Cancun Travel
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It used to be a squiggly finger of land, dotted with coconut palms and inhabited by snakes and mosquitoes on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Now Cancun is a world famous beach resort on the Mexican "Riviera Maya". Over 700 years ago it was home to the Mayan civilisation, evident by the number of archaeological sites within easy reach of the resort area. Then, about 20 years ago the Mexican government teamed with developers looking for the perfect location for an international beach resort and today's Cancun was born.
With over 200 days of sunshine each year and temperatures in the mid to high 20's, conditions are perfect for holidaymakers seeking an outdoor paradise. Even in summer, when temperatures approach 40°C, the cool Caribbean breeze keeps conditions idyllic. Happily the snakes and mosquitoes have moved elsewhere.
The town has grown to be one of the most popular international beach resorts for the neighbouring Americans, the well-to-do Mexicans and Latin Americans, as well as visitors from all parts of the globe. Cancun has something for everybody. Young revellers travel here to party the night away and sleep the day off on the beach for their end of school vacation. Families visit to indulge in the great weather and water sports.
Adventurous travellers often find themselves in Cancun for a few days of relaxation after traipsing through jungle and scaling Mayan and Aztec pyramids on a more intrepid visit to Mexico. Some come for the snorkelling, and others the water sports. Some just want to get away from the hustle and bustle and combine a little beach culture with Mayan archaeology.
If you only visit one archaeological site in Mexico - make it Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza comprises a large area of temples and lawns where Mayan athletes once battled away on the ball court.
The largest of the temples is the El Castillo pyramid, the view from the top superb and the sense of accomplishment from climbing the very steep and equally narrow ninety-one steps fulfilling - until you realise that you have to descend the same way. Fortunately the less confident can return to the base with the aid of a chain to hang on to. Chichen Itza is easily reached from Cancun on a day trip or to really explore the site, stay overnight.
There's plenty of exotic Mexican fare to sample, but while on the beach, it is highly recommended you try the seafood. Take the bus to Playa del Carmen, a smaller resort about 90 minutes away, and take the launch across to the world-renowned island of Cozumel for a spot of spectacular snorkelling. Another one close by ferry from Cancun, is Isla Mujeres. Visit a place referred to as "nature's paradise", the very unusual Xcaret - the ancient Mayan port and religious centre of Pole. Xcaret is likened to a huge natural amusement park.
You can explore the eight Mayan buildings and learn about this mystic civilisation, while all sorts of other activities await. You can swim in a pristine natural lagoon surrounded by tropical fish at the site of ancient Pole, revered by the Maya. It's one of the finest examples in the Riviera Maya. In this novel and tastefully themed adaptation there are aquariums and petting zoos. Perhaps take a ride through Xcaret's underground rivers or relax on the beautiful white sandy beach adjacent to the crystalline Caribbean waters.
Swimming with the marvellous dolphins, you'll ponder whether the ancient Mayans enjoyed the same excitement with these mammals' aquatic ancestors. Finally, visit the archaeological site, Tulum. The ancient fortress stands on the coastline looking out to the Caribbean, welcoming the sunrise. In its glory days it was a walled city built to defend against attacks from both land borne and seafaring invaders and was also an important centre for commerce.
Today Tulum is the only major Mayan site to be found on the Caribbean coastline. A stroll around the ruins will reveal beautiful tranquil waters, while it's also recommended you wander down to the perfect beach for a must-do swim under the gaze of long-departed Mayan sentries. Water sport lovers will find it almost impossible to leave Cancun, with everything from jet skis, wave runners and parasailing to crazy banana rides. There are water parks with wave making machines and water slides as well as sport fishing for serious enthusiasts.
Deep sea fishermen bring in marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, grouper and blue fin tuna while the less committed can fish in the nearby inlets for snook and tarpon. World-famous scuba diving and snorkelling is found at Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. For those needing even more entertainment on their Cancun escape, take in a Wednesday afternoon bullfight, visit an alligator farm, rent a motorcycle or buggy and go exploring, or swing a club or racquet at any of the resorts.
Cancun is a bold and colourful mix of leisure and treasure set against an idyllic tropical backdrop with an almost bottomless mix of fun and activities for the hard-pressed holidaymaker.
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