Cancun

Located in the picturesque Mayan Riviera, Cancun is famous for its extensive stretches of white powdery sands along crystal clear turquoise waters, and its 240 sunny days minimum a year. Unlike many other tropical destinations, Cancun does not have a specific rainy season and it never gets too hot; a constant breeze is present even during the summer months, with an average temperature of 27C year-round.

The city has many five-star dining options, discos, and plenty of pristine beaches that come with loads of beach and water activities.

The amount of things to do and see in Cancun and surrounding area are endless: ecological tours, catamaran boat cruises, ATVing, swimming, exploring the cenotes, ecological tours, zip lining, scuba diving, and championship golf courses are a few things that may be of interest, not to mention the lively outdoor markets and the world-renowned shopping centres like La Isla Shopping Village. Welcome to Cancun!

Nightlife

Cancun has long been known as "party central", with its giant clubs and all-night parties, it's the place to be for those who like to kick up their heels. You'll find Las Vegas-style entertainment, world-class DJ's and performers and fantastic light and sound shows; these are not your average bars!

The #1 club by far is the famous 1 Coco Bongo, flying acrobats, celebrity impersonators and light shows make this more than just a place to grab a beer. 2 The City is the hot spot for guest DJ's and performers, in past years they've been visited by the likes of Fergie, 50 Cent, Ludacris and MTV often holds events in this huge club.

Other clubs that rock, include Dady'O, Dady Rock, Basic, Sweet, The Bulldog Cafe, Señor Frogs and Carlos n Charlies. If you can´t find a party in Cancun, you just aren´t trying hard enough.

Spring Break

"Spring break", magical words to students everywhere, conjuring images of bikini clad babes and hot boys in board shorts letting loose after months of studying. Beach parties all day, dancing the night away at packed discos, catching some rays and enjoying a few beverages, Cancun is the ultimate Spring Break destination. Finding a party hotel on a budget is key to spring break success.

Students will find exactly what they need at the all inclusive 1 Oasis Cancun, long known as THE party hotel in the months of February and March. The 2 Grand Oasis is a close second, next door to the Oasis Cancun it's a bit more upscale but still student friendly. The 3 NH Krystal is a popular breakers' choice as it is just steps away from the central nightclub district. Dos Playas is a bargain hotel and the Riu Cancun offers breakers a more upscale spring break experience.

Mayan Archaeology

Tourists may have only discovered Cancun and the Riviera Maya a few short years ago, but the history of the land goes back thousands of years to the time of the ancient Maya. Relics and ruins of the Maya are found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and tourists are invited to visit the sites and stimulate their mind with the fascinating history of this mysterious culture.

The most significant site is 1 Chichen Itza, recently named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World". With its impressive pyramid and surrounding buildings, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. The ruins at 2 Tulum may not be as large or as important as Chichen Itza, but their setting on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea make them popular with tourists looking for history and beauty combined.

Tourists looking to explore a little further into history will delight in 3 Coba or Chac Mool, or some of the lesser known places such as Kohunlich, Dzibanche and Oxtankah, off the main tourist track.

Cenotes

Crystal-clear waters, thick jungle flora, rocky cliffs and underground rivers, the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are a unique way to connect with nature. A "cenote" (pronounced "seh-no-tay") is a natural limestone sinkhole, often filled with fresh water and home to a variety of animal life.

Cenotes make incredible swimming holes, a refreshing treat on a tropically hot and humid day and a great opportunity for a little light snorkeling. Cenotes are found throughout the Riviera Maya and several parks have been developed to make them accessible to visitors.

1 Hidden Worlds, 2 Aktunchen and 3 Kantunchi offer tourists a safe day in the jungles of the Riviera Maya, though more adventurous travellers might wish to just hop in the car and search for the smaller, less explored cenotes. Cenotes are considered sacred to the Mayan people, refreshing not just the body but the mind and soul as well.

Boutique Hotels

One might think of the Riviera Maya as a playground full of sprawling mega-resorts, but there are hip, chic and charming boutique hotels hidden up and down the turquoise coast. Find a secret hideaway at the ultra-exclusive 1 Al Cielo hotel on the incredible Xpu Ha beach, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. With only four rooms, you'll receive personal attention from the friendly staff, enjoy spa services, and savor the cuisine in the cozy beach restaurant.

