Cancun, Mexico, hotels and tourist Information

Spa Services

To relax in a sophisticated ambiance, visit a Spa. These health and beauty centers may be found in the majority of hotels or as private businesses. A complete service includes a shared jacuzzi, gym, aromatherapy, therapeutic massages for relaxation or reduction, a steam bath, sauna and complete beauty treatments for men and women. Take full advantage of your vacation: rest, let yourself be pampered and return home totally renewed. For more information, contact Client Services, the hospitality table or your hotel's concierge.

AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

Bordered on one side by the vast Caribbean Sea and by extensive lagoons on the other, Cancun's hotel zone is a paradise for aquatic activities. The numerous marinas offer from an entire day of fishing in the high seas to diving classes and deep-sea diving, including a visit to sharks' caves or the zones inhabited by whale sharks and sting rays.

Likewise, one may choose to simply practice snorkeling on the reefs near the coast or in Isla Mujeres. For more information, we suggest checking with your hotel's travel agency.

Generally hotels have dive centers with aquatic activities like snorkeling, jet skis, sailboats and kayaks. Parasailing can be found on some beaches.

Don't forget to try a Jungle Tour --a trip on a jet ski or individual boat-- through the lagoon and canals that wind between the mangroves. This marvelous excursion, offered at many of the marinas, will take you to see the freshwater springs in the lagoon.

If sport fishing is your passion, head to a marina. The majority rent boats for large-scale fishing with a specialized crew. The best season is between April and September, when the species abound. In the waters of the Mexican Caribbean marlin, sailfish, swordfish and barracuda are fished. With a little luck, fishermen will prepare a "ceviche" (traditional dish of the Mexican coast, made with fresh fish, lemon, spices, olive oil and herbs) with the fruits of your fishing trip, while you rest on one of the calm beaches of Isla Mujeres' tranquil beaches. Sport fishing tours last between four and eight hours, departing early, just after sunrise.

Less intense but not less fun are boat, semi submarine or trips on glass-bottomed boats that allow you to view the underwater delights of Cancun and Isla Mujeres' waters. Consult your hotel's guest service's desk.

AIRPLANES AND HELICOPTERS
Recreational flights in the area

You are invited to discover beautiful aerial views of the Caribbean coast, with their islands and Cancun, offering the opportunity to take unique photographs. Likewise, small planes may be rented to visit remote sites. There are runways to accommodate small planes in Tulum (Riviera Maya), Chichen Itza (state of Yucatan) and the Mayan Coast (south of the state of Quintana Roo).

Other businesses offer regular charter-type flights to more distant important archeological zones such as Palenque (state of Chiapas) or Tikal (Guatemala). Choose the services you wish to contract at your hotel's travel agency.

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

Cancun is blessed with various archeological vestiges. The ruins of El Rey are located in front of Playa Delfines. Any taxi or bus on Kukulcan Boulevard can take you there easily. The visit won't take you more than an hour. It is an ideal site to relax, become familiar with Maya culture and to witness the numerous iguanas that chose these ancient temples as it´s home.

Found north of Cancun, over the avenue leading to Punta Sam, is the archeological zone of El Meco. From the top of one of its pyramids-the tallest archeological structure in the north of the state-there is a breathtaking view of the Chacmochuc Lagoon, near the area known as Isla Blanca (the name is misleading since it is not an island). To get there, we suggest taking a taxi, since this site, recently open to the public, still does not receive many visitors.

This two to three-hour visit offers the magnificent opportunity to become acquainted with an ancient coastal Maya city.
Some hotels have ancient Maya temples in their gardens that have been perfectly conserved; their authenticity is unquestionable.

CRUISES

By day, the boat trips travel to the nearby islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres or Contoy. Trips to Cozumel are one or two days and one day to Contoy. Because it is a protected natural preserve and resident and migratory sea bird sanctuary, overnight stays are not permitted in Contoy and access is restricted. Ask at your hotel for an authorized tour service.

