Why Go
A few decades back, a sleepy beach town was transformed into the most bustling spot in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Created by savvy planners in an attempt to duplicate the success of Acapulco, Cancun's transformation has been one of the biggest in all of Mexico. To say Cancun has succeeded would be an understatement; not only has it surpassed Acapulco’s popularity, it is now the most visited resort destination in the country!
But there's more to the story than just big dreams and even bigger summertime crowds. Cancun’s location on the Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors the opportunity to partake of incredibly fresh seafood. From delicate shrimp to rich and decadent lobster, the best of the sea is highlighted on menus throughout the city. Restaurants throughout Cancun routinely enhance their catch with bold and spicy Mexican flavors, resulting in a cuisine that is truly unique to the region. Enjoying a seafood dinner while overlooking the beautiful blue Caribbean is an absolute must while visiting Cancun, and plenty of restaurants offer travelers the opportunity to do just that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Travelers visiting Cancun owe it to themselves to do more than simply gorging on delicious fruits of the sea, though. While resting up for your next amazing meal, why not relax on one of Cancun’s dazzling beaches? Their powdery white sand and brilliant turquoise water seduce tourists from all over the world, and with good reason. While Cancun’s more prominent stretches of beach are often crowded with sun worshipers, they are well-suited for afternoon strolls, as the sand is composed of microscopic plankton fossils called disco-aster, which aid greatly in diffusing heat. With resorts offering everything from volleyball to snorkeling and parasailing, finding something to work off those recently acquired calories is a breeze, too. And for anyone who wants to hit the surf, cruising Cancun’s waters on wave runners is an extremely popular activity.
Insider Tips
- While Cancun boasts beautiful weather most of the year, the best time to visit is from September through November. Vacationers receive a slight reprieve from the slightly more sweltering heat of summer with temperatures hovering around the mid to upper 80’s. The ocean water is also pleasantly warm. I advise avoiding Cancun from June through August, as the Cancun sun can be unbearable on a cloudless day. You will also experience overcrowded beaches, with vacationers scrambling to the white sand en masse, vying for the best spots.
- Cancun International Airport is located 7.5 miles from downtown Cancun and 12.5 miles from the hotel zone. From the airport, shared vans will transport you to your hotel from $8-$10 per person. Private taxis are also available, but rates go from $50-$60 per vehicle. To use shared vans, I recommend prearranging your transportation through your tour operator or handling it directly with a company in Cancun.
- If you need some automotive independence, renting a car in Cancun can be extremely affordable. You can rent a car from the airport, or from Easy Way Rent A Car, who will even deliver a car to you at your hotel. Renting a car in Cancun is especially convenient if you have numerous people in your traveling party. Renting a car will also help cut the costs of taking taxis over and over again.
- Interestingly enough, pedestrians do not have the right-of-way in Cancun, which makes paying attention to oncoming traffic all that much more important.
- To take advantage of favorable exchange rates, head to a bank or local exchange house, where they offer the best rates. ATM machines are located throughout the hotel zone, and a few are located in downtown Cancun. Keep in mind that ATMs dispense pesos. I advise carrying a lot of small bills, as merchants can be reluctant to give change.
- If you find yourself needing to place a phone call while in Cancun, purchase a phone card and use a pay phone. Placing collect calls from your hotel will cost you a small fortune. Many locals don’t have phones in their homes, and use phone cards themselves.
- To decrease the chances of acquiring Turista, or Montezuma’s Revenge, avoid consuming raw fruit. Buy bottled water, but don’t be afraid to consume the ice found in drinks at the larger hotels and bars. Their ice has been provided to them by ice factories who use purified water.
Where To Stay
The Westin Lagunamar combines resort-style grandeur with the comfort one would expect to find in a well-furnished home. While plenty of hotel rooms provide a place to get a good night's rest, these three villas offer up the space necessary to really feel at home. Spacious and relaxing, the 740 square foot one-bedroom Premium Villa even offers up helpful kitchen appliances, like a full-size refrigerator, and fancy technology, like an LCD flat panel TV. Unwinding at the end of the day is easy, as it merely requires a dip in the whirlpool tub; the perfect way to unwind at night’s end. Foodies will also enjoy staying at the Wstin Lagunamar because of its culinary delights. Ravenous guests feast on Oceano’s tempting international cuisine, or indulge on Vineto Restaurant’s seductive regional Mexican fare, highlighted by a delectably fresh ceviche bar.
Catering to the well-heeled traveler, the Ritz-Carlton Cancun offers guests superlative hotel accommodations along with inspired and refined dining. As the Ritz sets the standard for impeccable hotel service and elegance, guests can expect that same level of unrivaled class and sophistication. Those with even the most discriminating palette will take delight in Fantino’s award-winning Mediterranean cuisine. Feast on succulent grilled Maine lobster as you take in breathtaking views of the Caribbean ocean. And for those who want to be pampered, the Ritz's Kayanta Spa provides a way to truly unwind, including the signature Organic Bamboo Massage. There really are no other hotels like it in Cancun, so those who want a different kind of experience definitely should take advantage.
