cancun

CANCÚNPUBLISHING DATE: 2012-09-21 | COUNTRY CODE: MX

Contents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping, Sleeping, EssentialInformation, Maps

Copyright © 2012 ArrivalGuides AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit:www.arrivalguides.com

Cancún´s white sandy beaches and inviting warm, crystal clear waters makes it a paradise for all beach and water sports enthusiasts. Add a vibrant nightlife and thecloseness to the breathtaking Mayan ruins and you have Mexico´s most populartourist hot spot. Caring for four million tourists yearly, it´s hard to understand thisbeautiful resort was a sleepy shing village just a few decades ago.

Population734,000

CurrencyMexican Peso 1 $ = 100 Centavos, USD are widely accepted in tourist areas. Prices may be in USD or MX pesos.

Opening hoursHours are guidelines:09:00 – 21:00 downtown10:00 – 22:00 Hotel ZoneShops & malls are usually open 7 days a week.Small shops may close for siesta between 14:00 – 16:00

NewspapersNovedades de Quintana Roo (Spanish)Miami Herald Cancún Edition (English)

Emergency numbersGeneral Emergency No 066

Tourist informationCancún Convention CentreCancún center, First floorBlvd Kukulcan, Hotel Zone, KM 8Mo. – Fri. 09:00 – 17:00Sat. 09:00 – 13:00Tel: +52 998 881 2745

THE CITY

© Krystal International Vacation Club

Cancún is naturally divided into two distinctive districts, the famous Hotel Zone (Zona Hoteléra) and the actual cityof Cancún, known as Centro.

Hotel Zone

Most hotels in the Hotel Zone are located directly on Cancún´s beautiful beach. The Hotel Zone itself is dividedinto kilometer long sections which makes it easy tonavigate. It is shaped like a narrow horseshoe andsurrounded by 25 kilometers of pure white sandy beach,linked to the city on the mainland via the four-laneBoulevard Kukulcán.

Down Town

Downtown (El Centro) is the actual backbone of Cancún. What it lacks in history it makes up for through being atrue melting pot - an exciting mix of the old traditionalMexico and an ultra modern urban sprawl.

Avenida Tulum, the main street, passing through the heart of the city, is easy to reach by public transport. The streetis lined with shops, banks, internet cafes, bars andrestaurants.

Don’t miss out on a weekend visit to Parque Las Palapas, on the market square, where locals come to chat andwatch the entertainment provided by various local groups.The lively, happy atmosphere and the sound of Mexicanmusic is infectious and any worries will quickly bepostponed to ‘mañana’. Browse around the artisan stalls

and try some of the local sweet delicacies or visit the‘hippie market’ around the corner.

In the evenings, the place to be is Avenida Yaxchillan with its lively restaurants and bars, popular with locals andtourists alike.

DO & SEE

© Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Cancún is best known as a family, sporting and wedding resort where you can choose your own pace and lifestyleto suit your frame of mind.

Mayan ruins

A visit to Cancún is not complete without a trip to the famous Mayan ruins. Many of them have not yet beenexcavated and are waiting to be explored.

Chichen Itzá, one of the new seven wonders of the world, is an absolute must. Whilst you are there, don’t miss outon the stunning light show that transports you back intime in a spectacular atmosphere.

Equally stunning is Cobá, currently the only ruin that can still be climbed, oering a breathtaking view over thejungle and Tulúm, with its spectacular backdrop of theclear turquoise water of the ocean.

Opening hours: 7 Days a week 09:00 to 17:00Internet: www.chichenitza.com, www.Cancun-discounts.com

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Destination: CancúnPublishing date: 2012-09-21

Cenotes

These magnicent cenotes (sinkholes) are unique to the Yucatán peninsula and many still remain undiscovered andunexplored to this day. Witnessing the breathtakingbeauty of the large clusters of stalactites and stalagmitesbeing mirrored in the crystal clear cool waters is a uniqueexperience.

