With the demise of Mexicana airline, there are now fewer air connections available in Mexico. Though air travel remains a good way to get around Mexico, travel by bus may be necessary, and is almost always cheaper, though it can be very time consuming. Be sure to keep in mind the distances between the places you’re visiting: Mexico is a big country! (Our distance calculator can help you with this.)

Bus service in Mexico can vary greatly – from sleek modern coaches to retired school buses. See our guide to Mexican bus travel for help in navigating Mexico by bus, and for some tips to make your Mexico bus travel more comfortable.

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What Cancun Has to Offer

Cancun is kind of an island of two halves – the Hotel Zone and El Centro (Cancun City). You’ll find crystal clear beaches to rival the best in the world near the Hotel Zone, designed to attract and accommodate tourists with the abundance of hotels, markets, restaurants, not to mention the delectable water activities.  Why not ask your travel agent to sort you out with some reservations? Of course, some of the hotels are more pricey than others but hey, that’s life!  Don’t forget to have a wander down El Centro on your trip though, this is where the locals hang out but is often flooded with tourists too, just trying to experience the fantastic festivals and activities – wonderful.

Cancun Attractions and Stuff to Do

Of course, just take one look at the heavenly white sand and the crystal blue waters and you’ll not be surprised that many of the most popular activities in Cancun center around the beach. If you’re a “water baby” you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven, snorkeling and swimming next to dolphins (yes, real ones) is popular in many locations, especially Xcaret nature park, Xel Ha and Isla Mujeres. That’s not all, if you fancy drying out for an hour or two why not have a go at horse riding, golf or kayaking? Nature abounds in Cancun, and the Xcaret nature park (only 35 miles from Cancun) will blow your mind with its coral formations and outstanding Mayan temples (don’t hang about though, the Mayans predict the end of the world in December 2012 apparently). Travel a little further to the south of Cancun island and you’ll be able to enjoy the rare and diverse wildlife at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Cancun Climate

Alright, I hear you ask, it sounds pretty perfect so far, but what about the weather? Well, for 330 days of the year it’s above 80 degree Fahrenheit (nice) with the average summer temperature varying only between around 80 to 85 degree Fahrenheit, but if you go in March or April don’t forget your umbrella – the rain gods are merciless for a couple of months, but for the rest of the year you can only expect the odd shower or two.

Cancun History

Any “culture vultures” will find the island of Cancun a smorgasbord of delights, and those who just like the odd small  portion of culture won’t be disappointed either. The history and culture of the Mayan ruins along with archaeological sites of Mexico really are a sight to behold. In Tulum, quite close to Cancun is one of the world’s first lighthouses – how about that? Oh, and you must visit Chichen Itza with the bizarre Mayan ruins and El Castillo Pyramid as well – you just have to.

Cancun Culture

If you’ve never seen the original Mexican dance at the Ballet Folklorico Nacional de Mexico, then put it on your list of things to do, along with the shopping and other interesting activities which go on at the small island coast of Isla Mujeres (Women Island) - no wonder the shoppings so good!

If you’re a bit of a night owl then you’ll be spoiled for choice with nightclubs like Senor Frogs, La Boom, Congo Bongo and the Parque De Las Palapas – (don’t know who thinks up these names but they’re brilliant!) – and prepare for your waistband to expand with scrumptious cuisine in a choice of more than 400 restaurants (sea food, Italian, Japanese, Caribbean, American) not to mention the laser shows and choice of gentle music bars.

Be Safe in Cancun

Once you’ve decided to book your trip to Cancun, then you must be immunized against Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies. This will avert the threat of illness and disease on your trip from diarrhea, malaria and if you come into contact with any wild animals during your visit. 

Recommendations from CDC-Centers for Disease and Control Prevention recommend:

• take extra care with personal hygiene – wash your hands and clean your teeth regularly
• only drink bottled water
• do not buy food from street vendors
• keep Chloroquine drug to ward off malaria

Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreens, summer clothes and a picture ID or your birth certificate.

Well, have you booked yet? What are you waiting for? You really owe it to yourself to visit the breathtaking island of Cancun.

