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Jennifer Williams

Cancun's Hidden Gems

Cancun, 5 Days

Table of contents:Guide Description 2

Itinerary Overview 3

Daily Itineraries 4

My List 7

Cancun Snapshot 9

Guide Description

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AUTHOR NOTE: My Cancun's Hidden Gems guide includes aremote beach, 2 small Mayan ruins sites, and 2 great restaurantsthat are perfect for a romantic night out, a special occasion, orjust enjoying a wonderful meal...Avoid crowds by visiting these lesser-known places in Cancun.

Itinerary Overview things to do

restaurants

hotels

nightlife

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Day 1 - Cancun

Zona Arqueológica El ReyMayan ruins for those that don´t have the time to visitChichen Itza or Tulum.

L'EscargotFrench restaurant in downtown Cancun. Deliciousfood and great service make this a wonderful placefor a special occasion.

Day 2 - Cancun

Palapa Belga (La)A Romantic Setting

Day 3 - Cancun

Isla ContoyAlso known as the Island of the Birds

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Day 1 - CancunQUICK NOTE

contact:tel: +52 998 881 2745http://dti.inah.gob.mx/index.php

location:Boulevard Kukulcán Km 18Cancún 77500

hours:Daily 8a-5p

1 Zona Arqueológica El Rey

DESCRIPTION: This archaeological site is within the Cancunresort area and is well worth a visit if a day trip to the largersites of Tulum or Chichen Itza isn´t in your plans. Here youcan appreciate the vestiges of one of the most interestingancient civilizations of the Americas: The Mayans. These ruinsare a window into the history of Mexico, and are Cancún'slargest archaeological site. This was an ancient city thatreached its splendor between the years 1250 and 1521 AD.Tours can be arranged through Cancún hotels and travelagencies. You'll hear an explanation of the structures and theirhistorical significance in English, Spanish, French, German,Italian or Portuguese. You can get here by taxi or local bus. ©wcities.com

wcities

contact:tel: (998) 887-6337http://www.lescargot.com.mx

location:Calle Piña #27, SM-25Cancun Quintana Roo 77500

hours:Breakfast: Monday-Friday 8:00am-12:30pm &Dinner: Monday-Saturday6:30pm-11:30pm

2 L'Escargot

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Call ahead to reserve a table, as this restaurant is very small. Also, the terrace isa very romantic setting. If you are celebrating an anniversary, or just want to havea romantic evening, request a table on the terrace.

DESCRIPTION: L'Escargot is one of Cancun's hidden treasures. This small, family-owned &operated restaurant serves up some of the most incredible food you'll find in Cancun. The menuis French-inspired but, in addition to Foie Gras, Patés, and, of course, L'escargot, diners willalso find beef, duck, lamb, and fish dishes. The portions are generous and the food is absolutelydelicious. The staff speaks Spanish, English, & French. There is seating on the terrace and insidethe restaurant. The indoor dining area has air conditioning. There is live music on Wednesdaysand Thursdays. At this time, breakfast is NOT being served. Breakfast service will resume inSeptember. © NileGuide

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Day 2 - Cancun

contact:tel: +52 998 883 5454http://palapabelga.com/

location:Calle Quetzal Number 13Cancun QR 77500

hours:Daily 7a

Palapa Belga (La)DESCRIPTION: Located in a beautiful romantic setting overlooking the beach and the lagoon, LaPalapa Belga offers a wonderful dining experience. And if you like French and Belgian cuisine,then this is your place to be. Among Cancun's most famed restaurants, La Palapa is owned andmanaged by the renowned chef Oliver, who cooks up some really delicious salmons, steaks,seafood and a lot of other French and Belgian specialties. The French onion soup offered here isa must-try. The restaurant is well-illuminated and offers an intimate and cozy seating arrangementoverlooking the sea from all the sides. It almost gives you a feeling of dining aboard a ship whichmakes it all the more pleasant. © wcities.com

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Day 3 - CancunQUICK NOTE

contact:tel: +52 998 287 3671 (Callfor details)http://www.islacontoy.org/aboutus.htm

location:Puerto de embarque de IslaMujeres y Puerto JuárezCancún QR 77500

1 Isla Contoy

DESCRIPTION: This incredible reserve is also known as the Island of the Birds. Covering an areaof 230 hectares, it is the refuge for about 100 species of birds. Contoy means "pelican" in Mayan,and this is the most abundant species. They live together with other fauna such as turtles, reptilesand small mammals. Contoy Island is surrounded by the waters of the Caribbean and the Gulf ofMexico. There is a small museum and a five-story lighthouse with a beautiful view. To preservethe balance of the reserve, only a limited number of visitors are allowed in at any one time. ©wcities.com

My List

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location:Cancun Quintana Roo 1 Isla Blanca

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Avoid visiting Isla Blanca on Sundays. It's verycrowded on that day. Visit during the week andyou'll feel like you have your own private beach.If there are some people on the beach nearestthe parking, just walk to the north and you'll findyourself all alone with the sea and sand. There isa dirt road for part of the drive out to Isla Blanca.You can get there in a rental car, but it will beslow going. Be patient. It's worth the trip. Thereis limited parking. You may have to park on theside of the road. Be careful not to get stuck in thesand. There is no place to go to call a tow-truck, inthis remote area. Pack food and beverages. IslaBlanca has only one restaurant...and I use that termloosely. Once you see it, it's doubtful you'll want todine there. Be safe and bring your own water andmunchies.