Every cenote has its own particular beauty and putting on a swimsuit and snorkel the pool is an absolutelyunforgettable experience. Some tour operators also oercave diving excursions for very experienced divers.

Opening hours: 7 Days a weekInternet: www.hiddenworlds.com.mx, www.grancenote.com

Isla Mujeres

A 20 minute boat ride from Cancún lies the small island ofIsla Mujeres with its laid back Caribbean ambiance, tinystreets lined with stalls and street cafés in pastel coloredhouses. Golf carts and mopeds dominate the streets.

Although only 5 miles long and half a mile wide, the island oers everything from a beautiful palm fringed whitebeach on the north coast to a dramatic rocky shoreline onthe eastern side. Visit the turtle farm, try one of the localsh restaurants on the beach or visit Garrafón Park at thesouth of the island with its spectacular view over Cancún’ssky line.

A must for nature and wildlife lovers is a tour to Isla Contoy, a nature reserve only inhabited by a few biologistsand restricted to 200 visitors per day.

Internet: www.isla-mujeres.net, www.islacontoy.org

Water Sports

What better way to enjoy water sports than in the warm, crystal clear turquoise waters of Cancún? Whether youchoose to go swimming, sailing, kayaking, windsurng, kitesailing, jet-skiing, parasailing, diving or snorkeling alongthe second largest reef in the world, you will not be

disappointed.

Whether you prefer to stay on the surface and experience the thrill of deep sea shing or just relax on a sunset orlobster cruise, there is literally no water sport imaginablethat you won’t nd in Cancún. Aspiring and advanceddivers should not miss a dive in the famous divingparadise of Cozumel. Another must is the popular jungletour through the nature reserve of the Nichupte Lagoonwhere you can be captain of your own boat.

AquaworldPhone: +52 998 848 8327Web: www.aquaworld.com.mx

Aqua ToursPhone: +52 998 849 7280Web: www.aquatours.travel

Golf

A paradise for golng enthusiasts of all abilities, Cancún is a golng Mecca. The 10 top quality 18 hole golf courses inthe area are all created by world class designers such asJack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and P.B. Dye to name a few.

Each golf course, not forgetting the numerous smaller ones, is set in lush tropical vegetation amidst plentifulwildlife with stunning backgrounds. A sheer pleasure forgolfers and spectators alike. With more than 10 new golfcourses planned, golfers will be truly spoilt for choice.

Internet: www.Cancungolf.org

Eco Parks and Tours

If you are looking for a great family day out - don’t forget to visit the eco parks of Xel Há or Xcarét. With shows andadventures set in stunning lush tropical vegetation withexotic wildlife, these parks oer a truly wonderfulentertaining, educational and fun day for young and oldalike. For the slightly more energetic and adventurous, tryone of the exciting eco tours which will make you feel like



a true explorer.

Internet: www.xelha.com, www.xcaret.com, www.alltournative.com

Parque Las Palapas

The lively, friendly atmosphere of Parque Las Palapas is worth a visit, especially in the weekend evenings. Watch alocal performance or just observe and soak in theatmosphere, browse around the artisan stalls or visit oneof the bars and cafés dotted all around the Parque. Justacross the adjacent car park, next to the church, you ndthe so-called ‘Hippie Park’ oering hand-made jewelery,lamps and tie-dyed clothing.

Address: Parque Las Palapas, SM 22, Cancún Centro

Puerto Cancún

One of the newest developments in Cancún, Puerto Cancún, is a mixture of residential, commercial and touristarea. Featuring a large marina, golf course, watersidepromenade with a luxurious outdoor shopping complexand cafés, it will be another impressive landmark ofCancún.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 898 3306 / +52 998 898 3307

Scenic rotating tower

To fully appreciate the beauty of Cancún and its surrounding area, ride the 360° rotating scenic towerwhere you get a spectacular birds-eye view of the entireHotel Zone and surrounding area from the 100 m talltower. A dierent experience during day and night time,the view is unsurpassed.

