Articles with the theme Tours

All In on All Inclusive Vacations | Cancun – Riviera Maya

All Inclusive Vacation in Paradise
Over the last few years, there has been an increasing trend towards travelers choosing all inclusive vacations. All inclusive packages are becoming more and more popular, but what’s all the hype about and what does "all inclusive" mean anyway?

Before deciding which resort or hotel option is right for you, while you’re planning a vacation in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, or elsewhere in Mexico, ask yourself three simple questions (answers at end of article):

1.) Why choose an all inclusive vacation package instead of a European plan?

2.) What is the difference between an all inclusive package and a European plan?

3.) Is the cost of an all inclusive package worth it, or is it a better value to choose a European plan?

Vacation Activities

Coco Bongo | Nightlife in Cancun The first thing to consider before choosing a hotel package is which travel attractions and activities you plan to do on your vacation. If you want to be where the action is — near tours, shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightlife — the Cancun hotel zone is the place to be. A hotel in the center of town such as the spacious Ocean Spa Hotel or the intimate Laguna Suites Golf + Spa hotel will place you near Cancun’s hottest nightclubs like Dady’Os, Dady Rock, The City, Coco Bongo and the newest clubs, Sweet and Roo.

If you prefer a more relaxing environment closer to the region’s natural wonders, such as incredible cenotes (cavernous sinkholes with natural springs), tropical rainforests, and cultural treasures like the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, then a Riviera Maya resort like the eco friendly Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park is a great choice.


All Inclusive Resorts

Once you’ve decided on the location for your trip, consider the number of off-site travel activities and vacation attractions you plan to do. If you’ll be taking all-day adventure tours away from the hotel and will just need a place to sleep at night, then a European plan (fee-for-room only) may be the best option for you.

No worries with an All Inclusive Plan If your vacation planning involves a family vacation, group travel, or romantic getaway, you might prefer a relaxing vacation without the hassle of having to pay every time for each meal, drink, and activity plus taxes and tips.

An all inclusive package provides exclusive services and VIP attention, such as privileged check-in and check-out, free room service, free airport pickup, special rates and discounts on tours and attractions, free non-motorized water activities (e.g., snorkeling and kayaking), on-site activities and entertainment.  Some hotels even allow kids to stay free and offer transportation and access to sister resorts for using their services and amenities at no extra charge. If you prefer a resort where everything you need is at your fingertips, without ever having to leave the premises (although you certainly can), then an all inclusive vacation is the perfect choice.

Cancun

Question Answers

1.) All inclusive packages provide convenience, privilege, and access to special services and amenities — ideal for group and family travel or a couples vacation.

2.) An all inclusive package includes all meals and beverages, taxes and tips, activities and entertainment, plus exclusive services for one initial price.

A European plan provides just the room for a fee; all other services cost extra.

3.) The price of an all inclusive package is only about 25% more per person than a European plan, and travelers typically save up to 65% on food, beverages, and additional hotel services.

About the Author

Christina Famiglietti Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.

Tulum | The Magic by Night

Tulum archaeological site by night

Starting on June 25th, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum will open the doors past sunset offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the archeological site under a bright new light. The night visits to the walled city’s 15 pyramids will be illuminated in shades of red, blue, and amber. The night tours were suspended last year for lighting maintenance, now Tulum is ready to receive visitors again starting with two schedules: 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The $275 pesos ($22 USD) admission fee includes a headset for an audio description of the history and other explanations about the site.

The Mayan ruins of Tulum
Tulum, Mexico

Amazing illumination in Tulum

Top 7 Must-Know Facts About the Whale Sharks

Peaceful and marvelous Whale Sharks Did you know…?

1. In some other countries  around the world, the whale shark is called: Shalaam Waan (Thai), Pez Dama (Spanish), Requin Baleine (French), Tiburon Ballena (Spanish), Tubarão Baleia (Portuguese), Tofu Shark (Taiwan), Tuki-Tuki (Visayan), Tuko (Tagalog), Vaame (Swahili), Walhai (German), Walvishaai (Afrikaans), among others.

The largest fish on Earth2. Whale sharks are grayish, bluish or brownish above, with an upper surface pattern of creamy white spots between pale, vertical and horizontal stripes. Each fish has a distinct pattern of this unique “checkerboard” and it serves as a fingerprint to identify and help scientists track migratory patterns.