DESCRIPTION: Isla Blanca (literally means "white beach")is a beautiful stretch of beach, located approximately 12.5miles north of downtown Cancun.  The name is a bitmisleading, since Isla Blanca is not really an island. Instead it is a narrow peninsula, with the sea on one side andChakmochuk Lagoon on the other.This area is excellent for fly-fishing.  Several touroperators run fly-fishing excursions throughout the year. Kiteboarding is the latest craze in the Cancun area. Daredevils wishing to give the sport a try can visit IkarusKiteboarding School, located very close to Isla Blanca.The turquoise waters and white sand, combined with the lackof people, make this pristine beach a fantastic getaway for aday.    There are no organized tours to the beaches of IslaBlanca.  You will have to rent a car or hire a taxi for a fewhours, if you wish to visit this area.  © NileGuide

editor

My List - continued...

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contact:http://www.partner.viator.com/en/6793/tours/Cancun/Captain-Hook-Cruise-in-Cancun/d631-2895CANCAPHOOK

location:Cancun Quintana Roo

2 Captain Hook Cruise in Cancun

DESCRIPTION: Become a pirate of the Caribbean on this fun-filled voyage where you will go back in time and experience apirate's attack while sailing through the beautiful waters of theNichupte lagoon. All this while enjoying a pirate's dinner andthe open bar! A fun adventure for all ages!Come aboard an authentic 18th century replica of a SpanishGalleon and step back in time to the pirate era! As you cruisethrough the beautiful waters of the Nichupte lagoon in Cancun,the drinks will start flowing and you will be entertained withgames and dancing before feasting on a hearty meal of eithersteak or lobster surf and turf. During the cruise, you will witnessa pirate attack where the pirates will engage in a sword fight! Attime of booking you must choose which meal option you wish tohave, either STEAK or SURF AND TURF. © Viator

viator

Cancun Snapshot

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Local InfoIntroductionBrilliant white sand and a Caribbean seathe color of blue Curaçao-- believe thebrochures about Cancún. No matter howhigh-rise this city gets with its five-starmega resorts and mega malls, it's thebeach that put it on the map-- and notempest of nature has been able to sweep itaway completely. Get up from your poolsidelounge and discover why millions flockto this sun-drenched destination-- turtle-spotting off the Isla Mujeres, discoveringChichen Itza's iconic Mayan pyramid andswaying to salsa in El Centro's tequila-slamming clubs.Things to DoWhile it's tempting just to laze on PlayaLangosta's powdery sand, there's lifebeyond Cancún's beaches. Scuba dive orsnorkel off the islands of Isla de Mujeresand Cozumel, both with quieter watersthan Cancún. The enigmatic culture of theMayans comes alive at nearby Tulum'sseafront ruins. Or take a day trip to thepyramid temples of Chichen Itza andjungly Uxmal. Kids in tow? Let them swimwith dolphins in Xel-Ha eco theme park'sgigantic natural aquarium.ShoppingCancún's glossy malls, like Plaza LasAméricas and Plaza Kukulcán, have anAmerican flavor with their brand-namestores, cinemas and food courts. La IslaShopping Village, though, has canalsand an aquarium. For a more Mexicanexperience, root around Mercado 23for crafts, fresh produce and authenticstreet chow. Pick up unique gifts fromhandmade sombreros to hammocksorhuaraches(sandals) and artisan silverjewelry in downtown El Centro. Manysupermarkets sell tequila.Nightlife and EntertainmentCancún isthe party resort in Mexico.Drinking games, DJs pumping tunesuntil daybreak, pool parties-- find it all inhappening hotspots like Señor Frogs in theParty Center, halfway along Cancún's hotelstrip. In El Centro's salsa clubs playing

bouncy cumbia music, sip tequila in arefreshing margarita or slam it with limeand salt. There's a more mellow bohemianvibe in beachside Tulum, while Playa delCarmen's funky Playa Mamitas oftenattracts DJs and bands.Restaurants and DiningTuck into sizzling fajitas in party-mad Tex-Mex joints or fresh shrimp and lobsterwhile being serenaded by mariachis in theseafront restaurants in the Zona Hotelera.Food is cheaper and the atmosphere moreauthentically Mexican in El Centro, wherelocals eat incendiary tacos, enchiladaswith chocolate-chilimole sauce andsucculenttamales(corn dough studdedwith meat or beans, wrapped in a bananaleaf or corn husk). For an inexpensivesnack, graze the food stalls in Parque LasPalapas."© 2000-2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc.

HistoryThe Rivera Maya lies in the Southernpart of the Mexican Republic, the Easternarea of the Peninsula of Yucatán, and onthe Caribbean shoreline. It is called theMayan Riviera due to the influence the pre-Hispanic civilization exerted throughoutthe region, extending from Punta Brava toPunta Allen. The Northern coast boastsan impressive development of its touristinfrastructure, while the Southern shoreis dotted with small picturesque villagessurrounded by unspoiled beaches. GranArrecife Maya, the world's second largestbarrier reef is found off these shores andalong with the tropical forests of exoticvegetation and mangroves, they constitutea veritable window into the biodiversityof Mexican wildlife species. The South isalso well known for its underground rivers,sacred reservoirs, deep-sea caves andcaverns.

