Cancun, Mexico

NA BALAM

2011-01-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

At the end of the north beach
998/877-0058, fax 998/877-0446
www.nabalam.com
Moderate/Expensive
31 rooms with air conditioning, pool, dive shop, master suite with hot tub, restaurant and bar, optional meal plans.
All the appealing rooms here are semi-luxurious – with terraces or balconies, large beds and bath. They are decorated in Maya motif with attractive paintings or artifacts on the walls. The baths are
all tile. The deluxe Na Balam has expanded in recent years to include cabañas, a small pool and palapas which are used for yoga meetings, attracting a gentle crowd of cosmic-conscious travelers.
Second-floor beachside rooms are vinecovered and look over palm trees to the fine sand playa, where topless sunbathing is common.
The happy hours’ two-for-one drinks special pack the beach bar with friendly folks who chat while the sun sets. The adjacent indooroutdoor Zazil-Ha restaurant is one of the island’s finest.

Hotel VILLA ROLANDI

2011-01-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

Laguna Mar, Sac Bajo 998/877-0700, fax 998/877-0100
www.rolandi.com
All inclusive/Deluxe
From humble beginnings – and years of experience with the Hotel Belmar and Casa Rolandi restaurant in Cancún – the Italian/Swiss owner 138 p Best Places to Stay opened this boutique hotel, restaurant and beach
club. It is, by far, the best hotel and the best restaurant on the island.
Colonial styled with Mediterranean influences, the hotel features a deep blue infinity pool that overlooks the Cancún skyline, and all its 20 suites face the Bahía Mujeres. Each room features a huge bathroom and an individual balcony with a hot tub. Guests arrive to the hotel by Rolandi’s private yacht from Cancún. Continental breakfast is subtly served through an access in the wall, for intimacy. Your choice of lunch or
dinner at Casa Rolandi, the Northern Italian cuisine restaurant on the large veranda, is included.
The price may be Cancún-like, but the luxury and personal attention far exceed what those large hotels across the bay offer. Price includes breakfast and choice of lunch or dinner.

AVALON REEF CLUB

2011-01-11T16:07:00.000-08:00

north tip of the island
US/Canada 888/497-4325, Mexico 998/848-9300
www.avalonreefclub.com
90 rooms, 6 suites with jacuzzis, 56 casita rooms, pool, air, restaurant, bar, spa
For well over a decade this wedge-shaped hotel stood alone on the far tip of the island – a mute reminder of the force of the hurricane that wrecked its short reign as the king of Isla Mujeres’ hotels. Finally, in 2002, high-class hotel chain Avalon Resorts spent a fortune remodeling the distinctive tower and added 14 inviting attached villas that either zig-zag along the craggy shoreline, hard against the Caribbean or softly touch the protected sandy bay beach. You need to cross a wooden bridge over turquoise waters to reach the Avalon, adding to its exclusivity – yet it’s only a short walk to the downtown attractions.
The tower rooms are average in size and all offer fabulous views. The villas, however, are worth the extra bucks. There’s a really cool swim spot located on the Caribbean side of the villas – a rock pool where the waves crash over the reef, creating a foam waterfall into the sheltered water.

Settling into Isla Mujeres

2011-01-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

Isla Mujeres is so small, it’s easy to get your bearings and find your way around. If you do happen to need a little guidance, it’s so comfortably casual that a friendly soul is always around to help you.
The island is about 8km (5 miles) long and 4km (21⁄2 miles) wide, with the town located at its northern tip. “Downtown” is a compact 4 blocks by 6 blocks, so it’s very easy to get around. The ferry docks (998-877-0065) are right at the center of town, within walking distance of most hotels, restaurants, and shops. The street running along the waterfront is Avenida Rueda Medina, commonly called the malecón. The market (Mercado Municipal) is by the post office on Calle Guerrero, an inland street at the north edge of town, which, like most streets in the town, is unmarked.

