Cancun Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Cancun Travel & Tourism, Free Cancun Travel Guide Online

Cancun Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Cancun Travel & Tourism, Free Cancun Travel Guide Online

Cancún has 200-plus days of sun a year and a temperature that averages 80F. With these statistics, it isn't hard to understand why it is Mexico's top tourist destination. Located on the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, its beaches are unparalleled, broad expanses of gleaming white sand stretched out beside the clear blue-green waters of the Caribbean.

Over 700 years ago, Cancún was home to the great Mayan civilization. Today, this exotic paradise joins the ancient past to the present as one of the world's most modern and exciting resort areas.

A wide range of restaurants, vivacious night life, a variety of shopping opportunities, and the overall tropical atmosphere draw over two million visitors a year.

The hotel zone, which is what most tourists think of as Cancún, is a fourteen mile long, thin island shaped like a "7." To the North is the Caribbean Sea with wide open beaches and strong waves. To the west the shore is buffeted by Isla Mujeres (Isle of Women), causing calmer waters. To the south, between the island and the mainland is the Nichupte Lagoon which is perfect for all water sports. It is this island that was created specifically for its present purpose, as the ideal vacation destination in a totally natural tropical setting accompanied by all the amenities of life in the 21st century.

Mainland Cancún has a much different ambience than the hotel zone, because it is an area of permanent residence for some 450,000 people. It offers markets instead of malls, and street vendors and outdoor cafes rather than air-conditioned restaurants. Downtown Cancún has little of the glamor of the hotel zone, but is a fast growing and interesting city to visit.

Visitors who are nostalgic for their home cities will be comforted to know that the developers of Cancún included businesses such as Outback Steakhouse, Dunkin' Donuts, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, McDonalds, WalMart and Blockbuster.

The whole family is welcome and appreciated in Cancún. Much thought and preparation has gone into developing attractions that will be of interest to family members of all ages. AquaWorld is one such facility. It offers wave runners, water skiing, windsurfing, catamarans, paddle boats, sailboats, kayaks, floats and boogie boards. There is even a sub sea explorer craft with large glass windows built into the sides for underwater viewing of fish, coral formations, turtles, and other marine life. There is no excuse not to have fun! Children will also enjoy time spent at Xcaret, the waterside theme park.

The Cancún Convention Center is the site of a variety of performing arts events, as well as displays of paintings and sculpture. Cancún has a wide choice of nighttime entertainment. Most of the hotels on the island have discos where dancing continues through the night into the early morning hours. Ballet Folklórico de Mexico performs nightly at the Continental Villas Plaza Hotel. Latin music is performed live at several clubs and attracts people of all ages. Rock 'n roll oldies bring crowds of dancers to Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Café. Comedy acts and romantic dinner cruises round out the nighttime offerings.

Holidays and fiestas provide additional reasons to celebrate the beauty and joy of time spent in Cancún. In the church plaza, intricate dances passed down from family to family since ancient times, continue for hours. Dancers dress in symbolic costumes of vivid colors. Some villages even offer a bullfight as part of the festivities. However, in the Yucatan, both the bull and the matador are required to end the contest unharmed. Live music accompanies the performance. In the end, the bull is untied and returns to his rural home.

There is never a season of the year that isn't just the right time to step back from life's hectic pace and visit Cancún. A world apart awaits the visitor to this majestic land of incomparable beauty.

Cancun Attractions: Cancun Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Cancun Travel & Tourism, Free Cancun Travel Guide Online

Plaza Caracol:
Blvd. Kukulcan km. 8.5 Hotel zone.
Cancún, Q. Roo 77500
(98) 83-09-05
Mon-Sun 9 am-10 pm
Indoor Mall. Handicap Access
With 200 shops this is the largest and most modern of the resort shopping areas.
This two story mall of marbled floors and pleasant plant-filled atriums was designed by internationally renowned architects. Plaza Caracol features shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries.

Cancún Museum:
Cancún Convention Center, Blvd Kukulcán Km 9
(98)83-0305
Tues to Sun, 9 - 7
Admission charged. children under 11 free Sundays free
Cancún's museum is located on the ground floor of the city's convention center. It traces the Maya culture with an impressive collection of 1,000 to 1,500-year-old artifacts. There are a number of impressive carvings and frescoes, along with ancient artifacts that have been unearthed at nearby sites throughout Quintana Roo. A visit to the National Institute of Anthropology and History can add another dimension to exploration of the Mayan ruins and is a fascinating introduction to the ancient culture. Guided tours in English, French, German, and Spanish are available.

National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH):
Located on Calle 43 and Paseo Montejo, Mérida
Tel: (99) 23-05-57.
Tues - Sat 8 - 8, Sundays, 8 - 2.
Admission charged. Free on Sundays.
Originally a residence for the governor, this mansion was transformed into a museum in 1977. The Museo de Anthropologiá e Historia showcases the Mayan culture and history with exhibits of artifacts found from ruins on the peninsula. Here you can see ancient conch shells, stones, feathers, jade objects and jewelry used in Mayan rituals. Another display case explains the various customs of tattooing and head binding along with the myths associated with them.

