Cancun Activities, Tours & Information

Cancun Activities, Tours & Information and activities

Time Zone
Cancun is on Central Standard Time

How do I get around?
In Cancun, city buses are available from 6:00 am to midnight. Taxi cabs are available 24 hours a day and run at fixed rates, so check prices. In Playa Del Carmen, buses run to Cancun every 30 minutes and ferries to Cozumel are available almost every two hours.

Currency
The peso is the Mexican form of currency. It is suggested that you exchange small amounts of U.S. dollars for pesos. Major credit cards are also widely accepted. A pocket calculator can also be helpful when you shop to help convert U. S. dollars to pesos. Bartering when shopping outside of the resort areas is practiced. U.S. dollars are accepted in the resort areas but keep in mind any change that is due back will be in pesos. One recommendation is to use a credit card which will present the daily currency exchange on your next billing statement.

Language
Spanish is the official language. English is also widely spoken in the Hotel areas.

Proof of Citizenship
Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and our International Destinations are a valid passport, OR a certified , state issued birth certificate with raised seal AND a valid government photo ID, a naturalization/citizenship certificate, Armed Forces' ID or discharge papers stating place of birth. It is the traveler's responsibility to provide proper documentation. Married women traveling with any documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license (a copy is acceptable).

Rental Cars
Rental cars, primarily standard-shift sub compacts and four-wheel-drive vehicles, are available at the airport and throughout Cancun. You can rent an automatic car with air-conditioning if you reserve it in advance. You can also hire a big, late-model car with air-conditioning and an English- speaking chauffeur at many Hotel travel desks. There are no rental cars available on Isla Mujeres but you can rent a golf cart and drive it around the Island; you can also bring a car over on the Punta Sam ferry.

International road signs are used in Cancun-- although the words are in Spanish, you'll recognize the signs themselves. Keep your eyes open for bicycles, three-wheeled carts, mopeds and pedestrians, and be especially careful in the traffic circles. One final word of advice: Look out for yellow signs with small mountains on them--they indicate topes, or speed bumps, ahead- sometimes immediately ahead.

In the town, the limit is generally 40 km/hr (approx. 25 mph) and in the Hotel Zone 60 km/hr (approx. 37 mph), with busy sections at 40 km/hr. Highways range between 90 km/hr (approx. 55 mph) and 100 km/hr (approx. 68 mph). Speed bumps are a very popular way of keeping drivers within the speed limits; look for them when entering and leaving towns and villages. If you run out of gas or break down, don't leave the vehicle; Mexico's "Green Angels," part of the Tourism Department, patrol the main roads and will lend you assistance.

Taxis
If you don't want to drive yourself, there are other ways to get around Cancun. One of the easiest is to take a taxi. Taxis are easy to find at the Hotels, downtown, and at many of the most popular attractions. Taxi rides can be costly, however, with even short taxi rides costing $3-$4 US. You can find the taxi rates at most of the Hotel entrances, just be sure to settle on a fare with the taxi driver before departing for your destination. Tips are not required, but are suggested.

Public Transportation
You could also use Cancun's public transportation system. Air conditioned buses run in the Hotel Zone and in the downtown area, and the one-way bus fare is approximately $.50. Just be aware that buses can get very busy during the peak hours of 8 to 9 a.m., 1 to 2 p.m., and 4 to 5 p.m.

Whether you enjoy land-based or water-based activities, Cancun has something to offer you. With Cancun's beautiful weather, there are plenty of opportunities to do as much, or as little, as you want. Here, you can do things that you've only dreamed about!

Cancun Travel information:

Cancun Archaeology
Cancun has vestiges of Mayan culture in places such as El Rey and El Meco. Cancun Museum, set in the Convention Center in the Hotel Zone, displays pieces from these and other archaeological sites in the state. Cancun is just a short trip away from imposing Mayan centers such as Tulum and even San Gervasio, on Cozumel Island. Two hundred kilometers outside Cancun, in the state of Yucatan, stands Chichen Itza, which can be reached by taking Hway. 180 to Merida.

