About Cancun & Riviera Maya

Cancun

Cancun, Mexico, a city on the northeast coast of the state of Quintana Roo, is considered one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations because of its great natural beauty.  The turquoise sea filled with colorful fish and coral reefs, plus soft white sandy beaches, attract visitors from all over the world.  In Cancun, there is no room for boredom. From the moment the sun rises until it drops below the horizon, there are countless places to visit and things to do.

In the city center, there is something to suit every visitor’s tastes.  Take a stroll down the Kukulcán Boulevard, the main street joining the island hotel area with the city center which is home to shops, local arts and crafts, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Cancun is located 550 miles south of Miami in the southeastern part of Mexico.  It has a population of approximately 450,000 people.  Cancun is a very popular destination that also includes the Riviera Maya area and Playa de Carmen and these locations provide wonderful options for a Caribbean wedding and honeymoon.

Playa del Carmen & Rivieria Maya

Playa del Carmen is one of the most charming spots on the Mexican Caribbean and a hub from which to visit the stellar attractions of the Riviera Maya.  Playacar, as the locals call it, is a radiant city in the middle of the country blessed with a blue, cloudless sky and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Located in the heart of the Mayan world just 42 miles south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is popular for aquatic activities such as diving and exploring beautiful coral reefs.  The area is very popular among tourists as it offers a cosmopolitan city with outdoor restaurants, bars, designer shops, boutiques, and craft markets.

On the narrow streets of Playa del Carmen, visitors will find restaurants with signature cuisine and exclusive boutique hotels, which have been covered by the world’s most famous travel magazines. Hotels in Playa del Carmen abound and range from luxury properties to smaller hotels.

Isla Mujeres

A visit to Isla Mujeres is one of the most wonderful experiences you will have.  Surrounded by gentle, startlingly turquoise waters, this small Caribbean island 8 miles from Cancun offers a variety of tourist activities with its uniquely beautiful natural parks.

Isla Mujeres, which means “Island of the Women”, was discovered in 1517 by Francisco Hernandez de Córdoba.  He chose this name because he was surprised by the number of idols of women floating on the sea.  What he did not know is the idols were offerings to the goddess Ixchel, who the Mayans prayed to for fertility, love and the moon.  Today, Isla Mujeres is visited by thousands of tourists who come to seek out the marine life with its rays and sharks and to marvel at the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-longest in the world.  There are many attractions including the El Garrafón Nature Park which has various water activities.  The international tourist and boutique hotels give Isla Mujeres a cosmopolitan air, while the local people have blended Mayan and Spanish traditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS – Cancun offers a wide range of accommodations, including ultra-modern hotels and resorts, as well as charming and more intimate resorts.  All-inclusive resorts are very popular in this region.

CALLING CANCUN – The international dialing code is (52) + 8 digits.

COMMUNICATIONS – The country is easily accessible through worldwide direct-dial telephone systems as well as Internet services.  Cellular phone rentals are also readily available.

CREDIT CARDS – All major credit cards are widely accepted as are travelers’ checks.

CURRENCY – The currency in Cancun is the Mexican Peso $9.80=US$1.00. US currency, however, is accepted throughout Cancun.

DRINKING WATER – Bottle water is recommended.

ELECTRICITY – As in North America it is 110 Volts AC.

TIME – Eastern Standard Time

WHAT TO WEAR – The dress code is informal by day and casually elegant by night.