Cancun, Mexico
Cancun
lies at the tip of the tropical Ycatan Peninsula. Cancun offers
more modern luxury and less "old world culture"
than other Mexican resort areas. It is within easy reach of
the fabulous Mayan history found at the ruins of Tulum, Chichen
Itza and Coba. Cancun is more than just a spring break party
place--for the sophisticated traveler, you'll find exotic
top quality resorts, spas and restaurants.
Planning your Cancun Vacation can be overwhelming,
contact a professional for expert Cancun Mexico Travel
advice and vacation planning. Your Cancun vacation will
be customized to your personal preferences to determine
which resort and itinerary is perfect for you.
Cancun Travel Online
Booking is available if you choose to book your own
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be available if you choose to book it yourself.
CANCUN RESORTS
CANCUN ACTIVITIES
Chichén Itzá: This is the most
famous site of the Maya - one of the world's oldest and most
mysterious cultures. The city was founded in 445AD and inhabited
until 1204AD, when it was inexplicably abandoned. The most
important structure is the Castle, with stairs crowned by
serpent heads. During the March and September equinoxes, shadows
resembling a reptile descending the temple appear on the stairs.
Other structures include the Temple of the Warriors, the Observatory,
the Temple of the Thousands Columns, and the Temple of the
Jaguars.
Plaza de Toros Bullfights: Cancún
has a small bullring near the northern end of town. There
are usually 4 bulls to challenge the toreador and the spectacle
begins with a folkloric dance exhibition.
Isla Mujeres (Island of Women): This is
the perfect spot for those who prefer a tranquil setting.
Sail to the island and spend a few hours snorkeling the
Fariio reef, then have lunch in town and do some quality
shopping at very accessible prices.
Ruinas del Rey: Though the Maya structures
here are not Mexico's most famous, the site has other benefits
like plenty of soothing solitude and great bird- and iguana-watching.
Museo de Anthropología: Engaging
exhibits on Mesoamerican and Maya history, the museum is
a nice cultural diversion from the tourist scene.
Cancun Dining
Cancún's restaurants outnumber its hotels, with
most of the downtown tourist eateries lining Boulevard
Kukulcán and its side-streets, where you can enjoy
an energetic disco beat with your meal. Seafood and steak
are the staple of most menus, but you can also find Arabic,
Chinese, Italian, French, Cajun, and Polynesian food,
not to mention the US and local fast food joints. Restaurants
are dominated by well-known US franchises, such as Hard
Rock Café, Planet Hollywood, and TGI Fridays. Thankfully,
there are also many locally-owned restaurants where you
can enjoy authentic local dishes, often with live musical
entertainment. All the beach hotels have at least one
formal restaurant, some of which are truly elegant. Most
of these hotels also offer casual beach and poolside dining
rooms. Yucatecan cuisine, the local specialty, has gained
a reputation as one of the finest in all Mexico and combines
Mayan and European ingredients - a tasty by-product of
the Spanish Conquest. While the Riviera Maya does not
have as large a number of restaurants as Cancún,
the quality and variety of cuisine is just a great, especially
along Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen.
Gourmet: Los Almendros specializes in
Yucatecan cuisine and is the local branch of a famous
restaurant that originated in the town of Ticul, justly
renowned for its delicious and delightfully original,
reasonably priced food. Margaritas 25
Highly Recommended: Maria Bonita is
a landmark Mexican restaurant and cantina where you experience
the folklore, traditions, and authenticity of three areas
of Mexico: Jalisco, the land of Tequila; Michoacan, central
Mexico; and Oaxaca, the colonial city. You'll enjoy exquisite
cuisine with traditional dishes accompanied by a variety
of fine live Mexican music during the evening, including
traditional mariachis. Punta Cancún, next to Hotel
Camino Real
Local Flair: Mercado Municipal is the
key to the best budget eats. Follow the locals to this
thicket of food stalls and tiny restaurants, where you
can try tasty and inexpensive eats. Sunyaxchen and Xelha
Pericos Restaurant is an authentic Mexican
cantina that has created an experience of Mexican cuisine
and culture unlike any other. From the little carriage
on the roof to the beautiful, traditionally dressed hostess,
you will be captivated by the magic and charm of the Mexican
Republic. Downtown, 61 Avenida Yaxchilan
Romantic: Bogart's restaurant is an
engagingly elaborate homage to the mythical yet legendary
Rick's Café Americain of Casablanca fame. The place
is extravagantly decorated with Persian rugs, fans, velvet-cushioned
banquettes, and billowing silk. Tables are tucked into
tiny alcoves hidden by potted palms and fountains. Waiters
wear fezzes and white suits and the menu is an eclectic
mix of seafood and Mediterranean dishes. Reservations
essential. Paseo Kukulcán, Hotel Krystal
Nightlife
Cancún is internationally known for its discotheques,
bars, clubs, and party cruises. Since the town's whole
reason for being is to create a fun experience for tourists,
it is only natural that the entertainment is unlimited!
The range is extensive, from romantic piano lounges, to
dance clubs, to sports bars. There are several "booze
cruises" with open bars, and they often include a
stopover for a beach barbecue. More serene dinner cruises
have romantic dining with live music. Your tour or transfer
operator can usually provide current guides for nightlife
and other events or, upon arrival you'll find the latest
issues of free guides handed out at the airports and distributed
around town. As a bonus, many restaurants and nightspots
offer coupons.
Cancún Nightlife
Señor Frogs: This is one of the
most exuberant and popular bars around, highlighting reggae
bands and karaoke night.
Dady' O: There's tiered seating surrounding
the dance floor and is known for its zany atmosphere.
Ballet Folklórico Nacional de México:
An outstanding professional ballet show, with nightly
buffet dinner.
Coco Bongo: There's pop, rock, and Azucar-Caribbean
music, with a unique multi-level dance floor and changing
rock and salsa bands every night. There are also special
shows and guest appearances by musicians and movie stars.
Cancún Queen: The only local
steamboat, it takes you on a dinner cruise along the Nichupté
Lagoon, and features an open bar, live music, dancing,
and prize contests.
