Cancun Travel Guide
Travel guide to Cancun, Mexico with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Cancun sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Cancun Overview
Cancun, located on the eastern coast of Mexico, was specifically created as a tourist destination, and clearly does its job very well.
It is split into two particular areas, the first being the Hotel Zone, which as the name suggests is where the visitor accommodation is to be found. The hotels are generally up market, with all-inclusive packages being the norm. It is actually an island some 18 kilometres long, with the Caribbean to one side and a lovely lagoon, called Laguna Nichupte to the other.
The other part of the city is on the Mexican mainland and is called Ciudad Cancun. This is where the residents of Cancun live and also where those visitors hoping to find more budget types of accommodation can be found. The two parts of Cancun are linked by a bridge but they are dramatically different places it has to be said. The Hotel Zone is a five star world, with beautiful sandy beaches, water sports, cocktails and fine dining. In contrast, mainland Cancun is much more real. There are many bars serving local drinks and food, while the general feel of the place is much more traditional, as the people go about their daily lives.
Cancun is really two places in one, both of which can be enjoyed equally. The key to this is understanding the different styles of each and embracing each one fully whilst there.
Top Cancun Attractions
Cancun's Hotel Zone is like a playground for visitors, offering so many clubs, bars and activities that there is not enough time to do them all. Also very popular with tourists are the trips to see Mayan sites, with some architecture remaining and artefacts on display. It is always fascinating seeing how developed this race was, and so long ago.
Shopping in Cancun
The division of Cancun carries through to the shopping too. In the Hotel Zone there are many malls and high quality stores selling the best brands and the latest styles. The shopper is really spoilt for choice and also finds themselves entertained as they shop with each mall trying to outdo the other with performers. The main part of Cancun is much more focused on the inhabitants of the city, as it needs to be of course. There are many more local shops here, although visitors are always welcome too.
Cancun Sporting Events
Water based activities are the most popular by far, thanks to the beautiful Ocean, the long sandy beaches and fantastically warm climate. Snorkeling is very popular along with sailing and swimming. There are also some fantastic golf courses here, perfectly manicured and challenging to play.