Museum of the Maya Culture (Museo de la Cultura Maya):
Héroes and Calle Mahatma Gandhi, Chetumal
(983) 26-838
Tues-Thurs, 9 - 7 ; Sat 9 -8 ; Sun 9 - 2
Admission charged.
Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, is home to the impressive Museum of Mayan Culture. This is a sophisticated, interactive museum that explains the complex world of the Maya. Various exhibits outline their social classes, politics and customs along with the medicinal and domestic uses of plants.

Isla Mujeres:
The island is five miles long and half a mile wide, and only six miles from Cancún. There are three excellent beaches. Playa de los Cocos in the north end, is the most popular with calm waters, silky sand and all water sports. Playa Lancheros, located at the southern end, is very secluded, featuring live sea turtle pens and a separate area for swiming. Playa Garrafon is a national underwater park that is a favorite for snorkeling. Banderas, Cuervones and Manchones are reefs for experienced divers.

Cozumel Island:
68 kilometers south of Cancún, Cozumel has excellent hotels and resorts, beautiful beaches with water sports of all kind, world-famous snorkeling and diving and a National Archaelogical Park with Botanical Gardens.

Ruinas del Rey:
Paseo Kukulkán Km 17
This archaeological dig, though small, is notable for the unusual architecture of two main plazas bounded by two streets. The majority of Maya cities had one plaza and few streets. This site may have been a royal burial ground.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve:
Over a million acres nature reserve, made up of about one-third wetlands, one-third tropical forest and one-third marine systems, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The reserve maintains ecological diversity while it provides the native population with agricultural and ecological opportunities to make a living. Friends of Sian Ka'an is a non-profit group that operates biologist-escorted tours from Cancún that help the biosphere concept support itself via low-impact tourism.

Xcaret:
About 45 miles south. Travel to the park takes about an hour. Buses depart daily from the XCaret terminal at 9 and 10am. Once a peaceful cove, it has been transformed into a waterside park with an ecological theme. There is a choice of tour packages. Visitors are greeted at a modern concrete pyramid which houses a museum and restaurant. It also has a scenic outlook point. Paths lead from there to the beaches, the cove, and the dolphin swimming area. Other paths lead to the lagoon and the underground river that is one of the park's greatest attractions. Some of the visitors will be invited to swim and snorkel with the dolphins. There is a wild bird sanctuary with 36 different species and a botanical garden with a wide variety of native plants, including flowers in bloom. At night there is a festive air that begins with a light and sound tour in the caves. This is followed by the recreation of a Mayan ceremony and a folk ballet presented in the amphitheater.

Other features include:
A butterfly habitat
An aquarium with tanks from different depths on the reef
Dolphin shows and swimming with dolphins
Jaguars and cougars
Several live shows throughout the day and evening
Underground river that you can float down
Botanical gardens
Riding stables
Recreation of Mayan village

Xel-Ha:
A natural aquarium where you can swim with the fish. Also between Tulum and Cancún This was a sacred city of the Maya, and one of the most important on the Mayan trade route. It is an ecological marvel in that water from the sea mixes with natural fresh water springs, forming a group of coves and lagoons. The result is a natural aquarium in which the swimmer can snorkel and dive while surrounded by tropical fish.

National Institute of Anthropology and History:
Quintana Roo, Paseo Kukulcán Km 9
98/830305
Museum located on the ground floor of the city's convention center, features a collection of 1,000 to 1,500-year-old artifacts showcasing the Maya culture.

Avenida Tulum:Many restaurants and shops are located along this avenue. Life-size reproductions of ancient Mexican art are displayed on the median, including the Aztec calendar stone and the Atlantids of Tula among others.

Mayan Ruins:

Chichen Itza
This huge complex of magnificent Mayan ruins is one of the most extensive in Mexico. It dates back to 600 AD and the Mayan civilization. It features in the center the majestic pyramid of Kulkulkan, with its accompanying buildings. The ancient Maya used the observatory at Chichen Itza to track the stars and to calculate agricultural seasons.

Coba
"Coba" means "water stirred by wind," a name derived from the beatiful lakes nearby. It is one of the largest Mayan cities in existence. The Nohoch Mul is 138 feet tall.

Tulum
Tulum is the only walled city near the ocean that the Mayans ever constructed. It was built between 1200 and 1500 A.D. and is an easy day-trip away. The unique aspect of Tulum is its seaside location. As there is no place to eat at Tulum itself, many visitors pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. There is a long uncrowded stretch of land to the right of the main temple. Because a trip to Tulum takes only about half a day, travelers booking tours to the site may want to select one that goes in the morning to Tulum and offers afternoon snorkeling in Xel-Ha.

Undersea Boat Tour:
You can get a great look at the reefs and marine life on a tour on an undersea boat tour. The tour leaves from Isla Paraiso, which is also a spot for all-day snorkeling, with a get a discounted fare for both.

Cozumel Island:
Cozumel has the distinction of being the largest island in Mexico as well as the largest cruise ship port. It has an exciting combination of casual sophistication and magnificence. Located two hours south of Cancún, Cozumel is a flat island with an interior covered by dense jungle, and marshy lagoons. On the western side are white sandy beaches with calm waters where you can snorkel, sail, windsurf or scuba dive. There is horseback riding on the beach. Eastern side beaches are deserted stretches of sand with dramatic rock formations and powerful surfs - a favorite place to surf or boogie board. The Mayans built a temple on Cozumel to their moon goddess, Ixchel, to ensure fertility for their women.

