Cancun
From World travel guide
Cancun was hit by Hurricane Wilma in late October 2005. The effect on tourist facilities in the short to medium term is unknown. Make flexible plans and consider alternate plans. One WikiTravel visitor says there are lots of things to do and most of the facilities for tourists are up and running
Cancun (Spanish: Cancún) (From the Mayan - Can/Snake - Cun/Nest Snake's Nest) is a planned tourist city on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is a popular vacation spot on the Caribbean coast. There is much to do in the city, and if you're willing to take an hour or two bus trip, there is more to explore than you could possibly fit into a single vacation.
One word of warning, late June is especially hot, so come prepared or try the off season. Hurricanes are also a major threat in the summer and early fall.
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Understand
Cancun itself was built on a site selected by computer (yes, really) as the ideal spot for a new tourist development by the Mexican government. The state of Quintana Roo was still a territory and this area had few inhabitants when Cancun was built. Cancun and the surrounding area is almost entirely built around the tourist industry. It abounds with all-inclusive resort hotels. Stay here only if you don't mind spending your vacation with many other tourists.
Those mostly seeking beach, scuba diving, or who are a bit adventurous can easily find rooms on equally beautiful and less crowded beaches somewhere an hour or two drive south along the coast for much less than the cost of major Cancun hotels. Some Spanish language skills may aid in finding better deals. You can rent a car, or take the bus to Puerto Morelos (about 20 minutes) or Tulum (1 hour). Playa del Carmen (45 minutes, MXN$65) is between the two, but caters to the all-inclusive crowd. Taxis are also available.
Those looking for a base of operations who want good or luxury hotels and the advantages of urban life but prefer more local flavor may wish to stay in the Yucatan's main city of Mérida; many international flights in to Cancun continue on after a stop to Mérida's international airport.
Get in
Get around
Cancun is very easy to navigate. To the South is the airport, to the North is the city and in between are all the hotels, beaches and bars. Buses head up and down the main thoroughfare (Blvd Kukulcan (from the Mayan Kukul/Bird - Can/Snake "The Feather Serpent - The Main Deity of the Mesoamericans) constantly and are cheap, but be prepared for a cramped and rough ride. Taxis are plentiful, but a bit expensive.
Be very careful if you choose to drive in Cancun. The police seem to pull tourists over at the drop of a hat. At night it looks like Christmas with all the red, blue, and yellow flashing lights. When you pick up a rental check that all the lights work! Also when you are pulled over for a light violation do not be surprised if the police holds out an open palmed hand, while holding your drivers license hostage in the other.
See
- Xcaret. A nice nature preserve park with some good swimming / snorkeling opportunities. One of the highlights of this location is Xcaret de Noche (Xcaret at Night) a wonderfully produced song and dance show detailing the history of Mexico. http://www.xcaretcancun.com/
- Interactive Aquarium. Right in the middle of the hotel zone, this small but modern aquarium lets you get up close and personal with aquatic life. You can pet rays, nurse sharks, starfish, etc. There is also a chance to swim with dolphins in a large pool.
- Isla Mujeres. A great break from the Cancun tourist traps. This small island is just a 20 minute ferry ride from the hotel zone. Rent a scouter to get around the island fast and cheap.
Do
- The Ocean and Beaches. For the more advanced swimmers, the edge of the open ocean can make for a challenging and fun swimming experience. For less advanced swimmers, or those with little ones, pick a resort facing Isla Mujeres for a gentle and relaxing aquatic experience. The sand found here is ground up coral and doesn't get hot like you might expect.
Buy
- The markets. Bring your haggling skills and get ready for a vast shopping experience in any of the city markets. Great buys can be found, but you need the nerve to get the price right.
Eat
Tacos Do's and Dont's
Do: El Tizoncito: many outlets scattered throughout Downtown El Tacotorro: Excellent service, unexpensive, and great taste. Av. Kohunlich in Downtown (any cab can take you) Les Bons: Grill tacos, at Mercado 28 La Parrilla: Expensive but tasty/
For vegetarias there is 100% Natural, which serves delicious vegetarian food and claims to be, as its name suggest, 100% natural and organic.
Don't: Tacolote La Placita Los Arcos
Drink
Sleep
Open hotels after Wilma Hurricane: In Hotel Zone: Riu Palace, Riu Cancun, Le Meridien
In Downtown: Terracaribe, Radisson
Open Hostels: Blue
Get out
The best feature of the city is undoubtedly its transport links, with extremely cheap charter flight deals available to the UK (from around £100) and elsewhere, including the USA and Cuba.
Beware leaving Mexico without enough money. The Mexican Government charges a travel tax of around 500 pesos/46 U.S. Dollars to leave the country from airport.
Trips from Cancun
There are bus services to the coastal ruins of Tulum (2 hrs, 60 pesos), which are literally on the water, well excavated, and framed by powder white beaches.
The large ruins of Chichen Itza are often visited on a day trip from Cancun, but are rather distant and only a small portion of the site and attractions can be seen this way. If you find the ancient Maya of interest, spend a night at one of the hotels at Chichen so you needn't have a rushed incomplete visit.
The ruins of Tulum are another relatively nearby extraction. They are similar to Chichen Itza but are built beside a beautiful beach. Unlike Chichen Itza, you are not allowed to go inside or climb on the pyramids. Of the two sites, most people tend to prefer Chichen Itza.
Distant places include Palenque (14hrs approx, 450 pesos) and San Cristobal de las Casas (a nasty 17hrs, 500 pesos, well worth the journey); these are better visited using somewhere else much closer as a base.
External links
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