The Mayans were the original inhabitantsof this peninsula. Advanced in thesciences, their civilization is recognizedfor the intelligence and precision of theircalculations as well as the complexity

of their religious rites. The peninsulawas an important center of commercialand religious activity during the post-classical period, which dates fromapproximately 1000 CE to 1500 CE. TheTulum Archaelogical Zone was a fortresson the Caribbean shores, Playa del Carmenwas then known as Xaman-Ha, and whatis now the Xcaret Ecological Park wasknown as Puerto Pole. Cobá Ruins, with apopulation of 50,000 inhabitants, was themost important city.

With the arrival of the Spaniards in1519, the principal Mayan cities, suchas Chichen Itza and Uxmal had alreadybeen abandoned. The wars and conquestsof other peoples, harsh climate and thedangers of the tropical forest, combinedwith the frequent threat of hurricanes, madeit difficult for the civilization to prosper.Xel-Ha went down in history as the firstEuropean settlement. Even so, duringthe colonial period, population growthwas hampered due in part to the frequentpirate attacks at sea. These assaultshindered access to firm ground, even whenreached, the dense forest provided furthertroubles, and thus the peninsula remainedunexplored for several years.

In 1967 the Mexican Governmentrecognized the importance of the touristindustry as an active ingredient in thecountry's economy. Given its naturalbeauty, which would tempt any traveler, thisparadise was poised as a strong candidatefor foreign investment towards thedevelopment of a hotel and entertainmentinfrastructure. The Palacio Maya and ClubMed were the first hotels built in the 1970s,both blessed with exaggerated exclusivity.

Considered a strong tourist attraction duringthe 1990s, it wasn't until that decade inwhich Cancún experienced significantgrowth with the construction of hotels,American-style shopping centers and anarray of entertainment facilities.

Cancún is presently divided into threedistricts: The town of Cancún, with apopulation of approximately 300,000and a simple, practical infrastructure; the

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Ecological Reserve with its incredible lakes,rain-forests and mangroves; and the HotelZone, an island of hotels and shoppingcenters.

There are over 26,800 hotel roomsavailable, 200 restaurants, and severalhundred shops in the city while paved anddirt roads enable access to the tropicalforest.

Many facets of Cancun combine to offer thenatural attributes of a Caribbean paradiseframed within the vestiges of one of themost advanced and intelligent civilizationsof the ancient world.©

Hotel InsightsWhere to stay? How much will it cost?What amenities and services are included?These questions arise upon planning anytrip for business or pleasure. There are avariety of options available to meet anytraveler's budget, four-star and luxuryhotels, thegran turismo andcategoríaespecial. Four-star hotels are idealalternatives for good service at reasonableprices.

Hotel Zone

Hotels within the hotel zone include theAquamarina Beach Hotel, the Moon PalaceGolf& Spa Resort, which has a wonderfuland interesting nature reserve nearby.Some other hotels include the CaribbeanPrincess, which is located right on thebeach, the Sun Palace which is purportedlygreat for weddings and with white sandsoutside your door. All are convenientlylocated in the island's Hotel District andhave a restaurant and bar, ocean viewrooms, launderette service, room service,long distance phone access, parkingfacilities, tourist information office, giftshops, and many other amenities.

Five-star hotels are much more abundantand many belong to international hotelchains, such as the Hotel Krystal Cancún,Meliá Turquesa, Westin Resort& SpaCancun, JW Marriott Cancun Resort& Spay la Sierra Cancún.

Gran Turismo hotels offer complete luxury,each with their individual touch. Theyinclude the Dreams Cancun Resort&Spa, Hyatt Cancún Caribe, PresidenteIntercontinental, and Fiesta AmericanaCondesa, to name a few.

Categoría especial hotels offer specialpackages with international airlines andtend to be slightly lower in price. Amongthese, are the Fiesta Americana GrandCoral Beach, boasting an enormous spa,the Ritz Carlton and Le Meridien Cancún.Most have a business center fully equippedfor meetings, conferences, or any othercorporate event.

All have bilingual staff, and some havepersonnel exclusively in charge oforganizing games, events, and beachtournaments for guest entertainment. Mostoffer tourist information services to assistin restaurant reservations and organizingday trips to different nearby destinations.Emergency assistance is also providedthrough access to consulates, clinics andhospitals in the region.

Downtown

Alternative accommodations are availableoutside of the Hotel Zone. Modestly priced,these places do not offer the luxury whichis characteristic of the five-star andgranturismo hotels. Located in the city, thesesmall, affordable hotels are ideal for lowbudget travel. Hotels such as Suites ElPatio, Hotel Plaza Kokai Cancún, HotelPlaza Caribe and the Hotel Tankah all offergreat prices and for those that are lookingfor a more authentic touch of Mexico.Some other moderately-priced hotelsthat are located on the Nichupté Lagoonwhere the lagoon meets the sea are theSina Suites,Hotel Imperial Las Perlas,Hotel Caribe Internacional, very close tomany restaurants and the Barceló CostaCancún with shopping centers nearby. Theincreasingly popular ecological tourismorganizations offer even more modestaccommodations, recommending variousbeach campsites and rustic cabins. Theseoptions are suitable for indulging in thegreat outdoors and fresh air of Cancun.

Outside of the City

If you would like to experience a vacationoutside of the hustle and bustle of the cityand seek more relaxed environs, there area few hotels such as the Hotel Casa Mayalocated on Isla Mujeres(Women's Island)and a perfect place for newly-weds. TheIberostar Paraiso Lindo is another place toenjoy many activities or if you prefer, justrelax and get some rest. An upscale hotellocated in the serene Puerto Morelos is theParaiso de la Bonita Resort& Thalasso.This hotel has a massive spa and offerscruises on a luxury catamaran.

