Cancun is wrapped in crystal clear water and brilliant sunshine, so it's no wonder the shoreline gets top billing. Developers created this comfortable resort area on the Mexi
can Caribbean from the sand up to take advantage of the gorgeous aquamarine water and temperate climate. Cancun is the top resort in Mexico.
Cancun either reassures visitors or annoys them. Travelers who enjoy the feel of Old Mexico will never find Cancun to be as colorful or as spontaneous. With more than 30,000 hotel rooms, it's not the place for isolated sun worship, either. The resort facilities have overgrown the original plans for the town, making the layout of hotels and shops somewhat cramped.
But those hankering for a no-hassle beach vacation can fly in and soak up the sun without speaking a word of Spanish (or exchanging U.S. dollars). And those interested in learning about the ancient Maya civilization can visit several exceptional archaeological sites on day trips.
Also within reach is the island of Cozumel, a haven for divers and snorkelers. Playa del Carmen, once an oasis of rustic, laid-back charm, is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, with a great variety of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment.
Cancun does not have a cruise-ship terminal, so ships drop anchor offshore and tender passengers to the area piers in small boats. Most passengers are put ashore at the north end of Cancun at the Playa Tortugas dock or at the Embarcadero. There, you'll find a taxi stand and a bus stop.
Some ships offer city tours that take you through the Hotel Zone and to the El Rey ruins. Do-it-yourself types can spend their time exploring the plush resorts, restaurants and shopping malls in the Hotel Zone or just lounging on the beach. You can explore the Hotel Zone on your own by taking a public bus or taxi along Boulevard Kukulcan. The distances between resort hotels can be long, however, so walking may not be practical.
Cruise-ship passengers looking for Internet access will find Internet cafes in Plaza Kukulcan and other Hotel Zone shopping malls. More reasonably priced Internet cafes and international call centers can be found in Ciudad Cancun, particularly around the bus station on Tulum Avenue.