The Mayan Kingdom in Cancun

In the days of the high period of the Mayan Kingdom, Kaank’uun (that’s Cancun in Mayan) was inhabited by a sizable population of mostly merchants and fishermen. It was an important site for the Mayans, after all, it had terrific access to the resources of the Caribbean (location, location, location – even in those days!). The citizens of Cancun supplied large settlements with food, and many trade routes were developed to make use of the ideal location of Cancun. Unfortunately, once the Spanish arrived many of the people of Cancun either died or moved out, leaving the island virtually empty for hundreds of years (there’s always somebody ready to spoil the party). There are some great sites where you can find out the incredible history of the Mayan Kingdom on your trip to Cancun, such as Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza – all located within only a few hours of the city and well worth the effort.

In Search of Cancun

Cancun, as we’ve already said, was more or less deserted for hundreds of years (awwww) until, sometime during the winter of 1967, the Bank of Mexico went on a mission in search of the ideal travel destination, as a way of increasing tourism and the income for the country.  A group of economists set out to travel the entire 11,000 miles of Mexican coastline looking for the perfect site, they were looking at scenery, weather and the potential opportunities for recreational activities. After completing their initial research, the story becomes a little unclear – some insist that the data of all locations was put through a computer, with the island of Cancun being analytically selected as the best location, others maintain that the bank officials reviewed the data and decided upon Cancun. Either way it doesn’t really matter, Cancun was proclaimed to be the most desirable site in Mexico, and within two short years, the luxurious destination of the Cancun we know and love to this day, was beginning to take shape.

The Rise of Cancun

In January 1970 development began on Cancun, which up to that point was a coconut farm. Of course, the beaches, the clean water and the spectacular scenery were there too, that’s what convinced the Mexican government to move forward in the first place. Foreign investors were naturally a little skeptical about investing in a complete unknown, so Mexico actually financed the first nine of the hotels alone. The master plan for Cancun involved developing an internationally focused hotel and tourist site, with native workers being encouraged to develop the mainland section of the city – El Centro.

Cancun in the 1970′s wasn’t exactly an international tourist destination, but an increasing number of Mexican visitors began to take advantage of the facilities and luxurious location. As the city was more developed, investors began take an interest and see the possibilities emerging – especially once an international airport was constructed. Cancun has been clever though, because in spite of lots of international influence, many of the businesses are still owned by the locals – even the large chains and fast food restaurants. Cancun is still a very important source of income for the citizens of Mexico.

Cancun Today

Though the Cancun of today is less than 40 years old, it is now widely regarded as not only one of the most enticing destinations in the Caribbean, but one of the best resort cities in the entire world. Just shows what a bit of vision can do! With almost 600,000 residents, approximately 3 million visitors flock to Cancun every year from all around the world. Many of these people won’t even know about the rise of Cancun, but if they were told the story they’d be certain to agree, after witnessing first hand the scenery, the beaches, the weather and the beautiful city itself. I wonder what the next 40 years will bring?

If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation destination, you won’t go far wrong with the Riviera Maya. We’re talking beautiful beaches, we’re talking fascinating archaeological sites (for the culture vultures among you, or just those who like to take a break from the beach occasionally) and we’re talking the perfect choice of accommodation, whether you prefer laid-back eco-resorts or top of the market luxury boutique hotels, you’ll find them all here.

Fancy a Little Adventure?

You do? Well, then, you definitely won’t be disappointed by the great range of adventure activities available, not to mention the opportunities to interact with nature. 

Photo  Adam McCulloch

Riviera Maya Ecotourism

CANCUN TRAVEL TIPS

Water – one of the single most important things to remember during your vacation to Cancun is that not all of the water is safe to drink. OK, some of the hotels and resorts do filter their water but that still doesn’t guarantee that it’s safe or that you won’t end up sick. Many visitors opt to travel by cruise line and only drink water they take from their ship. In short, they’ve got loads of bottled water in Cancun so drink that – remember – don’t drink the tap water.

Sunscreen – is only effective if it’s waterproof, did you know that? Well, during your vacation to Cancun you’re sure to be in and out of the ocean or the pool at some time, so always remember to use waterproof sunscreen.

Currency - in Mexico is only legal tender if it hasn’t been defaced. You’re not allowed any torn bills in Cancun, not even as a tip, so if somebody offers you a torn bill in your change, politely but firmly ask for one that hasn’t been defaced – it will be worthless.

Hotels – on the beachfront are private property, and so you’re politely requested to refrain from using somebody elses property as access to the beach.  I know it can be tempting to take a shortcut, but there are ten public access points which you can use to get to the beach and the sea, so use them.

