City of the Sun

Cancun's history is rich - it has been the hunting and fishing grounds to the ancient civilization of the Maya, a haven for pirates, and most recently a small fishing village. Today, Cancun is a thriving vacation destination with an average temperature of 80 degrees, relatively little rain, and pristine white beaches.

The warm turquoise waters offer excellent snorkeling, diving, and just about every watersport imaginable. Shopping is plentiful with many outdoor markets and malls. The nearby Mayan ruins at Chichen-Itza are known as one of the archaeological wonders of the world.

What to Do

Cancun's main attraction, of course, is the sea. Here the Caribbean offers visibility to a depth of 100 feet, and the waters are world famous as an area rich in tropical fish, shipwrecks, and coral. If you're not lazing on a beach, you might try snorkeling, diving, fishing, or sailing. Or venture into town and shop for designer items. Golfers revel in the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course Pok-to-Pok, which offers gently rolling fairways bordered by palms, with the Caribbean breeze making play comfortable throughout the day.

Visit older architecture by touring some of the local Mayan ruins or take an excursion to more extensive ruins.

Dining and Entertainment

A Cancun outing might begin with shopping for handicrafts, leather goods, and jewelry. Or, for a taste of traditional culture take in a bullfight or a dance performance at the Civic Center. For dining options, dozens of restaurants serve delights sure to please every palate. Authentic spicy pork dishes native to the region, traditional Mexican fare, and fresh seafood are plentiful. Cancun also has gracious establishments serving Italian, French, German - even Cajun - cuisine. After dinner you may want to catch some action at one of Cancun's many popular discos and nightclubs.