Plaza Caracol:
Blvd. Kukulcan km. 8.5 Hotel
zone.
Cancún, Q. Roo 77500
(98) 83-09-05
Mon-Sun 9 am-10 pm
Indoor Mall. Handicap Access
With 200 shops this is the
largest and most modern of
the resort shopping areas.
This two story mall of
marbled floors and pleasant
plant-filled atriums was
designed by internationally
renowned architects. Plaza
Caracol features shops,
boutiques, restaurants and
galleries.
Cancún Museum:
Cancún Convention Center,
Blvd Kukulcán Km 9
(98)83-0305
Tues to Sun, 9 - 7
Admission charged. children
under 11 free Sundays free
Cancún's museum is located
on the ground floor of the
city's convention center. It
traces the Maya culture with
an impressive collection of
1,000 to 1,500-year-old
artifacts. There are a
number of impressive
carvings and frescoes, along
with ancient artifacts that
have been unearthed at
nearby sites throughout
Quintana Roo. A visit to the
National Institute of
Anthropology and History can
add another dimension to
exploration of the Mayan
ruins and is a fascinating
introduction to the ancient
culture. Guided tours in
English, French, German, and
Spanish are available.
National Institute of
Anthropology and History
(INAH):
Located on Calle 43 and
Paseo Montejo, Mérida
Tel: (99) 23-05-57.
Tues - Sat 8 - 8, Sundays, 8
- 2.
Admission charged. Free on
Sundays.
Originally a residence for
the governor, this mansion
was transformed into a
museum in 1977. The Museo de
Anthropologiá e Historia
showcases the Mayan culture
and history with exhibits of
artifacts found from ruins
on the peninsula. Here you
can see ancient conch
shells, stones, feathers,
jade objects and jewelry
used in Mayan rituals.
Another display case
explains the various customs
of tattooing and head
binding along with the myths
associated with them.
Museum of the Maya
Culture (Museo de la Cultura
Maya):
Héroes and Calle Mahatma
Gandhi, Chetumal
(983) 26-838
Tues-Thurs, 9 - 7 ; Sat 9 -8
; Sun 9 - 2
Admission charged.
Chetumal, the capital of
Quintana Roo, is home to the
impressive Museum of Mayan
Culture. This is a
sophisticated, interactive
museum that explains the
complex world of the Maya.
Various exhibits outline
their social classes,
politics and customs along
with the medicinal and
domestic uses of plants.
Isla Mujeres:
The island is five miles
long and half a mile wide,
and only six miles from
Cancún. There are three
excellent beaches. Playa de
los Cocos in the north end,
is the most popular with
calm waters, silky sand and
all water sports. Playa
Lancheros, located at the
southern end, is very
secluded, featuring live sea
turtle pens and a separate
area for swiming. Playa
Garrafon is a national
underwater park that is a
favorite for snorkeling.
Banderas, Cuervones and
Manchones are reefs for
experienced divers.
Cozumel Island:
68 kilometers south of
Cancún, Cozumel has
excellent hotels and
resorts, beautiful beaches
with water sports of all
kind, world-famous
snorkeling and diving and a
National Archaelogical Park
with Botanical Gardens.
Ruinas del Rey:
Paseo Kukulkán Km 17
This archaeological dig,
though small, is notable for
the unusual architecture of
two main plazas bounded by
two streets. The majority of
Maya cities had one plaza
and few streets. This site
may have been a royal burial
ground.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere
Reserve:
Over a million acres nature
reserve, made up of about
one-third wetlands,
one-third tropical forest
and one-third marine
systems, a UNESCO World
Heritage site. The reserve
maintains ecological
diversity while it provides
the native population with
agricultural and ecological
opportunities to make a
living. Friends of Sian
Ka'an is a non-profit group
that operates
biologist-escorted tours
from Cancún that help the
biosphere concept support
itself via low-impact
tourism.
