General Information about Cancun

(Yucatan peninsula from satellite view) picture: NASA

Cancun is located over the Yucatan peninsula and is part of the Quintana Roo state and is next to Yucatan state and Campeche state, it has 2 international boarders one is with Guatemala and Belize, this two countries are inside the geography of central America.
Quintana Roo is divided in three regions one because it´s geographic characteristics, territory integration and economical, cultural and social activities.
North Zone is practitly where all the tourist activity is in motion, Isla mujeres (island of women), Benito Jurez municipality (Cancún), Cozumel island and Riviera Maya (from playa del carmen up to Tulum).
Southern Quintana Roo where the state´s capital is the city of Chetumal (border with Belize) is agood option to choose for traveling by car an visit other places.
The 3rd zone is Zona Maya.

Cancun is one of the most important tourist complexes in Mexico and the world. Its uperb location, shaped like an island, its year-round mild climate, and its gorgeous, warm, sandy white beaches washed by the Caribbean sea are ideal for water sports.
The waters of the bay sheltered by Isla Mujeres are calm and perfect for surfing, sailing, underwater diving and boat trips; those facing the open surf have stronger currents but are also suitable for fishing and snorkelling.
Cancún has a first rate tourist infrastructure and services. The most famous hotel chains in the world have combined luxury and comfort with hospitality and all of them offer access to tennis courts and relaxing spas.

Nightlife in Cancún’s hotel zone is extremely varied. You will find some of the largest discotheques in the world and restaurants with some of the world’s most famous chefs as well as fast-food outlets. If you are looking for a calmer atmosphere, there are jazz or piano bars, as well as those with traditional mariachi music.
The numerous marinas facilitate this type of activities in both the bay and Laguna Nichupté where we recommend you try kayaking.

Cancún has fascinating Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. Its excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighboring Yucatán.

However, Cancún also has plazas and malls carrying everything from handicrafts from all over the country to an impressive array of imported goods.

(Layout of Cancun, and a nice view from satellite) picture: NASA

Cancun's hotel zone is shaped like the number seven, as you can see from the small map to the top.
At the top of the "7" is the Bahia de Mujeres - the northern end of the hotel zone. Beaches here are beautiful turquoise-blue with white sand, shallow for some distance out, and have little or no surf, making them great for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports.
To the right of the "7" is the Caribbean sea. The beaches here also have beautiful turquoise waters and white sand, and also have surf. Be especially careful on these beaches fronting the open Caribbean, where the undertow can be quite dangerous at times. In general, the best Caribbean-side beaches are found from the Sheraton Hotel and south.
To the left of the "7"is the Nichupte Lagoon. It is a salt-water lagoon, and is generally not good for swimming. During the day, the Nichupté becomes a water sports haven, and many marinas offer jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, and jungle tours. Cancun´s only two Golf courses and the best residential areas are in the lagoon side, and most of the year you can admire the sunsets for taking pictures or just see the beauty of nature.
Yes, there are even crocodiles in parts of the lagoon! However, there is only one known crocodile attack on a tourist in Cancun's history. Cancun's crocodiles are non-aggressive species that feed on fish and other small wildlife. It is estimated that no more than twenty-five adult crocodiles live in the 5,000-hectare-lagoon system, most of them in areas distant from
THE POPULATION OF CANCUN is nearly 1,000,000 habitants from all over the country as Cancun is very new city in Mexico, the people that was born in Cancun they have an average of 25 years old, there are also many people coming from different nations, so the multicultural aspects made of Cancun a multilingual city but mostly speak English.
Accomodation
Whether you’re visiting Cancún for business or pleasure, you can choose from some different hotels and resorts.
140 hotels with over 25,000 rooms, for all tastes and budgets. There are luxurious beachfront accommodations (see the top ten best resorts section), others that operate under the “all-inclusive” concept, and several that are designed for family vacations. The cost of rooms depends mainly on location and range of facilities. Some of the downtown hotels, designed for business travellers and budget vacationers, offer comfortable rooms and perhaps a swimming pool and coffee shop, while the high end beachfront facilities in the Hotel Zone feature deluxe rooms, and a full range of dining, entertainment, and sports options, including tennis and even golf, as well as meeting and convention facilities. The coastline stretching from Cancun to
Tulum, called the Riviera Maya, is booming, with many new hotels, resorts, and romantic hideaways.

The most beautiful Blue in the world: Beaches in Cancun.

