Guide to Cancun

"Thirty years ago, massive investment was made in developing the strip of land which was Cancun. Today, Cancun's magnificent coastline is dotted with hotels offering very high standards of accommodation."

With the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on one side, a sparkling lagoon on the other, it is easy to see why Cancun has become a thriving resort. Thanks to its aquatic origins Cancun is blessed with cooling white coral sands, which along the sheltered north coast, provide particularly good conditions for children and are ideal for watersports. A flag system is run along the east facing shore as undertows can occur. There are shopping malls housing anything from handicrafts to designer labels throughout the hotel zone. With a strong American influence, shopping here is not necessarily cheap. Cancun has an impressive selection of nightlife. Take a sunset cruise and watch the sun sink below the horizon. Or stay out in one of Cancun's bars, discos and clubs that party well into the early hours.

With the Caribbean one side and Gulf of Mexico the other, the Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a wonderful mix of ancient cultures, stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters. There's the vibrant resort of Cancun with a wide selection of bars and restaurants for those seeking a lively atmosphere, the sleepy island of Isla Mujeres or if you travel down the coast along the beautiful Riviera Maya you'll discover laid back Playa Del Carmen and the resort of Playacar - idyllic beaches, perfect for water sports. A ferry ride away is Cozumel offering exceptional diving and one of the world's largest coral reefs and continue south to quieter Puerto Aventuras and the ancient Mayan city of Tulum

Find the cheapest late deals to Cancun leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Cancun hotels and apartments

Riu Cancun

Moon Palace Golf And Spa Resort

Riu Palace Las Americas

Cancun hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Cancun include Barcelo Costa Cancun, Best Western Cancun Clipper Club, Cancun Palace, Caribbean Princess, Excellence Playa Mujeres, Gr Solaris Cancun, Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas, Holiday Inn Express, Hotetur Beach Paradise, Le Blanc Spa Resort, Moon Palace Golf And Spa Resort, Riu Cancun, Riu Palace Las Americas and Royal Solaris Cancun.

More Mexico Caribbean Coast holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Mexico Caribbean Coast? Our Mexico Caribbean Coast holiday destinations include Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Playacar, Riviera Maya and Tulum.

Beaches

Cancun is a beach lover's paradise, blessed by kilometres of soft white sand and the sparkling blue waters that grace its coast. The coral sand remains cool despite the glaring sun, thanks to its aquatic origins. The hotels run watersports on most of the beaches, with the sheltered north coast providing particularly good conditions. A flag system is run along the east facing shore, as undertows can occur.

Eating out

Eating here is fairly hotel based due to the number of all inclusive hotels, although the choice of restaurants and cuisine they offer is quite cosmopolitan. Outside the complexes, cuisine ranges from local Mexican dishes to the more familiar fare of Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe. Indulge in some local specialities while you're here - 'huevos rancheros' make a substantial breakfast - fried eggs are smothered in tomato sauce and chopped chilli, and served on a tortilla, or for dinner try a 'fajita' - sliced, fried meat, onions and peppers all rolled inside a delicious taco.

Nightlife

Cancun has an impressive selection of nightlife. Stay within the hotel complex, relaxing in one of the bars and enjoying a show. Take a sunset cruise across the waves and watch the sun sink below the horizon. Or stay out until the sun comes back up again in one of Cancun's bars, discos and clubs that party well into the early hours.

Shopping

While there is no real commercial centre, there are shopping malls housing anything from handicrafts to designer labels throughout the hotel zone. With a strong American influence, shopping here is not necessarily cheap.

Local information

Mayan culture was at its height between 600 and 900 AD. Streets ahead of us Europeans in their study of mathematics, astronomy, architecture, weaving and pottery, they even devised a calendar that proved to be more accurate than any other until the twentieth century! For a taster of this ancient culture, the Zona Arqueologica El Rey is home to a small temple, though for the more impressive ruins, you'll have to make the three hour trip to Chitzen Itiza, where you can experience the wonders of the El Castillo pyramid. In early spring, Cancun prepares itself for Lent with a huge carnival, a loud and lively celebration which everyone joins in with.