Xcaret:
About 45 miles south. Travel
to the park takes about an
hour. Buses depart daily
from the XCaret terminal at
9 and 10am. Once a peaceful
cove, it has been
transformed into a waterside
park with an ecological
theme. There is a choice of
tour packages. Visitors are
greeted at a modern concrete
pyramid which houses a
museum and restaurant. It
also has a scenic outlook
point. Paths lead from there
to the beaches, the cove,
and the dolphin swimming
area. Other paths lead to
the lagoon and the
underground river that is
one of the park's greatest
attractions. Some of the
visitors will be invited to
swim and snorkel with the
dolphins. There is a wild
bird sanctuary with 36
different species and a
botanical garden with a wide
variety of native plants,
including flowers in bloom.
At night there is a festive
air that begins with a light
and sound tour in the caves.
This is followed by the
recreation of a Mayan
ceremony and a folk ballet
presented in the
amphitheater.
Other features include:
A butterfly habitat
An aquarium with tanks from
different depths on the reef
Dolphin shows and swimming
with dolphins
Jaguars and cougars
Several live shows
throughout the day and
evening
Underground river that you
can float down
Botanical gardens
Riding stables
Recreation of Mayan village
Xel-Ha:
A natural aquarium where you
can swim with the fish. Also
between Tulum and Cancún
This was a sacred city of
the Maya, and one of the
most important on the Mayan
trade route. It is an
ecological marvel in that
water from the sea mixes
with natural fresh water
springs, forming a group of
coves and lagoons. The
result is a natural aquarium
in which the swimmer can
snorkel and dive while
surrounded by tropical fish.
National Institute of
Anthropology and History:
Quintana Roo, Paseo Kukulcán
Km 9
98/830305
Museum located on the ground
floor of the city's
convention center, features
a collection of 1,000 to
1,500-year-old artifacts
showcasing the Maya culture.
Avenida Tulum: Many
restaurants and shops are
located along this avenue.
Life-size reproductions of
ancient Mexican art are
displayed on the median,
including the Aztec calendar
stone and the Atlantids of
Tula among others.
Mayan Ruins:
Chichen Itza
This huge complex of
magnificent Mayan ruins is
one of the most extensive in
Mexico. It dates back to 600
AD and the Mayan
civilization. It features in
the center the majestic
pyramid of Kulkulkan, with
its accompanying buildings.
The ancient Maya used the
observatory at Chichen Itza
to track the stars and to
calculate agricultural
seasons.
Coba
"Coba" means "water stirred
by wind," a name derived
from the beatiful lakes
nearby. It is one of the
largest Mayan cities in
existence. The Nohoch Mul is
138 feet tall.
Tulum
Tulum is the only walled
city near the ocean that the
Mayans ever constructed. It
was built between 1200 and
1500 A.D. and is an easy
day-trip away. The unique
aspect of Tulum is its
seaside location. As there
is no place to eat at Tulum
itself, many visitors pack a
picnic lunch and enjoy it on
the cliffs overlooking the
ocean. There is a long
uncrowded stretch of land to
the right of the main
temple. Because a trip to
Tulum takes only about half
a day, travelers booking
tours to the site may want
to select one that goes in
the morning to Tulum and
offers afternoon snorkeling
in Xel-Ha.
Undersea Boat Tour:
You can get a great look at
the reefs and marine life on
a tour on an undersea boat
tour. The tour leaves from
Isla Paraiso, which is also
a spot for all-day
snorkeling, with a get a
discounted fare for both.
Cozumel Island:
Cozumel has the distinction
of being the largest island
in Mexico as well as the
largest cruise ship port. It
has an exciting combination
of casual sophistication and
magnificence. Located two
hours south of Cancún,
Cozumel is a flat island
with an interior covered by
dense jungle, and marshy
lagoons. On the western side
are white sandy beaches with
calm waters where you can
snorkel, sail, windsurf or
scuba dive. There is
horseback riding on the
beach. Eastern side beaches
are deserted stretches of
sand with dramatic rock
formations and powerful
surfs - a favorite place to
surf or boogie board. The
Mayans built a temple on
Cozumel to their moon
goddess, Ixchel, to ensure
fertility for their women.
