Cancún

A visit to Cancún is not complete without a trip to the famous Mayan ruins. Many of them have not yet been excavated and are waiting to be explored. Chichen Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an absolute must. Whilst you are there, don’t miss out on the stunning light show that transports you back in time in a spectacular atmosphere. Equally stunning is Cobá, currently the only ruin that can still be climbed, offering a breathtaking view over the jungle and Tulúm, with its spectacular backdrop of the clear turquoise water of the ocean.

Is swimming with dolphins a dream for you? Then make it a reality at the Dolphinaris Cancún. Here, you get to interact with these beautiful and smart creatures, become a trainer for a day, or take a day to follow the daily routines in a dolphin's life. An unforgettable experience for both the kids and the grownups.

Cenotes (sinkholes) are deep wells with crystal clear water that can be accessed when the roof of a cave collapses. Fed by underground rivers, the cenotes were the main source of freshwater for the Mayans and therefore are considered sacred. They are unique to the Yucatán peninsula, and still to this day, the underground cave system connecting all the cenotes remains largely unexplored. Witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the large clusters of stalactites and stalagmites being mirrored in the crystal clear cool waters is a unique experience. Every cenote has its own particular beauty, and putting on a swimsuit and snorkelling in the pool is an absolutely unforgettable experience. Some tour operators also offer cave diving excursions for very experienced divers.

Most hotels in the Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera are located directly on Cancún's beautiful beach. The Hotel Zone itself is divided into kilometre-long sections, which make it easy to navigate. The heart of the area is undoubtedly Cancún's famous buzzing party zone (km 8), where the bars and nightclubs draw both young and old crowds until the early morning hours. The party also attracts performing and visiting celebrities so you'll never know who you might be rubbing shoulders with.

Puerto Cancún is a mixture of residential, commercial, and tourist areas. An 800-acre upscale development next to the ocean featuring a large marina, a golf course, a waterside promenade with a luxurious outdoor shopping complex, eateries and cafes, as well as hotels.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Cancún and its surrounding area, do ride the 360° rotating scenic tower where you will get a spectacular birds-eye view of the entire Hotel Zone and beyond from the 100-metre tall tower. A different experience during the day and night time, the view is unsurpassed.

Mexican folklore dance shows and plays are advertised at the theatre and at hotel concierges, where you also buy tickets. Discover one of Cancún’s little treasures, the Mexican Folk Art Museum brimming with excellent examples of Mexican folk art and crafts. You can experience the traditions and culture of Mexico at the Xcaret Park, which offers an incredible show with advanced technology, amazing costumes, and an impeccable set design.

Downtown (El Centro) is the actual backbone of Cancún. What it lacks in history, it makes up for being a true melting pot--an exciting mix of the old traditional Mexico and an ultra-modern urban sprawl. Avenida Tulum, the main street, passing through the heart of the city, is easy to reach by public transport. The street is lined with shops, banks, internet cafes, bars, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by Parque de las Palapas, on the market square, where locals come to chat and watch the entertainment provided by various local groups. The lively atmosphere and the sound of Mexican music is infectious, and any worries will quickly be postponed to "mañana". Browse around the artisan stalls and try some of the local sweet delicacies or visit the "Hippie Market" around the corner. In the evenings, the place to be is Avenida Yaxchillan with its lively restaurants and bars, popular with locals and tourists alike.

Unlike most aquariums, at the Interactive Aquarium of Cancún, you will get a chance to get up close to sea creatures and even interact with some of them. Here, you can touch starfish and sea urchins, swim with dolphins or watch them put on a show, and even walk underwater. There are over 140 species on display here and the Aquarium is open 365 days a year.

Do you dare to swim with these ocean giants? From around May to September, sharks appear close enough to the coast of Cancún, and several tour operators let you observe them and even swim and snorkel with them (all safety precautions, naturally, in place).