Beach Descriptions
Naturally, the beaches are the biggest draw in Cancun with their soft, white sand and brilliant turquoise-blue water. Cancun's Hotel Zone is really just one long beach separated from the mainland by a system of lagoons.
The dazzling white sand of Cancun's beaches is light in weight and cool underfoot even in the blazing sun. That's because it is composed not of silica but rather of microscopic plankton fossils called disco-aster (a tiny star-shaped creature). The coolness of the sand has not been lost on Cancun's ingenious promoters, who have dubbed it "air-conditioned."
All of these delightful beaches are open to you because all Mexican beaches are public property. Several of Cancun's beaches are set aside for easy public access, but you should know that you have the right to walk and swim on any beach at all. In practice it may be difficult to approach certain stretches of beach without going through a hotel's property, but few hotels will notice you walking through to the beach in any case.

Topless Sunbathing. Although it is not considered scandalous for women to sunbathe topless in Cancún, it is not common like it is in Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, where many more Europeans vacation. If you are on hotel property in Cancún, you may be asked to put your top back on at the hotel's discretion.Overall, most hotels in Cancún have very nice beaches. However, some of the beaches just south of Punta Cancún have more large rock outcroppings on the beach, or very small beaches. These beaches include the stretch from the Krystal Hotel to the Meliá Turquesa Hotel, just south of Punta Cancún.
Safety On the beach. Swimming on the Caribbean side of the island presents a danger from undertow, but if you follow the flag system you should have no fears about swimming in the beautiful glass-like water.

Green Flag	Water completely safe for swimming, but use common-sense.
Yellow Flag	Water somewhat rough. Swim with caution.
Red Flag	Water very rough. Swim with extreme caution. Stay near the water's edge
Black Flag	Absolutely no swimming. Too dangerous.

Crime. There is little crime in Cancun. In the tourist areas, you are generally safe late at night. Car break-ins are just about the only crime, especially around the shopping centers in the Hotel Zone. So be sure to lock your door like you would back at home. Like any other beach resort, do not leave money or valuables unattended on the beach.
While all beaches in Cancun are technically public (owned by the government), you may not be able to access the beach by walking through a hotel, which is private property. Visitors staying in hotels that are not on the beach can access the beaches at any of the 10 public-access entries to the beach

1.- PLAYA LAS PERLAS Another nice place for swimming and a good place for water sports. There are restaurants and bars on the beach, but if you love peace and relaxing moments by the ocean, never visit this beach in holidays and weekends, because the natives makes of this part of Cancun one of the busiest beaches all over Cancun, otherwise, you can enjoy of windsurf, kayac, snorkel and hobbiecat lessons in this area, It is located at kilometer 2.5 in the Hotel Zone.
2.- PLAYA LINDA.- Excellent swimming. Close to downtown and facing Bahia de Mujeres. Some of the best swimming in all of Cancún. Restaurants, changing rooms. Playa Linda’s dock is the departure point for submarine and dive tours. Located at kilometre 4 in the Hotel Zone.
3.-. PLAYA LANGOSTA.- Excellent swimming. Situated in the middle of the north end of the Hotel Zone and facing Bahia de Mujeres, you can find some of the best swimming that Cancun has to offer at Playa Langosta. Lots of beach restaurants and bars. Located at km. 5 of the Hotel Zone. A dock with shuttles to Isla Mujeres and other tours located here too.
4.- PLAYA TORTUGAS.- Public entrance is next to Fat Tuesday's. Good swimming here, and perfect for water sports. A number of restaurants and refreshment bars located here too. Located at kilometre 6.5 in the Hotel Zone. Dock offering shuttles to Isla Mujeres and other tours.
5.- PLAYA CARACOL/ PLAYA LAS PALMAS.- Entrance is hard to locate. Go through the small wood gate next to Fiesta Americana Coral Beach. Also accessible through Xcaret bus terminal. Near Punta Cancun, ideal for children or beginner swimmers. One of the nicer beaches because of its flat shallow sand bed. Located at 8.5 km in the Hotel Zone.
6.- PLAYA GAVIOTA AZUL.- This beach is located back from Forum by the sea Shopping Mall, it is quiet and nice for relaxing, specially in the mornings.
7.- PLAYA CHAC-MOOL.- Public entrance is across the street from Señor Frog's. Public beach with changing area, handy restaurants. Be advised however that the currents are strong and it's tempting to wade too far out into the shallow water. Good water sports area - sail-boarding, water skiing and parasailing. Located kilometre 10 in the Hotel Zone, near Punta Cancun.
8.- PLAYA MARLIN.- Public entrance behind Kukulcán Plaza. Sunbather's delight. Well known for its incredible, expansive views and peaceful sunbathing. Keep an eye on the warning flags however, as the currents can be dangerous. Located at kilometre 13 in the Hotel Zone, in between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc.
9.- PLAYA BALLENAS.- Public entrance is a sidewalk along the Le Meriden Hotel wall fence. Incredible views, and peaceful sunbathing. however, as the currents can be quite dangerous any time of the year. This beach is also well know because the International Cancun Jazz Festival took place for many years, and legend George Benson, group Blood, Sweat and Tears, Carlos Santana, Tania Maria, Tower of power and many more performance in past festivals, this beach is at kilometre 14 in the Hotel Zone, in between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc.
10.- PLAYA DELFINES Peaceful sunbathing and breathtaking views. However it also offers dangerous swimming conditions in the strong surf and sometimes treacherous currents. There are some stone benches for sitting and contemplating the sea, but no other facilities. At kilometre 18 in the Hotel Zone, near Punta Nizuc.
11.- PLAYA NIZUC.- This beach is one of the most peacefull and beatty because it is very near to the coral reefs that still are in Cancún with the best snorkeling area off the beach is the area between the Westin Regina and Club Med down in the southern 0tip of the hotel zone.