Isla Holbox:
There is no better place to get away from it all than on Isla Holbox. This small island 16 mi long rests at the tip of Quintana Roo, just north of Cancún and offers a kind of romance and tranquility. The small village has no paved roads and the residents get around on electric golf carts. On the gulf side of the island are long stretches of sand, where the birds gather to bask in the sun. It's a beachcomber's paradise - the sands are strewn with hundreds of seashells. Afternoon breezes from the Gulf of Mexico ensure that the island remains cool. the checkpoint station, turn north to Kantunilkin road.

The Colonial Cities:
A trip to one of the nearby colonial cities is an adventure into the past. Many of the cities in this area are an exotic blend of the Spanish and Maya cultures giving them an distinct character and charm.

Valladolid:
Valladolid is a city founded in 1543 by the Spanish Conqueror Francisco de Montejo. It is a picturesque village with many 19th century buildings and churches. Its main sights are the large cathedral found off the main square and the marvelous ex-Franciscan convent and church of Saint Bernardino of Siena (founded in 1552).

Izamal:
Izamal, also known as Cuidad Amarillo (the yellow city), is a perfect example of a typical Spanish colonial town. All the buildings, by order of a town law, have been painted an earthy yellow. In the center of town is the enormous 16th century Monastery of St. Anthony de Padua, built from the stones of a giant Maya pyramid devoted to Itzamná, father of the Maya gods. Inside are 75 yellow arches in a gigantic atrium that houses frescoes of saints and a statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. Many miracles have been attributed to this statue and every year there is a pilgrimage in her honor. To reach Izamal from Cancún, take Highway 180, west for 3.5 hours approximately 273 km (169 mi). Watch for the sign that reads, Izamal, and turn north.

Mérida:
Mérida is the beautiful capital of the Yucatán state and is the cultural and intellectual center of this region. Known in its heyday as the Paris of the Yucátan, where the barons of the henequen trade built their mansions, Mérida is a city that has a blend of French, Moorish and Spanish architecture. A visit here will teach you about the history and culture of the Yucatán. Since it's a much larger city than Cancún it has more to offer in the way of museums, restaurants, shops, theaters, universities, schools and historical buildings.

Casa de Montejo:
Built in 1542; Renaissance style Cathedral, home to the second largest crucifix in the world.

Cruises:

Caribbean Funday Cruise
9:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Goes to Isla Mujeres

Tropical Cruiser
Goes to Isla Mujeres and El Garrafon Beach.

Treasure Island Cruise
Leaves at 8:00 am, for swiming, snorkeling or shopping. It includes lunch.

Sunshine Cruise
Goes to Isla Mujeres through the lagoon, for snorkeling and swimming in the company of giant sea turtles. Tour includes a buffet lunch.

Theater and Dance:

Ballet Folklorico de Cancún
Cancún Convention Center
Blvd Kukulcán Km 9
(9) 883-0199
Cocktails start at 6:30, dinner at 7:00 pm and the show at 8 PM
Telephone for ticket reservations and prices.
Cancún's famous dance troupe performs nightly at the Convention Center. This popular revue showcases regional dance and music from across Mexico. The dancers, wearing traditional costumes, perform authentic dances accompanied by live musicians. It's a colorful show, and is very lively and entertaining. A Mexican buffet dinner is served before the show.

Teatro Cancún
Blvd Kukulcán, Km 4
(9) 849- 4848
Enjoy the chants and dances of México along with the dances and drum beats of the Caribbean at Teatro Cancún. This is an high-energy show full of movement and music performed by some of Cancún's most talented dancers and musicians. No reservations are required.

Casa de Cultura (House of Culture)
Prolongación Av. Yaxchilán, Sm 21
(9) 884-8364
Admission fees are nominal
Cancún's community center for culture is located downtown and offers a variety of weekly cultural events such as music concerts, dance rituals, plays and poetry readings. An on-site museum displays works of local artists. The exhibits change each month.

Museo Arqueologico
PreColombian history & Culture of Mexico
Open Tues-Sat, 10am-1pm & 4-6pm
Ave. Sixto Osuna #76
Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico 82110
Tel: (69) 85-3502

Shopping:
The Yucatán is famous for its beautiful handicrafts created by artisans in nearby villages. The open-air markets in Cancún are excellent places to find these crafts.

Hammocks
The hammock is the Yucatán's most famous export and after you have had a nap in one of them you will know why they are considered the finest in the world. They make a cool, comfortable and portable bed. Local Maya sleep in hammocks, and many find our beds quite uncomfortable. Hammocks come in a variety of sizes and colors: singular (singles sleeps one; matrimonial is big enough for two people, while familia fits the whole family.