Address: Embarcadéro, Blvd. Kukulkan KM 4, Cancún Hotel ZoneOpening hours: Daily 09:00 – 23:00Phone: +52 998 849 5577Tickets: Admission Fee

Cancún Theatre & Mexican Folk Art Museum

Mexican folklore dance shows and plays are advertised at the theatre and at hotel concierges, where you also buy

tickets. Discover one of Cancún’s little treasures, theMexican Folk Art Museum brimming with excellentexamples of Mexican folk art and crafts.

Museum

Address: Embarcadéro, Blvd. Kukúlkan KM 4, Cancún Hotel ZoneOpening hours: Mo. – Fri. 09:00 – 19:00, Sat. – So: 11:00 – 19:00

Cancún Conventions & Exhibitions Center

Cancún’s Convention Center is the home of the ocial Tourist Information oce and has all year roundexhibitions and events. Check the events calendar on theirwebsite to see what’s on.

Address: Blvd. Kukúlkan, KM 8.5, Cancún Hotel ZoneOpening hours: Daily from 10:00Phone: +52 998 849 4332 or +52 998 849 5583Internet: www.cancuncenter.com

EATING

© Mom the Barbarian

Mexican cuisine is very versatile and best known for its intense and varied avours, colourful decoration andvariety of spices. Tacos, nachos and guacamole are only asmall part of Cancún’s culinary repertoire beside the largepalette of foreign cuisine. Whether you fancy a quicksnack on the trot or a gourmet meal in stylish settings,Cancún has a fantastic selection of restaurants featuringdishes from all over the world.

Hard Rock Cafe

Nestled amongst the shops at Forum By The Sea is Hard



Rock Café, a perfect place to stop for lunch, dinner, a coldbeer or listen to live music. There is a bar and tablesoutside on a patio overlooking the beach and, of course, achance to buy memorabilia from their collection.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Lotes 10Opening hours: Restaurant: Mon - Sun 11:00AM - 2:00AMMerchandise: Mon - Sun 10:00AM - 12:30AMPhone: +52 998 8818 120Internet: www.hardrock.comMore Info: Centro Comercial "Forum by the Sea" local A-20, HZ

Harrys

Cancún’s place to be. A chic and classy restaurant with a subtle underlying elegance. The menu oers a select rangeof excellent meat and seafood dishes, each one cooked toperfection and beautifully presented.

Address: Blvd. Kukúlkan, HZ, KM 14.2, Cancún Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 840 6550Internet: www.harrys.com.mx

Thai Lounge

In this traditional Thai style establishment every table setting consists of an individual stylish palapa with its ownunique table and sofa, giving the restaurant a serene andelegant ambiance. Enhancing the experience is dolphinsswimming gracefully on one side and a fantastic view overthe lagoon on the other. Classic Thai specialties in anultra chic atmosphere.

Address: Plaza La Isla, Blvd. Kukúlkan, HZ, KM 12.5Phone: +52 998 883 1401Internet: www.thai.com.mx

La Destilleria

A dining experience within an old tequila distillery oering a truly Mexican atmosphere. The perfect place to sampleexcellent traditional Mexican seafood, meat and vegetariandishes. Visit the tequila museum within the restaurant andtry some of Mexico’s nest tequilas!

Address: Blvd. Kukúlkan, KM 12.5 Cancún Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 885 1086Internet: www.ladestileria.com.mx

La Dolce Vita

A restaurant with a friendly Italian style ambience and av view of the lagoon. La Dolce Vita oers a good range ofmeat and sh dishes.

Address: Ave. Coba, Hotel Zone, Cancún DowntownPhone: +52 998 884 3393Internet: www.cancunitalianrestaurant.com/downtown

La Parilla

Mexican style restaurant popular with locals and tourists alike, with a large selection of Mexican seafood and meatdishes accompanied by Mariachis and skillful waiters.