Arriving at Isla Mujeres by ferry
To get to Isla Mujeres, you need to first fly into Cancún’s International Airport (CUN). Once inside the terminal, you enter the immigration clearance area where you’re asked to show your passport and completed
tourist card, called an FMT . Once you claim your baggage, you exit the terminal, where taxis or other transportation services are waiting. Puerto Juárez Gran Puerto (998-877-0618 for the Isla Mujeres
office), just north of Cancún, is the dock where you catch a 20-minute passenger ferry to Isla Mujeres. This is the least expensive way to travel to Isla. The Caribbean Express has storage space for luggage, and costs
about $3.50, running every half-hour between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Ultramar starts a little earlier, 5 a.m., and also offers two more departures to Isla Mujeres after 10 p.m., at 11 p.m. and midnight. If your hotel is close to Playa Tortugas (Pier Turtle Beach), Ultramar also offer departures
from here — near Fat Tuesdays — in the Hotel Zone, but it costs $15 round-trip as opposed to $6.50 and there are only six departures on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pay at the ticket office — or, if the ferry is
about to leave, you can pay onboard.

Traveling Around Isla Mujeres and Cozumel

2011-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

In recent years, Isla has seen the emergence of several smaller but decidedly upscale places to stay. Anyone wanting the proximity and ease of arrival that Cancún offers — but not the excesses for which Cancún is
famous — should seriously consider these new options on Isla Mujeres, where a trip to the mainland is less than an hour if you do choose to enjoy its shopping or dining. Isla’s budget-priced hotels as well as their more luxury-oriented offerings both offer excellent values — Isla tends to be one of the better bargains among Mexico’s resorts. Its location, so close to the excellent air access of Cancún, makes this spot a great choice for travelers wanting an authentic Mexican beach experience at a great price.

Isla Mujeres

2011-01-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a casual, laid-back refuge from the

hyper-commercial action of Cancún, visible across a narrow channel.

This island of white-sand beaches is surrounded by shallow waters for

swimming and complemented by a town filled with pastel-colored clapboard

houses and rustic, open-air seafood restaurants. Just 8km (5 miles)

long and 4km (21⁄2 miles) wide, this fish-shaped island is known as the

best value in the Caribbean, assuming that you favor an easygoing vacation

pace and prefer simplicity to pretense.

Located just 13km (8 miles) northeast of Cancún, “Isla” — as the locals

call it — is a quick boat ride away, making it a popular daytime excursion.

However, to fully explore the small village of shops and cafes, relax

at the broad, tranquil Playa Norte, or snorkel or dive El Garrafón Reef (a

national underwater park), you may need more time. Overnight accommodations

range from rustic to offbeat chic on this small island where

relaxation rules.

Francisco Hernández de Córdoba landed here in 1517 and gave the

island its name upon seeing small statues of partially clad females along

the shore. These objects are now believed to have been offerings to the

Maya goddess of fertility and the moon, Ixchel. Their presence is an indication

that the island was probably sacred to the Maya.

At midday, suntanned visitors hang out in open-air cafes and stroll streets

lined with frantic souvenir vendors. Calling out for attention to their

bargain-priced wares, the vendors provide a carnival atmosphere to the

hours when tour-boat traffic is at its peak. Befitting the size of the island,

most of the traffic consists of golf carts, motos (also called mopeds), and

bicycles. Once the tour boats leave, however, Isla Mujeres reverts back to

its more typical, tranquil way of life, where taking a siesta in a hammock is

a favored pastime.

Honeymoons and Weddings

2008-12-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

Honeymoons & Weddings

An archeologist is the best husband any woman can have: The older she gets,
the more interested he is in her. Agatha Christie, 1890-1976

Mexico is now the number one foreign destination for honeymooning couples. It’s no wonder, explains Geri Bain, travel editor of Modern Bride Magazine: “Couples nowadays are looking for more than just a nice beach location and good weather. [They] want a romantic and relaxing setting combined with adventure and outdoor activity. Mexico amply satisfies these criteria.”
Call your travel agent for honeymoon packages. Many resorts also offer wedding deals, allowing for a romantic tropical affair at your hotel. You can arrange your own idyllic marriage ceremony anywhere. It’s easy to plan a civil or religious ceremony in Mexico. The legal requirements and regulations are minimal and mirror what a couple would need to provide in the United States.