Panama Hats
Panama hats made on the peninsula are famous for their light weight and strength. They are made from the jipijapa palm and are considered to be among the finest hats in the world because of their tight weave and flexibility. A good Panama can be rolled up and stuffed into a pocket without breaking or creasing. Most the Panama hats are woven by residents in the village of Becál working in caves beneath their homes where the humidity keeps the reeds flexible. Prices vary according to the quality of the reed and amount of time taken to weave the hat. Prices for really good Panama hats start at $65.

Skirts, dresses, skirts in the Indigenous style
Huipils are the beautiful cotton dresses worn by the local Maya women. They are embroidered along the square neck and bottom hem with colorful designs and flowers. Often a lace-finished petticoat is worn which peeks out below the huipil. Each woman puts her own village design on the dress as well as her own special pattern. Today many of the dresses are machine embroidered but hand-embroidered dresses can still be found at higher prices. For men there is the classic guayabera, long or short-sleeved dress shirts made from cotton or silk in white and pastel colors.

Woven items
Because of the different kinds of palms in the area, woven baskets and mats are plentiful. Many villages weave them with their own designs and patterns creating baskets that are both beautiful and practical. Throughout the craft markets you can find woven plant holders, clothes hampers, wastepaper bins, food storage and handbags in all shapes and sizes. Prices are quite reasonable.

Leather goods and jewelry
Other handcrafted items include leather goods, silver jewelry and the talavera ceramics known for their distinctive style. Anything made from tortoiseshell is contraband and will be confiscated, since the endangered turtle is a protected species. Also be careful in purchasing items made from black coral. You must purchase it from a recognized dealer who will supply you with a certificate to take with it through customs.

Mazatlan
The traditional market in Mazatlan is found at Ocampo & Juarez is a marvelous shopping area. From open air mercados to boutiques or shopping malls, the assortment is varied, and the price is right. The Zona Dorada is the main shopping area of Mazatlan, but that is only the beginning. Keep sorting through the stalls and tables, looking for a buried treasure.

Though the region is not known for any particular handicraft tradition, shops have an wide selection of items from throughout the country.

Centro de Artesanias
Offers a wide selection of fine handicrafts in more than 20 shops. You can see artisans at work.

Mercado Jose Mario Pino Suarez
or Centro Comercial El Mercado
is one of the premier shopping centers. It offers fine silver, leather goods, pottery, clothing, food stalls and some of the best vanilla in Mexico.

Downtown shopping is a mix of shops and open-air markets. Bartering is expected in the markets but prices are fixed in the stores.

Ki HuicAv. Tulum 17, between the Bancomer and Bital banksDaily 9 -10 PM(9) 884-3347)This is the oldest and largest craft market in Cancún with over 100 vendors.

Mercado Veinteocho (Market 28)
Avenida Yaxchilán and Sunyaxchen
This popular market is filled with shops selling souvenir items. There are also a number of excellent restaurants in this market.

Plaza Bonita
Adjoins Market 28
A charming market area with many excellent shops and boutiques.

Fama
Along Avenida Tulum between Avs. Cobá and Uxmal.
A department store that sellsEnglish books and magazines along with sports gear, toiletries, liquor, and handicrafts.

Ultrafemme
A popular downtown store selling duty-free perfume, cosmetics, and jewelry. It also has branches in the Hotel Zone and the major shopping malls.

Plaza las Americas
Av. Tulum, Sm 4 and 9.
Tel: (9) 887-5893
On the southern edge of the city, is the only indoor shopping plaza downtown. It has over 50 stores, three restaurants, eight movie theaters, a video arcade, fast food outlets, and three large department stores.

American mega stores including Wal-Mart, Costco, Office Depot, and Blockbuster are scattered throughout the downtown area.

Mexican supermarkets
Include Comercial Méxicana, Chedraui, and San Francisco de Asís.

Hotel Zone
The malls that line Blvd. Kukulcán are what have made shopping in the Hotel Zone so famous.

Kukulcán Plaza
Blvd. Kukulcán.
Tel: (9) 885-2304
has over 130 shops, 12 restaurants, a bar, a liquor store, a bank, a three-screen cinema, bowling lanes, and a video arcade.

Flamingo Plaza
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-2945
Is a small mall with designer emporiums, duty-free shops, an exchange booth, and sportswear shops.

Forum-by-the-Sea
Blvd. Kukulcán
Tel: (9) 883-4425
Is a huge entertainment/shopping plaza with three levels of cinemas, brand-name stores, and restaurants such as the Rain Forest Café.

Plaza Caracol
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-2961
The largest and most contemporary of the malls is with over 200 shops and boutiques, including two pharmacies, art galleries, a currency exchange, and folk art and jewelry shops, as well as cafés and restaurants.

Plaza Mayafair
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-0862
Next-door to Plaza Caracol is this large open-air plaza filled with 30 shops, restaurants, and bars.

La Isla Shopping Village
Blvd. Kukulcán,
(9) 883-5025
The newest and most exclusive mall is located on the Nichupté Lagoon under a giant canopy. There are a wide variety of upscale boutiques along with a marina, an aquarium, a disco, restaurants, and movie theaters.

Coral Negro (Black Coral)
It's open seven days a week until late evening.
There is only one open-air market in the Hotel Zone. located next to the Convention Center, It has over 50 stalls selling craft items.

