Cancún
In addition to being Mexico's leading tourist destination, Cancun is also one of the most renowned places to visit in the world. Its location on the Yucatán Peninsula ensures a subtropical climate, and visitors can expect average temperatures of 27ºC all year round, although it can reach up to 35ºC in summer. The area basks in sun for most days of the year.
The coasts of Cancun provide irresistible bathing conditions, with the turquoise tones of the Caribbean Sea lapping against the fine, white sand; perfect for relaxation or practising a range of sports activities. The sea is ideal for enjoying water sports, whilst the coastal area is replete with a fabulous array of entertainment attractions to ensure that nothing is left to be desired.
Just a short distance from Cancun lies the incredible Riviera Maya, which, in addition to boasting the famous Playa de Carmen beach, unveils fascinating Mayan remains and an array of ancient walled cities. The awe-inspiring Isla Mujeres and Isla Cozumel islands are also nearby, and their beautiful reefs lie waiting to be explored.
Climate
Cancun boasts a semi-tropical, humid climate, and despite rare rain showers and strong winds during September, October and November, the area enjoys long, sunny days for most of the year.
Though some mornings can witness temperatures of up to 35ºC, the average is around 25ºC. Nevertheless, temperatures at night can fall as low as 10ºC. In summer, the sky reflects such climatic changes, and can change from being overcast to sunny in just a few minutes.
For further information on Cancun's climate, click here.
Beaches
Cancun's irresistible, sandy beaches stretch over dozens of kilometres, and a wide range of busy tourist beaches exist alongside quiet and serene bays and endless areas ideal for all types of sports and outings.
Tourist beaches perfect for relaxing beside the tranquil sea::
- Playa Langosta
- Playa Tortugas
- San Miguelito
- Yamil Lu'um
- Playa Linda
- Playa Caracol
Beaches with moderate waves for practising water sports or diving expeditions::
- Playa Ballenas
- Isla Mujeres
- Playa Gaviota Azul
- Playa Las Perlas
Quite and isolated beaches basking in breathtaking scenery away from the tourist area::
- Playa Chac-mool
- Playa Marlin
- Playa Delfines
Gastronomy
Given its close proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Cancun offers a range of culinary specialities with seafood and fish. Nevertheless, a variety of vegetarian delights wait to be discovered, in addition to the area's typical dishes based on exquisite Mayan cuisine. Rich in herbs, cereals and meat (chicken, pork and rabbit), and with fillings such as beans, sweetcorn and Serrano and Havana chili peppers, these dishes are a real taste sensation.
Rice also features heavily in the area's traditional cuisine, and is often served as an accompaniment or dessert. The area's most common fish and seafood dishes include lobster, winkles, grouper, sea bass and red snapper. Some of Cancun's most typical dishes are Tikinxic (Mayan-style barbecued fish), Pan de Cazón (tortillas with shredded fish and black beans) and Camarones al Curry (curried shrimps).
Transport
Cancun is one the best-communicated destinations in Mexico. Motorway 180 runs from Mérida to Mexico City (and stretches more than 1680 km). The main bus company that stops at Cancun's bus station is ADO.
Cancun's airport is also the second largest in Mexico, and is connected with a range of destinations through airlines such as Aeroméxico, Mexicana, Aerolíneas Azteca, Aviacsa, Aerocaribe (Mexico), American Airlines, Continental, Northwest and British Airways (from the USA and the rest of the world).
Cancun International Airport:
The airport is located on the Cancun-Tulum motorway, and is situated 5 km from the city's hotel zone, and 8 km from the city centre. A number of taxi and bus services are available to take passengers to Cancun, the hotel zone and Playa del Carmen.
Bus terminal:
The bus terminal is situated in the city centre, on the corner between Av. Uxmal and Av. Tulum. Taxi and bus services are also available for local routes.
Useful telephone numbers
- Airport: +52 [984] 873-08-04
- Fire Fighters: +52 [998] 884-12-02
- Red Cross: +52 [998] 887-3221 / 884-1616
- Bus Station: +52 [984] 873-01-09
- Information: 020
- Post Office: +52 [984] 873-03-00
- Traffic Police: +52 [998] 884-15-42 / 884-11-07
- National Police: +52 [998] 884-117
- Federal Judicial Police: +52 [998] 881-96-40
- Taxi: +52 [984] 873-00-32
- Traffic information: +52 [998] 884-07-10
Useful websites