3. The largest size reported is about 65 ft., but no scientific data supports it. The smallest free-living individual is 21.7- inches long. Sexual maturity in both sexes may not occur until the sharks are approximately 29.53 ft in length. Age estimates for whale sharks are as high as 60 years, but no certainty is placed in that fact.

4. The whale shark feeds actively by opening its mouth, distending the jaws and sucking. Then it closes its mouth and the water flow out its gills. Whale sharks feed on a wide variety of microscopic creature (plankton) and small crustaceans, schooling fishes, and occasionally on tuna, squids as well as microscopic and large plants.

Whale Shark Tour 5. The species is a live bearer, with an ovoviviparous (internal fertilization and the young are born live) mode of development. The egg capsules are amber-colored, with a smooth texture, and possess a respiratory opening on each side. It appears that female whale sharks give birth as they feed in the rich waters of the Kuroshio Current. The southeast waters off Taiwan are also an important birthing area.

6. Whale sharks have no known predators. However, in recent years, the threat imposed by humans and commercial fisheries has increased. In Taiwan, approximately 100 whale sharks are taken annually due to the demand for food products and the high prices of the meat. Fishing for this shark also occurs in the Philippines, even though the country has established regulations to stop the whale shark fishing industry. Whale shark fins are also sold in the Orient, especially in Hong Kong. Other products such as oils and skin treatments are derived from the whale shark.

7. The whale shark is listed on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Animals as “indeterminate” status. The category applies to species that are endangered, vulnerable or rare, but there is still little information to place it properly. Under the American Fisheries Society (AFS), the whale shark is listed as “conservation dependent”—reduced but recovering under a continuing conservation plan. The whale shark is listed as “Vulnerable” with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

BONUS FACT. As a company working towards Responsible Tourism, Yucatan Holidays offers visitors the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks and in that way share more information about this fascinating creature and offer tourists the experience of a lifetime.

About the Author

Pamela Acosta Pamela Acosta is a travel photographer and writer for Yucatan Holidays. She is seeking to travel throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya & Cancun in an attempt to capture beauty and wonder in words & pixels.

Cancun celebrates its 40th Anniversary

cancun40despues Under a bright, sunny day, Cancun is celebrating its 40th birthday today, April 20th, 2010.

Before becoming Mexico’s most important tourist destination, Cancun was a sleepy, fishing village with only three residents in Isla Cancun and 117 people in nearby Puerto Juarez.

This is how Punta Cancun looked like, back in 1970. This paradise on Earth was found after an extensive land search by the Banco de Mexico to begin Mexico’s tourism development. With a $27 million dollar investment, the Mexican government set its faith in this gorgeous location and funded the first nine hotels. The first Cancun hotel—now Temptation Resort—was built on Playa Blanca.

 

In early 70s Cancun was just a fishermens' village. Today, Cancun operates more than 27,522 hotel rooms and offers hundreds of bars, restaurants, golf courses, marinas, eco parks, nightlife and perfect vacations.

Also known as “nest of snakes” in Mayan, Cancun celebrates 40 years of rich culture and traditions, Mexico’s impressive Mayan Ruins, luscious Yucatan Peninsula jungles and breathtaking Cancun beaches.

Join Yucatán Holidays in wishing Cancun a VERY happy birthday!

The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun | Part Two

The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun
In part one of the Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun series, we introduced you to the magical appeal of colonial cities in Mexico and some of the wonders created by man. With this post, we would like to take you through a journey back in time to discover the beauty that can only be present in the untouched natural environments of the Yucatan Peninsula.

 

Holbox

Holbox A pristine paradise of white sand beaches untouched by industrial development, Isla Holbox is one of those rare secrets that no one wants to share. For years, Holbox was an off the beaten path favorite. Now, the 7-mile long island has entered the 21st Century through tourism and its placement as THE top place in the world to swim with the ocean’s largest fish, the whale shark. The tiburon ballena gather just off the coast of Holbox each May through September, opening the doors to the tourism industry since the discovery of this gathering place 6 years ago. The main economic sustainability of the island is fishing, which can be seen and felt in the picturesque scenery of the island that time left behind. The only mode of transportation is rented golf-carts, bicycles and foot traffic through the sand-filled streets of Holbox. Without an ounce of asphalt in the whole island, this destination beyond Cancun is made for ultimate relaxation, amazing fresh fish, and nature gloating at its finest.