Cancun, the island of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and the Riviera Maya, including Playa del Carmen, are found on the northern coast of the state of Quintana Roo, in southeastern Mexico. Localization. It has a subtropical climate with summer rains and temperatures ranging between 97 degrees F (in summer) and 54 degrees F (in winter). Vegetation is subtropical jungle with coastal mangroves. The world's second largest coral reef faces the coast.

Due to Cancun's rapid growth and dynamism, it is the most important city in the Mexican Caribbean. Cancun is divided into two parts: downtown and the hotel zone. The International Airport is found 11miles south of Cancun. All the services of a megalopolis may be found here.
The population is primarily composed of people born in other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, distinct parts of the country and foreigners, who have been arriving since tourist development began in Cancun in 1971.

Facing Playa del Carmen is the island of Cozumel. Access is available by plane from Cancun's airport, by cargo boat or ferry carrying automobiles from Puerto Morelos, or by passenger ferry or speedboats from Playa del Carmen.

To reach Isla Mujeres, an island facing Cancun, depart from El Embarcadero (Cancun's hotel zone), from Puerto Juarez by skiff or passenger boat or from Punta Sam by cargo boat or car ferry. Playa del Carmen is the Riviera Maya's most important city. It is 37 miles from Cancun by highway and offers all basic services.
The Riviera Maya lies between Tulum and Cancun. Small settlements for tourist development labourers can be found here, along with large hotels, rustic lodging and aquatic, natural or cultural sites of interest.

Playa del Carmen is the Riviera Maya's most important city. It is 37 miles from Cancun by highway and offers all basic services.

TIPS

Cancun is a world-class tourist destination offering visitors some of the best service available. In the airports and hotels, a tip of one or two American dollars per suitcase carried is recommended.
Taxi drivers receive a tip only when they provide service in addition to transport. At bars or restaurants, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the total value consumed is customary. Always verify that the tip is not included in the bill.
Tips within the hotels follow American customs and are always a sign of satisfaction during your stay.

CANCUN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (C U N)

Cancun International airport is the second largest airport nationwide in Mexico, The location of this airport is North-East from the Yucatan peninsula in the coast of the Caribbean sea. For Its operations everyday day, the reports says last year 4,000,000 people were walking along this airport, and received 38,826 regular flights and others 11,787 charter flights from many countries but, mostly The United States.

The modern facility of this airport is located 18 kilo meters from the hotel zone, across a nice road in very good condition surronding with natural beauty of the zone and mangroves , fort example there is one hotel wich its distance from airport is only 8 minutes, but you are going to get to your hotel in less than 25 minutes et the most depending on the location of your hotel or resort (of course if you are coming with one of those group buses your are going to expend more than one hour to get to your hotel).
Cancun International Airport received year after year the biggest number of International flights in Mexico, above Mexico city International airport.
This airport is the number one of four in the state of Quintana Roo, the other three are Chetumal, Cozumel Island and Isla Mujeres.
Cancun International Airport is located at the south of New Orleans and it is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from florida State, 2 hours flight from The Bahamas, 35 minutes from Cuba, 1 hour 25 minutes from Guatemala, 45 minutes from Belize.
For example some Americans from states such as Florida, Virgina, Texas, Luisiana, and New york expends less time flighing to Cancun than many Mexicans that live over Tijuana.

