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With natural and cultural wonders as a backdrop, developers have built Mexico's most dazzling offering of creature comforts. Recent lodging improvements (there are over 20,000 hotel rooms) include the debut of several in-town properties that cater to budget-minded visitors. The conversion of several hotels into all-inclusives and quasi all-inclusives (free food/beverage without activities) is also of note.
Recent additions to Cancun's entertainment attractions include the spectacular "La Isla" entertainment complex, a state-of-the-art Convention Center (a $30 million facility with over 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space), an annual marathon, a new Parque Nizuc water park, and an array of new dining and shopping options.
Shopping is top notch, with over a dozen American-style shopping malls. Dining options (there are over 200 restaurants) include every imaginable fast food chain along with gourmet seafood, Asian, Caribbean, American and Mexican specialties, to name a few. Outdoor recreation – water sports, in particular - is first rate. Sports enthusiasts can choose from AquaWorld (a new water sports center), two 18-hole golf courses, and several water-bound adventure activities (submarine rides to jet-ski tours).
For those looking to roam, the area abounds with sightseeing treasures. Stretching 480 km. to the south along the Yucatan's eastern shore is the Riviera Maya region. This scenic and unspoiled coastal zone is emerging as one of Mexico's newest resort playgrounds. Several new all-inclusive properties have opened, and there's still plenty of off-the-beaten-path exploring. Dozens of remote coves and deserted stretches of jungle-lined white sand beach are easy to reach. There are also many archaeological sites here, ranging from magnificent, fully-restored ancient cities to mysterious, unexcavated ruins.
Cancún succeeds in combining the best of Mexico and the Caribbean into one package.
Mexico Ministry of Tourism
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The area's history is rich with Mayan influences. The Yucatán Peninsula is where Mayan culture flourished for centuries prior to the Spaniards' arrival in 1519. Over 1200 archaeological sites are scattered within a few hour's drive from Cancún. Many sites have been wonderfully restored, while others are still shrouded by tangled jungle vegetation. Even Cancun's ultra-modern resort zone harbors ruins dating to the 12th century. Popular day tours to sites like Tulum, Cobá, and Chichén Itzá afford visitors the opportunity to appreciate the work of one of the world's most advanced ancient societies.
