by Anonymouse

Created on: July 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 30, 2008

Thriving Mexican culture, tropical weather and wildlife, and impressive Mayan history attract millions of visitors to Cancun each year. Most stay in the hotel zone, or zona hotelera, which is shaped like a massive number 7. Bridges on each end provide access to the mainland. The horizontal side of the 7 has the best coral sands, while beaches on the vertical side are rougher and more eroded. The beach is publicly owned, so guests can circle the entire island on foot.

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is the place to go for underwater exploration. The clarity of the water is inconceivable. While some choose to don a wetsuit and swim with the wildlife, others prefer to keep dry and watch through a glass-bottomed boat. Anglers typically head farther out on deep sea fishing charters, which accommodate amateurs and professionals alike. Who can resist a fishing tournament when Marlin, Wahoo, Kingfish, and Barracuda are lurking in the water? To avoid getting toasted by the sun, many fishermen head out after dark.

For a taste of culture, Ballet Folklorico de Cancun runs every night. Traditional music, dance, and garb create a colorful and fascinating show. Also in the Cancun Convention Center is the National Institute of Anthropology and History. Artifacts from the region are displayed here; some were even used by the Maya well over one thousand years ago. More modern displays can be found at Casa de Cultura de Cancun, where locals artists exhibition their masterpieces.

Dazzling ancient ruins are only a few hours away. They were abandoned long ago, but the reason for that remains a mystery. Tours to and around the sites of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Xel-Ha can be taken nearly every day. Guides are not necessary, but they have a great deal of knowledge to share about one of the most advanced societies that ever existed. A spectacular evening light and sound show can be enjoyed at Chichen Itza.

Downtown at Cancun Centro, the atmosphere is more laid back and family friendly compared to the Hotel Zone. Prices take a nosedive here since there are fewer tourists. In fact, quite a few locals live in this area, so the cultural experience is much more authentic. This is where to haggle at street markets for souvenirs. If anyone is in the mood for sports, two stadiums in Cancun Centro stand back to back. One is a soccer stadium and the other is for baseball. And to think it used to be nothing but uninhabited, wild greenery!

Cancun translates to snake's nest in Mayan, which was a fitting title mere decades ago. Little more than jungle brush abounded there. The Mexican government invested colossal sums into this vacation destination, and over time, it certainly paid off. Now a grand selection of 140 hotels and nearly 400 restaurants guarantees a brand new experience during every visit.

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