Destination Details

Cancun

Before the Mexican government decided in 1967 to develop Cancun into a major tourist destination, the area was a quiet beach-head for local Mayan fishermen. Construction of hotels, roads and infrastructure started in 1974 with resort development continuing into the mid-1980's. By the end of the decade, Cancun had established itself as the most popular Mexican destination for foreigners, with about 75% of visitors coming from the United States.

Today, Cancun receives over 2 million visitors yearly. Most stay on Cancun Island (known as the hotel zone) to enjoy endless stretches of beautiful white-sand beaches and the mesmorizing, fluorescent blue Caribbean. The "Island" which is now connected to the mainland, is shaped like the number seven. It's approximately 15 miles in length and 1/2 mile wide, with one main double-lane road that connects to Cancun International Airport on the mainland, nine miles from the hotel zone.

Accommodation in the hotel zone consists mainly of large, high-rise, four to five-star oceanfront international resorts. As most guests are from the U.S. and Canada, English is widely spoken making shopping and outings relatively hassle-free.

The city of Cancun adjoins the northern end of the island on the mainland. The city is not particularly attractive. Visitors are more likely to enjoy the city's 400,000 inhabitants, most of whom work in the tourist industry. Unlike the hotel zone, however, Cancun city is typical of other Mexican urban centers and therefore provides an authentic experience of Mexican people, culture and lifestyle.

Map of Cancun

Beaches
Cancun's wonderful long white-sand beaches and stunning, fluorescent blue waters are ideal for swimming and relaxing. The beaches in the north end tend to be calmer as this area is more sheltered from the wind.

Shopping
Cancun is a great place to shop because of the number and variety of stores. The hotel zone and city have about 20 malls (called plazas) plus many small art and craft stores where you can bargain on prices.

Cycling
Along the hotel zone there is a good cycle path. Riding south will take you to less developed areas including Punta Nizuc, known for its coral reefs, and the Mayan Ruins of El Rey near the Nichupte lagoon.

Mayan Ruins
Cancun has two Mayan ruins on the Island: El Rey and Yamil Lu'um. El Rey is the largest and consists of a temple and several ceremonial structures within a rectangular area of about 100 yards in length. A small admission fee is charged and you may hire a guide.

Yamil Lu'um is a very small, temple wall perched on top of a hill beside the beach. It is located next to the Sheraton Cancun hotel and offers a fabulous view of the Caribbean.

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