As evening falls, board a local cruise that sails until midnight, either through the Nichupte Lagoon (east of the hotel zone) or through Mujeres Bay to Isla Mujeres. These trips include an excellent dinner, dancing and lots of fun while your children sleep safely under the care of a babysitter hired through your hotel.

CANCUN'S BEACHES

Cancun's beaches are formed by sand of calcareous origin, accounting for its white color, its fine texture and temperature, always cool regardless of the sun's strong rays.
In Cancun, two beach zones can be distinguished: the first is located in the north of the hotel zone, facing Isla Mujeres and is protected by its location within the bay. Due to its calm waves, it is ideal for children and to practice aquatic activities like jet skiing, water skiing or sailing.
The other beach zone is located on the eastern side of the hotel zone, facing the open sea. It is a group of spectacular beaches, with waves whose intensity varies according to the season. For your safety, hotel beaches and the marinas use colored warning flags. Before swimming, we suggest consider them.

Due to its location in the northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the northeasterly direction of sea currents, the angle of the waves, the winds, and the urbanization and growth of Cancun's hotel zone, the beaches are constantly changing shape during the year and in various cycles annually.

Tropical storms and the indirect effect of nearby hurricanes generate underwater sand movements, sometimes causing drastic changes in ample zones of the beach through the span of a year.

An enjoyable time may be spent on hotel beaches but public beaches are also worth a visit. It can be identified by a FONATUR sign. These beaches are very popular with locals on the weekends; we recommend a visit to the Riviera Maya during those days.

Don't miss a sunset on Playa Delfines, perhaps after a visit to the archeological site of EL REY, on the other side of Kukulcan Boulevard.

RESTAURANTS

Cancun's hotel zone offers a wide variety of restaurants with all types of food: international, Italian, Mexican, North American fast food, fish and seafood, and much more. Cancun restaurants such a wide variety allows a different option every night, whether at a shopping center or along the very same Kukulcan Boulevard, in addition to the selections provided by your hotel.

We suggest trying the Mexican food served in the restaurants downtown Cancun. Make sure to stop by any one of the popular taco stands (taquerias) serving traditional meat and cheese tacos, accompanied by spicy sauces and famous Mexican beer. Your hotel concierge or any taxi driver can provide recommendations.

NIGHTLIFE

Dinner is recomendable in one of the many restaurants. With the night already underway, let yourself be swept away by the festive ambience.

The hotel zone's discos --safe and easily accessible-- open their doors at 10:00 p.m. and allow entry until 2:00 a.m. Usually, all require a cover charge or entrance fee from 10 to 20 USD. The hotel zone has five main discos, all aimed at the young people that enjoy alternative or rock music.

Likewise, there are a wide variety of bars, clubs and smaller discos, and clubs with all types of music, some specializing in tropical rhythms.
Elegant but modern clothing is recommended when going out at night: closed-toed shoes and long pants for men; for women, a light summer dress. Nevertheless, sometimes the discos organize contests and games where one may end up wet: keep this in consideration and come prepared.

Certain establishments have different promotions each day of the week, like "ladies night," "2x1," etc. Ask beforehand. We recommend only taking enough money to pay for taxis and tips, a credit card and be ready to have a good time.

If you wish to have an exclusively Mexican night, we suggest obtaining information from your hotel's concierge. Some hotels offer traditional celebrations and there is no shortage of restaurants where joyful mariachis, in both downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone can be enjoyed.
You could find Mariachis to hire in Yaxchilán Avenue in downtown-Cancun. We recommend wandering through Cancun at night in a group or with an organized tour as it is a foreign city and it may be easier to get around with company. Cancun is not an unsafe city But you must consider basic safety measures like in another world city.

SHOPPING CENTERS

Cancun has five important shopping centers. All have fast-food restaurants and exclusive international or Mexican restaurants.
Visit the boutiques selling clothing and accessories of national or imported brand names and purchase gifts at the souvenir shops.