Cancún Beaches:
The entire hotel zone is really one long beach. If the beach in front of your hotel is not to your liking, you can walk over to the next hotel's beach and swim there, use their chairs, play volleyball, go parasailing, etc.. The beach is all public property, except around the Club Med. Although the Cancún coast includes both an "ocean side" and a "lagoon side", most of the hotels face the ocean. There is very little beach the lagoon side. Swimming and tanning take place on the ocean side, and jet-skis, kayaks, and other water sports are found on the lagoon side.

Unlike beaches in elsewhere, the beaches in Cancún are made of crushed coral rather than crushed rock. The coral stays cool even on the hottest days; and doesn't burn the feet. The Atlantic surf is high and most of the swimming consists of bobbing in the waves. Depending on the wave and tide conditions, each section of the beach is marked with a color coded flag indicating whether it is safe to swim there.

Parasailing
Parasailing is offered on the beach opposite some of the hotels. There is also parasailing at the Aquaworld marina.

Beach Volleyball
There is a volleyball net in the same area and one near the Casa Maya.

Snorkeling
The best snorkeling area off the beach is the public area near the Westin Regina, in the southern tip of the hotel zone.

Tours:

Chichen Itza
Most visitors to Cancún agree that a tour of the ruins at Chichen Itza is a must. In addition to the beautiful scenery and structures, there are fascinating echo effects in some of the enclosed areas. To streamline the tours, guides from different companies sometimes exchange parts of their groups so that one guide has the English speakers and the other has the Spanish speakers. Expect a detailed explanation of Mayan culture and history. There are also independent guides who show small parties around the vicinity. Afterward, you return to Cancún on one of the regular tour buses.

Xel-Ha
Usually, tours to Tulum also include an afternoon of snorkeling at Xel-Ha. It is a nature preserve with the lagoon as the main attraction. Don't apply any suntan lotion before coming to Xel-Ha as you are not allowed to swim with it on (it's toxic to the coral reef).

Bullfights
Av. Bonampak (past the Pemex Station, near Plaza las Americas)
(9) 884-8372 or (9) 884-8248
every Wednesday at 3:30
Tickets begin at $40
The first bullfight in Mexico was held in 1526 in honor of Hernán Cortés and shortly afterward bullfighting arenas were built throughout the country. While Cancún's bullring is certainly much younger than those found in other cities, it maintains all the traditions of this ancient duel. You can witness the battle between man and beast. One hour before the bullfight, matador, charros (cowboys), a mariachi band, and flamenco dancers entertain you with song and dance until the bulls are ready.

Sports:
There is nonstop action on both land and sea. Choose from a wide variety including jet-ski and parasailing thrills, scuba diving and boating. The main course for golf is Pok-Ta-Pok. With 18 holes facing both sea and lagoon, the club has a practice green, pool, tennis courts and restaurant. The Caesar Park Beach and Golf Resort and Hotel Melia Cancún also feature 18-hole courses.

Diving & Fishing
The waters surrounding Cancún are clear and diverse. You can snorkel right off the beach or scuba dive/snorkel over the "Mayan Reef" . Famous dive spots like Palancar, El Bajito, Manchones and Chitales are all nearby. There is also the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks where divers sometimes claim to have "petted" the sleeping sharks. Isla Mujeres is probably the most scenic place in the area for diving & snorkeling. Deep sea fishing is available throughout Cancún. Marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado are available during their respective seasons.

Golf
Cancún has 4 18-hole golf courses available for the avid golfer. In Cancún you'll find one at each tip of the island. The other two courses are found to the south on the Mayan Riviera.

Kayaking & Windsurfing
Kayakers & windsurfers will find Cancún's waters perfect for your enjoyment. For calmer waters, try the protected Nichupté Lagoon or the northern end of Cancún Island. Jet skiing, parasailing and regular sailing are also popular in this water paradise.

Cancun Events: Cancun Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Cancun Travel & Tourism, Free Cancun Travel Guide Online

In Mexico, holidays fall into three categories: Catholic religious holidays, national holidays celebrating historical events and civic holidays honoring a particular town or village. In Mexico there are fiestas held to celebrate holidays and also just to celebrate nothing in particular. Almost all celebrations have quantities of food, drink and music. Attending any one of these events is an enjoyable introduction to the culture.

January 1:
New Year's Day is celebrated throughout the region.

January 6:
El Día de Los Reyes (Feast of the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day) is the traditional day of gift-giving.

February-March:
Carnaval (Mardi Gras) festivities take place the week before Lent, with parades, floats, outdoor dancing, music, and fireworks.

March 13 - April 1:
Lasser Sailing Show

March 21 and September 21:
At the Equinoxes, Kukulcán, the plumed serpent deity, appears to emerge from his temple atop El Castillo Pyramid at Chichén Itzá (west of Cancún) and slithers down to earth.

Late April:
The Sol a Sol International Regatta launched from St. Petersburg, Florida, arrives in Isla Mujeres, an island offshore from Cancún, sparking regional dances and a general air of festivity.

Late April-June:
Billfish Tournaments take place in Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras, and Cancún.

Early May:
Regatta al Sol brings a fleet of sailboats from Pensacola, Florida, to Isla Mujeres.

