City Overview
The far East of the Peninsula of Yucatán, to the
South of the Mexican Republic is surrounded by the Caribbean sea
and is known as the Mayan Coast, given this pre-Hispanic
civilizations influence all across the area, from Punta Brava to
Punta Allen. The north side of the coast boasts an amazing
tourist infrastructure and impressive development. The south, on
the other hand, is home to many different small picturesque
villages surrounded by unspoilt beaches, where the Gran Arrecife
Maya is to be found, the second largest reef in the world. The
south is famous for its forest, with exotic vegetation and great
variety of animal species. It is also famous for its underground
rivers, caves and deep-sea caverns. In 1967 the Mexican
Government recognized the importance of the tourist industry as
an active ingredient of the country's economy, and Cancun was
one of the places to become a firm candidate for foreign
investment and the development of a hotel and entertainment
infrastructure, given that its natural beauty was an obvious
temptation for any traveller. The first hotels that were built
in the 70s were the Palacio Maya and Club Med, both of which
developed a great reputation.
Cancun is still an important tourist destination today, and up
until the 90s many new hotels were built, as well as
American-style shopping malls and all the entertainment
facilities it now has to offer.
Cancun is now divided into three areas: Ciudad de Cancun, with a
population of 300,000 and a simple and straightforward
infrastructure; the ecological reserve, with its incredible
lakes, forests and mangrove marshland, and the Zona Hotelera, an
island where most of the hotels and shopping malls are to be
found. There are two new projects under development, including a
tourist sea resort called Puerto Cancun and another project
known as Malecon Cancun, covering some 170 acres of land.
Climate
The average annual temperature of the Riviera Maya is
25.5 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), with fluctuations
of 5 to 7 degrees. In July, August and September, visitors can
enjoy spectacular views of the sky, which can change from
overcast to clear in minutes. From November to April, there are
usually blue skies and a cool northern wind.
Location
Cancun Island is approximately 16 miles long with the
highest point above sea level being 200 feet. The State of
Quintana Roo is located 550 miles south of Miami, in the
South-eastern part of Mexico. Along the coastline of about 540
miles, there are numerous coral islands and a reef barrier, the
second largest in the world.
Language
The original inhabitants of this part of Mexico were
Mayan and although Spanish is the official language, most of the
indigenous population still speaks their native tongue. In the
past few years, people from all parts of the world have settled
here, giving this region a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is fairly
easy to encounter English, German, Italian and French- speaking
people, especially in hotels and in larger towns.
Excursions / Sports
Eco Tours
Many public and private nature parks and government
reserves showcase nature. Private parks include the Xpu--Ha
Ecopark with jungle, wetlands, coral reef and cenotes (natural
sinkholes) and a beautiful virgin beach. Xcaret (pronounced
ish-karett) is a mix of Mayan history, archaeology and a dash of
elaborate spectacle.
Xel-Ha, "Where the water is born". The 10-acre park of lagoons
was a sacred Maya city and important commercial center. Nature
reserves include a 1.3 million acre reserve 80 miles south of
Cancun. It is composed of tropical forests, wetland and marine
environments. There are 27 fascinating ruins and 345 species of
birds.
Isla Contey, a small, uninhabited island, 25 miles north of
Cancun and 19 miles from Isla Mujeres, a refuge for birds,
marine and animal life.
Watersports / Diving, Scuba, Snorkeling
Cozumel, Mexico's "dive central" is 40 miles south of Cancun's
hotel zone and is usually accessed by frequent air shuttles or
by ferry from Play del Carmen.
Scuba
Cancun Dive Center and Watersports
Offering scuba, snorkeling, cavern diving, PADI
courses, Dive courses, diving with dolphins, underwater video
and photo and more.
Cancun AquaSports
Offering diving, snorkeling, fishing, tours.
Solo Buceo
Offering diving, lessons, PADI instructors, Coral
Reef Dives, Nighttime dives, Shipwrecks such as the Ultrafreeze
and the Tulum, the Island of Cozumel. Cave and Cavern Diving in
various Yucatán Cenotes.
Isla Mujeres
(Island of Women, named for the many stone idols of
women by Hernandez de Cordoba in 1517.) It is just 40 minutes by
ferry from Cancun, but what a difference in atmosphere. It moves
at an idyllic pace compared with bustling Cancun, which is
visible just across the bay. Enjoy quaint shops and exotic
restaurants as you explore this most picturesque setting.
At Garrafon beach park, on Isla Mujeres, enjoy snorkeling, scuba
and sea trekking. Snorkeling is one of the favorite park
activities. If you are not familiar with snorkeling, our
experienced aqua guides can quickly teach you the basics and
take you on a tour to some of the most wonderful corners of the
reef. Just like taking an underwater stroll! Compressed air is
fed into a diving helmet allowing you to breathe and walk freely
along the ocean floor within a distance of 25 feet and at a
maximum depth of 13 feet.
Dolphin Encounter
In the Swim Program guests are able to perform behaviors with
dolphins such as the free swim where you will swim and play
freely with dolphins. The dorsal tow is where the dolphins will
show off their strength as you hold on to their dorsal fin while
they will tow you. And, last but the most favored, the dolphin
kiss where you will receive a smooch by your friendly dolphin.
Land sports / Golf
Pok-Ta-Pok
With 18 holes facing both sea and lagoon, the club
has a practice green, pool, tennis courts and restaurant.
Places of Interest / Sightseeing
Ancient Sites
There are several sites right within the Hotel Zone.
