People have their own idea on how to spend a vacation in the beautiful Caribbean. Some just want to spend quiet days, lying back on a pristine white sand beach, watching gently swaying palms above while working on their tan. Others want nonstop action whether on land or the sea, as they feast their eyes and ears on the many delights that a vacation package to Cancun Mexico has to offer.
Water Sports: Situated in Mexico's Caribbean coast, Cancun never runs out of anything to quench your thirst for water sports. When you buy a vacation package to Cancun Mexico, don't forget to visit the Parque Nizuc (Wet' Wild), a marine park located just south of Cancun's Hotel Zone, offering snorkeling, various waterslides, and a wave pool. The nearby Isla Mujeres (or Island of Women), just 11 km off the coast of Cancun, is a great diving spot set in a relaxed tropical setting and turquoise blue waters. A vacation package to Cancun Mexico that includes this island in the itinerary is going to be well worth it, not only because of the excellent diving it offers but also because of the many island sights that are easily accessible via bicycles and mopeds.
Mayan Archeological Sights: A vacation package to Cancun Mexico means a visit to the historic Yucatan Peninsula, considered as the gateway to ancient Mayan culture. Here in this southeast region of land separating the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, you will find local residents that are descendants of the ancient Mayan tribe and many gorgeous beaches that are only steps away from ancient ruins and temples.
Among the many archeological sites that may be included in your vacation package to Cancun Mexico are Calakmul, located about 30 miles from the Guatemalan border, the Chichen-Itza, the site where the famous El Castillo Pyramid is located, and Palenque, featuring great stone carvings. Another site that is located ridiculously close to Cancun is Tulum.
Once a major seaport for the ancient Mayan traders, Tulum is now known for being the site of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A vacation package to Cancun Mexico means sightings of the Mayan stone walled fortress in Tulum, set against a backdrop of clear, turquoise waters and magnificent mountains.
Nightlife: Acapulco may be the queen of nightlife among all Mexico destinations, but that doesn't mean that Cancun has nothing to offer for those who want to roam the countryside at night. The Cantina's should be of some interest if you plan on spending groovy Caribbean nights with your vacation package to Cancun Mexico. With a hundred year history at its belt when it began as no more than an astute liquor store, the Cantinas have gone a long way from a crude bar with tables and chairs to a proper refuge for men who want to spend their afternoons meeting and greeting, drinking tequila, socializing, and gambling.
Cancun's Hotel Zone also comes alive the minute the sun sets beyond the horizon. With multi million dollar discos lining the whole area, it is impossible not to feel invigorated by the Latin vibes infused with African and native tunes that the Cancun music scene chortles out at night.
When most people are planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico, they look for exciting nightlife and sunny beaches. However, Cancun has a lot more to offer than that. Cancun actually has a very rich history, and you can supplement your beach time with tours of some breath-taking historical sites. The following list is your guide to the top historical sites that you should consider seeing the next time you plan a trip to Cancun:
Chichen Itza
The most famous of the historic sites in the Cancun area of Mexico, Chichen Itza is a restored Mayan city, and contains a huge, spectacular temple among other attractions. This site is also home to the largest known Mayan ball court, and tours are given daily throughout the site or you can explore on your own. It is a day-long trip, as it is about 200 km from Cancun, but it is well worth the drive. You can either rent a car or take a bus. In fact, many hotels in the Cancun area offer guided bus tours to Chichen Itza. If you're going to tour the site on your own, get there early to avoid the tour bus crowds.
Coba Ruins
Also a famous ancient Mayan city, the Coba Ruins is the oldest of the Mayan sites in this area. This area is extremely remote, and only a few of the structures were uncovered and restored, leaving almost all of the six thousand buildings still covered by jungle. Here, you can see Mayan stone roads, as well as the tallest pyramid in the vicinity of Cancun. The Coba Ruins are also a bit of a drive from Cancun, but again, many Cancun hotels run tours to this destination via free or low-cost buses.
Tulum Ruins
If you want to see some Mayan ruins without sacrificing an entire day to a tour, check out the Tulum Ruins, which are closer to Cancun. This location is unique because it is built along the coast, making the structures there almost lighthouse-like. A large wall surrounds the city, and the only way to explore inside is through one of the original tunnels. Be forewarned, however, that this historical spot is extremely popular for tourists and often quite crowded.
La Destileria
One of the most traditional activities in Mexico is the making of tequila. La Destileria isn't exactly a historic site like the ancient ruins listed above, but at this museum and restaurant you can explore the history of this liquor. Guided tours will teach you how tequila is made, and at the end you get to try samples of the tequila that they make right there at the restaurant.
Xcaret
If you are traveling with people who are not as interested in seeing historical sites, you can consider a trip to Xcaret. This water park and activity center was once a place of Mayan ceremonies, and they have built a replica of a Mayan city to showcase the ancient culture. You will also be able to snorkel in the waterfalls, swim with the dolphins, and explore the environmental center in Xcaret. Don't forget to stick around to watch descendants of the Mayans perform customary dances and musical shows.
Mercado Coral Negro
Before you leave Cancun, you should also make plans to stop at one of the traditional Mexican markets. Mercado Coral Negro is a great choice. Like the tequila museum, this site in and of itself isn't a place of ancient history, but here you can see (and buy) traditional craft items like embroidered clothing, hats, and decorative pieces. You can also find traditional Mayan food at these markets. Of course, there are the run-of-the-mill "Cancun" T-shirts for tourists as well, but this shopping opportunity is great for those wanting some historically significant items to take home without spending a fortune.
If you are interested in more great historical Cancun sites, your best bet is to ask the customer service representatives at your hotel for their opinions on local sites. You can also speak with taxi cab drivers and tour guides - providing they speak English or you speak Spanish! The best way to find historical spots off the beaten path is to talk to those who live and work in Cancun all year-round.
Cancun, and all of Mexico, is full of history. It is a wonderful place to experience modern beaches, water sports, and nightlife. While that part of Cancun can be great fun, make sure that you spend a bit of time exploring Cancun's ancient ruins and other historical activities. You won't be sorry!
Both Bobbie Mckee & Stephanie Larkin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Stephanie Larkin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Kitchen Home Improvement, Marketing and Bahamas Vacation. About Author:Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as