 

Mahahual (or Majahual)

Mahahual Mexico’s newest upcoming tourist destination, Mahahual—like most beach towns in Mexico—used to be a small fishing village that is growing thanks to international and national tourism.  Mahahual, is the heart of the Costa Maya which runs from the Sian Ka’an to the town of Xcalak. About a 25-minute walk from the town there is a major cruise port in Costa Maya that draws thousands of visitors to this area of Mexico. Part of the appeal besides the beautiful beaches and luscious tropical Yucatan Peninsula jungles is the scuba and snorkel in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The second biggest barrier reef in the planet, 400 m away parallel, is the perfect spot to see a diverse collection of underwater life. But the real charm of Mahahual is found in the rugged vegetation and feel of its town and beach roads, a major magnet for travelers looking to get out of Cancun  to explore and discover.

 

Bacalar

Bacalar The only town in the state of Quintana Roo to meet the qualifications of a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) by the Secretariat of Tourism standards, Bacalar is the home of mystery, adventure, and bloody tales of pirate attacks all engulfed in the beautiful natural surroundings of the green, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and the blue-turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Located in the southern part of the state, this small paradise nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula is home to the Bacalar Lagoon—also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors for its distinctive beauty—and the Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote)—rumored to be the largest. Scuba fanatics have adopted the cenote as a favorite spot because of its intricate passages and mysterious caverns. Part of the appeal, of course, is the rich history that surrounds this town, especially the battle scars left by pirates in their quest for treasures. The most attractive factor in Bacalar, however, continues to be the vivid colors in the natural environment and the ever-so-present hospitality and kindness of people in Mexico.

 

Punta Allen

Punta Allen With only 500 inhabitants, Punta Allen is truly a secluded, little paradise where the only things sitting on its beaches are the palm trees of the Caribbean and the few lucky people who have discovered this Yucatan Peninsula secret. The road to paradise is a sandy coconut road about 30 miles long through the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. The 2 ½ hour drive is aligned with the incredible beauty of Caribbean beaches, pristine mangroves, and serene quietness. Few people have the tolerance to endure the rutted road that leads to this haven, but the virgin beauty of these preserved beaches are a true testament of the gift nature can offer.

As a conscious, eco-friendly company, we would like to end this post with a special request for locals and visitors of the Yucatan Peninsula: to continue to care and respect the natural resources and ecosystems that make places such as Holbox, Mahahual, Bacalar, Punta Allen, and so many others the attractive and beautiful tourist destinations we all admire.

Two of the best Mexican Football players visit Cancun

Javier Hernandez and Ramon Morales at the Royal Sunset HotelRamon Morales (AKA Ramoncito Morales) and Javier Hernandez (AKA El Chicharito) two of the best players in the Mexican Football League spent the weekend in Cancun and stayed at the Royal Sunset Hotel in the Hotel Zone, where they enjoyed the newly recovered beaches.

Ramoncito Morales is currently a free agent but played a long time in the Mexican Guadalajara F.C. as the captain. El Chicharito, only 21 years old, is considered today one of the best players in Mexico; playing with the Guadalajara F.C. and the Mexico National Football Team, he recently became the first Mexican player to sign a contract with the Manchester United F.C, one of the best football clubs in the world. 

Javier “El Chicharito” Hernandez in Cancun.

Ramon “Ramoncito” Morales visited Cancun, Mexico.

If you want to visit Cancun, the Riviera Maya or any other destination in the Yucatan Peninsula like they did, just visit our website.