Today’s honeymooners are an active group. Courtesy Mexico Tourism Board Lots of companies can help with wedding arrangements, from the Justice of the Peace to flowers and cake. Weddings on the Move is one. Call 800/444-6967, or visit their website at www.idoweddings.com. Caribbean Cancún Weddings (998/881-7307, www.caribbeancancunwedding.com) arrange nuptials in the ever-popular honeymoon resort town of Cancún.
Required Marriage Documents
Tourist card
Birth certificate
Blood test certificate
Valid passport or driving license
Divorce certificate (if applicable)
Marriage Application form
Four witnesses

Holidays and Festivals

2008-12-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

Holidays & Festivals

To many people holidays are not voyages of discovery, but rituals of reassurance. Philip Andrew Adams, Australian Most of Mexico’s festivals and holidays have religious significance. In the Yucatán, these aren’t solemn occasions but spirited celebrations that, in some cases, blend Maya
rituals and culture with the Catholic religion. Local people dress up and enjoy dancing, music, feasts and fireworks. For more details on any of these events, you can call the Mexico Government Tourist Office, 800-44-MEXICO.

JANUARY
1 Jan: New Year’s Day.
6 Jan: Día de los Reyes Magos: Day of The Three
Kings. Gifts are often exchanged this day instead
of Christmas.

FEBRUARY
2 Feb: Candeleria (religious holiday).
5 Feb: Flag Day/Constitution Day (legal holiday).
Feb/March: Carnival. This is especially festive
on Cozumel.

MARCH
Around 21 March: Vernal Spring Equinox. The
shadow of a serpent appears to undulate down
the steps of the pyramid of Kukulcán at Chichén
Itzá.
21 March: Birthday of Benito Juárez.
March/Apr: Easter Sunday. Perhaps the most
holy day in Mexico. The week preceding is La
Semana Santa (Holy Week).

APRIL
End of Apr/beginning of May: International
Yacht Races, Isla Mujeres.
El Cedral Fair, Cozumel.

MAY
1 May: Labor Day (legal holiday).
2-3 May: International Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament, Cozumel.
5 May: Cinco de Mayo. This holiday commemorates the Battle of the Puebla (1862), in which the
Mexican Army defeated invading French troops.
17-27 May: Jazz Festival, Cancún.

JUNE
4 June: Festivities, Valladolid.
24 June-9 Aug: Saints Peter & Paul, Cozumel.

JULY
25 July: Saint James the Apostle, Rio Lagartos.

AUGUST
17 Aug: Cruz de la Bahia celebrates the founding of Isla Mujeres in 1854. A bronze cross weighing approximately one ton, 39 feet in height and 9¾ feet wide, was planted into the Manchones Reef between Isla Mujeres and the coastline in 1994. The “Cross of the Bay” is the island’s tribute to all the men and women of the sea. Scuba divers celebrate with a mass dive.

SEPTEMBER
15 Sept: Independence Day (legal holiday).
23 Sept: Autumnal Fall Equinox, Chichén Itzá.
29 Sept-9 Oct: Saint Miguel Archangel, Cozumel.

OCTOBER
2nd weekend Oct: Music Festival, Isla Mujeres.
12 Oct: Columbus Day (legal holiday).
31 Oct: All Souls’ Eve. Boo!

NOVEMBER
1-2 Nov: All Souls’ Day/All Saint’s Day/Day of the Dead.
Graveside and church ceremonieshonor the memory of departed loved ones. Instead of a somber occasion, the Day of the Dead is a happy celebration with a fiesta atmosphere. As well as sugar skulls and candy skeletons, a family meal is eaten at the gravesites and favorite food
is left for the departed souls. A haunting experience for visitors. Be sure to join in if you’re here.
Mid-Nov: Cozumel Marathon Race. The 26.2- mile race attracts runners fromthe US andMexico. End of November-beginning of December: Expo-Cancún. Arts and crafts, exhibits and folk dancing.

DECEMBER
8 Dec: Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
12 Dec: Our Lady of Guadalupe. A big holiday in honor of Mexico’s patron saint.
Mid-Dec: International Marathon Cancún. Begunin 1996.
25 Dec: Christmas Day.
31 Dec: New Year’s Eve. Party time.

Driving/Car Rental, Buses

2008-12-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

Rental cars are relatively expensive and you should buy all the insurance on offer.
Unlike the United States, rental drivers are liable for 10% of the car’s value, so we strongly advise taking zero deductible policies. Roads are in excellent condition, but night driving in the countryside is very dangerous for a variety of reasons.

