Cancun Hotels and Travel Guide

Hotels, all inclusive hotels, tours, attractions, transportation and real estate

Cancun, Mexico.  About thirty years ago, a group of forward-thinking Mexicans caught on to the "peso potential" of tourism. These modern day explorers traveled to every corner of Mexico in search of the perfect vacation spot.

Gathering data on many possible seaside Edens, they worked their way back to their base, where the final selection was left up to a newfangled technological tool the computer. Feeding their findings into the huge, buzzing machine, they were rewarded with a paper print- out that read: Cancun.

But 3,000 years before any computer touted Cancun's great potential, the ancient Maya already inhabited the land, their civilization thriving here until about A. D 1200. Now you, too, can lay claim to this picture- perfect place where Mayan magic meets modern know-how, where luxury hotels meet jungle wilderness, where white expanses of sand meet turquoise waters.

Cancun, situated on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is divided into two zones: the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), located on Cancun island, and El Centro (Downtown), on the mainland. The island is shaped like a “7” ad is joined to the mainland by two short bridges. 

The lovely Nichupté lagoon nestles inside of the the island’s south and west sides, while to the north and east, the Caribbean Sea caresses 22 kilometers of white- sand beach. Just minutes away, El Centro bustles with activity, as 500,000 residents and international tourists share the bountiful public services available in the burgeoning community.

The are many ways to get around Cancun: rental cars, mopeds, bicycles, taxis and buses abound. Bus stops are conveniently sprinkled throughout both the Hotel Zone and Downtown (while economical- around $ 5 pesos- buses, which run every couple of minutes, can be packed during peak hours). With so many options for mobility there’s nothing to keep even the most timid traveler hotel-bound. 

Cancun's greatest asset is, of course, its natural marine playground sparkling under the warm sun, with breezes keeping the temperature at a comfortable average of 25º C/80ºF.

The Caribbean Sea is internationally touted as the water sports capital of the world. Add tho this Cancun’s 29 square kilometers (18 sq.mi.) of lagoon and the result is awe-inspiring: visitors can choose from among deep-sea fishing , boating ,windsurfing , sailing , water-skiing , parasailing , jet skiing , snorkeling and diving.

For the die-hard beach bum, the possibilities are plentiful. The beaches with calmer surf are closer to. El Centro, along the Bahía de Mujeres ( Bay of Women), before Punta Cancun. After this "elbow" of the island, things pick up a bit : the waves are larger and the undertow tends to be stronger. It is wise to take note of the signs and flags posted on the beaches, indicating the sometimes-deceptive surf conditions.

Cancun’s famous white sand is the result of limestone, coral and shells being ground to a fine powder by the incessant Caribbean surf. It is pleasing to the eye, and never heats up so much that it makes walking uncomfortable.

When it comes to deep-sea or sport fishing , countless marinas are at hand to accommodate anglers of all types. The marinas also offer cruises to the nearby islands of  Isla Mujeres ( Isle of Women) and Cozumel.

For a more exhilarating experience, tourists can try windsurfing, water skiing or sailing-some of the most popular resort sport. Even more exciting is the jet ski, reaching speeds of up to 56 km/35 mi. an hour and racing to the head of the pack in terms of popularity.

After skimming the surface of the marine fast lane, it may be time to look a little deeper. The reefs close to Cancun are world- renowned for their spectacular colors wide variety of marine life- with more than 500 species of tropical fish-and excellent underwater visibility.

The reefs are protected by law, meaning nothing may be disturbed and nothing removed. “ Take only pictures, leave only bubbles,” is a familiar saying around here. Diving professionals offer courses for beginners and experts alike. Also, snorkeling and diving excursions can be combined for a full range family outing.

Having explored the riches of the deep, visitors still face a storehouse of more accessible treasures  back on land. Both the Hotel Zone and El Centro boast a staggering array of options- from small crafts stands and flea markets to modern malls and shopping centers.  

Mexico-the world’s leading silver producer- offers superbly – crafted, affordable silver jewelry. Gold is also a great buy, with local goldsmiths producing some of the most unique and beautiful jewelry in the world.

The only thing rivaling jewellery in the hearts of shoppers is handicrafts. Authentic crafts date back to the eras of the Maya and the Aztecs in terms of design.

These creations are reborn in wool, cotton, silk, glass, pottery and leather. Native Yucatecan handicrafts include woven baskets, shell and black coral jewellery and hammocks woven from cotton, nylon or silk thread.

And the diversions don’t end at the shops or at the beaches. Short excursions outside of Cancun will transport visitors back in time. Ancient Mayan archaeological sites are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, and the world of the mysterious Maya has never been more accessible. In fact, situated right in the middle of the Hotel Zone and

Surrounded by luxury hotels, Ruinas El Rey ( The King’s Ruins) stand as a testament to the ever- enduring influence of this ancient civilization.

HOTELS IN:

Riviera Maya: Puerto Morelos, Punta Bete, Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Kantenah, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, Xpu-Ha and Tulum

Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Merida, Chichen Itza and Uxmal