Coba - Located 180 km outside Cancun and regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites ecause of the remains found there. Cobá has one of the highest pyramids in the peninsula, the Nohoch Mul.
El Rey - This small Mayan settlement with one pyramid and two plazas, occupied from 1200 AD to the Conquest is located in the far south of Cancun island.
Tulum - Archaeological zone, 132 km from Cancun, whose location on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea makes it one of the most spectacular in the Mayan World.
Xel-Ha - The park 115 km outside Cancun features underwater rivers, lagoons, limestone sinkholes, virtually unspoiled forest and archaeological remains. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Cancun Beaches
 are the most popular among tourists of Quintana Roo. Their beauty is an irresistible invitation to a totally unique Cancun holiday. Some of the most outstanding among the many available options are: towards the north, Las Perlas, Linda, Langosta, Tortugas and Caracol; towards the east, Chac-Mool and El Rey, among others.

Cancun Eastern beaches
As Gaviota Azul, Chaac Mool, Marlín, Ballenas, San Miguelito and Yamil Luxum beaches face Cancun's Caribbean side which is open sea, the waves are big, but you can still practice water sports. The view from their beautiful white sands is stunning.

Cancun Northern beaches
Las Perlas, Linda, Langosta, Tortugas, Caracol and Juventud beaches have gentle waves and are therefore ideal for swimming and sailing. There is a main dock from which boats sail for Isla Mujeres, and other, smaller docks where you can rent sailboats. There are also playing fields, restaurants, and bars.

Cancun Golf
Cancun has stunning golf courses, some of which have championship features, overlooking the Caribbean or Laguna Nichupté. All major Hotels have tennis and squash courts. Volleyball tournaments are held on the most popular beaches. Kukulcán Boulevard has a special area for cycling and roller-skating.

Club de Golf Pok-Ta-Po
Km 7.5 Boulevard Kukulkán,  Cancun Hotel Zone.
T: (01998) 983 3350
poktapok@golf.com.mx
This highly prestigious golf club has 18 holes and offers excellent services including golf club rental.

Hilton Cancun Beach and Golf Resort
It is located at Km 17 Boulevard Kukulkán, Section A, Cancun Hotel Zone
T: (01 998) 981 8000
caesarpark@golf.com.mx
This professional golf course is 6,735 yards long and has 18 holes.

Cancun Nightlife
Nightlife in Cancun is intense and goes on until dawn in its many discotheques and nightclubs. You’ll find all kinds of music in Cancun as well as the finest Mexican and imported drinks. The bars are very entertaining and the waiters ...... Nightlife in Cancun

Cancun Restaurants - Eating out
You can enjoy a wide variety of succulent exotic dishes available in Cancun. The exquisite dishes of Mayan origins are distinguished by their use of condiments found in the region. Fish of all sorts cooked in different ways, chirmole, papatz tzul, cocido, relleno negro and cochinita pibil are just some of the dishes you can try at the .... Restaurants in Cancun

Boating and Fishing
Many people are surprised to find out that Cancun has fantastic deep sea and lagoon fishing. From March through July, the best fishing is for dolphin fish and sailfish. If you're interested in blue and white marlin or bluefin tuna, the best time to visit is April through June. You can find many different options at the local marinas in the area.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Cancun has some of the most beautiful underwater scenery anywhere, which you'll be able to enjoy through one of the many snorkeling or scuba diving options that are available. At many of the resorts you can rent snorkeling gear, and there are a lot of good scuba companies in the area as well.

Parasailing, Waterskiing, and Windsurfing
Cancun is known for always having the most recent watersports "toys" around. Enjoy any of these activities in the beautiful waters around Cancun. The three best areas for these activities are Nichupte Lagoon, Bahia de Mujeres, and the Caribbean Sea area of Cancun.

Golf
For those who are more interested in land-based sports, Cancun is a fast-growing destination for golf. The featured course is Pok-Ta-Pok, a course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It has a lot of character, as it is set around Cancun's saltwater lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. There are many new courses under construction or that have just opened that you will also want to consider.

Tennis
If you're into tennis, you're in luck. You will be able to find tennis courts at most resorts throughout Cancun.

