About Cancún

Whether you are packing the sunscreen, the suntan lotion, and the beach chair to go for a swim,

Cancún, México

looking for a great cantina or bar for some rowdy spring break fun, just want a romantic hideaway with a great view, or looking for adventure sports activities, there are no limits to how you can enjoy your Caribbean vacation in México. As a world-class travel destination, there are a great variety of hotels and travel packages. For budget-minded travelers, there are one star hotels, and for folks looking for the experience of a lifetime, there are five star and Gran Tourism hotels with all inclusive travel packages.

In the Mayan language, Cancún means "nest of snakes." Over the last three decades, Cancún has changed dramatically, from a small fishing village to one of the world's most visited resort areas. Vacations to Cancún have become big business. Before its growth as a tourism destination, Cancún and the entire Yucatán Peninsula were inhabited almost exclusively by the Mayan people. Many descendants still inhabit the area, and remnants left by their ancestors can be found all over the peninsula.

The city of Cancún is made up of two sections. The first is the Cancúun Hotel Zone, or Zona Hotelera, which is located on the island of Cancún itself. The island is surrounded by 22 kilometers (15 miles) of beautiful beaches and is shaped like the number seven. The second section is the downtown area, or El Centro, located just to the north of the island on the mainland. The Zona Hotelera and El Centro areas are close enough to each other that you can walk from one to the other. Most who arrive in Cancún will come through the airport, located to the south of the city. Check the Getting Around section (below) for more details about transportation in and around Cancun. You can also use the Transfers section (right) to book your trips to and from the airport.

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