Travel to Cancun

Travel to Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its golden sands, deep blue sea, excellent hotels and lively nightlife. These attributes have made it one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, the city is located very close to a number of eco-parks and stunning scenery.

It is a fairly new city that was built for the specific purpose of tourism, which means that it lacks a long and detailed history. This, however, does not make it any less enchanting for the history-loving visitor, as ancient civilisations lived in settlements that can be found very close to Cancun.These contain answers to some of the mysteries of pre-Columbian times.

Transportation to Cancun

Cancun Airport receives daily flights from many US cities including Atlanta, Miami and New York. The airport is very close to the city, with ground transfers being made by taxi, public bus or shuttle. The city is also easily reachable by car, and vehicles can be hired from the airport.

It is also possible to take a bus to Cancun from domestic cities, but journeys are long, some even taking 24 hours, and although VIP buses are comfortable, journey times should be taken into consideration before booking. The same goes for car journeys, which can also be very lengthy, making sharing the driving and taking regular breaks a good idea.

What to see

For culture buffs, there is much more to Cancun than meets the eye. The Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueolgico de Cancn) is full of fascinating relics and remains from archaeological sites around the city. Also of interest to some is the bullring, Plaza de Toros. This is located in the city centre and bullfights take place here every Wednesday. These fights are not for the faint-hearted, as they result in the death of either the bull or the Matador.

Stunning vistas across the city can be found from the top of La Torre Cancn, a rotating tower in El Embarcadero park. However, without doubt, the main attraction of Cancun for many is its tropical beaches. Beaches can be found across the city, offering excellent facilities and water sports.

Daytrips

There are many fascinating sights away from the bustle of Cancun city. You can spend time exploring at the nearby archaeological sights or visit one of the many eco-friendly theme parks. Mayan ruins can be found at Tulum and these should be top of the list for daytrips, as should a visit to the Caleta of Xel-Ha. The ecological park, Xcaret is also worthy of a visit.

If you would prefer to spend time soaking up the sun and relaxing, nearby resorts such as Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are just a short drive away. Isla Mujeres is just eight kilometres off the coast of Cancun and it offers a quieter alternative to the often busy beaches of Cancun.

Activities and leisure

Cancun is famed for its shopping opportunities and you should not leave without taking advantage of the excellent prices and unique gifts. Avenida Tulum offers a whole host of shops, while Ki Huic is the largest craft market in Cancun. Excellent bargains can be found here as well as traditional Mexican handicrafts.

The Casa de Cultura can be found in the city centre and hosts events throughout the year such as theatre and dance performances, art exhibitions and concerts. One of Cancuns biggest draws is its exciting nightlife. The liveliest and most trendy bars and clubs can be found at the Centro Commercial Maya Fair and La Isla Shopping Village.

Safety issues

Visitors should take care when visiting Cancun, because, as with many other Mexican cities, the crime rate is high and vulnerable, unsuspecting tourists are often targeted. You should always keep hold of your possessions, especially on public transport and when visiting popular tourist areas. Never walk alone at night and always keep car doors locked when driving. Driving through Mexico can be long and arduous, so always take regular breaks and try to share the driving.

Should you fall sick in Cancun, the citys medical facilities are in line with international standards. The same cannot be said for facilities outside of the city. Visitors are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to departure.