 Cancun is one of the most important tourist complexes in Mexico and the world. Its superb location, its year-round mild climate, and its gorgeous, warm, sandy white beaches washed by the Caribbean Sea are ideal for water sports.
The waters of the bay sheltered by Isla Mujeres are calm and perfect for surfing, sailing, underwater diving and boat trips; those facing the open surf have stronger currents but are also suitable for fishing and snorkeling.
Cancun has a first rate tourist infrastructure and services. The most famous hotel chains in the world have combined luxury and comfort with hospitality and all of them offer access to tennis courts and relaxing spas.
Nightlife in Cancun’s hotel zone is extremely varied. You will find some of the largest discotheques in the world and restaurants with some of the world’s most famous chefs as well as fast-food outlets. If you are looking for a calmer atmosphere, there are jazz or piano bars, as well as those with traditional mariachi music.
The numerous marinas facilitate all kinds of aquatic activities in both the bay and Laguna Nichupte where we recommend you try kayaking.
Cancun has fascinating Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. Its excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighboring state of Yucatan.
However, Cancun also has plazas and malls carrying everything from handicrafts from all over the country to an impressive array of imported goods.
Whether you’re visiting Cancun for business or pleasure, you can choose from some 140 hotels with over 25,000 rooms, for all tastes and budgets. There are luxurious beachfront accommodations, others that operate under the “all-inclusive” concept, and several that are designed for family vacations. The room rates depend mainly on location and range of facilities.
Some of the downtown hotels, designed for business travelers and budget vacationers, offer comfortable rooms and perhaps a swimming pool and coffee shop, while the high end beachfront facilities in the Hotel Zone feature deluxe rooms and a full range of dining, entertainment, and sports options, including tennis and even golf, as well as meeting and convention facilities. The coastline stretching from Cancun to Tulum, called the Riviera Maya, is booming, with many new hotels, resorts, and romantic hideaways.
CANCUN'S BEACHES
Cancun's beaches are formed by sand of calcareous origin, accounting for its white color, its fine texture and temperature; always cool regardless of the sun's strong rays.
 In Cancun, two beach zones can be distinguished: the first is located in the north of the hotel zone, facing Isla Mujeres and is protected by its location within the bay. Due to its calm waves, it is ideal for children and to practice aquatic activities like jet skiing, water skiing or sailing.
The other beach zone is located on the eastern side of the hotel zone, facing the open sea. It is a group of spectacular beaches, with waves whose intensity varies according to the season. For your safety, hotel beaches and the marinas use colored warning flags. Before swimming, we suggest consider them.
DOWNTOWN CANCUN
At the hotel zone entrance are located the streets of turistical interest of Cancun downtown.
We suggest taking a stroll at dusk or at night through the southern end of Tulum Avenue, the main artery that runs north to south through downtown. It heads north to Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam (where a ferry to Isla Mujeres may be taken) and south, to the international airport, the Riviera Maya and further south within the state.
Restaurants, stores selling knick-knacks and souvenirs, and a craft market, frame Tulum Avenue and the surrounding streets. In general, prices are lower than in the hotel zone. Downtown Cancun has other important avenues: Yaxchilan, Uxmal, Nader and part of Coba, which also contain affordable hotels, local bars, banks, money exchanges, car rentals, establishments selling products and communal facilities, among other services for tourists.
We recommend visiting the Mercado 28; even though Cancun is a very young city (just 30 years old) this market has all the characteristics of a traditional Mexican market. Here, you may find all types of articles and services, including fully stocked craft shops, food stands and typical restaurants frequented by locals.
Don't miss a visit to one of the cantinas found in the bullfighting ring, at the entrance to the hotel zone. Mexican friends come together to drink beer, tequila and other beverages accompanied by delicious appetizers and good conversation; they play cards or domino and listen to live Mexican music.
NIGHTLIFE
Folkloric dances are one of the most lively and rich expressions of Mexican culture. The Cancun Theater, located at the Embarcadero (dock) in the hotel zone, presents the show "Voices and Dances of Mexico," Monday through Thursday. It exhibits a sample of typical regional dances with all their characteristic happiness. The evening continues with "Caribbean Tradition," an introduction to the magical folklore of Caribbean coasts and islands.
The hotel zone's discos --safe and easily accessible-- open their doors at 10:00 p.m. and allow entry until 2:00 a.m. usually; all require a cover charge or entrance fee from 10 to 20 USD. The hotel zone has five main discos, all aimed at the young people that enjoy alternative or rock music.
 Likewise, there are a wide variety of bars, clubs and smaller discos, and clubs with all types of music, some specializing in tropical rhythms.
Elegant but modern clothing is recommended when going out at night: closed-toed shoes and long pants for men; for women, a light summer dress. Nevertheless, sometimes the discos organize contests and games where one may end up wet: keep this in consideration and come prepared.
Certain establishments have different promotions each day of the week, like "ladies night," "2x1," etc. Ask beforehand. We recommend only taking enough money to pay for taxis and tips, a credit card and be ready to have a good time.
If you wish to have an exclusively Mexican night, we suggest obtaining information from your hotel's concierge. Some hotels offer traditional celebrations and there is no shortage of restaurants where joyful mariachis, in both downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone can be enjoyed.
You could find Mariachis to hire in Yaxchilán Avenue in downtown-Cancun. We recommend wandering through Cancun at night in a group or with an organized tour as it is a foreign city and it may be easier to get around with company. Cancun is not an unsafe city But you must consider basic safety measures like in another world city.
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