Some of the plazas have, in addition, entertainment centers for all ages: bowling, movie theaters, video arcades, attractions for small children, an aquarium and fun adventure games that let the imagination fly.

We suggest planning an afternoon to visit these shopping centers.
In downtown you will find several malls, also boutiques on Tulum Avenue, that is de main street of dowtown.

GOLF AND TENNIS

Practically all of Cancun's hotels have perfectly designed tennis courts rigorously maintained under the high standards of the sport' s rules.
Reserve the hours of your choice; you can even take a course. In Cancun, you may find fully-stocked sporting goods stores with tennis equipment to buy in case you didn't bring yours, but check first at your hotel, they may be able to provide what you need.

If you love golf, you will enjoy the courses in Cancun's hotel zone.
The largest are Pok ta Pok and the Hilton Cancun Golf Club. While Pok ta Pok, a private golf course, is located in the residential area of the island of the same name, the Hilton's golf course surrounds the archeological zone of El Rey. Both have first-class services and instruction. There are also other smaller courses with excellent services in the Melia Cancun and Oasis Hotels.

DOWNTOWN CANCUN

At the hotel zone entrance are located the streets of turistical interest of Cancun downtown.

We suggest taking a stroll at dusk or at night through the southern end of Tulum Avenue, the main artery that runs north to south through downtown. It heads north to Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam (where a ferry to Isla Mujeres may be taken) and south, to the international airport, the Riviera Maya and further south within the state.

Restaurants, stores selling knick-knacks and souvenirs, and a craft market, frame Tulum Avenue and the surrounding streets. In general, prices are lower than in the hotel zone. Downtown Cancun has other important avenues: Yaxchilan, Uxmal, Nader and part of Coba, which also contain affordable hotels, local bars, banks, money exchanges, car rentals, establishments selling products and communal facilities, among other services for tourists.

We recommend visiting the Mercado 28; even though Cancun is a very young city (just 30 years old) this market has all the characteristics of a traditional Mexican market. Here, you may find all types of articles and services, including fully stocked craft shops, food stands and typical restaurants frequented by locals.

Don't miss a visit to one of the cantinas found in the bullfighting ring, at the entrance to the hotel zone. Mexican friends come together to drink beer, tequila and other beverages accompanied by delicious appetizers and good conversation; they play cards or domino and listen to live Mexican music.

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

For those in search of Archeological Zones the Yucatan Peninsula is world famous as the cradle of the great Maya civilization. Numerous vestiges spread throughout the area have survived, many which have remained unexplored while other archeological zones are open to the public.

In Cancun¹s hotel zone, the El Rey site is located at kilometer 18 of Kukulcan Boulevard. It only takes one hour to visit this archeological vestige. North of Cancun, near Punta Sam, in a place known as Isla Blanca (though it is not an island) are the El Meco ruins, recently opened to the public. Any taxi can take you there.

Tulum, Coba and Xcaret are the main archeological zones of the Riviera Maya.
Tulum, an ancient walled city, overlooking the ocean form the top of a cliff, is one of the most frequented ancient cities in Mexico. Aside

NATURE

In search of a commune with nature in general, a vacation in the Riviera Maya or in Cancun allows a direct and constant interaction with nature. Visit the crocodile farm located south of Cancun¹s international airport, just prior to the Puerto Morelos exit. It takes an hour and a half to view the entirety of this enclosure that also houses other reptiles, deer and small local mammals. A guide service is recommended and is free of charge allthough a tip will be apreciated.

Further along, heading south past Puerto Morelos, the Juan de la Barrera Botanical Gardens contain a worthy collection of regional flowers. The trip, affordable, safe and quick, welcomes visitors into the tropical jungle and familiarizes them with the names and characteristics of native plants.

