Cancun - Hotels and Resorts

The tropical breeze that greets you when you step into the welcoming vistas of Cancun is as warm as its people and Mayan culture. The architecture along the city's magnificent 14-mile Hotel Zone, nestled between the mangrove-laden jungle of the Nichupte Lagoon and the beckoning azure waters of the Mexican Caribbean - looms above the land that less than three decades ago was jungle. Bright and bustling, Cancun's days and nights are alive with shopping, international cuisine, discos and ecological adventures.

Time Zone - Cancun is on Central Standard Time

How do I get around?

In Cancun, city buses are available from 6:00 am to midnight. Taxi cabs are available 24 hours a day and run at fixed rates, so check prices. In Playa Del Carmen, buses run to Cancun every 30 minutes and ferries to Cozumel are available almost every two hours.

Currency

The peso is the Mexican form of currency. It is suggested that you exchange small amounts of U.S. dollars for pesos. Major credit cards are also widely accepted. A pocket calculator can also be helpful when you shop to help convert U. S. dollars to pesos. Bartering when shopping outside of the resort areas is practiced. U.S. dollars are accepted in the resort areas but keep in mind any change that is due back will be in pesos. One recommendation is to use a credit card which will present the daily currency exchange on your next billing statement.

Language - Spanish is the official language. English is also widely spoken in the hotel areas.

Proof of Citizenship

Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and our International Destinations are a valid passport, OR a certified, state issued birth certificate with raised seal AND a valid government photo ID, a naturalization/citizenship certificate, Armed Forces' ID or discharge papers stating place of birth. It is the traveler's responsibility to provide proper documentation. Married women traveling with any documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license (a copy is acceptable).

Tours

While in Mexico, you may want to visit sites rich in Mayan heritage or try a scuba diving excursion in the ocean waters. The 1.5 million acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve south of Cancun, invites you to experience an authentic eco-tour, an up-close investigation of animal and plant habitats - in the wonderful ecological region of Cancun.

At Xcaret Park,
this eco-archaeological experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about the Aviary and Aquarium. Swim in the Underground River, see the ruins or enjoy the beach and snorkeling areas.

In Tulum and Kantenah,
you can explore the only Mayan fortress built by the sea and used by the Mayans as their port of entry for Caribbean goods to all the Mayan cities. Combine this cultural visit with the pleasure of swimming and snorkeling at Xel-ha Lagoon, one of the world's biggest natural aquariums.

Take an Isla Mujeres Trimaran Adventure
and sail across the channel, directly to the fisherman's wharf of Isla Mujeres. If the weather permits, snorkel in one of the best spots on the Tulum Coast.

Nichupte Lagoon
Ride through the channels of the Nichupte Lagoon in a glass bottom boat and snorkel at Punta Nizuc Reef on the Moby Dick tour.

Go on a diving excursion
without the scuba gear on the Atlantis Submarine.

Enjoy dinner and cocktails
on a relaxing evening cruise or lobster cruise.

Events

• Carnival (February/March)
  A Mexican fiesta in the Mardi Gras tradition
• Sol a Sol Sailboat Regatta (April/May)
  Begins in Florida and ends at Isla Mujeres
• Cancun Jazz Festival (May)
• International Fishing Tournament (May)
• Cancun Fair (November/December)
  Amusement rides, arts & crafts and food

Activities

Recreation

Shopping

Shops are open daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. In Cancun, visit downtown flea markets and the malls of Caracol, Flamingo and Kukulkan, which are open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.