The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun | Part One

yucatan-beyond-cancun-mexicoAlthough the white sand beaches and blue turquoise oceans of Cancun draw thousands of visitors each year, this corner of the world has a few more hidden treasures in the depth of the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The mysticism of the Mayan culture is combined with the architectural beauty and cultural history left behind by the Spanish conquistadores, making these colonial cities in the Yucatan Peninsula a jewel worth discovering.

merida-mexico-yucatan-travel We must visit the enchanting city of Merida, Yucatan. This architectural and cultural gem only 4 hours away from Cancun was built on the remains of a Mayan town called T’ho—“city of the five hills,” which refers to five pyramids. It is now the capitol of the state of Yucatan, Mexico. The stunning richness of its architecture makes it the second largest historic center of any city in the Americas, surpassed only by Mexico City. For a brief period of time, the city of Merida was said to house more millionaires than any city in the world. This wealth left its mark in the city where large, gorgeous colonial homes line the city streets. The elaborate, detailed homes form the Paseos de Montejo, a long avenue that has been transformed in a major tourist attraction with restaurants and bars along its corridors. Merida is also a cultural magnet where art and culture play an important role in the day to day life of citizens and tourists alike. The White City, as it is often referred, combines a rich historical background with a vivid cultural life, which is only made better by the praiseworthy hospitality and warmth of the Yucatecos.

valladolid-mexico-yucatan Before we reach Merida, first we need to stop in Valladolid, Yucatan. This small, beautiful colonial town was built with the same stones of a Mayan town called Zaci after it was dismantled to build this 16th Century city. This historical quality bares significant symbolism because approximately 300 years after its foundation, the city was the battle ground for the Caste War of Yucatan. The war was ignited with the revolt of native Mayans of Yucatan against the population of European descent who had political and economical control at the time. Valladolid also houses two large cenotes Zaci and Dzitnup. Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is also located 28 miles from Valladolid. About 20 minutes north of the city, is another impressive Mayan archeological site called Ek Balam. Another must-see is the 16th century San Bernadino Convent. The historical ties that bind ancient Mayan civilizations, to modern Mayans, to the Spanish and Mexican history become truly alive in Valladolid with the brightly colored colonial buildings, the Mayan women who sell their crafts in front of the cathedral downtown, and the Mayan ruins sitting in the abundant, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula.

izamal-yucatan-mexico-travel A brief stop must be made in the small city of Izamal, Yucatan, which was declared a “Pueblo Magico”—or “Magic Town” in 2002. Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 3 hours from Cancun, the city is also called “The Yellow City” for most of its buildings are painted in yellow. It is also known as “The City of Hills” for its landscape. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of the city once formed part of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization where more than 163 important Mayan ruins have been found. One of the most important attractions in the city of Izamal is the large Franciscan Monastery that sits on top of a mayor Mayan pyramid. Completed in 1561, the atrium of the Monastery was second in size only to that at the Vatican. Despite its strong ties to the Mayan civilization, Izamal is now a major pilgrimage within Yucatan for the veneration of Roman Catholic saints. However, the Mayan culture continues to have a strong influence in the town as the majority of people consider Maya their first language and most signs are both in Spanish and Mayan. A third name is given to Izamal—“City of Three Cultures”—as a combination of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern architecture, religion, art, and customs make Izamal truly unique and picturesque.

Our next stop—but certainly not the last—is the state of Campeche, lying just south-east of the Mexican Republic next to the state of Yucatan. Besides the city of Campeche—which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO—the state is also the home to several other small, important cities and many Mayan ruins. Campeche as a whole is distinctly painted with the rich and vivid colors of a constant celebration of tradition, history, and the love of the arts. Several cultural festivals—including the annual Carnival of Campeche—enrich the streets of this important state where art and tradition collide. In a celebration of life, Campechanos and their guests participate in parades, activities, and attractions that breathe happiness and ease into city life. Like many colonial historic centers in Mexico, Campeche’s streets are surrounded by the strong historical influence of the Spanish while at the same time preserving the strong ties to the Mayan civilization. The brightly-colored homes rich in architectural detail make it seem as if the walls of museums and art galleries have spilled unto the streets.

Mexico is a country that is alive with a strong sense of tradition and history drawing from both the indigenous civilizations that first arrived to the territory and the Spanish influence that governs much of the culture today. These colonial cities in the Yucatan Peninsula are a true testament to the strong bonds that make Mexico so colorful, unique, and a pleasure to explore. Discover what is waiting for you in the Mexico Caribbean with Yucatan Holidays.

Stay tuned for the second part of our series as we explore the Yucatan Peninsula.