The most famous site, and a popular day trip from the beach, is
Chichen Itza, a complete city founded in 445 BC and inhabited
until 1204 AD when it was mysteriously abandoned. Tulum, to the
south of Cancun is the only major Mexican ruins to overlook the
Caribbean Sea.
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Before Your Visit
Airline and Airports
AA, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Aeromexico,
Mexicana
What to Bring
Clothing
Dress in Cancun and the hotels is very casual with
the accent on comfort. Remember to pack comfortable walking
shoes. The activities at the hotels and the area dictate
sporting clothes. In the evenings you may want to dress up, but
not too much. At some of the best spots and clubs you will feel
more comfortable dressing up. However, black tie or any tie for
that matter is not required.
The climate changes are minimal in the Riviera Maya, so visitors
should always pack clothes for swimming and warm weather; light
cotton garments and airy sandals are perfect. Rubber soled shoes
are recommended for tours to archaeological sites. Boots, long
sleeve light cotton shirts and Long trousers are best for those
interested in jungle treks. A light jacket, shawl or sweater is
advisable for the evenings of November, December and January.
During Your Visit
Financial Matters / Currency
The official currency of Mexico is the peso, but many places
along the Riviera Maya accept dollars. Credit cards are often
not accepted in small establishments so it is wise to travel
with cash or travelers checks. In Playa del Carmen there are
banks, automatic tellers (where one can withdraw cash from some
international credit cards) and many money exchange offices. The
other large towns also have many money exchange offices.
Tipping
In cases where the gratuity is not included or
provided for, 15% is the accepted amount. Most items sold in
Mexico have a "value added tax" or sales tax of 10% that is
additional to the posted price. In Spanish, it is called IVA.
You will see it itemized separately on your receipt.
Utilities / Voltage
The standard current in the hotels in Mexico is 110
volts AC. European travelers should bring a converter or check
their electric devices in advance.
Laundry / LavenderÂ?a E/A
They have do it yourself laundry for about $2, or
about $4 if you want them to do it.
Supermanzana 28, Tel. 98/84-9602.
Luggage Storage
The hotels will usually tag and store luggage for
you. This can be handy if you are going to take a short side
trip and don't want to lug around all your stuff, or you have
several hours between your check-in/checkout times and your
flight times.
Post Office
The main post office is open Mon. to Fri. 8am to 7pm
and Sat. 9am to 1pm.
Av. Sunyaxchen at Xel-Ha.
Tel. 98/84-1418
Telephones
They changed the area code several years ago, from 988 to 98,
and local numbers have 6 digits now rather than 5. Whether a
number is written 988/4-1234 or 98/84-1234, when in Cancun you
dial 84-1234. Public phones are all over in the downtown area.
For international collect calls dial 09. You can also place
collect calls from one of the locations below.
Caseta M 28, 8am to 10pm for a dollar or two, Mercado 28, Tel.
98/84-8073
Telefonos de Mexico, 9am to 2pm, Av. Yaxchilán and Xcaret, Tel.
98/84-3434.
Medical/Police Help - Dial
06
To report an emergency, dial 06. It is supposed to be kind of
like 911 in the U.S.
Red Cross
For first aid. Open 24 hours.
Av. Yaxchilán between Av. Xcaret and Labná. Tel.
98/84-1616
Total Assist
A small walk in emergency hospital geared towards tourist.
Open 24 hours. English speaking doctors are usually on call.
Note: "urgencia" means emergency.
Claveles 5, SM 22, at Av. Tulum.
Tel. 98/84-1058 or 98/84-1092
Social Security Hospital
Av. Cobá. Tel. 98/85-1818, 98/84-1879 or 98/84-1963.
Police -
98/84-1913.
Fire - 98/84-1202.
Note: There is very little crime in Cancun, though car break-ins
do happen frequently around the shopping centers in the Zona
Hotelera. Don't leave valuables in your rented car if you rent
one. As always, beaches seem to be a magnet for petty theft, so
don't take valuables to the beach.
Pharmacies
Farmacia Canto
Open 24 hours and accepts credit cards.
Next to Hotel Caribe Internacional, Av. Yaxchilán 36, at
Sunyaxchen.
Tel. 98/84-9330
Farmacia Paris
Open 24 hours.
Av. Sunyaxchen, Supermanzana 28.
Tel. 98/84-9330
Note: The pharmacies are tourist oriented and at most of them
some English is spoken. Hotel delivery service is often
available.
Tourist Assistance - State Tourism
Office
Open daily 9am to 9pm. Tel. 98/84-8073
Downtown on Av. Tulum, between Av. Cobá and Uxmal.
They have hotel rates and ferry schedules posted. They will also
pack you up with brochures. Be sure to pick up a copy of the
free monthly Cancun tips booklet, also available in hotels,
shops and tourist info offices.
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Caribbean
sea and is known as the Mayan Coast, given this
pre-Hispanic civilizations influence all across the
area, from Punta Brava to Punta Allen. The north side of
the coast boasts an amazing tourist infrastructure and
impressive development. The south, on the other hand, is
home to many different small picturesque villages
surrounded by unspoiled beaches, where the Gran Arrecife
Maya is to be found, the second largest reef in the
world. The south is famous for its forest, with exotic
vegetation and great variety of animal species. It is
also famous for its underground rivers, caves and
deep-sea caverns. 
was one of the places to become a firm candidate for
foreign investment and the development of a hotel and
entertainment infrastructure, given that its natural
beauty was an obvious temptation for any traveler. The
first hotels that were built in the 70s were the Palacio
Maya and Club Med, both of which developed a great
reputation.
