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Cancun: About Cancun
This island barrier reef, today occupied by Cancun City and Cancun's Hotel
Zone, was originally settled by Mayans at about 200 AD and sparsely populated
until the 14th or 15th century. In 1967, the Mexican government identified
this area as the ideal tourist location and began their development. By
1968, carving of the jungle began, and new infrastructure, paved roads, and
mega resorts started to appear. The area was open for business by 1972
and today, tourists continue to flock to Cancun.
Crystal clear waters and sandy white beaches found on the Caribbean side of
the island draws visitors to the mega resorts lining the beaches. A favorite
pass time for many visitors is simply going for a walk along the beach.
The Nichupte Lagoon separates the Hotel Zone from the mainland. Here,
freshwater from underground springs and the salt ocean water mingle, creating
a unique environment for many wildlife. The mangrove swamps provide homes
for the cayman and over 200 different species of birds. Jungle boat tours are
readily available through various tour operators.
Divers and snorkellers can enjoy Chital, Cuevones and Manchones Reefs, located
between the northern part of the island and Isla Mujeres.
Visitors will find more than beaches and water activities to occupy their time.
Punta Cancun, also known as the heart of Cancun, is teeming with restaurants
and shopping malls. Nightclubs and bars featuring live bands keep the
area alive with activities until sunrise.
Buses provide easy transportation through the Hotel Zone and into Cancun City,
el centro, on the mainland. Open-air markets and stores featuring traditional
arts and crafts awaits the visitor. Local restaurants and nightlife provide
better opportunities to interact with locals and experience Mexico.
Cancun also affords easy access to many points of interest in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Tourists can visit Isla Mujeres for a relaxing change of pace by taking a shuttle
ferry from Play Linda or Playa Langosta pier. Or, tourists can head to
one of the many eco parks along the coast or into the mainland to visit Chichen
Itza or Coba, remains of once an awesome civilization.
As tourists return again and again, the Mexican government can be applauded
for their success in making Cancun one of the world's top sun destination.
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