DIVE

Looking for diving options. If you would like to dive in shallow waters near the coast, the fishing village of Puerto Morelos, at the begining town of the Riviera Maya, has some beautiful, perfectly conserved reefs housing a great diversity of species. Puerto Morelos has remained relatively unaffected by modern development, full of its old charm and an attractive tranquility. Head to the marinas near the main dock or in the hotels for more information.

One of the most important diving sites on the Riviera Maya¹s coast is Akumal, known for its lessons taught at the marinas. If you have a bit more time, you may obtain a non-professional diver certification. The zone is characterized by its attractive reefs, ancient sunken ships and interesting caves and underwater caverns that offer exciting adventures.

IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

If you are staying in Playa del Carmen you may enjoy some of the Riviera Maya¹s most beautiful beaches, including a plethora of aquatic activities: from diving tours to the nearby coral reefs to jet skiing and parasailing. Ask at your hotel or the dive shops along the beach.

In the evening, Playa del Carmen¹s main street, Fifth Avenue, overflows with excitement. There are bars with a bohemian atmosphere and live music, vibrant restaurants serving Mexican, Italian or international cuisine and colorful handicraft shops from different parts of the world. Playa del Carmen is the most important city in the Riviera Maya and offers easy access to the Maya World and all of the Mexican Caribbean¹s most interesting sites. We recommend renting a car and planning enough days to visit all the surrounding sites of cultural, archeological and recreational interest. Likewise, you may inquire at your hotel about organized tours and activities related to ecotourism.

From Playa del Carmen¹s docks boats sail to the Cozumel island, which can be visited in one day. Express boats depart every half-hour.

COZUMEL ISLAND

Cozumel is truly a paradise for diving experts. This island is internationally renowned for its coral barrier reef offering unique sights. Innumerable dive shops offer courses and tours for all levels of diving expertise.

Likewise, you may enjoy Cozumel beaches or take a drive around the town to discover the Colombia Lagoon, a nearly unaltered natural paradise with a lookout point and pristine beaches. Also visit the archeological sites, the most important being San Gervasio.

In the center of the small city of San Jose de Cozumel, shops and jewelry stores border the coastal avenue and the dock. As an island connected to the commercial network of international jewels of the Caribbean Sea, you might consider purchasing a gem.

From the central plaza or the terrace of a restaurant facing the dike, admire the luxury cruise ships that navigate through the Caribbean and dock a few feet from the island while its passengers come ashore for a bit of shopping and sightseeing.

Distances

from its very original architecture decorated in symbols, a visit is also rewarded by splendid views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and a tiny beach at the foot of the cliff where swimming is permitted. We recommend bringing a bathing suit. At the entrance to the archeological zone is a parking lot and craft market. Food is not sold here. Nevertheless, the town of Tulum, less than a mile away, offers worthy dining options, from typical Yucatecan food to fish and seafood.

At the entrance to the town of Tulum take the highway towards Coba, an ancient city located 26 miles within the jungle. Dispersed throughout this extensive zone are buildings, including various imposing pyramids. Aside from a few family restaurants, the archeological villas of Club Med and handicraft stands outside of the zone, Coba does not offer standard tourist services. If preparing for an extensive visit we recommend taking lightweight and comfortable clothing, good shoes, a hat or cap, insect repellent and drinking water. The archeological park can be toured on foot or by bicycle

The Yucatan Peninsula was densely populated in pre-hispanic times, explaining the endless amount of sites waiting to be explored here. The Riviera Maya contains many of the smaller sites that are peppered throughout the length of the coast and the principal highway or hidden in its jungles. Interesting sites of worship, observation sites, paintings and well-preserved structures may be witnessed. Some vestiges have been included in the modern constructions of certain hotels or in local settlements. Their authenticity is unquestionable.