Isla Holbox:
There is no better place to
get away from it all than on
Isla Holbox. This small
island 16 mi long rests at
the tip of Quintana Roo,
just north of Cancún and
offers a kind of romance and
tranquility. The small
village has no paved roads
and the residents get around
on electric golf carts. On
the gulf side of the island
are long stretches of sand,
where the birds gather to
bask in the sun. It's a
beachcomber's paradise - the
sands are strewn with
hundreds of seashells.
Afternoon breezes from the
Gulf of Mexico ensure that
the island remains cool. the
checkpoint station, turn
north to Kantunilkin road.
The Colonial Cities:
A trip to one of the nearby
colonial cities is an
adventure into the past.
Many of the cities in this
area are an exotic blend of
the Spanish and Maya
cultures giving them an
distinct character and
charm.
Valladolid:
Valladolid is a city founded
in 1543 by the Spanish
Conqueror Francisco de
Montejo. It is a picturesque
village with many 19th
century buildings and
churches. Its main sights
are the large cathedral
found off the main square
and the marvelous
ex-Franciscan convent and
church of Saint Bernardino
of Siena (founded in 1552).
Izamal:
Izamal, also known as Cuidad
Amarillo (the yellow city),
is a perfect example of a
typical Spanish colonial
town. All the buildings, by
order of a town law, have
been painted an earthy
yellow. In the center of
town is the enormous 16th
century Monastery of St.
Anthony de Padua, built from
the stones of a giant Maya
pyramid devoted to Itzamná,
father of the Maya gods.
Inside are 75 yellow arches
in a gigantic atrium that
houses frescoes of saints
and a statue of the Virgin
of the Immaculate
Conception. Many miracles
have been attributed to this
statue and every year there
is a pilgrimage in her
honor. To reach Izamal from
Cancún, take Highway 180,
west for 3.5 hours
approximately 273 km (169
mi). Watch for the sign that
reads, Izamal, and turn
north.
Mérida:
Mérida is the beautiful
capital of the Yucatán state
and is the cultural and
intellectual center of this
region. Known in its heyday
as the Paris of the Yucátan,
where the barons of the
henequen trade built their
mansions, Mérida is a city
that has a blend of French,
Moorish and Spanish
architecture. A visit here
will teach you about the
history and culture of the
Yucatán. Since it's a much
larger city than Cancún it
has more to offer in the way
of museums, restaurants,
shops, theaters,
universities, schools and
historical buildings.
Casa de Montejo:
Built in 1542; Renaissance
style Cathedral, home to the
second largest crucifix in
the world.
Cruises:
Caribbean Funday Cruise
9:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Goes to Isla Mujeres
Tropical Cruiser
Goes to Isla Mujeres and El
Garrafon Beach.
Treasure Island Cruise
Leaves at 8:00 am, for
swiming, snorkeling or
shopping. It includes lunch.
Sunshine Cruise
Goes to Isla Mujeres through
the lagoon, for snorkeling
and swimming in the company
of giant sea turtles. Tour
includes a buffet lunch.
Theater and Dance:
Ballet Folklorico de
Cancún
Cancún Convention Center
Blvd Kukulcán Km 9
(9) 883-0199
Cocktails start at 6:30,
dinner at 7:00 pm and the
show at 8 PM
Telephone for ticket
reservations and prices.
Cancún's famous dance troupe
performs nightly at the
Convention Center. This
popular revue showcases
regional dance and music
from across Mexico. The
dancers, wearing traditional
costumes, perform authentic
dances accompanied by live
musicians. It's a colorful
show, and is very lively and
entertaining. A Mexican
buffet dinner is served
before the show.
