CANCUN, MEXICO


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Lively Cancun and the beautiful Riviera Maya offer superb hotels, stunning beaches and a fascinating, well-documented history with Aztec and Mayan ruins and sites commemorating the more recent Spanish colonisation.

Explore Mexico

Situated on the Caribbean cost of Mexico, Cancun is a modern, purpose built resort with top class tourist facilities and vibrant atmosphere, drawing from strong American influences. The surrounding area along with spectacular Yucatan Peninsular or 'Riviera Maya' is full of Mexican charm and history and provides opportunities to explore the ancient ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza.

Getting Around
Local buses are cheap and cheerful. Taxis are in abundance and reasonably priced, check the cost of your journey before you travel.

Local Interest and Culture
Be sure the visit the Mayan jungle in the south to discover the countless Mayan ruins - two of the best sites are Chichen Itza and Uxmal.

Beaches
Cancun and the Riviera Maya's glorious stretches of silky, white sand beach are amongst the worlds finest. Its here where you will find the best diving on this side of the Yucatan peninsula.

Eating and Drinking
Try fajitas - soft tortillas filled with meat or chicken, peppers, salsa and sour cream or an enchilada - tacos topped with tasty mole sauce and rice. Mole sauce is a spicy sauce made with dried chilli, chocolate and spices.

Fun for the Children
Take the chance of a lifetime and swim with dolphins in various delightful locations along the coast.

Highlights

Five must sees: the ancient temple of Chichen Itza, the Mayan ruins at Tulum, the eco-archaeological site of Xcaret, the nightly sound and light show at Uxmal, Xel-Ha ecological water park.

Great Views: the views over the beautiful Mayan coastline from the magnificent coastal fortress of Tulum are truly stunning.

Memorable moments: swimming with dolphins in various locations in Cancun and along the Riviera Maya.

Destination treasures: the sheer variety of culture and history.

Practicalities

Language: Spanish (with Latin American influences).

Currency and money: New Mexican Pesos. US$ travellers cheques/cash and most credit cards accepted (Visa/MasterCard).

Cost of living: Eat out on a budget 55 pesos, mid range 150 pesos, top end 150 pesos upwards, half a bottle of win is 100 pesos, coffee 15 pesos, beer 25 pesos, ice-cream 15 pesos, petrol 6 pesos per litre. Prices are approximate and subject to change.

Tipping: 10-15% of full bill total in restaurants and bars. Tipping everywhere ensures excellent service.

Health Hints: General vaccinations are necessary; malaria precautions are advisable if travelling around the country. See your doctor for the most up-to-date information.

Departure Tax & Visitors Fee (subject to change): US$45 has been included into the brochure prices.

Tourist Office: Mexican Tourist Board, Wakefield House, 41 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4DJ. Tel: 0207 488 9392, www.visitmexico.com

Events
The Cancun Jazz Festival takes place in May. Throughout the year, you will be able to listen to the traditional Mariachi banks in local bars. The Caribe Festival takes place in November, running over ten days, it features musicians and music from across the Caribbean.

Activities
Lots of water sports and exploring the Mayan ruins.

Recommended Reading

Cancun, Cozumel, Yucatan Peninsula: 2002 by Christine Swiac
Cancun by Chikki Mallan

Time Share Accommodation: Please be aware of time share representatives in the arrival lounge of Cancun airport. Please note that we are not connected with any timeshare programme in Cancun or Puerto Aventuras.

Cancun Resorts

Please click for further information on the following Cancun resorts:

Cancun
Puerto Aventuras
Nuevo Vallarta
Playa del Carmen & Playacar
Riviera Maya
Puerto Vallarta
Bucerias & Punta de Mita