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Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular
and important tourist destinations in all of Mexico and the
world. Its superb Caribbean location makes it the perfect
place for everything from ecotourism, snorkeling, horseback
riding and fishing, to golf, scuba diving, surfing and sailing.
Extreme sports are a also a major part of the excitement found
in Cancun – the city boasts one of the highest bungee
jumps in Mexico - the Regio bungee - with a height of 70 meters.
Cancun is comprised of three
distinct but integrated areas: the city of Cancun, a boomtown
of 500,000 people, popular for shopping, dining and less expenses
accommodations; the ecological reserve with lovely mangroves
and lagoons; and the resort zone, an island. The island-shaped
city has an unmatched infrastructure with some of the best
hotel chains in the world lined up on its strip, offering
luxury and comfort in a perfect Caribbean setting. Its contemporary
lodging facilities welcomes several business conventions throughout
the year; and its cosmopolitan offering includes plazas and
large shopping malls with handicrafts from all over the country,
leather articles, tobacco and imported goods.
When it comes to archaeological
sites and historical flashbacks of the Mayan culture, Cancun
has it all. Major attractions include fascinating Mayan ruins
both in Quintana Roo State, as well as the neighboring state
of Yucatan – home to the Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza.
The Cancun Museum displays pieces from several Mayan archaeological
sites. El Rey and El Meco also showcase dramatic ruins of
the Mayan culture, as well as San Gervasio, on Cozumel Island,
a short trip away from Cancun.
Within driving distance of the
city, travelers can find several natural reserves such as
the Riviera Maya eco-archaeological sites of Xcaret and Xel-ha,
which offer breathtaking cenotes (sinkholes), clear-water
lagoons, river rapids and forest walks.
Cuisine is another major component
of Cancún’s unique offering. The wide varieties
of exotic dishes of Mayan origin are distinguished by their
use of condiments found in the region. A selection of fish,
along with chirmole, papatz tzul, relleno negro and cochinita
pibil are only some of the dishes you can savor at the many
restaurants in the state of Quintana Roo.
When the Caribbean sun goes down,
the intense Cancun nightlife begins and continues well into
dawn. Its nightclubs and discotheques offer all kinds of music,
as well as some of the finest Mexican and imported drinks.
Those looking for a celebration on the water can head to party
cruises that offer dinner, drinks and music while you sail
along the bay and Laguna Nichupte.
The excitement never ends in
Cancun. The list of sights to see and activities to engage
in are undoubtedly endless in this Mexican paradise, and its
gorgeous, white sand beaches on the Caribbean Sea are ideal
for a sun-kissed vacation.
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