As the most popular tourist destination inthe country, it is recommended that priorreservations be made when traveling toCancun, especially during the popularseason. Although most hotels are equippedfor the possibility of an unpredictablehurricane, bear these occurrences inmind upon deciding when to visit, as thewinds or rain may spoil the opportunityto fully enjoy all that the city has to offer.Nevertheless, the opportunity to visit shouldnot be missed, as it is bound to be anunforgettable experience.©

Restaurants InsightsNestled in the heart of the MexicanCaribbean, this natural paradise is referredto by many as a Garden of Eden. No doubt,the first explorers to arrive found a splendidand beautiful land of promise that includedfine powdered sand and sapphire watersand emerald-green vegetation all bathed bya brilliant sun in the celestial sky.

Today's Cancún was born in the 1970s asa popular tourist destination, boosted bymassive foreign investment in the hotelindustry. The city has continued to growinto a perfect combination of natural beautyand man-made facilities. It is an idealplace for visitors to come, year after year,later returning home with unforgettablememories and experiences. Cancúnexists today as a mixture of its a pre-Hispanic past, a vanguard culture, unlimited

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entertainment, and enclaves of unspoilednature.

For fun and satisfaction, there is anunlimited variety of bars and restaurants inthe city catering to a visitor's every whim. Itis impossible to leave here without visitingat least one of the popular spots that theisland's nightlife has to offer.

Hotel Zone

For a healthy and natural option, vegetarianmeals can be savored at the restaurant100% Natural. Italian cuisine can also beenjoyed on the island at Gustino ItalianGrill, Casa Rolandi, Aioli, La Dolce Vitawhich has been in Cancún for years, andthe moderately-priced Fantino among manyothers.

For children and adolescents, there isnothing more entertaining than the themerestaurants Planet Hollywood Cancún,Rainforest Café, and Hard Rock CaféCancún.

Among other popular eateries is therestaurant El Cambalache, whichspecializes in Argentinean cuisine. Seafoodlovers should go to Lorenzillo's, Sushi Ittoand the Crab House. For those seekinga cut of prime rib can turn to Ruth's ChrisSteak House Cancún and La CapillaArgentina Steakhouse. There are alsomany restaurants offering a wide range ofinternational dishes such as Señor Frog'sand Harry's.

When the daytime fun has ended, it is timeto venture out into the nightlife, in this citythat never sleeps. The"in" crowd gathersat Bulldog, Daddy'O and Daddy Rock. Fora real crazy time, you can go to one of themost popular clubs in South America calledCoco Bongo. For Latin music, go to Azucar.

Spots that definitely should be includedin any after-hour itinerary include, SeñorFrog's, where the atmosphere gets hotteras the night transpires, and Carlos&Charlie's in addition to Pat O' Brien'sCancún, where people party until dawn.Bar Roots is a famous place where you canlisten to all types of music and has a sportsbar feel. Some places have open-air dance

floors overlooking the ocean, all of whichhave a bilingual staff.

Downtown

Outside of the hotel zone there are otherestablishments that have the sameexcitement and interest as the hotel zone,although there are less of them. Japanesefood can be splendid at Yamamoto. Fora little bit of international cuisine, there isCasa Rolandi, which serves up moderately-priced Italian food. Tacolote is a popularMexican restaurant where the dishescombine homemade goodness and greatflavor. Romantic dining can be found atHabichuela, where romance takes centerstage upon the cozy, delightful patio. Fora more enlivened scene, check out RootsJazz Club to hear music until dawn andenjoy a light meal or strong drinks. Thissplendid island city not only preserves itsnatural beauty, but also offers an array ofactivities to enhance a visitor's stay. Don'tforget to bag up a slice of the MexicanCaribbean to take back home.©

Nightlife InsightsBoredom simply does not exist in thisbeautiful resort area of the MexicanCaribbean. There are a wide assortment ofattractions, which can keep you engagedfor even the lengthiest of visits. Whetheryou want to relax on the beach or explorean ancient ruin, there is something foreveryone!

Nightclubs& Nightlife

The city comes alive after dark. Go along toBacco's in Plaza Terramar or Santa Fe BeerFactory at Forum by the Sea. If you fancystaying at the location for a long time, youcould go to Zandunga, where you can singalong with Mariachis and enjoy the Mexicanparty. When it comes to bars with a livelyatmosphere, try Carlos and Charlies,Señor Frog's, Gap del Caribe and TequilaRock where you can also enjoy a diversebuffet. If you are creature of the night,enjoy partying, live music and staying upall night having fun, Cancún offers a widevariety of choices as to what you can dountil the early hours of the morning. If you'reinto club atmospheres, the best options inCancún are The City and Dady'O.

If what you are really after is good livemusic venues, Cassis is a club where youcan listen to jazz late into the night. TheHard Rock Café is another obvious option,offering the best rock and roll in town.For a good Jamaican party go to Cat'sReggae Club. You are bound to take backmemories of Mexico's music, people andrelentless mood for partying. Admissionprices vary, but most of the discos andclubs include drinks in the price. Whatto wear? Generally, people dress quitecasually in bars, although they do tend todress up a little more in discos. With allof the color and variety that exists in thisparadise, the possibility of a boring nightis impossible. Enjoy your stay, and getdancing! ¡Buen provecho!

