About Cancun
Cancun is located in the sunny, tropical state of Quintana Roo, in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula.
There are two main areas to explore during your holiday to Cancun, the hotel zone (zona hotelera), with its impressive variety of hotels and resorts, upscale shopping and restaurants, and the more traditional downtown region, El Centro.
Explore Cancun & Riviera Maya
Overview
Known for its white-sand beaches and stunning crystal-clear turquoise seas, this destination is a favorite vacation spot with resort options to suit every need and budget. Consider an all-inclusive vacation for a romantic retreat or a family-friendly escape.
Cancun also provides a gateway to the mysterious ancient Mayan civilization. Explore nearby archaeological sites, natural cenotes (fresh-water pools), and lush mangrove jungles surrounded by breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Discover why Cancun is continually rated among the top travel destinations in the world as you ride a jet ski, parasail, surf, snorkel, dive or speedboat along its famed shores. Experience the area’s amazing coral reef teeming with colorful fish and other tropical sea life, or explore Cancun’s wild side on a zipline ride through Cancun’s mesmerizing jungles.
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What To Do
There’s no shortage of things to do in Cancun, from rollicking fun and nightlife to off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Roam the windswept, sandy shores of Playa Delfines, and venture far from the hustle and bustle of many other Cancun beaches.
Take a trip a turtle farm and aquarium, and stroll or snorkel along the serene powdery shores of Playa del Norte.
Take an exhilarating day trip via ferry to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women), which is only a short distance from Cancun, yet feels miles away.
Spend time exploring the colorful reefs and underwater creatures in Garrafón Natural Reef Park (Garrafón Aquatic Park) or Cancun’s Underwater Art Museum and see where the morning’s first light hits Mexico’s shores.
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What To See
Chichén Itzá, the capital of ancient Maya, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, just begs to be explored. Walk amidst the grand 75-foot-high pyramid of Kukulcan, also known as the plumed serpent, and the Great Ball Court. Visit the impressive Museo Maya de Cancun in the hotel zone for a look into Mexico’s ancient Mayan past.
Explore the wonders of the Cancun jungle on a two-person speedboat and guided tour through a lagoon and mangrove forest amid the world’s second-largest reef.
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Shopping
Visit the enticing La Isla Shopping Village Cancun. Enjoy a delightful shopping excursion on Isla Mujeres, (Island of Women). Or spend quality time shopping for high-quality brands such as Burberry, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and more at the posh Luxury Avenue Cancun located at Plaza Kukulcan in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
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Nightlife
Cancun enjoys a bustling nightlife. Most of the bars are located in Punta Cancun on Boulevard Kukulcan. There are plenty of open-air nightclubs to choose from to make each day of your spectacular Cancun vacation last into the wee hours of the night. Just join the conga line, grab a shot of tequila, and let yourself be swept away by the spectacular night-time entertainment at clubs such as Cocobongo.
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Off the Beaten Path
Visit the archaeological site of Cobá where you can still walk the steps to the top and explore Mexico’s tallest pyramid, Nohoch Muul.
Take a grand eco-adventure and zipline through the tropical jungle or drive a two-passenger speedboat across the Nichupte lagoon.
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Food and Drink
The diverse cuisine of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula includes Sopa de Lima - chicken soup with tortilla strips and refreshing notes of citrus and handmade tortillas served with chicken, pork, tomato, and onion. The more exotic papadzules, tortillas soaked in green sauce made with pumpkin seeds, then drenched in tangy red sauce with spicy habanero chili and onion, are deliciously commonplace.
Try some tasty kibis, originally brought here by 19th-century Lebanese immigrants, and made from deep-fried, mashed wheat and ground pork or beef, flavored with garlic, onion, and spearmint, for a savory treat.
Cancun with Kids
Explore the beautiful scenery of Cancun’s canals on a colorful trajinera boat at Xochimilco. Delight in a variety of Mexican cuisine and enjoy festive Mariachi music during this family-friendly activity. Or take the whole family on a pirate ship adventure with an entertaining Captain Hook Dinner Cruise aboard El Galleon I, El Bucanero II and the Black Pearl, 18th Century authentic Spanish Galleon replicas. Learn about the history of Cancun, Isla Mujeres and infamous pirates such as Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook. Nearby, Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park provides more than 50 exciting cultural, historical and natural attractions for families to discover including snorkeling adventures.
When to Go
The weather in Cancun is temperate, with little variation between the seasons. Average temperatures around hover around 80 F.
Yearly rainfall is about 52 inches. May through September sees the hottest weather, with temperatures in the 90s. Hurricane season lasts from late summer through the fall.
Fast Facts
The white sandy beaches of Cancun come from crushed coral that never gets as hot as traditional sand. So wiggle your bare toes in the sand and still beat the heat!
Cancun and Riviera Maya host more than 46,000 destination weddings per year.
Travel Tips & Tools
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