WARNING

Be cautious when you drive in Mexico, as left turns are made from the right lane. On Cozumel’s four-lane northern road, for example, in order to make a left turn, pull into the right lane and wait until the traffic passes before you turn. Yikes! Buses are a good alternative and very reasonably priced. The hotel zone in Cancún offers frequent bus service along the main drag and into downtown for about 75¢. The bus station for longdistance service is downtown at Av. Uxmal & Tulum.

More Information

To get information and brochures about Cancún, Cozumel and Mexico in general, call the Mexico Hotline. In the US, 800/44-MEXICO (800/ 446-3942); in Canada, 800/2MEXICO (800/263-9426). Online info is available at www.Cancun.com; e-mail welcome@cancun.com. Numerous tourist information booths at the airport and in downtown Cancún advertise free trips
to Isla Mujeres, discounted tours or car rentals, gifts, free Jungle Tours, etc. These are mostly
time-share promotions that require what is euphemistically called “an hour” of your time. Unless you’re an old pro or are thinking seriously of joining an interval ownership group, your best
bet is to just say no.

Riviera Maya Mexico

2008-11-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

The Riviera Maya is the newest and most recent resort on the Mexican Caribbean Coast. It is a tropical paradise of crystal clear waters that harbors true living treasures, some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and an exuberant tropical rainforest teeming with rare wildlife.

The Riviera Maya is the perfect place for a romantic hideaway, where you can do extreme sports or enjoy the coolest nighttime entertainment. Experience the Caribbean at its fullest, surrounded by magic places like the Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve, the Tulum archaeological site and hundreds of natural cenotes (sink holes that harbor several plant and animal species).

Description

The Riviera Maya is a long strip of coast that extends along 80 miles of white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, on Mexico's easternmost frontier, in what is the State of Quintana Roo. It comprises of an area that includes isolated beaches, as well as modern resorts with hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants.

This area has become a first-class destination for foreign and domestic tourists, who come here for its unique geographic conditions, embracing diverse environments. There are jungles, rivers, subterranean rivers and cenotes to savannas, lakes, lagoons, mangroves, and of course the incomparable turquoise blue sea that turns silver, in the light of the moon. Enjoy the gorgeous soft white sand on the beaches, several of which are still virgin and isolated.

Pyramids, stelae, ball courts, temples and plazas are just some of the vestiges of the great Mayan civilization that have endured throughout the ages and have helped scholars uncover some of the mysteries that still shroud this great civilization. Their legacy is part of the living culture of the modern day Mayan people who still live in the area and appreciate the many customs, traditions, religion, and social structure.

There is plenty to do in the Riviera Maya. Frequent theme parks. Take part in eco-touristic activities and extreme sports. Attend golf or tennis tournaments. Take a hiking trip to the jungle or go and visit the archaeological treasures of the Maya

Towns

All along the Riviera Maya, there are a number of interesting towns worth visiting. Start with Playa del Carmen, considered the heart of the Riviera Maya for its economic importance, as well as for the rate of its population growth. Then there is Puerto Morelos, located half-way between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, a former fishing village. Further south, you can find Tulum and Punta Allen.

The urban sprawl and the natural beauty of the area have given rise to residential communities, such as Puerto Aventuras, with its first-class marina, golf courses, hotels and condos. Akumal and Chemuyil which were first populated by the workers of the tourist industry, now attract a lot of tourists through their own merit.

Archaeological Sites

There are archaeological remains of the mythical Mayan culture all throughout the Riviera Maya, which are protected by the federal government, as well as by individual organizations, such is the case of Xcaret and Xel-Ha that shelter some small remains that can be seen when visiting these eco-archaeological parks.

Tulum is the only Mayan city-state built on the coast, on a cliff overlooking the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, a unique feature that makes it a fascinating place to visit. It is one of the most important sites in the region and one that attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Another important site is Coba, an ancient city that stands out for its incredible size. It is a 50-mile area comprising hundreds of structures distributed throughout a lush jungle habitat, home to several animal and bird species that people can see when they visit the site. Visiting Coba takes up most of the day so expect to do a lot of walking and climbing.