May 10 - 13:
The Cancún Jazz Festival, an annual event since 1991, has featured such top musicians as Wynton Marsalis and Gato Barbieri. See info on this year's event.

June 25 - 28:
CHIC, The Caribbean Hotel International Congress. (Caribbean Hotel Association)

September 15-16:
Independence Day, the commemoration of a historic speech, known as the grito (shout), by Independence leader Padre Miguel Hidalgo, is celebrated throughout Mexico with fireworks and parties.

October 4-6:
Mexican Caribbean Travel Mart. Destination showcase for the international travel industry.

October 27- November 4:
ITU Triathalon World Cup

November 1-2:
On the Day of the Dead, or All Saints' Day, Mexicans all over the country visit cemeteries to construct marigold-strewn altars on the graves of loved ones and ancestors and to symbolically share a meal with them by leaving offerings and having graveside picnics. Bakers herald the annual return of the departed from the spirit world with pastry skulls and candy.

November 10 -11:
International Caribbean Cultural Festival

November 29-December 8:
Fiesta of Isla Mujeres honors the island's patron saint, as members of various guilds stage processions, dances, and bullfights.

Early December:
Cancún Fair serves as a nostalgia trip for provincials who now live along the Caribbean shore but still remember the small-town fiestas back home.

Cancun Facts: Cancun Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Cancun Travel & Tourism, Free Cancun Travel Guide Online

Population:
400,000

Location:
In the State of Quintana Roo, off the northeastern end of the Yucatan peninsula, directly south of New Orleans. Approximately 1.5 hours flying time from Miami.

Elevation:
16 feet

Area:
Cancún city is located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and is essentially a service town for the resort area of Cancún situated on L-shaped Cancún Island (13 miles [21 km] long by 0.25 mile [400 m] across). The resort area of Cancún (also called the Zona Hotelera ["Hotel Zone"]) is linked by a causeway to Cancún city.

Languages:
Spanish and Mayan, but English is spoken in most areas. The original inhabitants of this part of Mexico were Mayan and although Spanish is the official language, most of the indigenous population still speaks their native tongue. In the past few years, people from all parts of the world have settled here, giving this region a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is fairly easy to encounter English, German, Italian and French- speaking people, especially in hotels and in larger towns.

Time Zone:
Central Standard year round. The time is one hour behind that of New York City. When it is 11:00am in New York City; it is 10:00am in Cancún.

Weather:
Cancún is warm year round, but the steady sea breeze tempers the heat. There is outdoor swimming all year. Rainfall is evenly distributed over the twelve months. The chance of hurricanes is greater in September and October. The sun reflected from the water is intense, so it is important to come prepared with sunblock. Most visitors wear shorts and T-shirts. A sweater is useful for air conditioned places and for the occasional cool winter day.

Tourist Assistance:
Secretariat of Tourism
91-800-90392

Consulates:
United States Of America 830272
Plaza Caracol II # 2 3rd Floor 832296
Canada 833360
Plaza Caracol II 3rd Floor #L330 833361

Currency:
New Peso, Old Peso, U.S.Dollar

Banks and Currency Exchange Facilities:
US Dollars are easily exchanged into pesos in banks, major hotels, airports and exchange houses. Mexican banks are open from 9 am to 2:30 pm weekdays only. Most credit cards are accepted in shops, hotels and travel agencies. Major purchases are best made with a credit card. You automatically receive the bank rate of exchange, which is higher than the rates given in town or at the hotels.

US Dollars and Mexican Pesos:In Cancún,. The US dollar is widely accepted, however, most prices are quoted in Mexican pesos. Usually, any price that has a decimal sign is in pesos. Pesos can also be indicated by a price like "N$35". The N stands for "new pesos". If you see a bill with a high value, in the thousands or millions, that is "old pesos" and you have to drop three zeros from the number to get the true value.

Exchange Rates:
If no exchange rate is posted, the usual rate is 8 pesos to the US dollar. Any posted rate will be lower than this.

Credit and Bank Cards:
Before you go, check with your credit card company to get their exchange rate for Mexican pesos. You may find that plastic is more economical than cash for some purchases. However, small stores might charge an extra 10% for credit card sales, so you will need some cash. Cash advances and ATM withdrawals typically come in pesos. Major ATM cards work at ATMs at the big banks such as Banamex .Banks advertise their closing hour as 5 PM during the week.

Documentation:
Visitors to Mexico need a valid passport or must present an original birth certificate and photo ID. Minors traveling alone; with one parent; or with a relative or friend who is not their parent need notarized consent from parent(s). In addition, visitors must carry a Mexican Tourist Permit, which is issued free of charge after proof of citizenship upon arrival. This permit must be given to officials upon departure. If you lose your Tourist Permit while in Cancún, you can obtain a copy or permission to leave the country from the Immigration office located downtown.

Departure Tax:
is approximately US $17. Be prepared with US cash for this. Change may not be available. Children under 2 years are exempt.

Customs Regulations:
After passing through immigration, you must claim your luggage and pass through Customs. You must present a Customs form, which will be given to you at check-in before you leave the US or during your flight. You will be asked to press a button at a sort of traffic light: Green means go, red means your baggage will be briefly searched. Questions can be directed to the Customs office at the Cancún Airport at (52-98) 86-00-73.

