CANCUN

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Located in Quintana Roo, this beach destination that overlooks the Caribbean Sea is the perfect mix between luxury, natural wonders, Mayan vestiges, nightlife and exciting eco-tourism parks.

Located in a strategic place and surrounded by exuberant vegetation, Cancun It is the main gateway to the secrets of the Mayan World and the natural wonders of the Caribbean Sea. Its white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters have made it one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, both among national and foreign visitors.

In Cancun you will find the best tourist offer; from luxurious hotels, with spas and golf courses overlooking the sea or the mysterious Nichupté Lagoon, to numerous restaurants and nightclubs, famous for the quality of their gastronomy or their shows. Very close to this destination, which also has one of the most modern airports in the country, there are impressive archaeological sites such as Tulum, El Meco and Cobá, as well as eco-cultural parks to enjoy with the family.

Cancun, which means "nest of snakes," has it all: Mayan vestiges, great weather, the most beautiful beaches in the country, hospitality and even upscale boutiques and shops. Both in the city and its surroundings, visitors will be able to enjoy various activities and incredible views that will give them the feeling of being, indeed, in paradise.

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Due to the quantity and quality of its infrastructure and natural attractions, Cancun is certified as a high-level destination by the World Tourism Organization. The project to turn it into a tourist center began in the 1970s, and since then it has been a favorite place for travelers.

Beaches and Nichupté Lagoon

Cancun (like the Riviera maya) has some of the most charming beach spots in the country. Its beaches, especially Chemuyil and Playa Delfines, are distinguished by white sand and warm turquoise waters. In addition to the best views, here you can swim, dive to admire reefs and colorful fish (its waters are almost transparent!), Relax, ride horses and do multiple water activities. Another must see is the reef of Punta Nizuc or Mosquito Point, where you can practice free diving.

Crossing the main avenue of the hotel zone (Bulevar Kukulcán) is the Nichupté Lagoon. It offers a completely different image, framed by mangroves and greenish waters. In it it is possible to take boat rides, as well as practice skiing and jet skiing. The restaurants overlooking this body of water are some of the best in the city.

Museums and monuments

This destination is much more than sun, sand and sea. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of pre-Hispanic pieces belonging to the most important archaeological sites on the eastern coast such as El Rey, Tulum, Cobá, Kohunlich, Xcaret, El Meco and Xel-Há.

Some important monuments and buildings that you cannot miss are the Monument to the History of Mexico, with engravings of relevant characters; the Monument to José Martí, designed by the Cuban Ramón De Lázaro Bencomo; and the Kukulcán Fountain, which consists of six heads of feathered serpents.

Ecotourism and cultural parks

One of the great attractions of Cancun are the parks that are located in its surroundings, ideal to enjoy with the family. The most famous is Xcaret, where you can swim through underground rivers, admire species from the region and be part of shows that combine the best of ancient and modern Mexico. You can also go to Xel-Há, the largest natural aquarium in the world; to Xplor to have fun on the longest zip lines; and Xenotes to enter the wonderful cenotes, interconnected water bodies underground.

If you are a lover of flora and fauna, do not miss the Kabah Ecological Park, created to protect the endemic species of Cancun, some of them in danger of extinction. The extensive natural area is located to the southwest of the city and stands out for its jungle vegetation, as well as other attractions such as the Mayan house, guided tours and children's games.

Archaeological zones

Very close to Cancun are ancient Mayan cities. One of them is El Meco, which still preserves some palatial structures such as El Castillo, which consists of a quadrangular basement topped by a temple. Another is Yamil Lu’um (which can be accessed from the beach), whose main monument is known as the Temple of the Alacrán, with a base of vertical walls and a single-chamber temple. There is also the archaeological zone The king, located very close to the Hotel Zone. It was a ceremonial and administrative center that still has fragments of mural painting and includes 47 structures (making it the most notable in the area).

Although it is at a greater distance, Cobá is a place that you have to know. It was once an impressive Mayan city with more than 6,500 buildings and currently maintains 16 sacbes or roads that exceed 200 kilometers in length. Among its most important groups are Grupo Cobá, Macanxoc, Chumuc Mul, Uxulbenuc and Nohoch Mul. Among its attractions are the interesting stelae with hieroglyphic inscriptions and stucco reliefs.

