By Robin Thornley
Cancun is a modern city conceived in the 1960s as
Mexico's first planned tourism community. Located on the northeastern tip of the Yucatan peninsula and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Cancun attracts visitors to its white
beaches and turquoise waters, and serves as a great way to discover ancient pre-Colombian sites.
The city
Cancun City, population 450,000, is located on the mainland and separated from Isla Cancun, the hotel zone, by Laguna Nichupte, a freshwater lagoon.
The island
The inverted, L-shaped Boulevard Kulkulkan leads visitors from Cancun City to the 16-mile hotel zone on Isla Cancun .
Hurricane season
Strong hurricanes can quickly flood the barrier island during the storm season that runs from June to November.
Warning
The waters on the seaward side of Isla Cancun can have dangerous riptides. Always heed warning flags on the beach.
Quiet jungles
Until development in the 1970s, there were no more than 1,000 people living in the area.
Limestone
The land around Cancun is typical of the Yucatan peninsula, riddled with limestone sinkholes ; sacrifices to the gods were once thrown into the rain water that fills these deep holes.
The weather
The rainy season runs from May to October, when Cancun's balmy temperatures often result in late afternoon thunderstorms.
Resources
About the Author:
Robin Thornley has been a successful writer for more than 25 years, penning articles for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She specializes in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle trends, travel and cuisine. She also is the author of two guidebooks.
