Designing a Cool Cancun Vacation
There's a lot more to a Cancun vacation than just sunning on the beach!
In the 1970s, the government of Mexico was searching for a way to boost the country's tourist population. They soon discovered that a sand spit on the Yucatan Peninsula, largely deserted, was to become the ideal place for travelers to get a taste of Mexico.
The rest, as they say, is history! By the late 70s and early 80s, Cancun was quickly becoming the world-class resort that tourism planners had intended it to be. The Cancun vacation was born!
Today, nearly a half-million permanent residents call Cancun home and the town is Mexico's number one tourist destination, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors per year from all around the world.
About Cancun
Cancun consists of two distinct areas and both should be a part of any Cancun vacation.
While most visitors flock to the beaches, the Downtown area of Cancun, known by the locals as "Centro," has its own interesting sights and sounds.
Guests to the downtown region can visit interesting outdoor food markets and stalls, see peddlers selling handmade crafts, and eat at many very fine restaurants touting delicious Mexican cuisine.
The downtown area also offers options for travelers on a budget, as the hotels there are lower priced than those on the beach. A number of hotel chains offer downtown accommodations, all rated 3-stars or higher. You'll even find a mall in Centro with a Sears and J.C. Penney.
The Hotel Zone is where most visitors plant themselves for their Cancun vacation. In fact, the Hotel Zone is an island, joined to the mainland by two bridges. The one located at the western end joins the downtown area to the island and the bridge at the southern end leads to the international airport.
The island is shaped like a "7" and the eastern part, which fronts the Caribbean, is where visitors will find the best beaches and some fantastic resort hotels.
Cancun Activities
Where does one begin? Your Cancun vacation can be as lazy and laid-back as you'd like or constantly busy, if you prefer. The possibilities go on and on!
Of course, watersports are central. Sunning and swimming are the most popular, but your time in the waters surrounding Cancun can be a lot more adventurous than just sitting on a towel at the beach.
Consider snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, or fishing. How about an invigorating ride on a jet ski? Or maybe a chance to soar through the skis over Mexico on a paragliding excursion?
Cancun's eco-parks give visitors the opportunity to explore Mexico's beautiful natural environment. Consider trips to Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Tres-Rios and Garrafon Parks or the 1.3 million acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
A trip to the area's Mayan ruins is a must. Visit the famous majestic city of Chichen Itza, home to the 75-foot-high pyramid of Kukulkan and the Temple of the Warriors. The ruins are fascinating and help provide an insight on important Mexican history.
Other Cancun vacation activities might include horseback riding, moped rentals, hiking, biking, tennis, and golf.
When to Go
Many visitors, especially those who live in cold, snowy climates, prefer to enjoy their Cancun vacation during the winter. During those months, the average high is a comfortable 80 - 85 degrees and the evening lows are rarely less than 65.
Many families choose Cancun for their summer vacation. While it does get rather hot and humid, there's plenty of water to keep you cool. However, vacationers should expect some afternoon rain during the summer months and should also note that Cancun is subject to hurricanes, especially during August and September.