Teatro Cancún
Blvd Kukulcán, Km 4
(9) 849- 4848
Enjoy the chants and dances
of México along with the
dances and drum beats of the
Caribbean at Teatro Cancún.
This is an high-energy show
full of movement and music
performed by some of
Cancún's most talented
dancers and musicians. No
reservations are required.
Casa de Cultura (House of
Culture)
Prolongación Av. Yaxchilán,
Sm 21
(9) 884-8364
Admission fees are nominal
Cancún's community center
for culture is located
downtown and offers a
variety of weekly cultural
events such as music
concerts, dance rituals,
plays and poetry readings.
An on-site museum displays
works of local artists. The
exhibits change each month.
Museo Arqueologico
PreColombian history &
Culture of Mexico
Open Tues-Sat, 10am-1pm &
4-6pm
Ave. Sixto Osuna #76
Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
82110
Tel: (69) 85-3502
Shopping:
The Yucatán is famous for
its beautiful handicrafts
created by artisans in
nearby villages. The
open-air markets in Cancún
are excellent places to find
these crafts.
Hammocks
The hammock is the Yucatán's
most famous export and after
you have had a nap in one of
them you will know why they
are considered the finest in
the world. They make a cool,
comfortable and portable
bed. Local Maya sleep in
hammocks, and many find our
beds quite uncomfortable.
Hammocks come in a variety
of sizes and colors:
singular (singles sleeps
one; matrimonial is big
enough for two people, while
familia fits the whole
family.
Panama Hats
Panama hats made on the
peninsula are famous for
their light weight and
strength. They are made from
the jipijapa palm and are
considered to be among the
finest hats in the world
because of their tight weave
and flexibility. A good
Panama can be rolled up and
stuffed into a pocket
without breaking or
creasing. Most the Panama
hats are woven by residents
in the village of Becál
working in caves beneath
their homes where the
humidity keeps the reeds
flexible. Prices vary
according to the quality of
the reed and amount of time
taken to weave the hat.
Prices for really good
Panama hats start at $65.
Skirts, dresses, skirts
in the Indigenous style
Huipils are the beautiful
cotton dresses worn by the
local Maya women. They are
embroidered along the square
neck and bottom hem with
colorful designs and
flowers. Often a
lace-finished petticoat is
worn which peeks out below
the huipil. Each woman puts
her own village design on
the dress as well as her own
special pattern. Today many
of the dresses are machine
embroidered but
hand-embroidered dresses can
still be found at higher
prices. For men there is the
classic guayabera, long or
short-sleeved dress shirts
made from cotton or silk in
white and pastel colors.
Woven items
Because of the different
kinds of palms in the area,
woven baskets and mats are
plentiful. Many villages
weave them with their own
designs and patterns
creating baskets that are
both beautiful and
practical. Throughout the
craft markets you can find
woven plant holders, clothes
hampers, wastepaper bins,
food storage and handbags in
all shapes and sizes. Prices
are quite reasonable.
Leather goods and jewelry
Other handcrafted items
include leather goods,
silver jewelry and the
talavera ceramics known for
their distinctive style.
Anything made from
tortoiseshell is contraband
and will be confiscated,
since the endangered turtle
is a protected species. Also
be careful in purchasing
items made from black coral.
You must purchase it from a
recognized dealer who will
supply you with a
certificate to take with it
through customs.
Mazatlan
The traditional market in
Mazatlan is found at Ocampo
& Juarez is a marvelous
shopping area. From open air
mercados to boutiques or
shopping malls, the
assortment is varied, and
the price is right. The Zona
Dorada is the main shopping
area of Mazatlan, but that
is only the beginning. Keep
sorting through the stalls
and tables, looking for a
buried treasure.
Though the region is not
known for any particular
handicraft tradition, shops
have an wide selection of
items from throughout the
country.