Safety – in numbers. You’re strongly advised to stick with the crowds while you are shopping or clubbing. You shouldn’t walk alone in any city at night, even in a place like Cancun which is, on the whole, pretty safe. Remember, there’s safety in numbers – stick together.

Timeshares – if somebody in an information booth says they are not selling time shares, don’t believe them, because they are, we know!

Pedestrians – don’t have the right of way in Mexico, cars do, so don’t argue with the cars, it’s their road!

Legal Requirements in Cancun

Just like many other places, you need legal documents to be allowed to enter Mexico. These documents can include passports, birth certificates (the ones with raised embossed seals), voter registration cards or driver licenses with photo id. If you have any child with you who isn’t your own, younger than 18 years of age, then you’ll need a notarized letter from their parents or guardians. This is the same for family members and non-family members (you can’t even take you sisters kids without her authorization!)

Legal Issues – if you have any legal issues in Cancun then go to the Consulate, go directly to the Consulate, do not pass go, do not collect $200 and certainly do not rely on any legal tips from the Cancun natives. Go to your nations embassy and speak with your consulate.

Money Tips in Cancun

• The currency exchange rate for US dollars to pesos is around $1 for 11-12 pesos. There are currency exchange facilities located all over Cancun. The best idea is to only change a little at a time, after all, you can only spend this money in Mexico and if you change more than you need you’ll be going home with less US dollars than Mexican pesos.
• Traveler Checks are widely regarded as the safest way to spend money, and are accepted in most Cancun businesses – great stuff.
• US Dollars will be accepted in many places, but don’t be tempted to carry lots of American cash around with you, it’s not really a good idea!
• If you buy any calling cards, only buy the ones which are made by the phone company and labeled LadaTel or TelMex.
• It’s no good relying on your credit card because lots of places don’t accept plastic.
• If you do bring a credit card along with you, you must have identity theft protection and use your card only in emergency situations – you have been warned.
• Check before you leave the States that your cell phone will work in Cancun, and that you won’t be charged for roaming or international rates on any minutes used.  Your cell phone provider should know.

Tipping in Cancun

Ok, this refers to service tips, not tipping garbage on the beach – you’re certainly not allowed to do that!

• It is not necessary to tip cab drivers, they certainly don’t expect it.
• On the subject of cab drivers, there have been occasions when they have overcharged – negotiate the price up front.
• If you tip hotel staff and room service you’ll be considered generous and polite – and probably get better service in the future
• Tips and gratuities are expected in bars, restaurants and nightclubs
• Tips for service in your room or on the beach don’t have to be cash, small gifts are also considered very thoughtful and generous.

You may have heard that the Mexicana Airline filed for bankruptcy three weeks ago. This prompted them to stop all ticket sales and alter some of the routes in an effort to cut costs. Things started to look up last week, however, when Tenedora K, a group of investors stepped in. They obviously didn’t much like what they found though, as the new management soon decided to suspend all flights indefinitely, as from today.

This is taken from the Mexicana website:

“The current administration received the company seven days ago under Business Reorganization (Concurso Mercantil) and technically bankrupt. Financial deterioration and lack of agreements force Grupo Mexicana to stop flying. Grupo Mexicana deeply regrets all inconveniences caused to its passengers.”

Mexicana de Aviacion

What started out in 1924, and for many years held the mantle of Mexico’s biggest airline came to a sad and untimely end. Mexicana de Aviacion flew to more than 65 domestic and international flight destinations, including of course, the United States and Canada.

Mexicana Airline – What Happens Next?

Any passengers who are currently booked with Mexicana will need to make alternate travel arrangements. More information is available on the Grupo Mexicana Informs website, where you need to go to find out more about their financial situation and apply for a refund.

Mexicana Airline Suspends Operations

The man-made tourist destination of Cancun was designed from scratch, and they definitely had the tourists in mind. Basically it is an island of two halves – Downtown – and the Hotel Zone (interesting fact – the island is actually shaped like the number 7). Whilst the east side has plenty of wind and waves, the northern side has the natural protection of Isla Mujeres (Women Island). You can’t even get to some of the beaches at high tide, so you need your wits about you.

Cancun Hotel Zone

Most of the hotels and resorts are in an area known as the “Hotel Zone” (can’t think why, can you – obviously the Cancun planners had run out of imagination by the time they got to names!)  This is an island with the open sea to one side and an inlet to the other. There’s only one road along which all of the hotels are located, which stretches for 15km.