Historical Sights

Many points of interest are around Cancúnfor those that want to adventure outsideof the main district. Excursions are easyto reach from the majority of hotels. Thearchaeological ruins of the lost Mayancivilization at Chichen Itzá are located 124miles away from the island(three hours bybus). The renowned Tulum ArcheologicalZone is nearby and well worth a visit. IslaMujeres is a natural and exotic sanctuarywith great opportunities to snorkle andonly 5 miles from the island. A visit to theecological and archaeological park ofXcaret is a must, offering undergroundrivers and caves, a dip with the dolphinsor an evening multimedia show recountingMayan history. A few hours from Cancúnby car, you will be at Carmen Beach,Adventure Port and also Xel-Ha, a naturalaquarium where you snorkeling andswimming are the main activities. Forthe intrepid spirit and jungle explorer,excursions are available to the Sian Ka'anBiosphere Reserve to discover nativewildlife or mangrove swamps in this semi-virgen place. If you like archaeology youcan't miss visiting El Rey ArchaeologicalZone.

Arts& Culture

If you are a rodeo enthusiast or would liketo battle a bull without the fear of beingtrampled upon, go on to the Plaza de Toros,where events are offered every Wednesdayat 3pm. For the adventurous, travel outto the Centro Ceremonial Kohunlich, anarea of immense beauty and a place to seeMayan ruins underground. On the otherhand, stay indoors and visit the Interactive

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Aquarium Cancún, where you can feedsome sharks and swim with the dolphins.You can also visit INAH Museum whichis a Anthropology and History museumthat changes its exhibits often. Festivals&Celebrations

If you happen to be in Cancún duringSeptember, you should definitely not missthe Autumn Equinox at Chichén Itzá, oneof the greatest architechtural achievementsfrom the Maya and a chance to witness oneof their religious and cosmological ideas.The Day of the Dead is another festival thatcelebrates the dead, in which they returnfrom the afterlife in order to celebrate andre-join the living. A holiday tradition thathas been held for over a thousand yearswith decorations, parades and mariachisthroughout the streets. Another day thathonors the origin of the Mexican people isthe Día de la Raza,where they celebratethe arrival of Columbus and the recognitionof themestizo, that is, the descendants frommixed European and indigenous indians.Another highlight in September is VivaMéxico In Cancún, a month long eventthat celebrates Mexico's independence.There are workshops, folkloric dance,concerts, dining, among many other events.Needless to say, September may be thebest month to visit Cancún.

Sports& Activities

The whole family can enjoy some greatactivities and attractions that are perfectfor every age. For a real lift, let go and flya kite from the vantage point of DolphinBeach Viewpoint. Play a round of mini-golfat the Cancún Palace Hotel's Golfito. Youcan also have an emotional and memorableexperience by swimming with dolphinsat the Xcaret Ecological Park, which willleave any traveler with something to writehome about. Also try kayaking, skating orcycling along the Ciclopista in the PlazaKukulcán. Movie lovers will be pleasedto find the latest releases offered at the10 fully equipped theaters in the plushcinema complex Cinemark, located in LaIsla Shopping Center. Aquatic sports forthe entire family are offered at Aquaworldlocated in the Flamingo Plaza.

On board the Mississippi styled river boatcalled The Cancún Queen, or with theColombus Coaster Cruise, you can take ina picturesque view of the island from thecoastline. The cruises leave periodicallyfrom the island. Another option for adults

include the Club de Golf Cancún located onKukulcán Boulevard.

You can also go horseback riding onthe coast for those that love horses,windsail, go snorkeling into the coralreefs(specialized instructors are availablefor inexperienced divers), go fishing, ride ajet-ski at high speed or catch a game of jai-alai(basque ball), these are just some of theactivities that are within reach of those thatwould like to enhance their stay in Cancun.Massage therapy is also available and canbe retained from your hotel. In Cancun,there is around 200 restaurants and morethan 400 stores in exclusive shoppingcenters nearby the hotel zone.

In the outskirts of Punta Cancún there isthe natural aquarium Xel-Ha, where youcan snorkel with an amazing variety ofspecies. Towards the south is the Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve, where you canexplore forests and a mangrove swamp.Pay attention and listen to the sound ofthe birds and enjoy watching the smallmammals coming out to have a good lookat what's going on.©

Things to Do InsightsCancún is a natural paradise which notonly has beautiful beaches with crystallinewaters and fine white sand, but also boaststop attractions. Whether you explore thecity on your own or go on a guided tour, youare sure to find fascinating and entertaininglocations. One thing is for sure, there issomething for everyone, whatever yourtastes or budget.

Boulevard Kukulcán

Shopping in Cancún is made easier by thefact that most of the big shopping centersand attractions in the city are to be found onBoulevard Kukulcán. Located on the streetare several shopping centers, such asPlaza Kukulcán, Plaza Caracol, FlamingoPlaza and the small traditional marketMercado Coral Negro. If you get hungryhead to Señor Frog's or Crab House.You should also stop by the InteractiveAquarium where you can admire rare sealife, swim with the dolphins and even feedsharks.

Xel-Ha

In the outskirts of Punta Cancún isthe natural aquarium Xel-Ha, with theimpressive colors of its waters and theamazing variety of species. South ofCancún has the Reserva de la BiósferaSian Ka'an, where you can tour therainforest. You should also head toZona Arqueológica El Rey which is anarchaeological site that offers a fascinatinglook into history. Also outside of Cancúnis one of the best theme parks, Xcaret,best described as an archaeological andecological site which has a light and soundshow, visits to underground streams andareas to swim with dolphins.