In the state of Yucatan and 110 miles from Cancun lies Chichen Itza, one of the Yucatan Peninsula¹s most important sites. The majority of travel agencies can arrange visits to this zone. Renting a car provides more flexibility and, due to the highway¹s excellent conditions, the trip takes about two hours. The light and sound show at Chichen Itza, providing a closer understanding of the divine beliefs of the ancient Maya, is highly recommended.

After exploring Chichen Itza, which requires about three to four hours, enjoy dinner in the town of Piste, or take the toll-free highway back to Cancun and stop in Valladolid. This small Yucatecan city is famous for its delectable regional dishes that can be sampled in any of its restaurants. In the central plaza, facing the cathedral, mestizas (people of mixed native and Spanish blood) gather to sell their hipiles or traditional white, cotton dresses embroidered with colorful flowers.

Plenty of cenotes can be found on the road between Chichen Itza and Valladolid, including a particularly interesting site: the caves of Balancanche, with a cenote holding vestiges of ceremonies officiated in the pre-Hispanic age.

If you are a fan of archeological sites and would like a more in-depth look into the Maya civilization, we suggest scheduling a three-day stay in the city of Merida and following the 50-mile Puuc Route.

It is an archeological circuit that includes various ancient cities and beautiful architecture corresponding to the Classical Period (600-900 A.D.), during which the Maya culture flowered.

Among these settlements is the famous city of Uxmal, containing spectacular buildings that exemplify the great artistic endeavors of this civilization and their enormous body of scientific knowledge. Also found along the route are the spectacular sites of Kabah, Labna, X-Lapak, Sayil and the Loltun caves.

(rented at the entrance). We don¹t suggest straying off the main paths; remember that there are many small animals, unfamiliar to most tourists, residing within the tropical jungle. To reach Coba, sign up for a tour from your hotel or rent a car. Tulum is the best option for dining after your visit.

The archeological zone of Xcaret is found within the eco-archeological park of the same name. The archeological vestiges are found scattered throughout the park and the museum houses scaled models of the most important Maya cities: Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tulum, Coba, Palenque. Aside from the wealth of activities that can be enjoyed here, a visit to the museum and the ancient temples are truly worthwhile.

In Playacar, residential area is located an Aviary that will present you with the beauty of birds from the region.
Various options in ecotourism are available. These may be arranged from your hotel, especially if you are staying in the Riviera Maya, or from Playa del Carmen¹s travel agencies, that promote ecological tourism, offering cenote (sinkhole) and cavern exploration, jungle walks to observe and learn about the flora and fauna, excursions to the Sian Ka¹an Biosphere Reserve and, in addition, the option of delving further into the Yucatan Peninsula to discover the Calakmul Reserve.
We recommend using reputable travel agencies. Take slacks and long-sleeved shirts, including shorts and a bathing suit, plenty of insect repellent and a hat or cap.

A visit to the local geological formations (cenotes and their caves) may be of particular interest to tourists.

Many are found near Xel-Ha Park, in the middle of the jungle. A three-hour tour offers interesting explanations about the origin and ecosystems of these unique bodies of water while enjoying the surrounding wildlife. Inquire at your hotel or in any travel agency for more information.

Puerto Aventuras is another location with exceptional diving services. Generally, nearly all of the Riviera Maya¹s hotels provide attractive and safe alternatives for diving, whether for beginners or expert divers.

North of Cancun, Isla Mujeres also offers many options for shallow diving and snorkeling in its turquosie waters.

Cozumel is the diving capital of the Mexican Caribbean. World-famous, this island presents spectacular coral reefs with large walls that form one of the most privileged diving sites around. Shallow diving to deep diving is practiced here through the numerous diving services, all certified and renowned. In a few days you can obtain a sport diving certification allowing you to dive in any part of the world.

A unique experience you may enjoy in the region is cenote, cave and cavern diving. A large number of the Riviera Maya¹s cenotes offer this specialized and uncommon activity. Dive shops lend their services from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras or your hotel. Make sure that the tour guide you hire is a highly-qualified expert cave diver and has been certified by international organizations.