Address: Ave. Yaxchilán No. 51, Cancún CentroPhone: +52 998 193 3973Internet: www.laparrilla.com.mx

La Palapa Belga

Insiders tip with great European cuisine in a palapa style restaurant overlooking the lagoon and Hotel Zone.Specialties include mussels served in a cooking pot.

Address: Calle Quetzal 13Phone: +52 998 883 5454Internet: www.palapabelga.comMore Info: In the garden of Hotel Imperial Laguna

La Troje

Great food, fast service and a nice ambiance. Popular with locals and an insider tip for tourists. Famous for its saladsand lled pancakes!

Address: Ave. Acanceh, SM 15, Cancún CentroPhone: +52 998 887 9556More Info: Next to Sport City opp. Plaza Las Americas shopping mall

Roots

Jazz bar with restaurant close to Parque Las Palapas. Great freshly cooked food and world-class live music.

Address: Calle Tulipanes 26, SM 22, Cancún CentroPhone: +52 998 884 2437Internet: www.rootsjazzclub.comMore Info: Near Parque Las Palapas



BARS & NIGHTLIFE

© Joseph

The heart of the Hotel Zone is Cancún´s famous buzzing party zone (km 8) where the bars and night clubs drawboth young and old crowds until early morning hours. Theparty also attracts performing and visiting celebrities soyou´ll never know who you might be rubbing shoulderswith.

Azucar

Latin venue with excellent live salsa and Merengue bands from the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Azucar meanssugar, but it can also symbolize the passion and attitudeassociated with ery dancers and latin american avour.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, HZ, KM 9Phone: +52 998 848 7000More Info: Next to Dreams Cancun Resort

Carlos´N´Charlies

Restaurant come club with entertainment, performances and live groups. Great fun for both young and old.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, HZ, KM 8Phone: +52 998 883 4468Internet: www.carlosandcharlies.com/CancunMore Info: Forum by the Sea

The City

Mega Night Club with 1,000,000 watt sound system, 650 sq.ft. of video screens, super stage, shows, world classacts, themed nights, foam parties and a private beachclub. You name it - The City´s got it!

Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, HZ, KM 8Phone: +52 998 848 8380Internet: www.thecitycancun.com

Coco Bongo

Fantastic shows, brilliant entertainment, an absolute must!

Address: Boulevard Kukulcan Km. 9.5, 30Phone: +52 998 883 5061Internet: www.cocobongo.com.mxMore Info: Forum by the Sea

Mambo Café

Caribbean themed nightclub with Latin music.

Address: SM35, MZ2, Lote 3, Plaza Las AvenidasPhone: +52 998 840 6490Internet: www.mambocafe.com.mx

Margaritaville

Restaurant come entertainment bar. Jimmy Buett’s Margaritaville is a tropical bar styled with themed areassuch as the Giant Margarita and the Exploding Volcano.

Address: Blvd Kukulcán, HZ, KM 11Phone: +52 998 885 2375Internet: www.margaritaville.com.mx

Señor Frogs

Themed restaurant come club with entertainment, performances and live groups. A lot of fun for everyone.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, HZ, KM 9.5Phone: +52 998 883 1092Internet: www.senorfrogs.com



SHOPPING

© Matthew Freeman

Amidst the beaches, jungle and culture, Cancún also provides its visitors with every shopping experienceimaginable, from ying salesmen and market stalls toboutiques and modern indoor and outdoor shopping malls.Cancún’s shops are as versatile and creative as its peopleand the privileged tax status of Cancún (10%) makes itpopular for buying luxury items.

You can still practice your bartering skills at the markets, although most shops have xed prices. Mexico is theworld’s number one exporter of cowboy boots and is alsofamous for its silverware, tequila, hot chili sauces andhandcrafted pottery. Other popular souvenirs are vanillaessence, Aloe Vera products, blankets, and of course thefamous Mexican sombreros.