Centro de Artesanias
Offers a wide selection of
fine handicrafts in more
than 20 shops. You can see
artisans at work.
Mercado Jose Mario Pino
Suarez
or Centro Comercial El
Mercado
is one of the premier
shopping centers. It offers
fine silver, leather goods,
pottery, clothing, food
stalls and some of the best
vanilla in Mexico.
Downtown shopping is a mix
of shops and open-air
markets. Bartering is
expected in the markets but
prices are fixed in the
stores.
Ki Huic Av. Tulum 17,
between the Bancomer and
Bital banks Daily 9 -10 PM
(9) 884-3347) This is the
oldest and largest craft
market in Cancún with over
100 vendors.
Mercado Veinteocho
(Market 28)
Avenida Yaxchilán and
Sunyaxchen
This popular market is
filled with shops selling
souvenir items. There are
also a number of excellent
restaurants in this market.
Plaza Bonita
Adjoins Market 28
A charming market area with
many excellent shops and
boutiques.
Fama
Along Avenida Tulum between
Avs. Cobá and Uxmal.
A department store that
sellsEnglish books and
magazines along with sports
gear, toiletries, liquor,
and handicrafts.
Ultrafemme
A popular downtown store
selling duty-free perfume,
cosmetics, and jewelry. It
also has branches in the
Hotel Zone and the major
shopping malls.
Plaza las Americas
Av. Tulum, Sm 4 and 9.
Tel: (9) 887-5893
On the southern edge of the
city, is the only indoor
shopping plaza downtown. It
has over 50 stores, three
restaurants, eight movie
theaters, a video arcade,
fast food outlets, and three
large department stores.
American mega stores
including Wal-Mart, Costco,
Office Depot, and
Blockbuster are scattered
throughout the downtown
area.
Mexican supermarkets
Include Comercial Méxicana,
Chedraui, and San Francisco
de Asís.
Hotel Zone
The malls that line Blvd.
Kukulcán are what have made
shopping in the Hotel Zone
so famous.
Kukulcán Plaza
Blvd. Kukulcán.
Tel: (9) 885-2304
has over 130 shops, 12
restaurants, a bar, a liquor
store, a bank, a
three-screen cinema, bowling
lanes, and a video arcade.
Flamingo Plaza
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-2945
Is a small mall with
designer emporiums,
duty-free shops, an exchange
booth, and sportswear shops.
Forum-by-the-Sea
Blvd. Kukulcán
Tel: (9) 883-4425
Is a huge
entertainment/shopping plaza
with three levels of
cinemas, brand-name stores,
and restaurants such as the
Rain Forest Café.
Plaza Caracol
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-2961
The largest and most
contemporary of the malls is
with over 200 shops and
boutiques, including two
pharmacies, art galleries, a
currency exchange, and folk
art and jewelry shops, as
well as cafés and
restaurants.
Plaza Mayafair
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-0862
Next-door to Plaza Caracol
is this large open-air plaza
filled with 30 shops,
restaurants, and bars.
La Isla Shopping Village
Blvd. Kukulcán,
(9) 883-5025
The newest and most
exclusive mall is located on
the Nichupté Lagoon under a
giant canopy. There are a
wide variety of upscale
boutiques along with a
marina, an aquarium, a
disco, restaurants, and
movie theaters.
Coral Negro (Black Coral)
It's open seven days a week
until late evening.
There is only one open-air
market in the Hotel Zone.
located next to the
Convention Center, It has
over 50 stalls selling craft
items.
Cancún Beaches:
The entire hotel zone is
really one long beach. If
the beach in front of your
hotel is not to your liking,
you can walk over to the
next hotel's beach and swim
there, use their chairs,
play volleyball, go
parasailing, etc.. The beach
is all public property,
except around the Club Med.
Although the Cancún coast
includes both an "ocean
side" and a "lagoon side",
most of the hotels face the
ocean. There is very little
beach the lagoon side.
