Cancun Hotels & Holidays

Mexico, Central America

mexico accommodation guide

Cancún, located at the far southeast of Mexicoon the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a unique blend of Mexican, Caribbean, and Mayan cultures. Just 50 years ago Cancun was a sleepy fishing village, home to about a dozen families; today the area, just 22.5km long and less than 1km wide, is a sparkling holiday destination designed mostly to please party-loving tourists from the US. For the adventurous, Cancún has two very unique attractions that set it apart from the rest of the Caribbean and the world: the huge barrier reef it is on that affords skin and SCUBA divers unparalleled underwater vistas, and the incredible architecturalruins of the Mayan civilizationfound throughout the area.

map of cancun mexico
Map of Cancun

Cancun Holidays Planner

Cancún is divided into two parts – one filled with exciting, rocking, glitzy clubs and seaside resorts, called the Hotel Zone, and the other the quieter Cancún City (called Centro) with reasonably priced hotels and restaurants, fewer crowds, and plenty of shopping. There is much to do in and around Cancún, but if you're looking for a strictly R&R destination, this might not be the right place for you. Cancun appeals to the young, and has earned its reputation as a spring break party spot for students, so to avoid the really wild scene, the perfect time to visit would be in summer, after the students have left and before hurricane season begins. For holiday-packers, most who visit on package tours, deep-sea fishing and diving are excellent, and a massage by the sea takes pampering to the nth level.

Beyond the city, the surrounding eco-parks and Mayan ruins however are spectacular. You can zip or ride through the ancient jungle, climb an ancient pyramid, and though not suggested for the faint of heart, for something a bit different you can see an authentic bull fight.

But nothing surpasses the ancient Mayan ruins.They are spectacular, and although there are a few small ruins in and near Cancun, the drive to the larger Mayan cities are educational, and well worth the time. Outside of the pyramids in Egypt, nothing comes close to the astoundingly ornate and magnificent temples and other highly decorated structures left by the Mayans. Chichen Itza, a couple hours' drive southwest of Cancun, was recently named as one of the NewSeven Wonders of the World;Coba, 172 km southwest of Cancun but east of Chichen Itza, andTulum, 132 km south of Cancun overlooking the sea, areall wonderswell worth experiencing.

You can zip or ride through the ancient jungle, climb an ancient pyramid, and though not suggested for the faint of heart, for something a bit different you can see an authentic bull fight on Wednesdays. For the truly adventurous Cancún has two very unique attractions that set it apart from the rest of the Caribbean and the world: the huge barrier reef it is built on that affords skin and SCUBA divers unparalleled underwater vistas, and the incredible architecturalruins of the Mayan civilization found throughout the area.

Cancun Accommodation Guide
Although its primary industry is tourism, Cancún is really not a "tourist trap." Prices are fairly reasonable and good deals can be found for flights, accommodations, meals and adventures. Many who visit Cancun however never venture farther from the beach outside their hotel, or the pool bars. The weather is wonderful all spring and summer long, and many resorts will bring your food right onto the sand. The Hotel Zone has every type of accommodation imaginable. Many of the resorts also offer a variety of all-inclusive options.
Cancun Travel Info
The Cancun International Airport is the second largest by volume in Mexico, and has received the highest scores for the modern facilities, equipment, and security. It's served by all major airlines and has all the mod cons. Many of the downtown hotels have free shuttle bus service down to the beaches in the Hotel Zone, but if not, buses and taxis to and from the Hotel Zone are frequent, cheap, and safe. Rental cars are plentiful, as are taxis, though you'll find a lot of people just walking in the balmy sunshine.