One of the most popular destinations on Mexico's Caribbean coast, Cancún is still relatively new to tourism. The Mayans were the town's original settlers and until the resort and the surrounding Mayan Riviera were developed in the 1970s, this delightful corner of the state of Quintana Roo had few inhabitants. What it did have is 21 kilometres (13 miles) of pristine sandy beaches fringed by the sparkling azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. The hotel zone sprang up around the coastline which has a distinctive shape that resembles the number seven.
Cancún is also known as "El Mundo Maya" or "gateway to the Mayan world", thanks to its proximity to several important archaeological sites including Chichen Itza. Travellers will also find water parks, nature reserves, fine dining and much more close to the city's hotel zone. Cheap flights to Cancún land at Cancún International Airport (CUN) which is 10 km (6 miles) from the hotel zone and 16 km (9 miles) from the city centre. Local buses can be taken into the city or to Playa del Carmen or travellers can opt for authorized taxis or shared transportation.
Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, a famous flea market and even an interactive aquarium make Cancún the Mexican destination of choice for all age groups.
Cancún Underwater Park
For an unusual and unique outing, combine snorkelling and culture at Cancún Underwater Museum. The museum is part of the Cancún National Park and consists of 500 sculptures laid out over three submerged galleries. These evocative sculptures are the work of British artist Jason deCaires Taylor and five Mexican sculptors.
Chichen Itza
Learn about the region's history at the Museo Maya de Cancún before admiring the magnificent ruins of Chichen Itza. One of UNESCO's "New Seven Wonders of the World '', this large -pre-Colombian city was built by the Mayans and is home to the world-famous Kukulkan pyramid.
Beaches
The spectacular beaches of the Mayan Riviera are certain to play a large part in any holiday to Cancún. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, each with its own particular features and facilities. Some of the most popular include Playa Marlin, Playa Delfines, Caracol Beach and Isla Contoy.
Cancún's vibrant atmosphere is the perfect setting for a host of exciting annual events. Check what's happening when booking cheap flights to Cancún.
Dia de Los Reyes (Day of the Kings) - January 6th
Day of the Kings is a day of gift-giving that celebrates the three biblical kings who travelled to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Sample hot chocolate or Rosca de Reyes and, if you can, bring a small toy to donate to a local child.
Cancún International Gay Festival - May
Put on your party clothes and join in the fun at this yearly celebration in Mid-May. Expect parades, floats, bands and a riot of colour and glamour.
The Latin American Food Show - September
The most important event in Latin America's gourmet calendar, the Food Show attracts chefs and restaurateurs from across the region. Visitors can sample the very best of Mexican and Latin American food and drink in a warm and convivial setting.
The city is known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. However, there are a few points to bear in mind when visiting Cancún. For example, some beaches have rules such as no dogs or alcohol so do check before setting off for the day.
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Cancún is hot all year round thanks to its tropical climate so dress in light clothing and apply sunscreen regularly. Temperatures can range from 27.1 °C (80.8 °F) to about 36 °C (97 °F) but are tempered by onshore trade winds. There are distinct wet and dry seasons and the city gets about 115 days of rain per year, mostly between May and October.
The city is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone; clocks are set to the same time as eastern US states like Alabama. Cancún is six hours behind the UK or GMT (Greenwich Mean Time -6). Therefore, if it is 11.00 a.m. in London the time will be 5.00 a.m. in the Mayan Riviera.
Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, English is quite widely understood. Some locals speak a little too, especially in the hotel zone, bars and restaurants or busy places like the Mercado 28 flea market or Ventura Park water and adventure park.
The city is perched between sea and mountains, reflections of which appear in the soaring skyscrapers that dot the skyline. It does not matter whether you want to laze on a beach, enjoy winter skiing, visit the theatre, take part in watersports, pop into a museum or enjoy a spot of shopping, Vancouver has it all.
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From Canada you have the options to fly from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Cancun.
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