Cancun General Information

Cancun General Information

Picture yourself walking on white-powdery sand while immersing your senses in the sight of crystalline turquoise sea. This paradise-like image happens to be true in Cancun. If you have already been to this Mexican coastal destination, you might be even thinking of coming here for the second, third or fourth time. If you have not had your Cancun vacations yet, it is time to book your stay in one of the great hotels in Cancun. Our site on travel information for Cancun shares enticing photos of Cancun, and the most suited travel deals in Cancun that will win you over.

Cancun does not only feature unequalled nature marvels, but also archeological and historical sites, excellent resorts and restaurants, exhilarating nightlife, and amazing sports opportunities. Do you still need more incentives to plan your Cancun vacations?

A stay at the top hotels of Cancun can assure you a collection of memorable experiences since Cancun hotels and resorts are synonym of comfort and convenience. Our site includes hotel reviews for Cancun where the most renowned hotels in Cancun are described in detail, such as: Riu Caribe, Riu Palace Las Americas, Royal Solaris Cancun, The Ritz-Carlton Cancun, Hilton Cancun Beach amp; Golf Resort and more.

Cancun Location

A most beloved destination, Cancun lies at the northeastern tip of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. Not only does Cancun constitute the 20 kilometer (12 mile) long boomerang-shaped isle, where the Hotel Zone stands, but also a growing and interesting city on the mainland. Both districts of Cancun stay connected via two bridges: one over Nichupte Lagoon and another at Nizuc Channel.

With Nichupte Lagoon neighboring Cancun isle to the north, Bahia de Mujeres (Women Bay) to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, it is easy to understand the diversity of ecosystems contained in the region, such as lagoons, mangrove swamps, rain forest and sandbars and coral reefs, which seem to gather to complete mesmerizing landscapes.

Cancun Attractions

Whether it is because of Cancun golden geography, its warm temperature (average 80F), the natural beauty of the island, the renowned hospitality of its people, or its world of activities, the truth is that Cancun hosts millions of tourists from all over the globe every year.

Cancun sizzles as an excitement Mecca with outstanding opportunities to relish such as outdoor activities, water sports, ecological tours and archeological ruins. You name it.

Cancun Water Sports

Cancun is home to scenic white-sand beaches, where even simple activities including sunbathing or taking a walk become the perfect way to indulge yourself. For water sports adventurers, Cancun boasts suitable beaches to do the sport of your preference: Swimming, fishing, yachting, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and parasailing. Apart from its stunning beaches, Cancun also has beautiful lagoons like Nichupte Lagoon, where the practice of water sports is also a must.

Snorkeling and diving are more commonly pursued in the beaches around Cancun, where excellent diving spots like caves and cenotes await.

Cancun Outdoor Activities

Moreover, Cancun proximity to the sea and to the jungle gives the area plenty of alternatives for the outdoor lovers: from sightseeing, horseback riding excursions, biking and hiking, to ecotourism.

There is a vast offer of tours including an array of activities, which seem to have been customized to obey all your desires. In one day, you can drop by the ruins of Tulum, learn about this ancient archeological site, take some time to bathe in the sea down the ruins and experience the beauties of the jungle in the natural park Xel- Ha [shel-hah].

Cancun Ecotourism

Cancun serves as a meeting point for all the eco-tours that the Mayan Riviera offers. The natural parks and ecological reserves are strategically located an hour drive or boat trip from Cancun. So, do not miss out on the opportunity to know places like Sian Ka'an, Isla Contoy, Garrafon National Park, Isla Mujeres, (Women Island), Acuario Playacar (Playacar Aquarium),Aviario Xaman-ha, Chancanaab National Park, Cozumel, Xcaret and many more. Here, you will be able to get involved in various eco-adventures such as: bird watching, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, even scuba diving.

Cancun Archeological Sites

Tours that enable the visit to the famed archeological sites of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba are common from Cancun. But if your pursuit is to get acquainted with ancient Mayan civilization, you don’t have to travel that far to admire the Mayan ruins. Right on Cancun’s Hotel Zone there are archeological remnants, which date from the 3rd to 2nd century BC called El Rey (the King), a presumed royal burial ground. The site is constituted of two main squares bounded by two main streets, making it different from other Mayan sites that have only one. There is a pyramid crowned with a platform and paintings on stucco can be seen in an inner vault.

El Meco, belonging to the post classic period, is located to the north of Cancun and displays from the top of its pyramids a striking sight of one of Cancun’s lagoons.

Cancun Shopping

Shopping in Cancun is an attraction in itself. With its many shopping districts you will find from art and crafts markets, souvenirs outlets, and unique shopping malls. Try not to overlook the fun that brings window shopping in these interesting and diverse settings.

Cancun History

The Mayan vestiges scattered throughout Cancun reveal that the ancient Mayas must have settled in the area hundreds of years ago. It is believed that, although the Spanish conquest in the 1500s left other Mayan sites uninhabited, Cancun had already been abandoned when the Spanish arrived, due to the hostile climatic conditions of the land.

Cancun remained unknown for centuries, as a small fishing village, unexplored beaches and inhospitable deep jungle. But in the 1960s the Mexican government, understanding the potential of the region, began a project that mainly consisted in connecting the mainland to the island, opening an international airport and developing from luxurious hotels and resorts to spectacular residences.

Cancun received its first vacationers in 1974 when it was finished and advertised as a tropical promised land. Then, tourists from countries like US, Canada and Europe started flocking Cancun, promising to return. Since then, Cancun has become one of the most productive tourist hubs, with hotels all along its coastline, modern ecological reserves and a growing city in the mainland.

New Passport Requirements

As part of U.S. Department of State's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all travelers will be required to present a valid passport or other accepted document(s) to enter or re-enter the U.S. (visitors and U.S. residents) as early as January 8, 2007, from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

• January 8, 2007: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document (MMDs).

• January 1, 2008: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Click here to get complete details on New Requirements for Travelers including a list of "other accepted documents" from U.S Department of State.