Cancun
Carved out of the jungle along some of the world's most transparent turquoise waters, Cancun is a many-faceted gem that earns every bit of its glittering reputation. Powdery white sand and a year-round tropical climate set the stage for almost limitless fun: Lazing sea-or poolside, shopping and dining, enjoying downtown's nightlife, snorkeling and diving, and exploring nearby spectacular ancient Mayan ruins. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder Cancun is Mexico's favorite destination, with many visitors returning again and again.
Barely an hour's drive south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and the island of Cozumel deliver all the style and pristine beauty of the Mexican Caribbean experience at a gentler pace. Walk for miles along crystalline beaches and see hardly a soul. The world's second longest barrier reef lies just off the shores of Cozumel, with the promise of outstanding snorkeling and diving. Eco-adventure, exotic animal life, and unexcavated ruins contribute to the unique appeal of this region.
Weather and Geography
Cancun and the neighboring Riviera Maya are located in the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico on the Caribbean Sea. The island of Cozumel is located just off eastern tip of the peninsula. Average summer daytime temperatures are in the high 80s to mid 90s Fahrenheit. Average winter daytime temperatures are in the mid 70s Fahrenheit. Water temperatures are in the high 70s to low 80s throughout the year. Inland, near the ruins of Chichen Itza, the weather can be quite humid and sticky, but near the beaches, a cool breeze keeps things comfortable.
Quick Facts
- Though Maya Indians have always lived in the Yucatan Peninsula, the resorts of Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Cozumel weren't developed until the 1970s.
- The meteor that crashed to earth and wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago hit near the area that's now the Yucatan Peninsula.
- Even travelers who normally feel concerned about visiting a foreign country should feel comfortable in Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Cozumel. English is spoken widely, dollars are accepted, and the comforts of home are easy to find, especially in Cancun.
Expert Travel Tips
- Visit ecological park Xcaret, about 30 miles south of Cancun, and float in an underground river and see native tropical flora and fauna in a naturalistic habitat.
- Explore the breathtaking Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza.
- Use the cost-effective and efficient public transportation system in Cancun. There is only one road along the hotel zone to downtown Cancun, so it's virtually impossible to get lost.
- Indulge in a little Yucatecan cuisine, whose spicy flavors are different from the food everywhere else in Mexico.