Warm, white, and sand beaches, crystal indigo seas, romantic Caribbean nights, world-class hotels, restaurants and nightlife; does all of this sound too good to be true? This is Cancun! World-renowned fishing, diving and snorkeling, archeological sites dating back thousands of years, a balmy tropical climate and water sports galore...this is Cancun!
In Cancun one can literally choose a pace and lifestyle to suit any frame of mind, from ultra chic to funky laidback beach bum. Cancun is a resort for everybody, from college students on a strict budget to the rich and famous from all over the world. Cancun caters to all who visit and everyone should experience Cancun at least once.
Cancun is definitely Mexico's showcase resort. The original developers and the Mexican government can be proud of what they have accomplished here. Built in a location that was named by Mayan people, long ago, for the large number of snakes in the area, Cancun has been carefully groomed into one of the most polished resorts anywhere. Everything just seems to flow together effortlessly in Cancun.
The beaches are probably one of the main reasons for a visit. Cancun's beaches are legendary and with good cause. The powdery, incredibly white sand, of the Caribbean blesses all of the beaches in Cancun. These beaches seem to go on forever and each one is a beach lover's fantasy come true. The Caribbean Sea is unusually warm with incredibly blue water and at most times is very calm. Volleyball, parasailing, snorkeling, wave-runners or just a relaxing day in a hammock, it is you're choice and all easily available all along the many miles of incredible beaches. Because of the International flavor of Cancun's visitors, you will hear many different languages spoken on the beaches of Cancun, more often perhaps, than at any other beach resort in the world.
The "Zona Hotelera" or Tourist Zone, a narrow island 14 miles long, is the area of Cancun where it all comes together for most visitors. Hotels and beachfront condominiums line the beaches and serve as the nearly uninterrupted backdrop along this stretch of incredible Caribbean coastline In Cancun one is never very far from the water so naturally much of your time is going to be spent in, on, or very close to it. There is an area near the center of all this which is known as the "Party Zone" which is home to many of the areas nightclubs and discos. The very same area is also home to some of Cancun's better restaurants and one of the nicer shopping malls.
The tourist zone has some minor archeological sites, the best example of which is Ruinas El Rey. Other very minor ruins along the beach are well marked on most maps.
But Cancun has a population of over 450,000 and there is another Cancun, a lesser-known face to many. This is the heartbeat of the entire area; this is Cancun City or simply Centro. This is an area that is not heavily promoted, but should definitely be included as part of your Cancun vacation if you are spending more than just a long weekend. When the beach and hotel scene get to be a bit overwhelming take a short drive and see where the locals live and spend much of their time. "Centro" is a pleasant city with some great restaurants, modern shopping facilities and is a semi-peaceful diversion to all of glitz and hype that surrounds the tourist zone.
Cancun is naturally a haven for water sports of all kinds. Just about every kind of water sport is available here. Almost every beach has vendors that offer parasailing, banana rides, jet skis and other varieties of small watercraft
One should not go hungry in Cancun. Great restaurants are everywhere and they serve up some incredible meals. Steak lovers to vegetarians, everyone has a great choice of meals. Everywhere you go there are waterfront restaurants and taco stands, food courts to fast food.
Cancun has major numbers of nightclubs, discos and bars. The discos go all night, the bars range from fancy to downright funky. Live music and Karaoke, to ultra loud disco music, it just depends on your mood. Mini skirt and bikini contests, along with other promotions, are numerous.
A very complete resort where you could keep busy 24 hours a day just participating in the many activities and tours available, and yet Cancun remains a tranquil retreat where you can relax to your hearts content along the peaceful shore of the Caribbean ...this is the real purpose of Cancun!