Resort guide - Cancun Holidays
Useful information
Currency: Mexican Peso ($)
Language Spanish
Flying time: Approx 10hrs
Time difference: GMT -5hrs
Capital: Mexico City
Departure tax: 17US$ (approx £9)
Electricity: 110 Volts
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Cancun Holidays
Cancun, is the most popular resort in Mexico, and with the stunning aqua-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea on one side, and a sparkling lagoon river on the other, it’s easy to understand why.

Until the mid 60’s Cancun was just a sliver of sand, but when the Mexican government realised the true potential of the area development began and now 40 years later it has become the liveliest area on the Yucatan Peninsula.

The world-class hotels offer something for everyone, from the secluded and relaxed to the upbeat and lively. The beaches are the best around, blessed with cooling white carol sands which are caressed by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. There’s every kind of activity and watersports imaginable and you’ll also find thrilling water parks, enjoy tours of the surrounding jungle and discover a rich history of Mayan culture and archeology.

The nightlife is exceedingly energetic with many local and international restaurants, bars and nightclubs to choose from or you can choose to simply relax and watch the folkloric ballet at the Continental Villas Plaza. Whatever you want from your holiday, Cancun is sure to deliver, pleasing even the most discerning of holiday makers.

Weather
Temperatures are hot year round. The wet season starting in June and ending in October has average temperatures of 28C with the high humidity making it feel much hotter, it rains most days however only for short spurts towards the end of the afternoon, although hurricanes can be a threat at this time of year. The most popular time to visit is during the dry season from November to May, it’s still hot but much more bearable with temperatures averaging at 24C.
By Day
Whatever you want to do, you’ll be able to do it in Cancun, from amazing diving and snorkeling adventures, jungle tours, to exploring the lands rich history and culture. The choice of sports and activities is endless, there are many stunning beaches to discover, if you enjoy shopping there’s everything from open air markets to designer shopping centres or for something a little different you can go swimming with the dolphins or check out the Mexican Rodeo at the Plaza del Toros.
By Night
The majority of hotels do put on an impressive program of nightly entertainment however heading in to Cancun is a must. It’s famous for its vivacious nightlife, with such a wide choice of restaurants, bars, and clubs. There are also a wide range of shows performed like their Circus de Soleil style show and a range of venues for people looking for a more relaxed evening.
Top Attractions
• Chichen Itza Ruins – believed to be the social and political centre of the ancient Mayan empire.
• Dolphin discovery (Isla Mujeres) – an amazing dolphin experience.
• Coco Bongo – Club/Show with everything from Circus de Soleil style performance to scenes form the Matrix.
• Xcaret – Thm park exhibiting Mayan culture and rafting expeditions through the jungle.
• El Ray Ruins – Visit the interesting Mayan Ruins on Isla Cancun.
• Parque Nizuc & Aquaworld – both thrilling waterparks offering many slides and attractions.
• Museo de Atre Popular Mexicano – Art Gallery
• Acuario Interactivo – An Interactive Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and touch sharks.
• Centro Ceremonial Kohunlich – Where many Mayan ruins still wait to be excavated.
• Centro – Cancun city, a world away from the tourist area but well worth a visit.
Events
Candelmas Day (Feb) Carnival (Feb) Easter Processions (Easter) Jazz Festival (May) Independence Day (Sep) Food Festival (Nov) Day of the Dead (Nov)
Local Flavours
Due to Cancun being purpose built it you will see strong American and European influences. Most international cuisine is available with everything from street vendors to chic fine dining establishments. Their local food tends to be quite spicy and well seasoned and generally includes various types of pepper and is accompanied by tortillas or tacos (not the Tex-Mex kind). When it comes to shopping there’s everything from exclusive boutiques to open air markets, good buys include handcrafts, tequila, Cuban cigars and jewelry.
History
In 1967 the Mexican government recognised the importance of tourism to the country's economic future. They began a detailed search to pinpoint ideal sites for tourism development. Cancun Mexico emerged as the government's top candidate. Still, the new resort reached the 1980's as a relatively small and undiscovered destination with a dozen or so hotels. A building boom in the mid-80's finally vaulted Cancun into the global tourism arena as THE resort of the '90's. In fact, Quintana Roo State is now responsible for 35% of Mexico's annual tourism revenue with over 3 million tourists fro around the world spending over $3 billion dollars!
Size & Location
Cancun is located in the State of Quintana Roo, on the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula. The island of Cancun is divided into 2 zones and is shaped like a number seven. The Downtwon zone is on the mainland and the hotel zone is on the island, both zones are joined by bridges, each some 300ft long. Quintana Roo borders, Guatemala, Belize and the Caribbean Sea. Population approx 600,000.