Cancun, Mexico

For decades, vacationers heading to Mexico s renowned beach getaways had to look no further than a string of sunny resorts along the Pacific Coast. From Mazatlán to Acapulco, Mexico s Riviera was the only region with any developed visitor attractions and facilities.
It all started in the 1980´s when Cancún emerged as a boom, vaulted into the global tourism as a resorts area called " The Mexican Paradise".

Its stunning beaches must be seen to be believed: silky smooth, sugar-white sand, lapped by the turquoise and emerald waters of the Caribbean.
Cancun is comprised of three distinct but integrated areas: the City of Cancun, a raffish downtown, popular for shopping, dining, less expensive accommodations; the ecological reserve lovely lagoons and mangroves; and the resort zone, an island. Development is designed around an ecologically-sensitive master plan, divided into three phases. Phase two is completed; phase three will include two mega-projects: a new 1,500-slip marina/resort complex to the north of Cancún City (Puerto Cancun), and a 170-acre lagoon resort complex (Malecon Cancun).A well-planned layout and modern infrastructure give the destination a polished (although mostly un-Mexican) appearance.

The area s history is rich with Mayan influences. The Yucatan Peninsula is where Mayan culture flourished for centuries prior to the Spaniards arrival in 1519. Over 1200 archaeological sites are scattered within a few hour s drive from Cancun. Many sites have been wonderfully restored, while others are still shrouded by tangled jungle vegetation. Even Cancun s ultra-modern resort zone harbors ruins dating to the 12th century. Popular day tours to sites like Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza afford visitors the opportunity to appreciate the work of one of the world s most advanced ancient societies. Beyond the area s famous ruins, the Mayan culture has survived despite tourism s rapid encroachment. In fact, much of Cancun´s population is of Mayan descent.

With natural and cultural wonders as a backdrop, developers have built Mexico s most dazzling offering of creature comforts. Recent lodging improvements (there are over 20,000 hotel rooms).
The conversion of several hotels into all-inclusives and quasi all-inclusives (free food/beverage without activities) is also of note. Timeshare is also on the rise, although roaming salespeople have had their wings clipped by a recent ban on street sales solicitations.

Cancun s entertainment attractions include several day and night excusions going all around the coast or to Isla Mujeres.
Shopping is top notch, with shopping malls. Dining options, Outdoor recreation - water sports, a 18-hole golf course, and several water-bound adventure activities (submarine rides to Jetski tours).

For adventure seekers, the area abounds with sightseeing treasures. Stretching 480 kms. to the south along the Yucatan s eastern shore is the Tulum Corridor region. Also known as Riviera Maya, this scenic and unspoiled coastal zone is emerging as one of Mexico s newest resort playgrounds.Several all-inclusive properties have opened, and there s still plenty of off-the-beaten-path exploring. Dozens of remote coves and deserted stretches of jungle-lined white sand beach are easy to reach. There are also many archaeological sites here, ranging from magnificent, fully-restored ancient cities to mysterious, unexcavated ruins.

Cancún succeeds in combining the best of Mexico and the Caribbean into one package. And while some dislike the resort for its immense size and unabashed commercialism, there is no denying the area s seductive appeal.