Looking for a romantic escape? Head to 2 Azulik in Tulum, an adults-only boutique hotel with no phones, limited electricity and all the peace and quiet you could dream of. Luxury lovers will find heaven at 3 Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, a boutique hotel that pampers guests and offers the best of everything under the sun in an intimate environment on a gorgeous beach.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds, a boutique hotel is waiting for you in the Riviera Maya.

Ecological Tours

"Eco-tours" are not just hip, they are vital to the continued sustainability of tourist destinations such as the Riviera Maya. The 1 Sian Kaan Biosphere south of Tulum is a protected reserve on the Caribbean coast, a place to get up close and personal with a large variety of birds, jungle animals, crocodiles and marine life. Kayak through the canals and learn how we can continue to enjoy the natural wonders of the Riviera Maya for years to come.

Alltournative and Eco-Colors are companies dedicated to providing exciting adventures while maintaining the integrity of the natural areas they explore. Zip-lines, kayaking, rappeling, swimming with whale sharks and crocodile encounters are just a few of the thrilling and educational activities available for tourists looking to get in touch with their natural side. 2 Xel-Ha and 1 Xcaret are the top eco-parks in the Riviera Maya, exceptional spots for days of family fun connecting with the rich environment of the Mexican Caribbean.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Cancun and the Riviera Maya and it's no wonder! The Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest reef in the world, stretching over 1000 kms along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula south to Honduras. Jacques Cousteau made the reef famous, declaring Cozumel one of the best dive spots in the entire world, rich in beautiful coral formations and a spectacular variety of marine life.

Akumal is a snorkeling dream, walk off the main beach and you'll find turtles, rays, fish and coral formations without having to set foot on a boat. 1 Yal Ku Lagoon in Akumal is a natural aquarium, calm waters and full of colorful species of fish, a great place for novice and advanced snorkelers alike.

2 Chankanaab Park in Cozumel, the small fishing village of Puerto Morelos and the island of Isla Mujeres all have impressive snorkeling tours; underwater adventures that you will never forget!

Beaches

Millions of visitors flock to Cancun and the Riviera Maya each year, all in search of sunshine, sea and powdery white sand. The beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula are beyond compare, long stretches of soft, cool white sand beside the warm, crystal-clear Caribbean Sea in its myriad shades of blue that don't seem quite real. The beaches of Cancun and Playa del Carmen recently received a makeover, they are now bigger and better than ever before.

For untouched beauty, 1 Sian Kaan has the most phenomenal beaches, 2 Xpu Ha is a hidden treat and Tulum ruins beach with its soaring cliffs will take your breath away. 3 Puerto Morelos is a great place to take the family, calm waters and rustic beach clubs where one can find icy cold drinks and fresh seafood treats. Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is the best swimming beach by far, calm waters for floating and watching the clouds roll by.

Slather on the sunscreen and grab your towel, the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean are calling you!

Spas

Imagine yourself on the edge of the world, the sound of waves lapping on the shore and gentle breezes on your skin as warm hands massage your stress away. One of the greatest delights of a Riviera Maya vacation is an indulgent day at a spa, cleansing away the day to day of "real" life.

The 1 Maya Spa in Tulum specializes in ancient Mayan treatments, using products made from indigenous local plants and methods passed down through the centuries. The "Temazcal" is a purifying steam bath used by the Mayan people for thousands of years, and is a "must do" for those looking for a unique experience.

Many hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya focus on "the spa experience", 2 Le Meridien in Cancun has a world class facility, 3 Ceiba del Mar in Puerto Morelos is pure heaven and the 4 Mandarin Oriental is a luxurious retreat. Couples massages on the beach, chocolate body wraps, honey and papaya facials, or whatever your heart desires can be found at a spa in the Mexican Caribbean.

Water Sports

The Mexican Caribbean is a water lover's dream, not only does the sea offer spectacular views and great swimming, but it is an ideal place for water sports of all kinds. Jet skis, kayaks, sailboats and yachts dot the horizon, snorkelers and divers visit the reef, water-skiers trail behind speed boats and fishermen reel in the big ones in the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Kids of all ages ride boogie boards and skim boards and while the waves are not quite Hawaii material, surfing is possible in Cancun and Cozumel. The hottest water sport of the moment is definitely kite-boarding, riding the waves on a board using a large "kite" or sail to propel you through the water. Kite-boarding schools are popping up all over the Yucatan Peninsula, check out the 1 Ikarus Kite Center near Cancun or 2 Morph down south in Tulum to learn how to fly over the waves.

Novice or pro, if you love water sports, Cancun and the Riviera Maya make for an ideal destination.