Cancun Vacations

Overview

Cancun is a coastal city located on the southeastern tip of Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The Yucatan Channel separates Cuba from Mexico. The peninsula was originally inhabited by the Mayans, but most of them died soon after the explorers arrived due to the sudden upsurge in epidemic and violence. Cancun has been designated as a city since 1970, when officials decided to develop it as a site for tourism. The investment for the plan was initiated by the Mexican government by financing hotels. Today, more than 600,000 people live in Cancun and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Great Mesoamerican Reef off the coast is the second largest reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Activities & Attractions

Cancun is the most popular tourist destination of Mexico with the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean Sea and the unbelievable magnificence of the blue oceanic water of the region. There are over 25 centers in Cancun that are dedicated to impart lessons and instructions in water activities. In Mexico, it is illegal to touch animals or reefs and it is illegal to collect sand, rocks, or seashells found on the beaches.

Besides water fun, other activities may include hiking, fishing, and biking. You must plan tours to archaeological sites, where remains of the Mayan culture can be found. Tour guides are available to accompany you and explain the significance of the sites. The Chichen Itza and the Great Pyramids of Kulkulcan, Coba, and Tulum are few of the places of attractions for tourists interested in the history of the region. They are filled with archaeological digs and Mayan ruins.

Cancun has some of the best golf courses in the world. The nightlife in Cancun can be enjoyed either in small bistros or the world-class restaurants. Puerto Morelos is a fishing village few miles from Cancun that features eco-tours through the jungle to view the Mexican wildlife.

Lodging

The Cancun Hotel Zone features seaside resorts on a 17 miles long coastline, offering luxury accommodations with high price tags. Less expensive accommodations can be found in downtown Cancun or in the nearby Puerto Morelos. The rates for economy lodging in Cancun range from about $50 during the off-season to $75 in season.

Transportation

The best and the least expensive way to get around Cancun is by bus. You can get a bus for about 6.5 pesos from the Hotel Zone to almost any location within Cancun. An air-conditioned bus costs 11 pesos for a trip. The airport offers its own taxi service, but you can get other taxi services too. They are easily available everywhere in Cancun. Taxis and ferries are available to take you to the Isla Mujeres, which costs about $15 for a round-trip ticket.