By Susan Maphis
Cancun Tropical Vacations
Cancun is one of the first cities that comes to mind when daydreaming about the perfect Mexican
beach vacation. Located in what some call the Mexican
Caribbean, Cancun lies on the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The city of Cancun was developed in the early 1970s, making it a fairly young city. 600,000 people call Cancun home, while four million people visit Cancun annually. Cancun enjoys a low temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit in January and a high temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. Despite the fact that Cancun lies in one of the main Caribbean hurricane areas, it has only been directly hit twice: by Gilbert in 1988 and Wilma in 2005.
Swimming with Dolphins
Dolphin Swim Encounter
Visitors to Cancun can partake in normal beach activities--such as swimming, sunbathing, boating, water sports, and snorkeling. A truly unique past time available to Cancun vacationers, however, is swimming with dolphins. All ages can participate in this once-in-a-lifetime treat, as programs exist for everyone from kids to senior citizens. The Royal Swim, the most popular program for adults, lasts for one hour.
Chichen-Itza
Chichen-Itza
Cancun's rich history provides visitors with the rare opportunity to visit ancient Mayan archeological ruins. The Mayan archeological zone known as Chichen-Itza, described as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the most visited archaeological site on the Yucatan Peninsula. The architecture of this ancient city is stunningly preserved. Tourists can view ancient ruins of pyramids, buildings and other parts of this once grand city.
Cenotes
Cenotes
Cenotes, or sinkholes filled with water, can be found all over the Yucatan Peninsula, as the area was originally located underneath the ocean. As underground rivers dried up, the water dripped through the limestone, leaving beautiful mineral deposits. The Mayans used cenotes for drinking and to irrigate crops. Many visitors like to dive in cenotes as well. One thousand cenotes of the 4000 believed to exist on the Yucatan Peninsula have been found and many can be visited in Cancun.
Lodging in Luxury: Omni Cancun Hotels & Villas
Omni Cancun Hotels & Villas
Cancun offers around 150 hotels from which to choose. One of the most luxurious choices is Omni Cancun Hotels & Villas. This five-star resort offers 351 suites, villas and rooms. It offers a full service spa, three pools, Internet access, and beautiful beach views. All-inclusive packages are available.
Omni Cancun Hotels & Villas
Blvd. Kukulcan, L-48 KM. 16.5 M.55
Cancun, Quintana Roo 77500
(888) 444-OMNI
Lodging for Families: Club Med
Club Med Cancun
Once known as a singles only resort, Club Med Cancun now often offers families special promotions in which one child from infancy to age 15 stays free per each paying adult. Although the resort was damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, it has been completely rebuilt with 384 rooms of various size and category. Tennis and other sports are popular here, and Club Med's entertainment, nightlife and bars can't be beat.
Club Med Cancun
Punta Nizuc
Cancun, Quintana Roo 77500
Tel: 52 99 8881 8200
(800) CLUB-MED
Lodging Simply: Park Royal Piramdes
Park Royal Piramdes
Offering simple, comfortable accommodations, the Park Royal Piramdes Cancun resort is close to shopping, nightlife, and restaurants. Its 289 rooms and suites all offer air conditioning and color television. Restaurants and bars are on premises, as are spas, pools and opportunities for water sports.
Park Royal Piramdes
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 12.5, Lote 18
Fraccion 1-B, Zona Hotelera, Cancun 77500
(888) 774-0040
About the Author:
Susan Maphis has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years. She specializes in travel, parenting and education, among other subjects. Her work has been published on various sites, including Upscalebaby.com, Freshtrends.com, XYZMedia.net, IndustrialQuill.com, Beachvacationstoday.com and Overstat.com. Maphis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from West Chester University.
Photo Credits:
Cancun (courtesy http://www.advantagemexico.com)
