CANCUN

Cancun is Mexico’s most important tourist destination and one of the world’s most well-known resorts. Located in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula region, it has a subtropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 27º C (81º F) and 35º C (95º F) and sunny days throughout most of the year.

Cancun offers the unparalleled beauty of the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise-blue water and white-sand beaches. During your stay, you can do water sports or other activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting, or you can take a spin on a waverunner. You’ll also find plenty of time to relax and enjoy the fine services offered in the  hotel zone. Along the hotel strip, which spans more than 30 kilometers (nearly 19 miles), you’ll find everything from villas and five-star hotels to exclusive resorts and spas. You’ll also find modern shopping malls, more than 500 restaurants offering the best in national and international cuisine, and numerous bars and discos where the parties rage all night long.

Nearby Cancun, you can tour the Mayan Riviera and check out Playa del Carmen, Xcaret and Xel-Ha, ancient Mayan ports that have been converted into modern-day paradises. Also nearby is Tulum, a fascinating archaeological zone by the sea. It was the only walled city built by the Mayans. Finally, you’ll want to visit Isla Mujeres and Cozumel to live the unforgettable experience of snorkeling and scuba diving along the coral reefs.

NIGHTLIFE

Cancun is the best place to have fun at night. If you’re looking to dance to the beat of Latin rhythms, we recommend the Cocobongo, located in Plaza Forum. For those who like pop and electronic music, The City, El Alebrije and La Boom are good options. For live music, check out Dady Rock, El Bulldog, or The Hard Rock Café.

Nearby, along Kukulkan Boulevard, you can listen to Latin and Caribbean sounds at Mango Tango, a place with ten years of tradition. If you want to do something totally different, you can take a cruise on a replica of a Spanish galleon, where you’ll be waited on by pirates and enjoy a delicious meal, an open bar and dancing. There are also other boats that offer romantic night tours and dinner on the Caribbean Sea.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

In Cancun, one of the most romantic things you can do is go horseback riding, whether it’s on the beach admiring the gorgeous scenery, or in the in the lush surroundings of the jungle. There are daily horseback excursions that begin at 8:00 am, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm and last for about four or five hours. The horses depart from Plaza Kukulkan.

Isla Holbox. Located 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Yucatan Peninsula. Separated from the mainland by the Yalahan Lagoon, Holbox Island is far enough removed from civilization to allow you to forget about everything and enjoy some quiet relaxation. To arrive there from Cancun, take Route 180 west to Km 150 and then head north about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the town of Chiquila. There you’ll have to cross Yalahan Lagoon in a boat to arrive at the island. The inhabitants are fishermen and they can guide you around the island. The town of Holbox is very small and doesn’t have paved roads, which explains why most people there use bicycles and golf carts to get around. We recommend that you rent one of these golf carts to travel around the island as you admire the beautiful landscape and take in the fresh ocean air. From Yalahan Lagoon, you can take a boat to Isla Pajaros and Cabo Catoche. Along the way, you’re likely to see dolphins and pink flamingos.

Parque Natural Garrafon. Located in the southern region of Isla Mujeres, 14 kilometers (9 miles) from the Cancun coast. The park is a natural paradise where you can do water sports, sunbathe, or relax under a palm tree as you forget about the stress and hustle of the big city. Open daily to the public year-round. In this park, you can do some Tyrolean rappelling, one of the most exciting activities on Isla Mujeres. Here’s how it works: you climb a high tower and strap yourself into a harness, and then you slide down a cable that is connected to another platform. Some of the cables are more than 350 meters (1,100 feet) long and you’ll feel the adrenaline rush as you soar through the air at more than 50 kilometers (30 miles) per hour. The adventure ends at la Cueva del Silencio in the southern part of Isla Mujeres, which is near an ancient Mayan temple that honors the goddess Ixchel.

Playa del Carmen. Located 68 kilometers (42 miles) south of Cancun on Route 307 in the Mayan Riviera. At this marvelous place, you can go on Jeep, motorcycle, bicycle and horseback riding tours.

Trips near Coba. If you enjoy cave exploring, there are daily trips from Cancun to Coba, where you can visit the so-called Jaguar and Alligator sinkholes, as well as Mojarras Lagoon. The trip includes a guided nature tour, rappelling and Tyrolean rappelling lessons, and excellent local cuisine.

SHOPPING

Cancun has many important marketplaces, shopping malls, and artisan markets where you can find all kinds of souvenirs. In the hotel zone, we recommend that you visit Plaza Caracol, Plaza Flamingos, Plaza La Isla, and Plaza Kukulkan, modern shopping complexes with a wide array of stores, boutiques and jewelry and perfume shops. In the downtown area, we recommend that you visit Plaza Las Americas and the stores that sell crafts along Tulum Avenue and at Mercado 28.

Most of these businesses are open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, however some close during lunch hours from 2:00 to 4:00.