Cancun Area Information


Cancun, Mexico's most popular beach resort, is located at the tip of the Yucatan peninsula on the shores of the Caribbean sea. If sun, sand and sea are what you are looking for, you could not make a better choice. In fact.The Travel Channel rates Cancun's beach as one of the 10 best in the world. The 300 plus days of sunshine a year plus the easy access from the United States and many European and South American cities add to Cancun's appeal.

But Cancun is much more than a beautiful beach resort. It offers an incredible variety of interesting and exciting activities . . .

From beaches to bright lights, Cancun has it all: soft white sands and turquoise waters, coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, golf courses, spas and water sports, shopping centers, fine dining and glittering nightlife.

Selected in the late 1960s to be the site of Mexico抯 first master-planned resort, from the inauguration of its first hotels in 1974, Cancun has never looked back. It has been the powerhouse of Mexican tourism for over 30 years and although it now shares this title with the Riviera Maya, it is still going strong.

There抯 more, when you come to Cancun or the Riviera Maya you really have three vacations in one. You can relax on the beaches and explore the Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest in the world or venture inland to discover the wonders of the ancient Mayan civilization. Finally, wherever you go, you抣l experience Mexican hospitality and get a taste of the country抯 rich and colorful culture.

Cancun is the gateway to a world of natural and historical attractions. Sightseeing highlights accessible from Canc鷑 include the archaeological sites of Tulum and Coba in the Riviera Maya and Chichen Itza in the Yucatan. Already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mighty Mayan metropolis was voted one of the Seven New Wonders of the World in a global poll that took place in 2007. Further afield in the neighboring state, are the equally impressive ancient city of Uxmal (another World Heritage Site) and a chain of lesser sites known as the Puuc Route, Ek Balam and Dzibilchaltun. The colonial cities of M閞ida, Valladolid and Izamal are also worth a visit.

Combining a day of fun in the sun and in the water with a dash of nature, history and Mexican traditions, the Xcaret and Xel-Ha parks in the Riviera Maya are perfect for a family outing. Other fun options include horse riding, dolphin swims, snorkeling excursions and jungle adventures suitable for adults and older children which feature kayak, rappel, zip-lining and swimming in cenotes or sinkholes.

Don抰 miss the opportunity to visit Playa del Carmen, the lively district capital of the Riviera Maya. This former Mayan port has its own ambiance: a generous helping of Caribbean charm served with Mexican magic and a sprinkling of world culture.

The famous main street, La Quinta or Fifth Avenue, is lined with craft shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars that range from chic to tropical.

Did you know that you can go island hopping from Cancun? Tiny Isla Mujeres is just across the bay; the island bird sanctuary of Contoy is a two-hour boat ride away and Cozumel, one of the world抯 most famous dive destinations is easily visited from Playa del Carmen. The fourth member of the island quartet, Holbox, is a fishing community on the Gulf coast where ecotourism is the order of the day.

If you are a nature lover, plan a trip to the biosphere reserves of Sian Ka抋n and Rio Lagartos, vast areas of wetlands and jungle that are a haven for rare and colorful wildlife. Other area reserves include Yum Balam, Punta Laguna, Celestun in Yucatan and Calakmul in southern Campeche. If you are due to visit the Mexican Caribbean during the summer, you may be lucky enough to witness two of the great ocean travelers, the whale shark and the sea turtle.

Meet the Maya, see how they live and learn about their timeless traditions through visits to their villages. Organized small group tours may include demonstrations of farming techniques, ancient rituals, bee keeping, medicinal plants, music, dance, recipes and a representation of the village fiesta.

Thomas Moore Travel can help you plan a fun-filled day trip and activity program for a truly unforgettable vacation. Be sure to visit the tour desk in your resort.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a chance to unwind, or a family vacation, Cancun has something special for you. Whatever activities you choose to experience, the warm and welcoming people of Cancun will make your vacation even more unforgettable.

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