Mayan Riviera

Mayan Riviera is a district that runs alongthe coastline and goes from Puerto Morelosto Tulum. This area includes beautifulbeaches as well historic sites. You shouldvisit Puerto Morelos, a fishing village whereyou can try authentic local cuisine andsnorkel to view their underwater reef. If youwant to practice your swing head to theIberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club. The golfcourse is part of Iberostar Paraiso MayaResort, where you can treat yourself to arelaxing day at the spa. Adventure seekersshouldn't miss Hidden Worlds Cenotes Parkfor spelunking and tree-top zip lining. If youget hungry stop by La Destilería, where notonly can you have a meal, you can select adrink from over 150 brands of Tequila. Afteryou eat you can visit their Tequila museumand learn more about the famous drink.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is an island that is a 20minutes ferry ride away from the city. Onthe south end of the island is the GarrafonNatural Reef Eco Park where you cansnorkel, enjoy their pool and go on ashopping tour. You can also swim with thedolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Cancun.Stop at Cazuela M& J for a quick bite toeat.

Cancún offers fantastic locations whereyou can tour attractions on your own soyou can take your time. However, there arequite a few benefits on going on a guided

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tour. Your guide can give you a detailedexplanation about attractions, plus severaltours include transportation. If you wantto go on a guided tour, you have a lot ofoptions.

Adventure Tours Aguatours( +52 998193 3360/ http://www.aquatours.travel/)Alltournative Off-Track Adventures(+52 984803 9999/ http://www.alltournative.com/)Rancho Loma Bonita ATV(+52 998 8875465/ http://www.rancholomabonita.com/)Wild Tours(+52 987 872 2244/ http://www.wild-tours.com/)

Nature Tours Grutas de Aktun Chen(+52998 881 2745/ http://www.aktunchen.com/)Jungle Tour Cancun(+52 998 193 3360/http://www.cancun-jungle-tour.com/)

Romantic Tours Lobster DinnerCruise( +52 998 193 3360/ http://www.thelobsterdinner.com/) LuxuryYachts Charters(+52 998 840 6413/ http://www.yachtse.com/)

Boat Tours Operadora Samba( +52 998892 8611/ http://www.marinacancun.com/)Paradise Catamarans(+52 984 873 5683/http://www.paradisecatamarans.com/)Shotover Jet of Cancun( +52 800 5095992/ http://www.shotoverjet.com.mx/)Sailing Quest( +1 800 727 5391/ http://www.aquatours.com.mx/)©

Travel TipsPlanning a TripGetting ThereBy Plane-- If this is not your first trip toCancún, you'll notice that the airport's(tel.998/848-7200) facilities and servicescontinue to expand. All flights to andfrom the U.S. now go through the newTerminal 3, which has money-exchangeservices, duty-free shops, restaurants,medical services, and even an expressspa. AeroMéxico(tel. 866/275-6419 inthe U.S., or 01-800/021-4000 in Mexico;www.aeromexico.com) operates connectingservice to Cancún through Mexico City.Mexicana(tel. 800/531-7921 in theU.S., 01-800/366-5400 in Mexico, or998/881-9090; www.mexicana.com) runs

connecting flights to Cancún through Miamior Mexico City. In addition to these carriers,many charter companies-- such as AppleVacations and Funjet-- travel to Cancún;these package tours make up as much ashalf of arrivals by U.S. visitors.Regional carrier Click Mexicana, aMexicana affiliate(tel. 01-800/112-5425in Mexico; www.click.com.mx), flies fromHavana, Cuba, Chetumal, Cozumel,Mexico City, Mérida, and other pointswithin Mexico. You'll want to confirmdeparture times for flights to theU.S. Aviacsa(tel. 01-800/711-6733in Mexico; www.aviacsa.com),Interjet(tel. 01-800/01-12345 inMexico; www.interjet.com.mx), andVolaris(tel. 01-800/7865-2747 in Mexico;www.volaris.com.mx) are three otherregional carriers that fly to Cancún fromMexico City.The following major internationalcarriers serve Cancún: Alaska(tel.800/426-0333; www.alaskaair.com),American(tel. 800/433-7300;www.aa.com), Continental(tel.800/231-0856; www.continental.com),Delta(tel. 800/221-1212; www.delta.com),Frontier(tel. 800/432-1359;www.frontierairlines.com), JetBlue(tel.800/538-2583; www.jetblue.com),Northwest(tel. 800/225-2525;www.nwa.com), United(tel. 800/241-6522;www.ual.com), and US Airways(tel.800/428-4322; www.usairways.com).Most major car-rental firms have outletsat the airport, so if you're renting a car,consider picking it up and dropping it off atthe airport, to save on airport-transportationcosts. Another way to save money is toarrange for the rental before you leavehome. If you wait until you arrive, thedaily cost will be around$50 to$75 for acompact vehicle. Major agencies includeAlamo(tel. 800/462-5266 in the U.S.,or 998/886-0448; www.alamo.com),Avis(tel. 800/331-1212 in the U.S., or998/886-0221; www.avis.com), Budget(tel.800/527-0700 in the U.S., or 998/886-0417;fax 998/884-4812; www.budget.com),Dollar(tel. 800/800-3665 in the U.S.,or 998/886-2300; www.dollar.com),Hertz(tel. 800/654-3131 in the U.S. and

