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Relax in a beach chair
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El Castillo at Chichén Itzá
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A cool underground cenote
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The crystalline Caribbean
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Crystal clear waters that caress white sand beaches, wild spring break partying, Mexican food, Spanish petitions to clean your car for a quick peso… for the average American traveler these images come to mind with the mention of Cancun, Mexico. MTV has done much to promote the scenic city as a Mexican party Mecca. College students swap their money for loud music, tequila shots, and the finest Mexican beer. A common misunderstanding is the best way to enjoy Cancun is soaking up sun all-day in a resort's beach chairs, leaving only to party all night. In fact, many travelers never venture out of the endless resorts.
Yet beyond the endless margaritas and Caribbean beach, there is a side of Cancun that people most travelers fail to see. Clear of the tourist-saturated tourist zone is a city rich in history and culture. A multitude of outdoor activities await the avid traveler. All you need is a taste for adventure.
Cancun is a fully planned resort developed in the 1970s. A great destination for families with children, it can be romantic and adventurous at the same time. Newlyweds can explore colorful reefs by snorkeling and scuba diving, while the whole family can spend a fascinating time at the Xcaret theme park. It is located only 45 minutes from the Hotel Zone and is easily reached by a short car ride. A major attraction on the Maya Riviera, Xcaret offers a variety of experiences like swimming with dolphins, swimming in a underground river, exploring a Maya village alongside archeological ruins, attending cultural night shows and visiting the highly recommended aquarium. Other outdoor activities in the area include day cruises to Playa del Carmen, fishing, jet skiing and golf.
History awaits throughout the Yucatan peninsula in extensive archeological sites. If you have not studied the history of Mexico and how civilization first started in here, visiting the Maya ruins is the best way to learn. Sites such as Tulum, Chichen Itza, Ruinas del Rey, Xel-Ha, and many others are available for touring, exploring and climbing, none far away. In 2007, Chichen Itza was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern world. It would be a shame not to see it.
Cenotes are another amazing creation of nature that beg consideration. Cenotes are water-filled are sinkholes, formed when the limestone weakened and collapsed. They were used by the Maya as a source of freshwater and many were the site of rituals. Today, many cenotes are open to the public for swimming. Located an hour or two away from Cancun, they are surrounded by lowland jungle with trails and narrow pre-Hispanic roads for exploring. The traveler can venture out on their own or sign up for a tour to experience how the Maya lived hundreds of years ago.
Transportation around Cancun is. . .
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