Hotel Zone

Cancún’s Hotel Zone has six major shopping malls. At km 8 you nd Plaza Caracol and a short walk further along,the popular Coral Negro Flea Market with the adjacentPlaza Forum.

Further down the strip at km 11 is Plaza Flamingo and at km 12.5 you will nd Cancún’s famous outdoor shoppingmall La Isla, with its shopping and leisure facilities like theInteractive aquarium, cinema and a Venetian style boatride on the canal. If you want to indulge yourself in luxury,Plaza Kukulkan and its Luxury Avenue at km 14 oersanything your heart desires from diamonds to Harley

Davidsons.

Down Town

For the slightly more adventurous, Cancún City oers all shopping amenities imaginable from street vendors sellingchewing gum and well equipped supermarkets to luxuryshopping plazas with bowling alleys, cinemas, amusementarcades etc.

The three major Plazas are Plaza Las Americas, El Paseo and Gran Plaza, all of which can be easily reached by taxifrom Avenida Tulúm. For those looking for a market to trytheir haggling skills, try Market 28, close to Walmart andSam’s club.

SLEEPING

© tomleetaiwan

Cancún’s colorful buzz and ancient traditions co-existing with ultra-modern developments enchant everyone, frombackpackers to luxury travelers.

Ritz Carlton

Exactly what one expects from the Ritz and more exuberant luxury, subtle elegance, all round perfectionism,outstanding service, top class restaurant andCleopatra-style spa treatments, all set on one of the mostbeautiful beaches in the world. All rooms and suites have abreathtaking view of the ocean and despite its size, theRitz maintains its ambiance of intimacy and exclusivity.

Address: Retorno del Rey 36, Cancún Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 881 0808Internet: www.ritzcarlton.com



Aqua

Über-chic, elegant hotel situated right opposite Plaza La Isla. Aqua, a hotel where eastern tranquility fusionsperfectly with Mayan serenity in the most elegant andstylish settings. The hotel omits a magical ambiance fromthe minute one enters the lobby. Zen-style gardens,swanky bars & lounges, extravagant spa, calming andluxurious rooms. All with breathtaking views over theocean and a world class dining experience make it theperfect place for a luxury vacation.

Address: Blvd. Kukulkán, KM 12.5, Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 881 7600Internet: www.feel-aqua.com

Riu Cancún

All inclusive resort opposite Plaza Caracol and within easy walking distance of the party zone, oering stunning viewsof Isla Mujeres. Very popular with families, the hotel oersplenty of shady areas, a beautifully landscaped gardenwith three pools, various bars & restaurants and a spa.Perfect for those who enjoy both a quiet beach day as wellas lively entertainment.

Address: Blvd. Kukulkán, KM 8, Cancún Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 848 7151Internet: www.riu.com

Ambar

With it´s unique concept, BeachScape Kin Ha Villas & Suites oer the largest suites in Cancun with 1, 2 & 3bedroom suites with complete kitchens within afull-service resort situated on a beautiful beach. Close toattractions like shopping, bars and restaurants and an18-hole golfcourse, Pok-ta-Pok. BeachScape Villas is theperfect choice for families with small children and maturetravelers looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation.

Address: Blvd. Kukulkán, KM 7, Cancún Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 891 5400Internet: www.ambiancevillascancun.com

Club Med

This All Inclusive hotel is perfect for young and old seekingquiet relaxation. It is situated within beautiful gardens andlakes at the southern tip of the bay, oering a choice oftwo separate beaches. One overlooking the entire bay ofCancún, the other facing the open sea. They oer facilitieslike children´s club, leisure and sport activities, bars andrestaurants. The hustle and bustle of the main strip iswithin a short bus or taxi ride of the hotel.

Address: Punta Nizuc, KM 20, Cancún Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 881 8200Internet: www.clubmed.comMore Info: O Blvd Kukulkán

Hilton

An award-winning resort with its landmark pyramid shape, the Hilton is set within the largest landscaped gardensadjacent to the spectacular Playa Delnes with anunprecedented view over the entire bay of Cancún.