Cancun Hotel Zone is full of tourists (must be all those hotels) and bears no resemblance to the real Mexico. It’s full of grand hotels, exclusive designer shops, restaurants and nightclubs, all within a stones throw of your hotel (who can throw a stone for 15km – not me?), alright, I get it.

Cancun Mexico has got increasingly popular over the last decade or so, with around 3 million visitors every year, and many of the Cancun Hotels have realized the potential of offering attractive package vacations. Just be warned though.

Cancun Vacation Options

OK, just remember that Cancun has been created purely as a tourist area. It was built with you in mind, the tourist, and it is not a dangerous place to be. There’s lots of nightlife, restaurants and other attractions in the town which you very well could miss out on if you book an All Inclusive package and stay in your hotel for a couple of weeks. The hotel, of course, will surround you with luxury and try to make your stay as pleasant as possible but do venture out occasionally, you might be surprised at what you can find.

A SELECTION OF POPULAR HOTELS IN THE CANCUN HOTEL ZONE

The Ritz Carlton, Cancun

Designed like an 18th century French Chateau (no it’s not original, it can’t have been there for more than forty years!) it has wonderful antiques and chandeliers. Fancy stepping out of all this opulent luxury onto the beach, life doesn’t get much better than this! The service is second to none (they even supply you with scented beach towels – how’s that for posh?). All 365 rooms have ocean views, a private beach and no less than five wonderful restaurants. It don’t come cheap but then again, you gets what you pay for and this is luxury of the highest order.

Melia Turquesa Hotel: Great Place for the Money

In the medium range of Cancun Hotels, the Melia Turquesa Hotel certainly offers VFM, yes, our favorite, Value For Money. It’s all inclusive which means that you get your meals and everything else paid for, with a good variety of excellent food, wall to wall sunshine and a lovely beach, what more could you ask for? I know, a baby sitting service – you’re in luck, they’ve got one of those too!

Sun Palace All-Inclusive: Newly remodeled and beautiful

This is newly updated and renovated and offers an all inclusive vacation with a great pool. They have lots of water sports, pool parties, even fashion shows.  This hotel is towards the higher end of the market, but with a Jacuzzi in each room and top class service and facilities – go on, spoil yourself, you’re worth it.

With a great selection of hotels at various prices, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and your budget.

Cancun is divided into two zones, the Downtown Cancun and, naturally, the Hotel Zone. Now, whereas Downtown Cancun is packed with budget tourists and students, the Hotel Zone has wall to wall luxury with huge 5 star hotels and top of the range resorts.

Cancun Hotel Zone is a small strip of land in the form of a number 7, connected to the mainland on both sides. Downtown Cancun is safe, and you can easily travel around by using the local transport.

To find out about the local transport just check out the tourist information at your hotel, or there is a Tourism Office in Cancun . This city is safe for you to explore, but the distance between the Hotel Zone and Downtown Cancun are a bit too far to walk (you are on vacation for goodness sake!). Whenever you’re going between the two you can use the local bus or a taxi service.

CANCUN TRAVEL – BUS

By far the easiest and most convenient way to travel around Cancun is by bus. Just get on the bus and buy a ticket, it doesn’t get much easier than that does it? What’s really terrific is that all tickets are the same price, it doesn’t matter when you get on, or where you get off. There are loads of interesting places for you to explore in Cancun, so head on down to the bus station in Downtown Cancun and start exploring. You can get a bus to Playa Del Carmen and then hop on a ferry to Cozumel (for a bit of snorkeling and diving), or you can catch a bus to the Mayan ruins at Tulum.

You can buy tickets from the Cancun bus terminal where the excellent bus service has buses every ten or fifteen minutes.

CANCUN TRAVEL – TAXI

You won’t find any yellow cabs in Cancun, but they’re just as cheerful in green and white. They might not be the cheapest method of travel around Cancun, but there are plenty of them and they are certainly convenient. Don’t forget to agree on the fare before you set off on your taxi ride, otherwise you might be overcharged. Don’t expect that the driver will speak English either, he may, or he may not!

CANCUN TRAVEL – CAR RENTAL

Now, you can rent a car in Cancun from around $60 – $80 a day but why would you? You have to be at least 21 years old with a valid license, but it’s not really an advisable option. In Yucatan they drive on the right and there aren’t too many gas stations! Why not stick to the buses and taxis, they are everywhere so you really don’t need to worry about getting around Cancun at all.