Canada, or 998/884-1326; www.hertz.com),National(tel. 800/227-7368 in the U.S., or998/886-0153; www.nationalcar.com), andThrifty(tel. 800/847-4389; www.thrifty.com).The Zona Hotelera(Hotel Zone) lies 10km(61/4 miles)-- a 20-minute drive-- from theairport along wide, well-paved roads.The rate for a private taxi from the airportis$58 to Ciudad Cancún(downtown) or theHotel Zone. The return trip with an airporttaxi is discounted by 50%. Green Line andGray Line van shuttles run from the airportinto town approximately every 20 minutes.Buy tickets, which cost about$14, fromthe booth to the far right as you exit theairport terminal. These services accept U.S.dollars, though you'll get a more favorablerate if you pay in pesos. There's local bustransportation(45 pesos) from the airportto Ciudad Cancún. From there, you cantake another bus for less than a dollar toPuerto Juárez, where passenger ferriesleave to Isla Mujeres regularly. There isno shuttle service returning to the airportfrom Ciudad Cancún or the Hotel Zone, soyou'll have to take a taxi, but the rate will bemuch less than for the trip from the airport.(Only federally chartered taxis may takefaresfrom the airport, but any taxi may bringpassengersto the airport.) Ask at your hotelwhat the fare should be, but expect to payabout half what you paid from the airport toyour hotel.By Car-- From Mérida or Campeche,take Highway 180 east to Cancún. Thisis mostly a winding, two-lane road thatbranches off into the express toll road180D between Izamal and Nuevo Xcan.Nuevo Xcan is approximately 40km(25miles) from Cancún. Mérida is about320km(198 miles) away.By Bus-- Cancún's ADO busterminal(tel. 01-800/702-8000 in Mexicoor 998/884-4352) is in downtown CiudadCancún at the intersection of avenidasTulum and Uxmal. All out-of-town busesarrive here. Buses run to Playa del Carmen,Tulum, Chichén Itzá, other nearby beachand archaeological zones, and other pointswithin Mexico.The Best Websites for Cancún

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All About Cancún:www.cancunmx.com-- This site is a goodplace to start planning. Their database,called"The Online Experts," answersmany of the most common questions.It's slow but current, with input fromlots of recent travelers to the region.Cancún Convention& Visitors Bureau:www.cancun.travel-- The official siteof the Cancún Convention& VisitorsBureau lists excellent information onevents and attractions. Its hotel guideis one of the most complete available,and it has an active message board ofrecent visitors to Cancún. Cancún Online:www.cancun.com-- This comprehensiveguide has lots of information about thingsto do and see in Cancún, though mostdetails come from paying advertisers.The site lets you reserve packagetrips, accommodations, activities, andtee times. Cancún Travel Guide:www.go2cancun.com-- These onlineinformation specialists are also an excellentresource for Cancún rentals, hotels, andattractions. Note that this site lists onlypaying advertisers, which means you'll findmost of the major players here.Visitor InformationThe Cancún Municipal Tourism Officeis downtown at the Palacio Municipal(CityHall), on Avenida Tulum between avenidasUxmal and Cobá(tel. 998/887-3379). It'sopen Monday through Friday from 9amto 7pm. The office lists hotels and theirrates, as well as ferry schedules. Forinformation prior to your arrival in Cancún,visit the Convention Bureau's website,www.cancun.travel. The state tourismwebsite is in Spanish, at www.qroo.gob.mx.Pick up copies of the free booklet CancúnTips(www.cancuntips.com.mx), and aseasonal tabloid of the same name.City LayoutThere are really two Cancúns: CiudadCancún(Cancún City) and IslaCancún(Cancún Island). The former, onthe mainland, is the original downtownarea, where most of the local populationlives. It's home to traditional restaurants,shops, and less expensive hotels, as wellas pharmacies, dentists, automotive shops,banks, travel and airline agencies, andcar-rental firms-- all within an area about 9square blocks. The city's main thoroughfare

is Avenida Tulum. Heading south, AvenidaTulum becomes the highway to the airportand to Tulum and Chetumal; heading north,it intersects the highway to Mérida and theroad to Puerto Juárez and the Isla Mujeresferries.Isla Cancún is a sandy strip 22km(14miles) long, shaped like a 7. It's hometo the famed Zona Hotelera, or HotelZone(also called the Zona Turística, orTourist Zone), connected to the mainlandby the Playa Linda Bridge at the north endand the Punta Nizuc Bridge at the southernend. Between the two areas lies LagunaNichupté. Avenida Cobá from Cancún Citybecomes Bulevar Kukulkán, the island'smain traffic artery. Cancún's internationalairport is just inland from the south end ofthe island.Finding an Address-- Cancún City'sstreet-numbering system is a holdover fromits early days. Addresses are still givenby the number of the building lot and bythemanzana(block) orsupermanzana(groupof blocks). The city is relatively compact,and the downtown commercial section iseasy to cover on foot.On the island, addresses are given bykilometer number on Bulevar Kukulkán orby reference to some well-known location.In Cancún, streets are named after famousMaya cities. Boulevards are named fornearby archaeological sites, Chichén Itzá,Tulum, and Uxmal.Getting AroundBy Taxi-- Taxi prices in Cancún are clearlyset by zone, although keeping track ofwhat's in which zone can take some doing.The minimum fare within the Hotel Zoneis$8 per ride, making it one of the mostexpensive taxi areas in Mexico. In addition,taxis operating in the Hotel Zone feelperfectly justified in having a discriminatorypricing structure: Local residents pay abouthalf of what tourists pay, and prices forguests at higher-priced hotels are aboutdouble those for budget hotel guests--these are all established by the taxi union.Rates should be posted outside your hotel;if you have a question, all drivers arerequired to have an official rate card in theirtaxis, though it's generally in Spanish. Taxi