Roman Catholic
Cristo Ray Church,15 Margaritas Street, Downtown Cancún
Daily Messes: 7A.M. and 7 P.M. Saturday: 7P.M.
Sundays: 8A.M., 11 A.M., 5P.M., 6:30 P.M., and 8 P.M.
840513.

Hotel Zone Masses
Cancún Baptist Fellowship, Hyatt Hotel each Sunday 10:00am
Hotel Camino Real , 10 P.M.
Continental Villas Plaza, Sunday 12 P.M.
Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, Sunday 10:30 A.M.
Presidente-Intercontinental, Saturday 6:30 P.M.
Sheraton, Sunday 10: A.M.
Chapel next to Plaza Nautilus, Sunday 10 A.M.

Presbyterian
Puerto del Cielo Church, 15 Crisantemos St. Downtown Cancún.
Sunday services: 10:45 A.M., 6:30 P.M.
842362

Episcopal
Marriott Casa Magna, Hotel Zone
Sunday services: 10 A.M. in English
852000

Electricity: The standard current in the hotels in Mexico is 110 volts AC. European travelers should bring a converter or check their electric devices in advance.

Telephones & Fax:
For local directory inquiries dial 847612.

From North America to Cancún:
Dial 011 (int'l access code) + 52 (Mexico's country code) + 98 (Cancún's area code) + the local number.

From Cancún, calling within North America:
Dial 00+1+area code+local number. Many US long-distance phone companies have access numbers that you must dial in order to use your phone card, usually through the Mexican telephone company public phones, Ladatel. Calls may be less expensive than direct-dialed calls from your hotel room. (Check your hotel surcharges before calling.)

Using Tel/Mex public telephones:
If you are calling within Mexico, you can pay for the call in cash or call collect. International calls are collect only at some casetas. The service charges may apply whether or not you connect and there might be an extra charge for information or any other service involving the international operator. Only use official TelMex phone booths for long distance calls, as all others charge very high fees, so high that the government is now removing the phones. The non TelMex phones usually have a little ad on them urging you to call collect, decorated with an American flag. Don't be misled by the ad.. use Telmex.

Ladatel
The least expensive way of paying for an international call is to buy a Ladatel card at one of the locations that sell them, such as the newsstand in front of the post office. These come in amounts from 30 pesos up. You put the card into a slot in a Ladatel public phone and direct-dial the number. The amount of credit you have left will appear on the display and be updated when you connect. The charges are automatically deducted from the card.

Credit Card Calls:
- Some credit cards will also work in Ladatel phones, including Master Charge and Visa International.

Fax:
You can send faxes from the post office or from any Caseta de Larga Distancia. The two most convenient locations are:
[1] Downtown next to Lavandería Alborada on Nader.
[2] Mercado 28, near Farmacia YZA.

Computel:
Downtown - Av. Tulum just past main bus terminal.
Hotel Zone - Coral Negro Market, Plaza Kukulcán, 2nd level. Fast, efficient fax service.
A one-page fax to the United States will cost about $3.35 in this computerized telephone and fax service.

Internet:
Public internet service is available in all major hotels at rates of about $10 an hour. There are also many Internet cafés in the Hotel Zone and Downtown. Hotel Zone malls with Internet service include Plaza Caracol, Plaza Kukulcán and Maya Fair, but there are many other locations.. Service in downtown Cancún ranges from $1.50 to $5 an hour.

National Holidays:
Jan 1 - New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)
Feb 5 - Constitution Day
Mar 21 - Birthday of Benito Juárez, Mexican president and national hero
Holy Week - (Semana Santa) Good Friday through Easter Sunday
May 1 - Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) with workers' parades
May 5 - Battle of Puebla commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla in 1862
Sept 1 - The president of Mexico delivers the annual State of the Nation address
Sept 16 - Independence Day
Oct 12 - Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza) Columbus Day
Nov 1-2 - The Day of the Dead
Nov 20 - Revolution Day: Anniversary of the 1910 Mexican Revolution
Dec 12 - Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadelupe
Dec 25 - Christmas Day

Emergency:
Local Police 841913/ 842342
Fire Department 841202
Highway Police (Federal) 841542/ 841107
State Police 841171
Federal Police 887291

Business Hours:
Most stores are open from 10 am to 10 pm daily in the Hotel Zone. Stores downtown may close between 2 pm and 4 pm for the traditional "siesta" and on Sundays.

Hospitals:Mexico has a nationalized healthcare system and almost every town and city has either a national hospital or medical clinic. Most hotel have a 24-hour doctor on call. No vaccinations are need to enter Mexico from the US or Canada. Below is a list of local hospitals and clinics.

Hospital Americano
84-61333/84-6068 (24-hours)
15 Viento Street, SM4

Red Cross
84-1616 (24-hours)
Yaxchilan Avenue, SM21

Total Assist
84-1092, 84-8116 (24-hours)
5 Claveles Street, SM22

Social Security Hospital
887274 /887354

General Hospital
842967/ 842666

Public rest rooms:
Restrooms are difficult to find in most places. You are expected to supply your own toilet paper.

