Cancun - A beach-lover’s delight that really packs a punch

“A seductive blend of Caribbean waters, dazzling white sands, ancient Mayan temples and buzzing neon nightlife, Mexico is one of those rare destinations that really does seem to have it all."

Stunning white sand beaches, offshore reefs teeming with exotic fish and corals, warm seas and cool sands - what more could you ask for from a holiday resort? Add intriguing, ancient Mayan ruins to explore on your days off from the beach, and vibrant local culture and it's no surprise that Mexico's Caribbean Coast has flourished as a favourite holiday destination. Mexico has something for everyone and its resorts are quite diverse. Cancun is widely known as the largest and most popular, situated on a thin, flat island, connected by causeways to the mainland. Its magnificent coastline is warmly embraced by the translucent waters of the Caribbean sea.

There is still evidence today of the Mayan civilisation and just 115 miles from Cancun is the truly spectacular ruined Mayan city at Chichen Itzá, which rises out of the bush like the edifices of the Lost World. No trip to Mexico is complete without seeing these impressive ruins, the most famous and complete of the Mayan sites. From the history of the Mayan ruins to the breathtaking beauty of the beaches, Mexico has got it all!

Beaches

Cancun is a beach-lovers paradise, blessed by kilometres of sand as soft and light as talcum powder, gently washed by the sparkling blue waters that grace its coast. The coral sand remains blissfully cool despite the glaring sun, thanks to its aquatic origins, so you won’t run the risk of scorched soles. The sheltered north coast provides particularly good conditions for children and is ideal for watersports. Just a one-hour bus ride away from Cancun in the centre of the Maya Riviera is Playa del Carmen, blessed with glorious beaches and shimmering waters. The sea here is an inviting turquoise but be careful before you leap in for a swim – there’s a strong undertow in places.

Shopping

Cancun has an array of chic boutiques and shops tailored to tourist needs. Further down the coast, where real Mexico takes hold, you will be able to buy all the trinkets and local crafts your heart desires. Colourful ceramics and unusual jewellery are particularly abundant and can be haggled down to a price that suits. Other souvenirs to take home include wooden toys and carvings, papier-mache masks and textiles.

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. Cancun and Playa del Carmen have plenty of burger bars and Western food outlets to keep the kids happy. However, it would be a shame not to give the local food a try. Indulge in the 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. The staples that you find at your local Mexican are all here and fajitas and quesadillas will be served with refried beans, rice and the ubiquitous chilli sauce. When night falls tuck into the local beer, such as Corona, and then move onto the tequila if you dare.

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 melt into the crystal Caribbean waters. 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. In early spring, the resort prepares itself for Lent with a huge carnival, a loud and lively celebration which everyone joins in with.

Sightseeing

El Castillo
Mayan culture was at its height between 600 and 900 AD. Streets ahead of us in their study of mathematics, astronomy and architecture they even devised a calendar that proved to be more accurate than any other until the 20th-century! Make the three-hour trip to Chitzen Itzá to experience the wonders of the El Castillo pyramid. See the pyramid and visit what was once one of the most important cities of the Mayans. You’ll see the Sacred Well (where human sacrifices were thrown), the Ball Court, which was the centre of ceremonial sports, and the Temple of the Warriors – to name a few. A fascinating day out.

Aktun-Chen
Explore the mysterious dry caves of Aktun-Chen that have taken nature over 5 million years to create. In Mayan, Aktun-Chen means ‘cave with an underground river inside’ and you can embark on an easy walking tour of the main cave which is home to thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and incredible natural sculptures. Situated 107km south of Cancun, the caves are cradled in a beautiful conservation park for the area’s endangered species including whitetail deer, spider monkeys and wild boars.

Isla Mujeres
This tiny tropical island is a scuba-diver’s paradise with colourful reefs riddled with exotic fish. The rugged southern tip offers spectacular diving and snorkelling but be warned, the beach gets quite crowded with people all flocking there for the same reason. If you prefer to stay on dry land, why not rent a bike and take time to explore this pretty island? A popular day trip from here is to Isla Contoy whose glistening waters are teeming with life and its land home to more than 50 species of birds.

Cozumel
Further south is Mexico’s biggest island, Cozumel, or ‘Place of the Swallows’. Traces of Mayan occupation can be found scattered across the island, with the remains of the two main settlements at El Cedral and San Gervasio. However, it’s not the ruins that most people come to Cozumel for - the island offers some of the best diving in the world. Diving aside, the sunny isle is surrounded by spectacular beaches and on the west coast you’ll find Chankanaab Park, a brilliant green oasis bursting with towering tropical plants.

Xcaret
Make friends with Flipper at this incredible eco-archaeological theme park combining a beach resort with an activity centre and zoo. Not only will you get the chance to swim with dolphins, you’ll get to see the park’s weird and wonderful creature collection including bats, butterflies, pumas and jaguars. Other attractions are a 1,590ft swim in an underground river, a recreated Maya village, re-enactments of Mayan games, and thrilling song and dance spectaculars in a gigantic open-air theatre. An hour’s drive south of Cancun, the park is just as much fun for grown-ups as it is for kids.

Useful links

www.cancun.com
www.allaboutcancun.com
www.cancunmx.com
www.gocancun.com
www.aktunchen.com
www.isla-mujeres.net
www.cozumel.net
www.xcaret.com