Where to Eat (and Drink)
In 1977, Armando Pezzotti opened La Habichuela in what was then his home. A lot has changed since then, but the quality of cuisine has not. Awarded with the coveted Five Diamonds Award, La Habicheula is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Whether eating in the dining room, or feasting in the romantic garden, diners are promised an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on ordering the famous cocobichuela, with chunks of lobster and shrimp cooked in curry sauce, or the grouper supreme, which makes use of guava sauce to accent some perfectly-fresh fish. Round out your romantic dinner with the lovely famous crepes, which are perfect for sharing with that special someone.
Those serious about seafood should consider heading to Lorenzillos. Offering fantastic views of the Nichupte Lagoon, Lorenzillos has a staggering array of seafood delights. The star of the show, however, is the lobster. While numerous preparations of the decadent crustacean are available, I recommend trying it with the chipotle, plum, and tamarind sauce. This unapologetically spicy dish will satisfy lobster lovers and spicy food connoisseurs alike. If shrimp is more to your liking, I suggest ordering the heavenly carmones scampi. This delectable dish features shrimp with lobster cream sauce flambé with Chardonnay and brandy. No dinner at Lorenzillos is complete without an order of the ultra-rich but deeply satisfying chocolate cake, though finishing a slice might be out of the question, as it is just that decadent.
A very friendly and attentive staff is anxious to help you satiate your Mexican food cravings at La Distileria Cancun. This charming and relaxed establishment serves up tasty dishes that focus on traditional Mexican dishes enjoying a bit of contemporary spin, minus the sort of plating and flair that takes away from the original appear of the recipes. Live mariachi music adds a bit of extra flavor and fun to this casual and laid-back eatery. An interesting side note: La Distileria is the only Mexican restaurant in Cancun with a lagoon-side view.
The Rose Bar at ME Cancun is a beautiful spot to enjoy a cocktail. Located in the center of the lobby. Featuring a unique horseshoe shape, the Rose Bar lends patrons a dramatic view of the beach and ocean. Guests may enjoy their drinks on either of Rose Bar’s two decks. Plush and modern décor translate to a very chic and enjoyable lounge. I recommend sipping one of their fabulous martinis, some of the best in Cancun.
What To See
A trip to Xcaret is an absolute must. Opened in 1990, this popular tourist attraction lives up to hype with its array of activities. Observe amazing rock formations and fossils while swimming in Xcarets Park’s underground rivers, or take a relaxing stroll through the theme park’s tropical jungle trail, as you watch beautiful colored birds fly overhead. The trail is lined with 100 species of plants, so those with green thumbs will greatly enjoy.
Among the many great exhibits Xcaret offers is the Butterfly Pavilion, which is a truly kid-friendly destination. Home to some 5,000 butterflies native to the are, the Butterfly Pavilion is the first butterfly breeding facility in Mexico. I recommend scheduling your visit to the Butterfly Pavilion early in the morning, as the butterflies tend to be more active.
Sacred to the Mayan culture, the jaguar represents leadership, power, and war. Xacret’s Jaguars Island allows visitors to gaze in wonder at the jaguars and pumas veiled by leafy trees and surrounded by large channels of water. These majestic creatures are sure to inspire a sense of awe. A trip from Cancun to Xcaret is only an hour’s drive, so it's a good way to spend the day.
Located just 45 minutes south of Cancun, Tres Rios provides outdoor enthusiasts several ways to exercise their need for adventure. This award-winning facility presents guests with a unique opportunity to explore its rivers, jungles, and beaches through kayaking, jet-skiing, or canoeing. Visitors looking for a more low-key experience may choose to ride horseback, or bike through the jungle trails. Don’t be surprised to find a pair of eyes fixed on you. More than 100 exotic animals inhabit the brush. Tours of Tres Rios are available and include entrance fees, buffet lunch, domestic open bar, and round trip transportation for those who enjoy a package deal.
Crowned as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Chichen Itza stands as the second most frequented archeological site in Mexico. Built for astrological use, Kukulkan Pyramid (El Castillo) is Chichen Itza’s most recognizable structure. Standing 75 feet tall, it pays tribute to the ancient Mayan’s knowledge of mathematics and geometry. While visitors can no longer climb Kukulkan or any of Chichen Itza’s structures, you may walk around them. Located about 150 meters to the northwest of Kukulkan sits the Great Ball Court. Measuring 545 feet long and 225 wide, ancient Mayans would play a famous game on this field with some high-stakes results. Legend has it that the winning captain would present his head to the losing captain, who would then decapitate it. The winning captain would in turn receive a one way ticket to heaven, circumventing the 13 steps the Mayans believed necessary in order to reach heaven. I strongly suggest visiting Chichen Itza early morning or late afternoon, as the the sun can be brutal midday. The ancient Mayan and Toltec past is revealed in the these ancient stone monuments. Expect a two or three hour ride to Chichen Itza from Cancun if you opt for public transportation. The trip is only an hour and a half by car.
Photo credits: jthetzel, Miram Poling, Fernanda Ferreira, Angie Hubert, Ashley Vaughan, Anthony Hicks, Butch Osborne, corsi photo