.
The primary thoroughfare in the hotel zone is Avenue Kukulkan, lined with shops and restaurants, and often crowded with vendors and pedestrians. Spend the day soaking up the spectacular Caribbean sun at Playa Tortugas, a popular beach among locals and visitors alike, where refreshments are just a short walk away. The pristine sands of Playa Delfines offer a beach less travelled, with little commercial development and a quieter setting.
For those interested in Mayan culture, the El Rey ruins are located in the centre of the Hotel Zone. Dating to 1200 CE, they are easily accessible and offer a taste of the rich heritage of the Yucatán. Other Mayan historical sites are nearby, but for the more adventurous, the great city of Chichen Itza, with its famed step pyramids, lies just two hours to the west. Excursions are available, but they sell out quickly.
Outlying Islands, such as Isla Mujeres, offer charms all their own. A lovely fishing village just 20 minutes by ferry from Cancún, the town and island provide ecotourism adventures such as the turtle farm at Sac Bajo, diving and snorkelling at El Garrafon, and encounters such as swimming with dolphins.
Of course, the Cancún nightlife is second to none, and opportunities for an evening of diversion abound. Cancún has largely escaped the drug-related issues that have plagued other areas of Mexico in recent years. However, stay within the designated areas and remember to guard valuables and personal possessions. Law enforcement personnel are visible and active.