Facts About Cancun Mexico

History: Cancun is a very young city. Before the 1960's, there were probably about 1,000 residents living in the area that is now filled with resorts, bars, and restaurants. Most of these residents where Mayan fishermen who made full use of the abundant waters off the coast of Cancun and their families. At the end of the 60's, it was revealed by the Mexican government that the area would be the focus of tourism development. Quickly, an international airport was built along with the Hotel Zone and a small city for the locals who would work in the soon-to-be booming tourist destination. Today, over 400,000 people call Cancun their home and hundreds of thousands more visit yearly.

Cancun Airport

The Cancun International Airport is Mexico's second busiest airport. It serves about 800,000 travelers every month. It is located about a twenty minute drive south of Cancun's Hotel Zone. From the airport, several companies offer buses and shuttles to get you to various places in Cancun and along the Riviera Maya. It is smart to book your transportation shuttle from the airport to your destination in advance so you don't have to worry about waiting in lines to get onto your shuttle.

The Hotel Zone

The Hotel Zone is the place where the majority of the top-name Cancun resorts and hotels are located. This is a 17-mile stretch of beaches with the hotels as the backdrop. The Hotel Zone is the area of Cancun that many people think about when they think of Cancun: expansive beautiful beaches, luxury spas and resorts, excellent water activities like snorkeling and diving, and top-quality restaurants. Stay in the Hotel Zone if you want to experience the luxurious and exciting resort lifestyle that Cancun is famous for.

Downtown Cancun

Downtown Cancun is where the majority of residents live. You want to make a visit to Downtown Cancun during your visit. This is where you get a feel for a more authentic Mexican city. In Downtown you get your tasty small local Mexican restaurants alongside five-star fine dining establishments. Downtown is also where the stretches of nightclubs and bars seem endless and you can easily spend an entire night bar hopping.

Getting Around

Getting around Cancun is not too difficult. It is easiest to rent your own car to get from place to place, but most people would rather not rent a car while on vacation. Taxis are an excellent option but their prices can start adding up after a while. For most people, the bus system is the most convenient and least expensive of getting from place to place. The bus system in Cancun is surprisingly rather effective. They come frequently and get you to where you need to go. Take time to explore a map and schedule of the bus system when you arrive in Cancun.