A trip to Mexico is often perceived to be one with culture and heritage tours. Well, we’re not contesting the significance and the undeniable splendor that awaits you on such expeditions, but towards the end of your stay in this friendly, sunny, country, you need to stretch your legs a bit. That’s where Cancun fits right into your itinerary. Located along the picturesque coastline of Mexico, the party capital of the country is situated at the very tip of the map, overlooking The Gulf of Mexico.
Over the years, Cancun has developed its tourism portfolio rather impressively, with some of the best hotels and shopping areas that make your stay more meaningful. Arriving in Cancun is a beautiful experience. While many associate Mexico with its jungles, landing at Cancun airport has its own charm. You are welcomed by the azure ocean below you, with the arching coastline around it and a lush green expanse that follows. You can avail of the public bus or taxi services to take you to your hotel, or even arrange with your hotel to pick you up.
Where to stay
You land at Zona Hotelera, which is the area that has nearly every kind of hotel, to suit your palette. Everything is within reach here, nearly 24 hours a day, so you needn’t fret about being far away from where all the action is. The Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina is great if you need access to the Marina Town Center’s shopping attraction, the Hyatt Zilara Cancun contains a world of luxury experiences under one roof, while the pyramid-inspired Pyramid at Grand Oasis and the Paradisus by Melia Cancun are stunning properties that have carved their niche.
Where to shop
As a 24×7 coastal paradise, there are several options to shop in Cancun. If you’re into street shopping Avenida Kukulkan is a great thoroughfare, which is well lit and safe. If you’re into handicrafts, don’t forget to make a stop at Mercado 28 with its very own market tours that help you bargain better. If the idea of open-air malls excites you, you could explore La Isla Shopping Village. Cancun’s Luxury Avenue is where you can get your fix of luxury brands and also keeps you cool with air-conditioned walkways. The high-fashion recommendations here seem promising.
Where to eat
Cancun offers a rare treat – a mix of Mexican and Mayan culture. It’s here that you unlearn the definition of Mexican food and explore the wide gamut of delicacies that are on offer. On the streets, keep an eye out for classic tacos al pastor, taco preparation that you may have never tasted before, decked with slices of marinated pork. For vegetarians, elote is a popular munchie, which comprises corn with a variety of dressings that tease the palate. Seafood lovers can indulge in trytikin xic at one of the Mayan restaurants. For an experiential treat, you can even feast on lobster while seated in an 18th-century pirate ship replica at Captain Hook Cancun.
The delightful people, variety of things to do, and the bustling pulse of Cancun make it such an endearing destination for many tourists. In addition to the aforementioned coastal delights, you can also set out exploring the nearby jungles and mesmerizing cenotes. You can swim with dolphins and enjoy a scuba experience off the Isla Mujeres. It’s got a historic allure to it as well, with the Chichen Itza and Tulum ruins, which tell captivating tales of their own. There’s never enough to do in or around Cancun and this is just why it’s so high on many travel wishlists.