Other important sites nearby include Muyil, Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Chacchoben in the southern part of the state. You can also go to the Puuc Route, a 3-hour journey to the center of the Yucatan peninsula that takes you on a tour of several sites including Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Labna, as well as Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Beaches

The beaches on the Mexican Caribbean are famous for their soft and powdery sand composed of coral and seashell fragments, which reflects sunlight without trapping heat, so it is always fresh and cool. The sand at the bottom of the sea and the crystal clear water produce a marvelous color effect, which change to different hues of blue, from sky blue to green and then to the famous turquoise blue that so characterizes the Caribbean Sea.

Considered by many as some of the most beautiful beaches of the world, not only for their soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, the Riviera Maya offers an extension comprising of 75 miles that include towns like Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Akumal, Tulum, Tankah and Punta Allen. All along the coast of Quintana Roo, the geography includes bays, inlets, and capes, creating breathtaking landscapes.

The beaches of the Riviera Maya are also the backdrop for a variety of activities, which are as much on water as they are underwater endeavors, sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, ski and even fishing. You can also engage in land activities such as hiking, volleyball, making sand sculptures or basking in the sun.

There are several beaches that you absolutely can't miss going to, such as Playa del Secreto and Playa Paraiso in Puerto Morelos, as well as Punta Maroma, ranked as Mexico's most best hidden treasure by the Travel Channel. There are also Punta Bete, Xcalacoco, Xpu-ha, and Paamul and all of Kantenah Bay, known for its long strip of beach, washed by calm shallow waters. On Akumal and Xcacel, located near the Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve, you can sometimes spot turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. On Tankah Bay, there is a pristine cenote called the Manatee, where you can snorkel or dive. Tulum, Boca Paila, Yalcu Inlet and Punta Allen are just some of the other gorgeous beaches you can go to.

Ecoturism

The Riviera Maya is a great place for eco-touristic activities because of the many natural attractions found in the area, starting with the rich colorful coral reefs of the Mexican Caribbean, a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. There are also amazing cenotes and subterranean rivers found nowhere else in the world. Bicycling and hiking the virgin natural reserves and even zip lining through them will certainly thrill most adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts.

Cancun Tours

2008-11-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

Cancun Tours

Visiting Cancun is easy. With a list of excellent tours in Cancun, go on a guided tour, partake in an organized activity or enjoy a day trip. See popular tourist attractions and discover the hidden corners of Mexico through tour searches in the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula. Don't miss out on the chance to learn more about the culture and life of Cancun and all the Riviera Maya

Best Value Riviera Maya

#1 ranked: Tulum & Xel-Ha All Inclusive Two attractions in one excursion. Enjoy Mexico’s best Nature Park know All Inclusive!
* Rates in Pesos

Top Value Tours

Xcaret, 53 activities at one place = tons of fun!	$938
Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing at it's best!.	$1346
Chichen Itza World Wonder, The most spectacular Mayan site.	$748
Horse Back Riding "Loma Bonita Ranch", through the tropical jungle!	$898
** Rates in Pesos

Hotels

2008-11-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

Cancun Hotels

The best Cancun Hotels and Cancun Resorts in the most important destinations around Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Find the best Cancun hotel deals and Booking hotels online with us! The best lodging just with cancun.com

Best Value Chichen Itza

Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza
40% Off. Valid Until 5/Jan/2008

* Rates in Pesos/Night

Top Value Hotels

Cancun
Crown Paradise Club Cancun	$2089
Aquamarina Beach	$733
Margaritas	$520
Ambiance Villas at Kin Ha	$1117
Grand Royal Lagoon	$500
Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas	$997
Royal Solaris Cancun	$1429
Cozumel
Vista del Mar Boutique Hotel	$834
Isla Mujeres
Ixchel Beach Hotel	$1471
Playa del Carmen
Grand Sunset and Grand Riviera Princess	$1821
Real Playa del Carmen	$509
Viva Wyndham Maya	$1311
Magic Express	$826
Riviera Maya
Omni Puerto Aventuras	$1500
Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach	-
** Rates in Pesos/Night

Playa del Carmen Mexico

2008-11-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

Better known as Playa, this is the vibrant Heart of the Riviera Maya.Those who want to explore the mysterious and fascinating places along the shore, choose Playa as the perfect starting point not only for its idyllic beaches but also for its peculiar and exciting nightlife and relaxed, cosmopolitan ambience.

