| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
It may be commercialized and more American than Mexican in spirit, but Cancún is still one of the finest beach destinations in the world -- with enough pleasure-pursuits to make even the most unrelenting hedonists blush. Due to its ideal mix of elements -- its transparent turquoise sea, powdery white beaches, and immense potential for growth -- a group of Mexican government computer analysts targeted the town for tourism development in 1974, transforming it from a deserted beach to a five-star resort in little more than 3 decades. Since then, Cancún sustained the devastations of Hurricane Wilma and other powerful tropical storms, only to emerge stronger and more irresistible. In the wake of Hurricane Wilma, which tore through the Yucatán peninsula in 2005, wreckage rapidly gave way to exacting renovations, luxurious upgrades, and brand-new destinations. The secret of Cancún's allure hasn't changed much over the decades -- it's still all about the Caribbean beach. The city limits of Cancún (which means "golden snake" in Mayan), stretch from the old city east to a 24km (15-mile) sliver of land that runs southwest, rimmed by white-sand beaches, connected to the mainland by two bridges. The land creates a ring around the expansive Nichupté lagoon, a lush reminder of Cancún's jungle past between the old and the new. In addition to its spectacular coastline, Cancún also affords visitors the highest quality accommodations; easy access by air; an unrivaled range of sho
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | The Rivera Maya lies in the Southern part of the Mexican Republic, the Eastern area of the Peninsula of Yucatán, and on the Caribbean shoreline. It is called the Mayan Riviera due to the influence the pre-Hispanic civilization exerted throughout the region, extending from Punta Brava to Punta Allen. The Northern coast boasts an impressive development of its tourist infrastructure, while the Southern shore is dotted with small picturesque villages surrounded by unspoiled beaches. Gran Arrecife Maya, the world's second largest barrier reef is found off these shores and along with the tropical forests of exotic vegetation and mangroves, they constitute a veritable window into the biodiversity of Mexican wildlife species. The South is also well known for its underground rivers, sacred reservoirs, deep-sea caves and caverns. The Mayans were the original inhabitants of this peninsula. Advanced in the sciences, their civilization is recognized for the intelligence and precision of their calculations as well as the complexity of their religious rites. The peninsula was an important center of commercial and religious activity during the post-classical period, which dates from approximately 1000 CE to 1500 CE. The Tulum Archaelogical Zone was a fortress on the Caribbean shores, Playa del Carmen was then known as Xaman-Ha, and what is now the Xcaret Ecological Park was known as Puerto Pole. Cobá Ruins, with a population of 50,000 inhabitants, was the most important city. W
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| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | Getting There By Air Cancun International Airport sits a mere nine miles southwest from downtown and just 15.5 kilometers ( six miles ) from the Hotel Zone. More than 80 flights arrive daily making it the busiest airport in Quintana Roo. It is divided into two terminals ( 1 and 2 ). Cancun International Airport ( CUN ) +52 998 886 0028 http://www.asur.com.mx/wwwIn/b_aeropuertos/fsCancun.html/ Terminal 2 handles all domestic and international flights from such main airlines such as: Aeromexico ( +1 800 257 6639 / http://www.aeromexico.com/ ) British Airways ( +1 800 247 9297 / http://www.ba.com/ ) Continental ( +1 800 525 0280 / http://www.continental.com/ ) Northwest ( +1 800 225 2525 / http://www.nwa.com/ ) Terminal 1 is considerably smaller and houses charter companies like: Allegro ( +1 877 443 7585 / http://www.allegroair.net/ ) Sun Country ( +1 800 359 5786 / http://www.suncountry.com/ ) Shuttle buses connect the two terminals and depart from the main entrances every 10 minutes. An info booth is situated in terminal 2 near the main entrance. Restaurants including a load of fast food joints and shopping outlets are also scattered about both terminals. Business facilities are available in the FBO Building, which resides next to terminal 1. Short-term lots are located adjacent to both terminals. Upon arrival, it is highly recommended to refrain from changing your money at the airport. The exchange r
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | Boredom simply does not exist in this beautiful resort area of the Mexican Caribbean. There are a wide assortment of attractions, which can keep you engaged for even the lengthiest of visits. Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore an ancient ruin, there is something for everyone! Nightclubs & Nightlife The city comes alive after dark. Go along to Bacco's in Plaza Terramar or Santa Fe Beer Factory at Forum by the Sea. If you fancy staying at the location for a long time, you could go to Zandunga , where you can sing along with Mariachis and enjoy the Mexican party. When it comes to bars with a lively atmosphere, try Carlos and Charlies , Señor Frog's , Gap del Caribe and Tequila Rock where you can also enjoy a diverse buffet. If you are creature of the night, enjoy partying, live music and staying up all night having fun, Cancún offers a wide variety of choices as to what you can do until the early hours of the morning. If you're into club atmospheres, the best options in Cancún are Christine's and Daddy'O . If what you are really after is good live music venues, Cassis is a club where you can listen to jazz late into the night. The Hard Rock Café is another obvious option, offering the best rock and roll in town. For a good Jamaican party go to Cat's Reggae Club . You are bound to take back memories of Mexico's music, people and relentless mood for partying. Admission prices vary, but most of the discos and clubs include drinks
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