Cancún
★ 4.7🇲🇽 CancúnSuggested visit 4-7 daysBest season The dry season from November to April, with clear water and settled weather
CaribbeanTropical resortMaya ruinsWater sports
The turquoise treasure of the Caribbean, a modern resort on the Maya coast where ruins and a floating world coexist.
Overview
Cancún is Mexico's most famous seaside resort, combining turquoise water, white sand beaches and Maya ruins.
History
In ancient times the Cancún area was an important Maya seaport, and sites such as the El Castillo watchtower survive. As recently as 1970 Cancún was a fishing village of about 100 people. The Mexican government selected the site and, with World Bank funding, built a modern resort zone from scratch. In fifty years it has grown into Mexico's largest tourism destination, receiving more than six million visitors a year and often described as the most successful tourism development project of the 20th century.
Highlights
- •Playa Delfines, named by UNESCO among the world's most beautiful beaches
- •The cliff-top Maya ruins of Tulum above the turquoise Caribbean
- •Diving the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest in the world
- •Swimming with whale sharks around Holbox
- •Snorkelling in the hidden cenotes, natural sinkhole pools
Practical tips
- •Sun protection is essential
- •All-inclusive hotel packages offer excellent value
Practical information
- Best time
- November to April
- Tickets
- Beaches free; the Tulum archaeological site about MXN 75
- Opening hours
- Beaches open all day; Tulum 8:00 to 17:00
- Local food
- Tacos, cochinita pibil and tequila
- Getting around
- Buses and taxis serve the hotel zone, and Chichén Itzá is best visited on a day tour
- Visa
- A tourist visa is required; holders of a valid US visa may enter visa-free, subject to Mexican immigration announcements.
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