drivers will accept dollars, though at a lessfavorable rate than pesos.Within the downtown area, the cost is about$3 per cab ride(not per person); within anyother zone, it's$6. Traveling between twozones will also cost$6, and if you cross twozones, that'll cost$8. Settle on a price inadvance, or check at your hotel. Trips tothe airport from most zones cost about$30.Taxis can also be rented for$25 per hourfor travel around the city and Hotel Zone,but this rate can generally be negotiateddown to about$20. If you want to hire a taxito take you to Chichén Itzá or along theRiviera Maya, expect to pay about$35 perhour-- many taxi drivers feel that they arealso providing guide services.By Bus-- Bus travel within Cancúncontinues to improve and is increasinglypopular. In town, almost everything lieswithin walking distance. Ruta 1 and Ruta2(HOTELES) city buses travel frequentlyfrom Puerto Juárez on the mainland to thebeaches along Avenida Tulum(the mainstreet) and all the way to Punta Nizuc at thefar end of the Hotel Zone on Isla Cancún.Ruta 8 buses go to Puerto Juárez/PuntaSam for ferries to Isla Mujeres. They stopon the east side of Avenida Tulum. All thesecity buses run between 6am and 10pmdaily. Buses also go up and down the mainstrip of the Hotel Zone day and night. Publicbuses have the fare painted on the front; atpress time, the fare was 6.50 pesos.By Scooter-- Scooters are a convenientbut dangerous way to cruise through thevery congested traffic. Rentals start atabout$30 for a day, not including insurance,and a credit card voucher is requiredas security. You should receive a crashhelmet(it's the law) and instructions onhow to lock the wheels when you park.Read the fine print on the back of the rentalagreement regarding liability for repairs orreplacement in case of accident, theft, orvandalism.© 2000-2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Fun FactsCancún State: Quintana Roo Country:Mexico

Cancun Snapshot continued

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Cancún by the Numbers:

Population: 573,000(City);880,000(Metropolitan) Average Januarytemperature: 20°C/ 68°F Average Julytemperature: 24°C/ 75°F Country Code:+52 Area Code: 98 Amount of sand thatwas transported to Cancun to restore thebeaches after hurricane Wilma in 2005:95,000,000 cubic meters(3,354,893,338cubic feet). Hotel rooms in Cancún: over24,000

Quick Facts:

Important Industries: Tourism Time Zone:Central(GMT-6) Electricity: 110 volts, thesame as in the U.S. Climate: Subtropical

Did You Know?

Before the city acquired its current name,Cancún was called Ekab, meaning"BlackEarth". Cancún is the Mayan word for"nestof serpents" or"snake pit". An interestingfact about Cancun is that you can find

Mayan ruins in the hotel zone. Thearchaeological site of El Rey is the largestsite and it is located near Hilton Cancun.

Over 1/3 of Mexico's tourism revenueis generated by Cancun. Each year,hundreds of thousands of travelers visitCancun each year to enjoy the greatweather and beautiful, white-sand beaches.Cancun's average annual temperatureis 80 degrees and there are over 240sunny days. The white sand is made fromcrushed coral and is not hot to the touch.

Destination weddings are very popular inCancun& the Riviera Maya region. Thereare approximately 46,000 weddings in thearea, annually.

Cancun's airport is the 2nd busiest inMexico(only Mexico City's airport is busier)and it has the most international trafficof any airport in Latin America. In 2009,over 11 million foreign travelers arrivedin Cancun, by air. Cancun's airport has 2runways that can be used simultaneously

and it's control tower is the tallest in LatinAmerica(the 18th tallest in the world).

Some fun facts about Cancun are that thecity first appeared on maps in the 18thcentury and there were only 3 residentswhen development of the resort areastarted in January 1970. Today, there areover 700,000 residents and over 24,000hotel rooms, in Cancun's hotel zone.

In early 2010, there was a major beachrestoration project that included therebuilding of the beaches in Cancun, Playadel Carmen, and Cozumel. The Mexicangovernment invested$71 million US Dollarsin the project, which restored 11 kilometersof the area's beaches.

Three of the world's longest underwatercave systems are located in the RivieraMaya. Ox Bel Ha is 146.7 kilometers,Nohock Na Choch is 61 kilometers, andDos Ojos is 57.7 kilometers.© NileGuide

Weather

Statistics Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature C

Average High 29 31 33 34 33 34 34 34 33 31 30 28

Average Mean 23 24 26 27 28 29 28 28 28 26 25 23

Average Low 17 18 19 21 23 24 23 23 23 22 20 19

Temperature F

Average High 81 82 84 85 88 89 90 90 89 87 84 82

Average Mean 74 75 78 80 82 84 84 84 84 81 78 76

Average Low 67 68 71 73 77 78 78 77 76 74 72 69

Rainy Days 9 4 4 4 6 12 8 7 12 10 8 8

Rain Fall (cm) 1.8 0.7 1.0 1.6 2.3 4.6 6.2 6.6 4.8 3.7 1.6 0.9

Rain Fall (in) 0.7 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.9 1.8 2.4 2.6 1.9 1.5 0.6 0.3

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