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Photo
by Bruce Herman |
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Cancun
is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in
all of Mexico and the world. Its superb Caribbean location makes
it the perfect place for everything from ecotourism, snorkeling,
horseback riding and fishing, to golf, scuba diving, surfing and
sailing. Extreme sports are a also a major part of the excitement
found in Cancun – the city boasts one of the highest bungee
jumps in Mexico - the Regio bungee - with a height of 70 meters.
Cancun is comprised of three distinct but integrated
areas: the city of Cancun, a boomtown of 500,000 people, popular
for shopping, dining and less expenses accommodations; the ecological
reserve with lovely mangroves and lagoons; and the resort zone,
an island. The island-shaped city has an unmatched infrastructure
with some of the best hotel chains in the world lined up on its
strip, offering luxury and comfort in a perfect Caribbean setting.
Its contemporary lodging facilities welcomes several business conventions
throughout the year; and its cosmopolitan offering includes plazas
and large shopping malls with handicrafts from all over the country,
leather articles, tobacco and imported goods.
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Photo
by Guillermo Aldana |
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on the image for larger version |
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When it comes to archaeological sites and historical
flashbacks of the Mayan culture, Cancun has it all. Major attractions
include fascinating Mayan ruins both in Quintana Roo State, as well
as the neighboring state of Yucatan – home to the Mayan pyramids
of Chichen-Itza. The Cancun Museum displays pieces from several
Mayan archaeological sites. El Rey and El Meco also showcase dramatic
ruins of the Mayan culture, as well as San Gervasio, on Cozumel
Island, a short trip away from Cancun.
Within driving distance of the city, travelers can
find several natural reserves such as the Riviera Maya eco-archaeological
sites of Xcaret and Xel-ha, which offer breathtaking cenotes (sinkholes),
clear-water lagoons, river rapids and forest walks.
Cuisine is another major component of Cancún’s
unique offering. The wide varieties of exotic dishes of Mayan origin
are distinguished by their use of condiments found in the region.
A selection of fish, along with chirmole, papatz tzul, relleno negro
and cochinita pibil are only some of the dishes you can savor at
the many restaurants in the state of Quintana Roo.
When the Caribbean sun goes down, the intense Cancun
nightlife begins and continues well into dawn. Its nightclubs and
discotheques offer all kinds of music, as well as some of the finest
Mexican and imported drinks. Those looking for a celebration on
the water can head to party cruises that offer dinner, drinks and
music while you sail along the bay and Laguna Nichupte.
The excitement never ends in Cancun. The list of
sights to see and activities to engage in are undoubtedly endless
in this Mexican paradise, and its gorgeous, white sand beaches on
the Caribbean Sea are ideal for a sun-kissed vacation. |
