• Login For travel professionals • Content Licensing        

 

Cancun

Print our full travel guide to Mexico

Overview: Cancun, the premiere tourist city in Mexico, is a combination of two areas, the city centre inland and the resort centre which sports a line of towering hotels flanked by aqua water and white sand beaches.

Cancun is full of resort style fun, the best of which includes visits to the many picturesque beaches and golf courses which are all similarly idyllic.

Cancun cruises usually don't actually stop at Cancun but instead farther south at Calica, also called Playa Del Carmen, which is about an hour's drive or 41 miles (67 kilometers) from the city. Calica can berth two cruise liners and cruises that stop at the city of Cancun anchor far offshore with long tender rides to a small pier. Cruise excursions also arrive from Cozumel. Contact:

Tel: 52 998 8812745
Email: cvb@cancun.travel
Website: www.cancun.travel/en/
The tourism office can be found at the Cancun Center

Transport: From Calica shuttles can transport visitors to Cancun. From the Cancun Pier or downtown a host of taxies are available although much of the city and resort area is within easy walking distance. A Ferry or regular buses are great for longer excursions outside of Cancun. Attractions: Beaches are the main attraction in Cancun, although one is not particularly nicer than another, and they often include every dreamable water activity such as speed boating and scuba diving. The most popular inland attractions are a choice of golf courses although there are also great trips to ancient Mayan ruins such as Tulum and Chichen Itza. Huge shopping complexes are enticing and despite its spring break reputation, the nightlife is lively and appropriate for all ages. Restaurants:

• Destileria - Popular restaurant with Mexican and seafood cuisine
• Fantino - Fine dining at the Ritz Carlton
• Captain's Cove - Laid back deck seating with great views

Best dish: Fish Taco

Shopping: With six huge and modern shopping complexes and hundreds of stores shopping can be overwhelming. A popular place for local souvenirs instead of designer fashion is one of three markets, the largest being Market 28 also called mercado veintiocho.

Best buy: Fashionable bathing suit

Excursions:

• Visit Cozumel
• Explore the Xcaret park
• Visit Puerto Morelos
• Enjoy the Isla Mujeres