Children:
Many resorts, hotels, and beachfront villas have many activities especially for families with children.

Car Rentals:
Major rental car companies operate from the airport and some hotels. You must be 25 years old, hold a driver's license and major credit card. Road signs are in Spanish.

Public Transportation:

Tips and Taxes
In cases where the gratuity is not included or provided for, 15% is the accepted amount. Most items sold in Mexico have a "value added tax" or sales tax of 10% that is additional to the posted price. In Spanish, it is called IVA. You will see it itemized separately on your receipt. City buses and taxi vans run through the hotel zone and downtown. Localurban bus companies service the hotel zone. They stop by all hotels during the day.

Taxis
Taxi Union 886992

Local Bus Service:
The bus system in Cancún is very convenient and inexpensive. The fare is 3 pesos. It is much better to pay in pesos because, according to some travelers, if you pay with US money the fare is $1, and no change is given.

Ferries and Boats
The ferry for foot passengers runs to Isla Mujeres departs Puerto Juarez, just north of downtown Cancún, eight times a day in both directions.
The Caribbean Express and the Caribbean Miss (tel. 987/70254 or 987/70253), both air-conditioned cruisers with bar service, make several 30-minute crossings daily from Puerto Juárez, just north of Cancún, to Isla Mujeres, a small island resort offshore. Boats run from 7:30am - 7:30pm at approximately 30-minute intervals; the fare is under $4 per person.
There are three passenger ferries that leave at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10, 10:30, and 11:30 AM, and on the half hour from 12:30 to 7:30 PM; the schedule varies depending on the season, so check the times posted at the dock. The one-way fare is only about $1.50 and the trip takes 45 minutes.

Airports:
Cancún International Airport - Phone 870088 Airport is 9 miles southwest of the heart of Cancún City, 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the southernmost point of the hotel zone.
Shuttle (tel. 98/83448), runs directly from the Playa Tortugas dock in Cancún's hotel zone to the airport at least four times a day and costs about $15 round-trip.

Marriage while in Cancún:
Due to Cancún's popularity as a honeymoon destination, most major hotels are happy to arrange a wedding for a visitng couple, and will likely have a wedding coordinator on-site, or be able to refer you to a local company that provides those services. The legal requirements for marriage in Cancún are as follows:
(1) Certified copies of both parties' birth certificates or valid passport
(2) Blood tests from their doctors taken within 15 days of their wedding date; tests for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
(3) A copy of their tourist permits or visas if required for entry
(4) Four witnesses
(5) If previously married, the parties will need to show the divorce decree or a certified copy of spouse's death certificate, if widowed.

Cancun Kids Activities: Cancun Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Cancun Travel & Tourism, Free Cancun Travel Guide Online

The larger hotels and resorts have a variety of day camp activities for children 4-12. The programs have received many positive reports from parents who have utilized them. The cost is between $35-$45 per child per day.

Xcaret
About 45 miles south. Travel to the park takes about an hour.
Buses depart daily from the XCaret terminal at 9 and 10am. Once a peaceful cove, it has been transformed into a waterside park with an ecological theme. It also has a scenic outlook point. Paths lead from there to the beaches, the cove, and the dolphin swimming area. Other paths lead to the lagoon and the underground river that is one of the park's greatest attractions. At night there is a festive air that begins with a light and sound tour in the caves. This is followed by the recreation of a Mayan ceremony and a folk ballet presented in the amphitheater.

Other features include:
A butterfly habitat
An aquarium with tanks from different depths on the reef
Dolphin shows and swimming with dolphins
Jaguars and cougars
Several live shows throughout the day and evening
Underground river that you can float down
Botanical gardens
Riding stables
Recreation of Mayan village

ATV Jungle Tours
Playa del Carmen
987 31626
This is an adventure for a family with older children. Ride an ATV through Mexican jungle, past Mayan ruins, and snorkel in the clear water of a cenote (spring), ride on the beach. 4 guided tours daily, Playa del Carmen.

Alltournative Eco Tours
Playa del Carmen
987 32036
Unique guided eco tours of Mayan ruins, modern Maya villages, snorkeling, and adventures in Mexico's natural wonders from Playa del Carmen, Cancún airport transfers also. This is another possible family adventure.

Scuba-Du Dive Shop
Cozumel
987 20322 x6845
Cozumel dive shop with special children's programs.

Tank Ha Dive Center
Playa del Carmen
987 30302
Safe dive shop in Playa del Carmen. Snorkeling for all ages and diving and dive instruction for anyone over 12.

Tropical Water Sports
Playa del Carmen
987 31749
Playa del Carmen Mexico water sports center with diving, snorkeling, jet skis, banana boats, fishing, and family fun on beach in Playacar.

Sian Ka'an
5 miles south of the Tulum ruins on Boca Paila Road
(98) 87-3080
Admission free.
Call for information on eco tours
This is the third largest protected natural area in the country. It is a Biosphere Reserve consisting of 1,302,217 acres and encompassing a portion of the largest barrier reef in the word. A large variety of species of marine life inhabit the reef including the spiny lobster.

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