Cancun & Riviera Maya
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On the historic Yucatan peninsula, Caribbean Mexico has some of the region's most modern resorts. Whatever your dream vacation, Caribbean Mexico's Yucatan peninsula can bring it to life. The main resort areas combine the magic and myths of Mexico, the convenience and luxury of modern, Western hotels and the calming waters and winds of the Caribbean.
The L-shaped island of Cancun -- linked to the mainland by a causeway -- is 14 miles long and only a quarter of a mile wide. Its beach is lined by more than 75 hotels, built during the past 25 years. The waters along the northern side of the hotel strip are perfect for children and adults who are learning to swim. Cancun offers a variety of restaurants, entertainment, world-class shopping and sports.
Cozumel, nine miles from the mainland and reached by ferry, is an 181 square mile limestone island with excellent beaches, palm groves, relics of Mayan settlements dating back to 1,000 AD and nature parks and reserves. On the mainland coast opposite Cozumel is the Riviera Maya, a long stretch of tiny fishing villages and hidden resorts, and the modern resort area of Playa del Carmen. Just south of Cancun is the smaller Isla Mujeres -- the Island of Women, named after Mayan terracotta figures found there. Only 5.5 square miles, it is a popular resort for tourists attracted to a quieter atmosphere where excellent coral reefs and superb diving can be found. Other attractions here include a turtle farm and a marine biological station where visitors can see dolphins, sea lions and sea elephants. A little more than 12 miles north of Mujeres is Isla Contoy, a protected sanctuary for 75 bird species.
AIRPORTS/GATEWAYS/FLYING TIMES: Airport -- Cancún/Riviera Maya: Cancun International Airport (CUN) . Distances from downtown/main tourist areas: Coba - 173 km. Playa Del Carmen - 65 km. Tulum - 131 km. Kohunlich - 432 km. Chichen Itza -- 228 km. Akumal - 110 km. Airport -- Cozumel/Isla Mujeres: Aeropuerto Internacional De Cozumel (CZM): Distances from downtown/main tourist areas: Downtown - 2 miles. Chankanaab Lagoon - 6 miles. Marina Club Nautico - 2 miles. San Gervasio Mayan Ruins -- 3 miles. Gateway/Flying Times: Miami - 1 hour. Houston -- 2.5 hours. New York -- 3.5 hours. San Francisco -- 6.5 hrs. Toronto -- 4.5 hours. Los Angeles - 4 hrs. Chicago - 4 hours. Mexico City - 2 hours.
CLIMATE: Summer: High - 32 degrees C. Low - 25 degrees C. Winter: High - 25 degrees C. Low -- 18 degrees C. Average rainfall 1033 mm annually. Approx. Sunrise: Summer - 0530-0600 hours. Winter - 0630-0700 hours. Approx. Sunset: Summer - 1830-1900 hours. Winter - 1730-1800 hours.
DINING: Restaurants include: Mexican. Native. Gourmet. International. Chinese. Japanese. Italian. Argentine. Vegetarian. American and Fast Food. Usual practice for tipping is 10 to 15% directly to the waiter. Dress code is casual.
LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official language but English, French, German, Italian & Mayan are widely spoken.
NIGHTLIFE: Entertainment available includes: Discos. Dinner/dances. Nightclubs. Cinemas. Live Music. Salsa & Merengue Clubs. Folkloric Ballet performances and much more.
SIGHTSEEING: Cancún/Riviera Maya: Near the world famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. Caribbean Night cultural program. Folkloric Ballet. Pirate Night show on a boat from Cancún to Isla de Mujeres & return. Bullfights. Beaches. Archaeological areas El Rey & San Miguelito. Ecoparks: Xcaret, Xel-ha, Garrafon and Tres Rios. RIVIERA MAYA Visitors can enjoy many activities along the Riviera Maya, such as windsurfing, deep see fishing, trips in kayaks and horseback riding, as well as simply becoming one with nature while resting on a solitary beach. Famous among lovers of scuba diving and snorkeling. There are also two parks along the coast, perfect for a day of adventure. Xcaret is an eco-archaeological amusement park. Xel-Ha is an incredible natural aquarium famous for snorkeling and swimming. Eco-Park Tres Rios: Set amidst three cenotes forming rivers flowing into the sea, Tres Rios is home of many wild life species and offers kayaking, biking, diving, and horseback riding. Cosumel/Isla Mujeres: Tours to Tulum, Coba, San Gervacio, Chichen Itza. Xel Ha Lagoon. Tours to Cancún and Isla Mujeres. Glass bottom boat trips. Chankanaab Park. Cozumel Museum. Punta Sur Park.