Playa del Carmen evolved from a small village to a lively cosmopolitan city with the fastest urban development rate in Mexico. Surrounded by natural wonders and inhabited by people from all over, Playa is an irresistible magnet for international visitors.

Its main axis, 5th Avenue, is a catwalk where the ultra chic meets the hippest funk in a blend of styles, colors, and tastes in the Mayan land that they now all call home.

Description

Playa del Carmen is the ideal place to spend a day, your entire vacation, or to live. The town has grown parallel to the beach so wherever you are in Playa you'll feel its closeness. North of the main dock, on or near 5th Avenue, you will find most hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. Variety and diversity characterize life in Playa del Carmen. South of the dock is Playacar, a real estate development where big, All-Inclusive hotels, a golf course, private residences and condos, an aviary, and some interesting Mayan ruins are located.

Activities and Attractions

The deep waters between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are ideal for scuba diving and sport fishing. The jungle invites you to explore its magic while approaching an astonishing archeological site.Experiences are nothing less than exciting.

Extreme sport lovers will enjoy every minute in Playa.You can choose from a great deal of water activities, such as swimming at the beach or snorkeling, to more active sports like windsurfing, skydiving, sailing, or scuba diving by the neighboring reefs or in caves. It can be just what you're looking for on your next vacation.

Less extreme but equally exciting options include a boat or catamaran trip, a visit to one of the most beautiful ecological parks in Mexico, Xcaret, a visit to the springs area in Puerto Aventuras, or the biggest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha.

By Night

The white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are the perfect respite from the fun insomnia caused by Caribbean nights.After one or many days of activity, let the breezes cool you off and the sun caress you. Get ready: afternoons and evenings offer an endless number of places for food, dancing, a beach party, and clubbing with the best ambience in all the Caribbean.

Cancun

2008-11-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

Cancun is an open gate to your dream vacation. It boasts state-of-the-art hotel facilities among the coolest clubs, bars, and malls only a few feet away from the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Description

The city of Cancun is young, as are most of its permanent and temporary inhabitants. It was just a small sand barrier some 35 years ago when the plan began to develop it into the vacation haven of the 21st century. Today, Cancun consists of a medium-sized coastal city and a long, thin island connected to the mainland through bridges at its north and south ends. It features world-class resorts, hotels, clubs, and malls. It offers something for everyone, from an all-day fun party beach to an isolated, tranquil island.

Here you'll find everything, from ultra chic to funky laidback, from R&B to techno, from tacos and cheeseburgers to fancy, mainstream standards. All tastes are welcomed and catered to in this paradise. No wonder this is Mexico's most popular resort.

Cancun's beaches

The new, great, and gorgeous beaches of white sand caressed by warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea stand out as the hottest spots in town, both literally and figuratively.It's impossible not to enjoy them so don't even try. Put on your bikini or swimsuit, it's time for fun under the sun!

Topless bathing is an activity that is quietly accepted in Cancun and many of the surrounding areas along the Mayan Rivera. Total nudity is rare (as well as illegal), especially on the major beaches. Start planning your next vacation trip to the best and most beautiful tourist destination in Mexico.

Hotel Zone

Most resorts, hotels, and condominiums are located in the Hotel Zone, as this long strip of island is known.It is the area where it all comes together for most visitors.Kukulcan Boulevard is the main and only thoroughfare. On the west side of the island is Laguna Nichupte, a vast lagoon home to hundreds of marinas, waterfront restaurants, shopping malls, a couple of golf courses, a few islands and inlets, and the fantastic sunsets you'll see during your Cancun vacation. The island's energized atmosphere emanates from the middle, its heartbeat, an area known as the Party Zone featuring the best nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and shopping malls.

Downtown Cancun

Cancun Centro (downtown) offers an alternative to all the glitz and hype of the Hotel Zone with some great restaurants, bars, and shopping arcades. The atmosphere becomes more family-friendly as all the people who make this paradise work live here.They are the target market and the ambience not only becomes Latin, but prices go down significantly. Your wallet will appreciate very much your visit to downtown, as the money it contains will certainly go farther there during your Cancun vacation.