THE LAW

Mexico, including the three states of the Yucatan Peninsula considers the following items Federal offenses:
- Possession, transportation and sales of all drugs whether they be chemical or natural.
- Possession, transportation and sales of any type of archaeological relic or historical treasure.
- Sales or purchase of animal or plant species in danger of extinction; or derived products thereof; birds, lizards, marine turtles, monkeys, deer and others on a very long and stringently enforced list.
- Destruction, removal or mistreatment of any and all marine corals

SAFETY

You and your family's safety are guaranteed when visiting Cancun or any other part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Here, where tourism is the principal economic activity, special care is taken to ensure the well-being and peace of mind of visitors.
You may stroll calmly through the international airport, malls, streets, avenues and beaches. Authorized transportation is supervised, taxi drivers are friendly, service-oriented and their vehicles are safe.
In the hotel zone, wander worry-free at any time of day or night.
The highways toward Chichen Itza and Tulum are wide and secure, and are constantly monitored by the federal police and auxiliary services.
Nevertheless, like any other part of the world, use caution at night when in areas removed from public zones, being on the street in an altered state or inviting strangers into your car or hotel room. Watch important personal belongings and deposit valuables in the safety boxes in your hotel. Hotels provide very efficient security services.
Don't be alarmed by news that the media may divulge over occurrences in other parts of the country. Quintana Roo is a peaceful state and its northern zone opens its doors to you, offering our characteristically cheerful Mexican hospitality.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephones
The area code for Cancun is 998. All local numbers have seven digits, and all numbers begin with 8. If a number is written (998) 884-1234, when in Cancun you must dial 884-1234. The area code for Playa de Carmen is (984) and Cozumel is (987). If you are trying to reach Cancun internationally, please contact your local operator for the proper international dialing codes.

Internet Access
You can find Internet rentals in almost every hotel and shopping mall, there is at least one internet store.
Newspapers
Most hotel gift shops and newsstands carry English-language magazines, and Mexican newspapers in English.

Cancun has all the communication services of a modern and cosmopolitan city: widespread Internet access, local phone service by credit card or prepaid calling card and cellular phone rentals are all offered. Areas from Tulum, from the way that takes to the Sian Ka'an reserve, do not have telephone services, but a rented cell phone can always be of use if you so desire.

CARS AND GASOLINE

One of the best Car rental agencies can be found at the International Airport, in hotels and shopping centers. A credit card and valid driver's license are required. There are two types of unleaded gasoline: Magna and Premium (the latter is recommended, it has higher octane and is more efficient for new automobiles). Payment must be in cash at all gas stations; none accept credit VIP RENT A CAR is Our best recommendation for you if you need to rent a car in Cancun, more information of this company is available in this website.

TRANSPORTATION

Local taxis will take passengers to any part of the city of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and even Merida.
In Cancun, Turicun and Autocar are public buses that follow routes from downtown through the entire hotel zone and back. They are practical and affordable, with frequent stops. Taxis are recommended downtown. They may be stopped from the street, are easily accessible (watch for rush hour) and inexpensive.
You can reach any part of the Riviera Maya in buses departing from the ADO terminals in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. These buses are a safe, practical and affordable means of transport.
If you decide against a tour, we recommend renting a car in order to travel at your leisure

.MONEY

The peso is Mexico's official currency exchange rate.
Its value is in constant flux due to its dependency on the American dollar. One American dollar is worth approximately 9.50 Mexican pesos. Mastercard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted without exception, as well as traveler's checks and dollars (only in bills).

Money exchange centers and banks to change any type of currency to Mexican pesos (advisable when carrying cash) are found in all areas.

DRINKING WATER

Water in the hotel zone is drinkable. It is extracted from below the ground and contains a high mineral content due to the Yucatan Peninsula's geological origin. This can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people. It is advisable to purchase bottled water, sold in all areas.
Because this is a tropical area, we caution against drinking water of unknown origins.

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are located in the northern part of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) maps, bordering the Caribbean Sea. The climate is subtropical with summer rains. It is blessed by a moderate temperature over 70 degrees F; in the cooler months the temperature hits a low of 64 degrees F. The dominant warm winds flow from the southeast and blow most of the year. Months from November to February are frequently accompanied by the colder winds from the north and occasional heavy rains. Tropical showers, intense but brief, are common in the summer which leave the environment humid and warm.

Hurricane and tropical storm season runs from July until September. Even though its direct has been minor during the last 25 years, in case of a hurricane threat, adequate contingency measures are established. Tourists are the first protected and evacuated. Necessary information is provided around the clock and adequate measures are taken with sufficient anticipation.
The zone is comprised of secondary jungle, arising after various changes in the original jungle throughout hundreds of years. Trees lose their leaves during the dry season, which is why a distinction is drawn between seasons with very verdant vegetation and others with vegetation that appears dry.

