There are 14 miles of beach on which to lay your towel in the Cancun tourist area, which is on the Yucatan Peninsula. At the northern end of the district you'll find calm waters, and in the south, rougher waters are perfect for watersports. The resorts of Cancun run down the coast along the beautiful Riviera Maya and end in the south at Tulum.
Tourists arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN) on scheduled flights as well as direct charter flights from across the UK.
Visitors are torn between resorts such as Xcalak,Playa del Carmen, the tiny island of Isla Mujeres,Playacar, and the eco area of Xcaret. The main strip of Cancun itself is renowned for being the wild child of the peninsula. She's ready to entertain with restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Getting out of the resort and shaking off the excesses of the night before is a must when in this part of Mexico. There is so much beauty and intrigue just itching to be discovered.
Cool off in the underground river that is Rio Secreto, or take in some art with a twist at the underwater museum known as MUSA. The aquarium on La Isla will be a treat for the kids, while Garrafon Natural Reef Park offers a further enchanting glimpse into the underwater world of Mexico.
Very few outsiders visit the unspoilt Isla Holbox, where you can see fishermen at work and where you can witness Mexico at its most quiet.
Avoiding the crowds might not be possible at Chichen Itza. One of the Seven New Wonders of the World, the ancient Mayan city is a bit of a hike from Cancun, but it is definitely worth it.
The city of Merida, some four hours from Cancun by car, is also worth the time and effort as it is bursting at the seams with colonial history and architecture.
Sun worshippers and night owls will simply love Cancun holidays. Find your bargain Mexican adventure today with TravelSupermarket. Search now using our easy-to-use tool.
Weather
Hot, hot, hot! Temperatures hover between 25C and 30C from March to November, with averages dropping only a degree or two between December and February. Humidity is high, and the rain can't really make up its mind when it wants to fall. September and October are the wettest months, but, as with most tropical climates, the rain can come and go again as quickly as you can say umbrella.
Events
Carnival; February/March: Colourful costumes and joyous parades mark the start of the Catholic period of Lent. The streets are filled with music, dancing and delicious morsels of Mexican food.
Cinco de Mayo; May: Feasting, drinking and dancing form a large part of the Cinco de Mayo festivities - will you notice a difference from any other day in Cancun?
Day of the Dead; October 31 - November 2: Don't be put off by the macabre overtones; this event is a time for celebration as families remember their loved ones. Visit cemeteries to see lavishly decorated gravestones.
Best of Cancun holidays for...
Nightlife: Doing tequila shots is pretty much the religion in Cancun's main tourist and hotel drag. There are a variety of bars and clubs to suit every taste.
Relaxing: Rocking gently in a hammock while gazing at a shimmering blue sea sounds pretty relaxing doesn't it? If so, Cancun's bay, the Bahía de Mujeres, should suit you perfectly.
Romance: There are plenty of candlelit spots in Cancun in which to wine and dine your other half as the day slips into the night.
Kids & teens: The famous Wet n' Wild brand makes a splash in Cancun with yet another mega water park. The kids will have a whale of a time on the flumes and in the pools.
Active types: The underwater attractions are clear to see the second you dip your head under the waves. Diving and snorkelling are extremely popular here as there is so much to observe.