Spectator sports
If you'd rather watch a sport, Cancun has options for you. If you'd like to learn about a new sport, see a jai alai game, which are held daily.

Shopping
Shops are open daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. In Cancun, visit downtown flea markets and the malls of Caracol, Flamingo and Kukulkan, which are open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

There are many options for getting around Cancun. If you like to control your own schedule of where and when you want to go somewhere, you will want to consider renting a car. If you don't feel comfortable driving in another country, or just don't want the hassle of driving around, you can either take a taxi or use Cancun's public transportation system. Either way, there are a lot of options for seeing the sights!

Inter Plaza Mall
This is located at Cancun's Convention center.

La Isla
This mall is truly an entertainment district by itself. It features three movie theaters, discos, an aquarium, restaurants, and strolling entertainers.

Forum-by-the-Sea
This is an open-air sea-front mall that has a disco in addition to shops and dining.

La Mansion-Costa Blanca
For the shopper who enjoys designer shops, this is the place to come.

Plaza Caracol
This is the largest mall in Cancun, and has almost 200 shops.

Plaza Flamingo
Plaza Flamingo is located at Kukulcan Blvd. in the middle of the Hotel Zone. It features evening floor shows.

Plaza Kukulcan
It has a lot of American-style amenities like a bowling alley and movie theater.

Plaza Lagunas Mall
Located at the center of the Hotel Zone, you'll find a number of good restaurants here.

Plaza Las Americas
This is one of Cancun's newest malls. Located downtown, it boasts two department stores, restaurants, and a 10 screen movie theater.

Ki-Huic
Bring your haggling skills to this downtown public market where crafts are featured.

Maya Fair Galleries
This market features handicrafts and places to eat.

Plaza Bonita
Located downtown, it offers a Mexican village atmosphere.

El Zocalo
This is a bazaar that is set in front of the Convention Center. It features handicrafts from craftsmen located all over Mexico. Here, you'll also find a Mexican Fiesta, restaurants, fashion shows, and more.

Dining
With over 400 restaurants, Cancun has something on the menu that will please anyone! Here, you'll not only find some of the finest Mexican cuisine on the planet, but there is also a definite international flair to Cancun dining. You'll find Continental, French, Italian, Asian, Cajun, and Caribbean restaurants all available. And if you like steaks or seafood, there's sure to be a place the most remarkable dinner. You can either go out to a local restaurant, or dine at any of the numerous Hotel restaurants, all of which offer a wide variety of choices.

For a truly memorable dining experience, you will want to take one of the many popular dinner cruises that are available in Cancun. Deluxe Dinner Cruises, Columbus, Cancun Queen, and Captain Hook's Galleon are some of the most popular dinner cruises.

Nightlife
Cancun is fast becoming one of the premier places in the world when it comes to the variety and amount of nightlife activities that are available. From quiet moments of relaxation and reflection to loud bursts of energy, there's a little something for everyone in Cancun's nightlife scene.

Ballet Folkloric
To soak in the history of the area, this is an attraction that you will want to visit. Here, dancers perform traditional Mexican dances.

Batacha
Located in the Miramar Mision Hotel in a Caribbean setting, this club offers live tropical music.

Cassis
You'll find live jazz music at this club, which is located at the Hyatt Cancun Caribe.

Dady Rock
Eat, drink, and dance the night away at this classic Cancun hotspot. With a Mexican and seafood menu, karaoke, and more, you could spend the whole night here.

Hard Rock Café
This classic destination features live rock music. It is located in the Plaza Lagunas Mall.

Coco Bongo
This unique club and disco features an entertainment format that not only includes live bands and the best in dance music, but also features performance arts and a visually stunning atmosphere.

Christine
You'll find this club in the Krystal Hotel. Christine features a huge dance floor where you can dance to all the latest hits and favorites.

Planet Hollywood
One of Cancun's hottest nightspots, you'll find Planet Hollywood in the Flamingo Plaza.

For more information on any of these activities, contact our Lomas Travel representative in Cancun.

Cancun Activities, Tours & Information