All of the Yucatan Peninsula is of a calcareous geological origin meaning it was formed by calcium carbonate salts. Its white-colored subsoil is very permeable and the rocks are easily dissolved by rainwater, allowing the formation of underground rivers. An extensive underground network has been formed throughout the centuries; it is an aquatic city that can be visited in parts either snorkeling or diving. Swimming in the caverns among stalactite and stalagmite forests is an undeniably unique experience offered in this region rich in natural wonders. "Cenotes" are the entrance to this mysterious world. They appear when the top of a cavern falls in, revealing the subterranean river's crystalline waters. Some say that these natural freshwater pools in the middle of the jungle are fountains of eternal youth.

Regarding the local fauna, placid iguanas are without a doubt the main hosts, since they are found from the doors of the hotels to the gardens and the golf courses, in the archeological zones and all over the Riviera Maya. Always have your camera in hand. The rest of the wildlife is not as easy to observe, nevertheless, crocodiles are commonly seen in Cancun's hotel zone. If you chose to explore the jungle on one of Playa del Carmen's ecological tours, you may be lucky enough to stumble upon a family of raccoons, spider monkeys, wild boar or deer. Likewise, you can visit one of the nurseries, farms or small zoos found in the Riviera Maya.

When you visit an archeological zone, it is preferable not to stray off of the main roads in order to avoid an unfavorable encounter with one of the region's snakes. There are three particularly poisonous species; nevertheless, like all wild animals facing the presence of a human, they will be the first to flee.

Aquatic life is very diverse and abundant and the coral reefs that run the length of a great part of the Caribbean coast are the principal habitat of these marine species. When submerging yourself in the sea or lagoons in Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres or Sian Ka'an, you will have a chance to discover wonderful worlds, home to colorful tropical fish, rays, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and many more species.

ATTIRE

During any time of the year we recommend wearing casual, lightweight clothing, preferably light-colored and made from natural fibers. Use bathing suits and sandal-type shoes only on the beach and around the pool, and tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes to walk in the jungle or to visit archaeological zones, reserves or parks. Don't forget a casual but elegant outfit to dine in an exclusive restaurant.
During the winter months we suggest lightweight pants and a sweater.
We advise bringing sunglasses and using sunblock when on the beach or on a tour on the archaeological sites we recommend the use of insect repelent. Any necessary, forgotten or desired articles can be found easily. Nearly all hotels have stores selling clothes and all types of articles, as do Cancun's shopping centers and supermarkets.

KIDS

If you are traveling with small children you will find all the basic and necessary services for a pleasant stay. Cancun's supermarkets offer from baby accessories and food to toys. All cities are equipped with basic medical services and the majority of hotels provide entertainment for the little ones so you may rest, from a miniclub for kids to activities for toddlers.
In addition, there are many tour options and entertainment for children and youths, such as aquatic activities, swimming with dolphins, visits to interesting and unique sites in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

LANGUAGE AND RELIGION

Spanish is the official language, but everybody speaks English. In hotels and travel agencies you will find personnel who are fluent in other languages.
Natives speak the Maya language of their ancestors since the Yucatan Peninsula is the cradle of one of the greatest civilizations that existed in ancient Mesoamerica: the Maya. Important archeological zones have endured and are open to the public, as well as a great number of vestiges still hidden within the jungle waiting to be rescued.
Catholicism is the main religion practiced. Many hotels offer religious services on weekends. In small towns, ancient practices of the Maya religion are still carried out.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres have all necessary medical facilities to cover any emergency and have pharmacies 24 hours stocked with all types of medications. Furthermore, private air transportation is available in case of an emergency requires to go to a more specialized medical center. In downtown Cancun are located four government clinics, and three private hospitals. Mexican Red Cross provides medical service and ambulance transportation.
All services are offered in Merida's hospitals (state of Yucatan) only 35 minutes from Cancun by plane.

PETS

Only cats and dogs may enter the country. Transportation requirements include a signed letter by a veterinarian listing vaccinations and indicating that the animal is in good health. In any case, we recommend leaving pets at home since most hotels are not equipped with services to accommodate them. The small hotels of the Riviera Maya may have options, but we suggest checking beforehand. There are special guidelines for dogs of handicapped people.

WORKING HOURS

-Government office hours are generally from 9AM to 2PM mornings, closing for lunch and reopening from 5PM to 8PM.

-Banking hours vary with each institution, but most open at 9AM.

-Shopping centers get started at 10AM and usually close at 10PM, Monday through Sunday.