| Cancun is one
of the most popular and important tourist
destinations in all of Mexico and the world.
Its superb Caribbean location makes it the
perfect place for everything from
ecotourism, snorkeling, horseback riding and
fishing, to golf, scuba diving, surfing and
sailing. Extreme sports are a also a major
part of the excitement found in Cancun – the
city boasts one of the highest bungee jumps
in Mexico - the Regio bungee - with a height
of 70 meters.
Cancun is comprised of three distinct but
integrated areas: the city of Cancun, a
boomtown of 500,000 people, popular for
shopping, dining and less expenses
accommodations; the ecological reserve with
lovely mangroves and lagoons; and the resort
zone, an island. The island-shaped city has
an unmatched infrastructure with some of the
best hotel chains in the world lined up on
its strip, offering luxury and comfort in a
perfect Caribbean setting. Its contemporary
lodging facilities welcomes several business
conventions throughout the year; and its
cosmopolitan offering includes plazas and
large shopping malls with handicrafts from
all over the country, leather articles,
tobacco and imported goods.
When it comes to archaeological sites and
historical flashbacks of the Mayan culture,
Cancun has it all. Major attractions include
fascinating Mayan ruins both in Quintana Roo
State, as well as the neighboring state of
Yucatan – home to the Mayan pyramids of
Chichen-Itza. The Cancun Museum displays
pieces from several Mayan archaeological
sites. El Rey and El Meco also showcase
dramatic ruins of the Mayan culture, as well
as San Gervasio, on Cozumel Island, a short
trip away from Cancun.
Within driving distance of the city,
travelers can find several natural reserves
such as the Riviera Maya eco-archaeological
sites of Xcaret and Xel-ha, which offer
breathtaking cenotes (sinkholes),
clear-water lagoons, river rapids and forest
walks.
Cuisine is another major component of
Cancún’s unique offering. The wide varieties
of exotic dishes of Mayan origin are
distinguished by their use of condiments
found in the region. A selection of fish,
along with chirmole, papatz tzul, relleno
negro and cochinita pibil are
only some of the dishes you can savor at the
many restaurants in the state of Quintana
Roo.
When the Caribbean sun goes down, the
intense Cancun nightlife begins and
continues well into dawn. Its nightclubs and
discotheques offer all kinds of music, as
well as some of the finest Mexican and
imported drinks. Those looking for a
celebration on the water can head to party
cruises that offer dinner, drinks and music
while you sail along the bay and Laguna
Nichupte.
The excitement never ends in Cancun. The
list of sights to see and activities to
engage in are undoubtedly endless in this
Mexican paradise, and its gorgeous, white
sand beaches on the Caribbean Sea are ideal
for a sun-kissed vacation. |