Chichen Itza and the Spring Equinox | Yucatan Holidays

The Castle or "El Castillo" in Chichen Itza

Visit Chichen Itza next March 21st to witness the magic of the Spring Equinox.

Seen in different indigenous cultures throughout Mesoamerica as a feathered snake, Kukulkan, will make its descend on the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula this March 21st during the spring equinox at Chichen Itza.

The head of Quetzalcoatl. Kukulkan–or Quetzalcoatl in the Aztec tradition–represents a mystical deity surrounded by a number of legends and stories. In the Yucatan Peninsula, Kukulkan ruled over Chichen Itza during the 10th Century.

One of the many legends that surround the feathered snake is that of Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs who arrived to the Yucatan Peninsula after he was exiled from the Toltec capitol of Tula. After promising the Aztecs to return, he arrived on a bed of snakes to rule the Mayans of the Gulf of Mexico.

Every year, thousands of people travel to Chichen Itza—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—to witness the symbolic descent of the deity. This incredible example of the Mayan’s architectural intelligence is created when the sunlight bathes the western part of the pyramid’s main stairway. Seven isosceles triangles are formed and compose the body of the 37 yard-long serpent that creeps downwards until it joins the serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. Kukulkan—the feathered snake—descends twice a year during the spring and autumn equinox.

The Equinox at Chichen Itza. An equinox occurs when the sun, in its orbit around the earth, passes directly over the Earth’s equator making the length of daylight and evening hours equal. The word equinox is derived from the Latin word for equal “aequus” and “nox” meaning night. The fall equinox happens on September 22. The snake descends from around March 19th to the 23rd, but its effects are most dramatic on the actual day of the equinox.

The Mayan archeological zone, Chichen Itza (on April 3rd, Elton John will be performing live from there.) is composed of a number of Mayan ruins, the most prominent and famous being El Castillo or the grand pyramid.

Kukulkan’s pyramid was built for astronomical purposes. The staircase on all four sides is made of 91 steps on each side totaled with the last step on top equal the 365 days in a solar year. The event is the most dramatic display of Mayan astronomical knowledge encoded into architecture.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience only has a 72-year time window—from 1976 to 2048—so book your vacation with Yucatan Holidays to witness the spring equinox in Chichen Itza.

A quick guide to Playa del Carmen | Yucatan Holidays

The 5th Avenue or "The Quinta" in Playa del Carmen

The always busy Playa del Carmen is the perfect vacation spot for visitors looking for a relaxing and trendy atmosphere.

LOCATION: Playa del Carmen is about an hour south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula ABOUT: The name “Playa del Carmen” was given by the Spaniards in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patron saint of Cancun. The Mayan name of Playa is Xaman Ha, which means “waters of the north.” Most locals just call it “Playa.” It has a population of about 100,383 and it has become one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico.

TOURISM & TRADITION: It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Playa Del Carmen began to place itself among the ranks of Cancun and Cozumel as an important tourist destination. There are more than 70 hotels, small cabins, and luxury resorts throughout Playa. The city has an ordinance stating no building can exceed the 3-floors-limit, ensuring Playa conserves the sleepy fishing village and small town atmosphere that differs from Cancun’s busy lifestyle.

ARRIVING: There are two ways to arrive to Playa del Carmen: Cozumel International Airport and Cancun International Airport. In Cozumel, the ferry to Playa leaves every hour and will arrive to Playa in about 30 minutes. From Cancun, visitors have several different options to travel to Playa—taxis, colectivos—or communal vans, or charter buses. It takes about 30 minutes from the airport to get to Playa.

HOTEL ZONE: The tourist zone is considered 5th AvenueLa Quinta Avenida or La Quinta. The white sand beaches and blue, turquoise oceans of the Caribbean are just 500 meters from 5th Avenue. This cobbled stone pedestrian walkway is lined with shops, art, crafts, cafes, restaurants, and bars that fulfill a call for a diverse and international atmosphere.

Numerous attractions & activities in Playa del Carmen. TRANSPORTATION: Playa del Carmen is ideally built to walk just about anywhere with interesting, beautiful, or unique sight-seeing opportunities from your point of departure to your destination. Playa also offers all the comforts of a mayor city with taxis, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles to move around the city. For excursions to the archeological sites, Cozumel, Cancun, and other attractions, visitors and locals travel in colectivos, car rentals, ferries, and buses.