With its enormous innity pool, superb luxury spa, an 18-hole golf course on site, fantastic sporting andbusiness facilities, the Hotel oers the perfect blend foreveryone. Its intimacy and private grounds amongst thestunning setting have turned the Hilton into one ofCancún’s prime locations for destination weddings.

Address: Blvd. Kukulkán, KM 17.5, Hotel ZonePhone: +52 998 881 8000Internet: www.hiltoncancun.com



ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

© Manuel Canela

Airport

Cancún Airport International (CUN) is the 4th busiest airport in Latin America with 12 million passengers in2008. Terminal 1 manages North American charterairlines including domestic charters.

Terminal 2 handles some international airlines and all scheduled domestic airlines and the new Terminal 3 dealswith operations from almost all international NorthAmerican and European airlines.

Located outside the city of Cancún at KM 22 of the Cancún-Chetumal highway, approximate transfer times toCancún’s City or Hotel Zone is 20-30 mins.

Buses, shuttles, private transfers, VIP vehicles, and Limousines are available for pickup and every terminal hasa designated taxi service available. A public modernair-conditioned bus service to Cancún’s central bus stationis available outside Terminal 2.

Internet: www.cancun-airport.com

Public Transport

Cancún’s central bus station on Ave. Tulum oers excellent and regular connections to most local andnational destinations. A regular shuttle transfer to Playadel Carmen leaves every 15-30 minutes. The frequent

local bus service between the Hotel Zone and downtown(R-1 or R-2 buses) is excellent value and runs 24 hours.Buses stop on hand signal and will often leave beforeeveryone is seated.

All major car rental companies are available. Driving in the city is not recommended for the faint of heart as traccan be daunting. There appear to be no rules, everyoneseems to drive at their desired pace and multi-lanes oftenchange into a single lane without warning. Driving on thehighway (Carretera federal) is similar to most motorwaysand autobahns, however, due to occasional pot holes, wildanimals crossing and the possibility of drunk drivers it isrecommended to plan journeys so that your destination isreached before nightfall.

Taxi

Taxis are a common mode of transport in Cancún and Mexico. Despite warnings to agree on a price beforegetting in, one should know that all taxi drivers belong to asyndicate and there is an ocial xed price list split intovarious zones that all taxi drivers must carry (alsoavailable in all hotels). Taxis in the Hotel Zone are moreexpensive than downtown and a standing taxi alwayscosts slightly more than one agged down from the curb.

Post

The postal service in Mexico is very slow and often not very reliable. Sending anything of importance or value istherefore safer by courier service.

Cancún’s main post oce:

Address: Market 28, Xel-Ha, Cancún CentroOpening hours: Mo. – Fri. 09:00 – 16:00, Sat. 09:00 – 13:00Phone: +52 998 884 1418More Info: On the corner of Ave. Sunyaxchen and Ave

Pharmacy

There are two types of pharmacies in Mexico, the regular ‘Farmacia’ and the ‘Farmacia Similares’. The formersells well-known brand medications whilst the latter sells



cheaper, non-branded medicines. Prescriptions aregenerally not required for anything and most medicinesare widely available. You can nd a Farmacia on almostevery corner downtown with several located in the HotelZone. Many Farmacias are open 24 hours and also have adelivery service for a small surcharge.

Dentist

Dental Maya

Address: Esq Avenida Tankah Market 28Opening hours: 9.00-21.00Internet: www.dentalmaya.com

Telephone

Country code: +52

Area code for Cancún: 01998

Please note that not all international mobile phones will work in Mexico and it is therefore best to check withrespective providers beforehand to ensure service.

Electricity

110 Volt. Hotels usually oer voltage converters for 220 Volt devices.



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PuertoJuarez

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Cancun Conventions &Exhibitions Center

Cancun Theatre &Mexican FolkArt Museum

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