Nearby islands

Numerous boats depart from Cancun that go to islands nestled in the Caribbean Sea. One of them is Isla Mujeres, which in addition to offering magnificent beaches, allows you to observe dolphins and turtles, swim, dive, snorkel, visit Mayan vestiges and discover the ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. We recommend you visit the "El Garrafón" Underwater National Park, with reefs, the Yunque Islet, El Farito and the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks.

Another option is to go to the Playa Linda maritime terminal to board a transport to Isla Contoy, an ecological reserve area where you can witness an extraordinary show due to the large number of aquatic birds that inhabit it. Here you can practice diving in the reefs that surround it.

Shopping and night life

Along with natural and cultural wonders, Cancun is a good destination for shopping. Here are installed modern shopping centers, such as La Isla, handicraft stores such as those located within Mercado 28, in the Center, as well as the traditional Plaza Kukulcán where you can buy in stores of the best national and international brands. Also on La Isla there is an interactive aquarium that will fascinate the little ones.

In this destination, the fun continues at nightfall with incredible discos and bars such as Coco Bongo, with live shows, Dady’O Disco, El Camarote or Hard Rock Cancun, among many others.

Carmen beach

Very close to Cancun is this tourist center that today is one of the most famous beaches in the Mexican Republic. Two worlds coexist here: On the one hand, the village atmosphere that is breathed in a village dedicated to fishing; and on the other, the cultural and social mix that has given life to a fashion center made up of eclectic architecture and gastronomy.

Walk down Fifth Avenue to discover the best offer of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops that sell from popular handicrafts to exclusive brand items. During the day, enjoy its beaches (its coral reef is the second largest in the world) and explore natural corners on tours by jeep, bicycle or horseback; and when the sun goes down, be part of its exciting nightlife.

Tulum

It is one of the most visited Mayan cities in Mexico and part of its charm lies in the fact that it was built in front of the sea, on a cliff from where you can appreciate the turquoise tones of the Caribbean Sea. Although it was not a very large city, Tulum was an astronomical observatory and played a leading role in maritime and land trade in the area between the 13th and 16th centuries, in the late Postclassic period. It was at this time that its main buildings were built. Along with the archaeological zone, here are hotels of all categories, among which the ecological and boutique ones stand out.

Chichen Itza

Although it is located at a greater distance, already in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is worth visiting this archaeological zone, recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity and considered one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. It is the most famous Mayan city in the world, which was founded between 325 and 550 of our era. However, it reached its maximum splendor at the beginning of the 12th century when the buildings that remain until now, such as El Castillo or the Ball Court, were built. In addition to these constructions, we recommend that you take a closer look at The Observatory or Caracol and the Temple of the Warriors, as well as the Sacred Cenote.

Holbox

Leaving Chiquilá, take the ferry to reach this paradisiacal island. Here there are kilometers of virgin beaches and it is recognized as a Protected Natural Area, since it is home to more than 30 species of birds. However, one of its greatest attractions is the possibility of swimming with the impressive whale shark that visits these coasts every year. You can go to Cabo Catoche to do this activity (and, hopefully, you will see dolphins on the way). Also, in Holbox there are hotels and bungalows, as well as kayak tours through the mangroves and horseback riding along the beach.

Valladolid

This Magical Town, located to the east of the Yucatan Peninsula, is endowed with viceregal buildings, exquisite handicrafts and a notable pre-Hispanic and colonial tradition. In the Center, around the Main Square, you will know the Municipal Palace and the Parish of San Servacio. In its surroundings, visit Cenote Zaci, a natural attraction that also has a restaurant, a zoo, and handicraft shops; and the cenotes of Dzitnup, made up of Samulá and Xkekén, a group known as “The Blue Cave”. Another attraction of "La Perla de Oriente" is its proximity to important archaeological sites of the Mayan culture, such as Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam and Cobá.

Cozumel

The "land of the swallows" is the largest and most populated island in this area. It has miles of white sand and quiet beaches. It also houses pre-Hispanic vestiges and has three natural reserves: the Cozumel Marine Reef National Park; the Punta Sur Park; and the Eco-Archaeological Park of the Chankanaab Lagoon. In this place you can do very good purchases, both local brands of handicrafts and luxury stores, located mainly around the Zócalo de San Miguel.