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ACTIVITIES
Archaeology
Cancun has vestiges of Mayan culture in places such as El Rey and El Meco. Cancun Museum, set in the Convention Center in the Hotel Zone, displays pieces from these and other archaeological sites in the state.
Cancun is just a short trip away from imposing Mayan centers such as Tulum and even San Gervasio, on Cozumel Island. Two hundred kilometers outside Cancun, in the state of Yucatan, stands Chichen Itza, which can be reached by taking Hway. 180 to Merida.
Arts and Crafts
You can find a wide variety of handicrafts in Cancun. These are not only locally produced but also brought in from several places in Mexico. The handicrafts made in the state of Quintana Roo are very similar to those produced in Yucatan, Campeche and other regions of the southeast. Examples of these include: huipils, (beautifully embroidered blouses) hammocks, objects carved out of wood and jewelry made from sea shells and stones, among others.
Beaches
The beaches at Cancun are the most popular among tourists of Quintana Roo. Their beauty is an irresistible invitation to a totally unique holiday. Some of the most outstanding among the many available options are: towards the north, Las Perlas, Linda, Langosta, Tortugas and Caracol; towards the east, Chac-Mool and El Rey, among others.
Camping
The splendid beaches and archeological sites of Cancun are just a couple of the reasons why you should not miss out on a trip to this resort and enjoy everything it has to offer, including camping. This activity can be enjoyed at various spots in the state of Quintana Roo, including Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam, among others.
Cuisine
You can enjoy a wide variety of succulent exotic dishes available in Cancun. The exquisite dishes of Mayan origins are distinguished by their use of condiments found in the region. Fish of all sorts cooked in different ways, chirmole, papatz tzul, cocido, relleno negro and cochinita pibil are just some of the dishes you can try at the restaurants in the state of Quintana Roo. Some of the best restaurants include La Habichuela, Lorenzillo's, Sirenita and El Mortero, among others.
Ecotourism
Cancun is within easy reach of nature reserves such as Contoy Island and Sian Ka'an. The Riviera Maya has parks such as Tres Ríos and Xpu-Ha offering cycling, walks and rowing facilities. It also has eco-archaeological parks such as Xcaret and Xel-ha with a wide range of attractions.
Extreme Sports
The beaches of Cancun with their wide variety of marine species are the places most visited by tourists. The marvelous white sands are an invitation to rest or to practice all kinds of extreme water sports. One of the most popular of these sports is the free fall, and Cancun boasts of having one of the highest bungee jumps in Mexico - the Regio bungee with a height of 70 meters.
Festivals
The joy and color of the festivals are a part of Mexican tradition. Dances and bullfights are some of the ways of celebrating in Cancun; there is also the Carnaval (the Carnival) and the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen (The Festivities for the Virgin of El Carmen) that are celebrated on July 16.
Fishing
The waters that lap against the Caribbean coasts of Mexico are unarguably the richest in marine fauna. This is why you are guaranteed success on fishing trips in Cancun. You can fish for chad, coronado, sea bass, sailfish, dorado and red fish April to August is the best season for fishing for the last three mentioned are some of the types of fishing done along the shores of Cancun. Fishing services are provided by Aqua-Sports and Big Game Fishing, among others.
Golf
Cancun has stunning golf courses, some of which have championship features, overlooking the Caribbean or Laguna Nichupte. All major hotels have tennis and squash courts. Volleyball tournaments are held on the most popular beaches. Kukulcan Boulevard has a special area for cycling and roller-skating.
Historical Interests
The San Jose church in Tepic, near Cancun was the location of one of the bloodiest events in the history of the southeast of Mexico, the Guerra de Castas (The Caste War), in 1847.
Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to enjoy the beaches and the Cancun surroundings is on horseback. The Rancho Loma Bonita is one of the most popular places for renting horses; the place itself also has a great riding area.
Museums
A great way to understand more about the pre Hispanic history of the enigmatic Mayans in the state of Quintana Roo is through the museums. The Archeological Museum of Cancun has hundreds of objects found at the archeological sites of El Rey, Tulum, Coba, X'caret and Hel-ha on display. Similarly, you can visit the museum at the National Institute of History and Anthropology's Cultural center in the town that has displays of Mayan relics.
Night Life
Nightlife in Cancun is intense and goes on until dawn in its many discotheques and nightclubs. You'll find all kinds of music there as well as the finest Mexican and imported drinks. The bars are very entertaining and the waiters make sure there's always a lively atmosphere.
Boats offering dinner with music and a free bar cruise around the bay and Laguna Nichupte.
Performing arts
The cultural activities in Cancun will make your stay there richer. If you enjoy cultural activities, visit the Ballet Folklorico of Cancun that is presented at the Convention Center, or ask about the ³Mexican nights² and other cultural events put on at several of the hotels.
Sailing
One of the best places for sailing in Cancun is off its fantastic beaches. The waters are perfect for a really enjoyable time on the water. Sailboats and all the necessary equipment are available for rent at most of the hotels on coast of the state of Quintana Roo.
Shopping
Cancun is a cosmopolitan city with all facilities. It has plazas and large shopping malls where one can acquire handicrafts from all over the country, leather articles, tobacco, and other imported goods in modern shops.
Snorkel & Scuba
The El Garrafon Submarine National Park is located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. You can dive freely at this beautiful coral reef rich in marine fauna and multicolored tropical fish.
Spas
Massage services to make your stay even more pleasant are available at most of the hotels in Cancun. The services at the Westin Regina Cancun, Fiesta Americana Coral beach and the Ritz-Carlton hotels are recommended.
Surfing
The best waves for surfing can be found at Bahía de las Mujeres and in the Caribbean Sea. The Canto Hotel also has the necessary wave conditions for great surfing.
Water Sports
Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, on the white-sanded Mayan Riviera, Puerto Aventuras is a small tourist town with all the necessary facilities, including hotels and a marina for 150 boats. One of the many fun things to do is to rent one of the many types of boats and go out to sea.
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