Cancún
Turqouise waters. Snow-white sand. Nonstop nightlife. With endless sun, fun and good times, Cancún has long been the destination of choice
among travelers. And these days, Cancún is opening new doors for its visitors, to the archaeological
and natural treasures of the region surrounding it.
| To the south and west,
tours take vacationers to explore the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum,
to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the coves and caves of Xcaret.
Frequent ferries make trips to the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. |
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Chichén Itzá, largest and most famous of all Mayan ruins, is a two-and-a-half
hour drive from Cancún. The complex includes a museum, restaurant and shop,
as well as an evening sound and light show (in both English and Spanish). Even
nearer (81 miles on good road) is Tulum, the only Mayan complex built on the
ocean, on a seaside cliff.
But Mexican traditions -- Ballet Folklórico and bullfights, mole and mariachis --
are there to be enjoyed right in Cancún itself.
| Cancun's clear blue-green water, and the varied coral reefs off its southern tip,
make it a popular destination among divers, snorkelers and fishermen. Diving
lessons and equipment are available from a number of outfitters throughout the
island, while most hotels and resorts can make arrangements for guests to
explore the underwater world. Sailfish, marlin, bluefish, barracuda and red
snapper are top targets for the sporting angler; charters are available at more
than 30 marinas. | |  |
Cozumel,
Mexico's "dive central," is 40 miles south of
Cancún's hotel zone and is usually accessed
by frequent air shuttles or by ferry.
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The golf enthusiast can take a swing at things at three 18-hole golf courses -
including the intriguingly-named Pok-Ta-Pok, designed by renowned golf course
architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. to surround Mayan ruins; located on the
northern point of the island, it's open daily. In addition, Melia Cancun offers a
par-54 executive course and pro shop, while at the southern end is the new
Caesar Park course, with a driving range. |
Cancún offers first class shopping malls with brand-name stores and duty-free
prices: Plaza Kukulcan, Plaza Caracol, Forum By The Sea, El Parian, Plaza
Terramar, Plaza Lagunas-Costa Blanca and Plaza La Fiesta among then. There's
also the Ki-Huic Handicraft Center where Mexican pottery, rugs, jewelry and
other goods are bargained for at open stalls.
Because Cancún draws visitors from around the world, a range of international
cuisines are represented: Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese -- and of course,
the traditional milder Yucatecan fare of this region of Mexico.
Yucatan cooking has gained a reputation as one of the finest in
all Mexico. A combination of Mayan and European ingredients, a
tasty byproduct of the Spanish Conquest. Dishes include the
famous cochinita pibil (suckling pig baked in banana leaves with
a rich annatto sauce) turkey, papadzules (tortillas stuffed with
boiled eggs in a pumpkin seed sauce) and panuchos, tortillas
with fried black beans, chicken and pickled onions.
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| And after dinner
Cancún is renowned for its nightlife. Those seeking the hottest spots need only
take a cab down Kukulcan Boulevard at around 10 pm, to see the large crowds
waiting for the clubs to open. |
| The Ballet Folklorico
performs in various
locations around Cancún.
Internationally recognized,
the ballet features lavish
costumes and traditional
dances. | |
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