Swimming and tanning take
place on the ocean side, and
jet-skis, kayaks, and other
water sports are found on
the lagoon side.
Unlike beaches in elsewhere,
the beaches in Cancún are
made of crushed coral rather
than crushed rock. The coral
stays cool even on the
hottest days; and doesn't
burn the feet. The Atlantic
surf is high and most of the
swimming consists of bobbing
in the waves. Depending on
the wave and tide
conditions, each section of
the beach is marked with a
color coded flag indicating
whether it is safe to swim
there.
Parasailing
Parasailing is offered on
the beach opposite some of
the hotels. There is also
parasailing at the Aquaworld
marina.
Beach Volleyball
There is a volleyball net in
the same area and one near
the Casa Maya.
Snorkeling
The best snorkeling area off
the beach is the public area
near the Westin Regina, in
the southern tip of the
hotel zone.
Tours:
Chichen Itza
Most visitors to Cancún
agree that a tour of the
ruins at Chichen Itza is a
must. In addition to the
beautiful scenery and
structures, there are
fascinating echo effects in
some of the enclosed areas.
To streamline the tours,
guides from different
companies sometimes exchange
parts of their groups so
that one guide has the
English speakers and the
other has the Spanish
speakers. Expect a detailed
explanation of Mayan culture
and history. There are also
independent guides who show
small parties around the
vicinity. Afterward, you
return to Cancún on one of
the regular tour buses.
Xel-Ha
Usually, tours to Tulum also
include an afternoon of
snorkeling at Xel-Ha. It is
a nature preserve with the
lagoon as the main
attraction. Don't apply any
suntan lotion before coming
to Xel-Ha as you are not
allowed to swim with it on
(it's toxic to the coral
reef).
Bullfights
Av. Bonampak (past the Pemex
Station, near Plaza las
Americas)
(9) 884-8372 or (9) 884-8248
every Wednesday at 3:30
Tickets begin at $40
The first bullfight in
Mexico was held in 1526 in
honor of Hernán Cortés and
shortly afterward
bullfighting arenas were
built throughout the
country. While Cancún's
bullring is certainly much
younger than those found in
other cities, it maintains
all the traditions of this
ancient duel. You can
witness the battle between
man and beast. One hour
before the bullfight,
matador, charros (cowboys),
a mariachi band, and
flamenco dancers entertain
you with song and dance
until the bulls are ready.
Sports:
There is nonstop action on
both land and sea. Choose
from a wide variety
including jet-ski and
parasailing thrills, scuba
diving and boating. The main
course for golf is
Pok-Ta-Pok. With 18 holes
facing both sea and lagoon,
the club has a practice
green, pool, tennis courts
and restaurant. The Caesar
Park Beach and Golf Resort
and Hotel Melia Cancún also
feature 18-hole courses.
Diving & Fishing
The waters surrounding
Cancún are clear and
diverse. You can snorkel
right off the beach or scuba
dive/snorkel over the "Mayan
Reef" . Famous dive spots
like Palancar, El Bajito,
Manchones and Chitales are
all nearby. There is also
the Cave of the Sleeping
Sharks where divers
sometimes claim to have
"petted" the sleeping
sharks. Isla Mujeres is
probably the most scenic
place in the area for diving
& snorkeling. Deep sea
fishing is available
throughout Cancún. Marlin,
sailfish, tuna and dorado
are available during their
respective seasons.
Golf
Cancún has 4 18-hole golf
courses available for the
avid golfer. In Cancún
you'll find one at each tip
of the island. The other two
courses are found to the
south on the Mayan Riviera.
Kayaking & Windsurfing
Kayakers & windsurfers will
find Cancún's waters perfect
for your enjoyment. For
calmer waters, try the
protected Nichupté Lagoon or
the northern end of Cancún
Island. Jet skiing,
parasailing and regular
sailing are also popular in
this water paradise. |