It’s also possible to rent scooters and mopeds in the Hotel Zone, but do be careful they can be pretty dangerous. Wearing a helmet is mandatory (thank goodness).

As you can see, there are different modes of Cancun travel, but really the best, most popular, most convenient, most economical method is the bus. Hang on to your bags though, you must always be alert about your own personal safety and that of your belongings.

YOUR MEXICO VACATION IN CANCUN

If you’re in the mood for Mexico, really in the mood, then the only thing you need to do is throw a few essentials into a bag (bathing suit, suncream, mask, snorkel, toothpaste) head on down to the airport and book your flight to Cancun. You really won’t find a better place to enjoy a wonderful vacation beneath the Caribbean sun.

Cancun is placed at the tip of the Riviera Maya, and this tropical haven has everything you could possibly wish for, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, lush forests, a Coral Reef (yes, the Great Mayan Reef is the second longest Coral Reef in the world) running along the Mayan Riviera, so diving is a must if you’re that way inclined. All the way from Cancun to Cozumel and on towards Tulum, there are just so many underwater treasures waiting to be discovered.

Cancun Hotels are some of the most elegant and luxurious in the world, so you won’t be short of places to stay on your vacation among the white beaches and the crystalline emerald water of the Caribbean.

Cancun welcomes thousands of visitors every year, from all corners of the globe, and for this reason there are plenty of high quality hotels and resorts shooting up fast. It doesn’t matter what your budget is though, if you need something a little cheaper there should still be something to suit you as there’s also a great range of youth hostels and inexpensive hotels available.

Cancun in Mexico really does have something for everybody – they say you can’t suit all of the people all of the time, but Cancun certainly comes close, no matter what your age, your budget or your favorite activity – Cancun is ready!

If you’re looking for wall to wall sunshine (almost guaranteed), water sports, a never ending party and maybe even a little romance, then look no further than Cancun.

CANCUN ACTIVITIES

Cancun is a real hive of activity, no matter what you prefer. You will find some of the best golf, the best snorkeling and the best scuba diving in the world, this really is a world-class sports wonderland.

This water sports capital is also geared up for you to enjoy windsurfing, para-sailing, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming with dolphins, or if that all sounds a little too energetic why not just enjoy the beach.

When you get home from your annual vacation you really need more than a sombrero and a bottle of Tequila to remind you of your vacation in Mexico, you need some lively memories too. Don’t just stick to the hotel, beach or the swimming pool, there’s so much more to see and do in Cancun:

• Join in with the locals for their “fiestas mexicanas”
• Explore the wild jungle and be at one with untouched nature
• Discover the mysterious archaeological sites of the Mayan

Yes, if that’s more like what you want from your vacation – then you’ve gone to the right place.

Mexico is a fascinating mosaic of culture, landscapes and century old traditions.

CANCUN CULTURE

The archaeological sites at Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Uxmal, Tulum and Coba are not far away, why not use this as your starting point for your cultural discovery of Mexico. Book on a day trip (or a tour for a few days) and visit the famous Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, deep in the jungle this ancient civilization told their stories on the walls of these ancient ruins.

CANCUN ROMANCE

If you have something a little more romantic in mind for your trip to Cancun, then how about spending your honeymoon in one of Cancun’s intimate retreats.

You can create fantastic memories of your honeymoon vacation with Romantic Sunset Tours, who know all about the ocean front hotels which have that little extra something for those on that little extra special vacation.

THE RIVIERA MAY, CANCUN

You will find that Cancun is a marvelous oasis where you can find real peace of mind, why not book into a Spa resort or hotel with Spa, and really let them take care of your heart and soul as well as your other needs. Go on, you deserve it, indulge yourself and let someone else look after you for a change – you’ll certainly emerge feeling much better for it, recharged, invigorated and probably even a few years younger.

CANCUN FOR ALL

Cancun really is everybodys favorite Mexico tourist destination, very popular with Spring Breakers, after all, what more could they wish for, as the sun goes down parts of Cancun spring into action with some of the hottest discos around. The light shows, theme parties and music that plays until dawn, Cancun really does have it all.

What are you waiting for? Sound too good to be true? Think we’re exaggerating?

Well, if you want to explore intriguing archaeological Mayan sites, relax on white sandy beaches and enjoy some of the greatest snorkeling in the world, then there’s really nowhere that does it better.

We could go on forever but why would we, it’s time to go now and pack your bags – go on, the Mayans think that the world will end in December 2012 so you’ve not got much time left! Go, now!