ATTRACTIONS: Shops, restaurants, and beaches are Playa’s most attractive attributes. This once-small fishing village offers the delights of a small town and pristine beaches with modern, cosmopolitan shops and restaurants. Located in the middle of the Riviera Maya, Playa is also close to the Mayan ruins of the region such as Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza. It is also a ferry away from Cozumel and 45 minutes away from Cancun.

LANGUAGE: The official language in Mexico is Spanish. Most of the people who work in tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula speak English. Playa del Carmen is visited mostly by Europeans while Cancun draws more visitors from the United States.

playa-del-carmen-mexico-beach
MONEY:
The Mexican Peso is the official currency in Playa del Carmen. Exchange rates can vary, but has been steady at 13 USD. Some stores and restaurants accept US dollars, but offer a lower exchange rate. Exchange houses, banks, and even some hotels will offer the best exchange rates.

CLIMATE: With a sub-tropical climate, Playa del Carmen is almost always warm. The average temperature year round is about 27 C or 80F. This tropical climate offers great beach days and warm oceans. There is more rain during September and October and temperatures drops slightly during the winter months.

A quick guide to Cancun | Yucatan Holidays

Cancun: paradise at your fingertipsLOCATION: Cancun is located in the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. Its name means “Nest of Serpents” in Mayan. It is the entrance to Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

NUMBERS: There are about 150 hotels, 24,000 hotel rooms, 380 restaurants, 120 attractions, 14 miles of white sand beaches, and 600,000 inhabitants in Cancun.

ARRIVING: The Cancun International Airport is the busiest airport of the Caribbean with 12 million passengers per year. In high season, the airport receives up to 800,000 passengers per month from all mayor airlines in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. A valid passport is required to enter Mexico.

HOTEL ZONE: Most beachfront hotels in Cancun are located in the narrow 7-shaped island called Boulevard Kukulcan better known as the hotel zone. The trendiest, most popular discos, finest international restaurants, and largest entertainment venues are located along the 21 kilometers of hotel zone strip.

The traditional Market 28 in downtown Cancun.DOWNTOWN: Downtown Cancun, or “El Centro,” is connected to the hotel zone by two major bridges. The city’s main streets and avenues are named after Mayan cities. Additional restaurants, hotels and hostels, shopping centers, and supermarkets are located in downtown Cancun.

TRANSPORATION: There are four buses that connect the hotel zone and downtown Cancun. R1 will travel down Tulum Ave. R2 and R15 will go to Wal-Mart and Market 28, a mayor flea market in downtown. R27 will go to Plaza Las Americas, one of the major shopping centers in downtown Cancun. Cancun buses are frequent, safe, and clean. The rate per person is $7.50 Mexican pesos. Taxis are also available in the hotel zone and downtown Cancun. For day trips to Chichen Itza, Tulum, and surrounding cities, charter buses depart from the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun, but many tour packages will provide everything you need for your trip, including transportation. Take a look at our How to move around Cancun post.

The beaches of Cancun: amazing. ATTRACTIONS: Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches, and Cancun nightlife are just a few of the things to do in Cancun. Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba are the most visited and famous Mayan ruins nearby. Other activities to enjoy are swimming with dolphins and whale sharks, exploring luscious Yucatan jungles, horseback riding, and snorkeling among other attractions.

CRIME: Tourist areas are generally safe all day and late at night. General precautions should be taken. For emergencies, 060 is the equivalent to  the 911 emergency services in the United States.

LANGUAGE: The official language in Mexico is Spanish, although the majority of people who work in tourism speak English.

MONEY: The official currency is the Mexican Peso. Exchange houses or “casas de cambio” are located all throughout Cancun. Most banks, located on Tulum Ave. in downtown Cancun, will exchange dollars into pesos.

Cancun exciting nightlife CLIMATE: The climate is tropical, hot and humid all year round. The annual average temperature is 26 C (79 F). There are over 3,000 sunshine hours a year, making it one of the sunniest places in the Caribbean. The hurricane season is from June to November. The state of Quintana Roo is recognized worldwide for its leadership in hurricane emergency assistance.