GOLFING IN MAYAN RIVIERA

In the Mayan Riviera you?ll find world-class golf courses with unbeatable natural surroundings. The sea breeze and the warm semi-humid climate, coupled with the exclusive settings and excellent services, make it a fantastic golfing experience.

Club de Golf Playacar. Located in Playa del Carmen on Paseo Xaman-Ha, Manzana 26, in the Playacar neighborhood. Robert Von Hagge designed this 18-hole, par-72 tourist course. Tel. (984) 873-0624.

Club de Golf Puerto Aventuras. Located at Km 269.5 off the Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Highway in Puerto Aventuras. This club, designed by Tom Lehman, has a nine-hole, par-36 course. Tel. (984) 473-5109.

Moon Palace Golf Club. Located at Km 36.5 off the Cancun-Tulum Highway. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it has an 18-hole, par-72 tourist course. Tel. (998) 881-6000.

The Mayan Riviera: Nightlife

The Mayan Riviera offers a very entertaining nightlife at bars and nightclubs, where you can listen to tropical, rock, reggae and lounge music. Here the party is non-stop, especially if you go to Playa del Carmen, which has a more bohemian atmosphere than Cancun. Among the best places to visit during your stay are La Placita, El Agora, Papaya Republique, Señor Frogs and Venice Café. In addition, along the famous Quinta Avenida, you?ll find various restaurants with live mariachi music, romantic trios and marimbas, all of which create a pleasant dining atmosphere.

Mayan Riviera beaches

All along the coast of the Mayan Riviera you?ll find white-sand beaches and a turquoise sea. Some of the beaches have calm waters and are far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city; while others have all the necessary tourist services to enjoy a sunny day at the beach and do your favorite water sports.

Playa del Secreto and Playa Paraiso. These two beaches are located on the road that links Puerto Morelos to Playa del Carmen, and they lie about 5 km (3 mi) apart. At Playa Paraiso you?ll find an all-inclusive hotel with solar and aeolian energy sources. These places are favorite spots for marine turtles and crabs.

Xcacel. Located 44 km (27 mi) south of Playa del Carmen. This beautiful and calm beach is one of the preferred nesting grounds for the sea turtles that come each year to lay their eggs. The glaring ivory sand and the turquoise waters make every evening a delight.

Kantenah. Located about 30 km (18 mi) southwest of Playa del Carmen. This place has calm waters that are ideal for those who want to get away from all the commotion. The beach has small, comfortable and discreet, hotels with complete services.

Boca Paila and Punta Allen. These two beaches are the preferred spots for those who enjoy ecotourism since they are both located within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. It is worth mentioning that in this part of the peninsula you?ll find limited tourism development. Hostels, inns and small hotels are waiting for you with open arms. The most attractive quality of these beaches is this limited access.

Puerto Aventuras. Located 35 km (21 mi) south of Playa del Carmen, is the ideal tourist resort if you want to relax in a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere. The downtown area consists of a lively marina with full of atmosphere, restaurants, bars and stores. There?s even a museum of sunken ships. But if you truly love the beach life, visit the hotel zone, where you?ll discover calm and pleasant Caribbean beaches.

Playa Paamul. Located 15 km (9 mi) from Playa del Carmen, between Puerto Aventuras and Xcaret. This place offers various tourist services including bungalows, restaurants, convenience stores and 24-hour security. Here you will find a gently sloping beach, where you can scuba dive and do other water sports.

THE MAYAN RIVIERA

The Mayan Riviera, a natural paradise that merges with the waters of the Caribbean Sea, is a coastal strip that stretches more than 120 km (75 mi) from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, in the state of Quintana Roo. The climate in this Yucatan Peninsula region is subtropical with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F).

Considered one of the fastest growing tourist destinations over the last decade, here you can relax or enjoy recreational activities at luxurious resorts nestled in the jungle. The posh hotels offer exclusive golf courses, spas and white-sand beaches, such as El Secreto and El Paraiso, where you can bask in the sun and indulge in all kinds of water sports. For example, you can scuba dive off the coast at a depth of more than 10 meters (33 feet) as you take in the spectacular sights of the Great Meso-American Barrier Reef. You can also discover ancient Mayan cities such as Coba and Tulum; the latter is located right on the beach. What?s more, you can visit incredible ecological reserves such as Sian Ka'an, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Here you can take part in eco-tourism outings, sailfish and marlin fishing, and other outdoor activities such as: long walks or horseback riding, while enjoying the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. During your visit to the Mayan Riviera, do not miss out on Xcaret and Xel-Há, two of Mexico?s most important theme parks, where you can see fascinating indigenous wildlife and live the unforgettable experience of snorkeling in underground rivers. At dusk, don?t forget to visit the spectacular nightclubs, where you can chat with friends over drinks, or you can visit a restaurant and treat yourself to a delicious lobster dinner. These are just some of things you can do in the Mayan Riviera, which is why it has earned a reputation as the ideal destination to enjoy life

Good hotels in Cancun

A.	Radisson Hotel Hacienda Cancun  - www.radisson.com - 01 998 881 6500 -
B.	Operadora De Hoteles Riviera Maya, SA De CV  - www.maromahotel.com - 01 998 872 8200 -
C.	Hotel Marriott casamagna Cancun Resort  - www.marriott.com - 01 998 881 2000 -
D.	Hotel El Batab  - www.hotelbatab.com - 01 998 884 3822 -
E.	Hotel Great Parnassus & Spa  - www.parnassusresorts.com - 01 998 287 1414 -
F.	The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun  - www.ritzcarlton.com - 01 998 881 0808 -
G.	Hotel Plaza Caribe Cancun  - www.bestwestern.com - 01 998 884 1377 -
H.	Hotel Xbalamque Cancun  - www.xbalamque.com - 01 55 1163 8981 -
I.	Hotel Plaza Kokai Cancún  - www.hotelkokai.com - 01 998 884 3218 -
J.	Maria De Lourdes Hotel  - www.hotelmariadelourdes.com - 01 988 884 4744 -

Playground of Ancient Civilizations

Warm white sand beaches, crystal indigo seas, romantic Caribbean nights, world-class hotels, restaurants and nightlife; does all of this sound too good to be true? This is Cancun! World-renowned fishing, diving and snorkeling, archeological sites dating back thousands of years, a balmy tropical climate and water sports galore…this is Cancun! A very complete resort where you could keep busy 24 hours a day just participating in the many activities and tours available, and yet Cancun remains a tranquil retreat where you can relax to your hearts content along the peaceful shore of the Caribbean …this is the real purpose of Cancun! In Cancun you can literally choose a pace and lifestyle to suit any frame of mind, from ultra chic to funky laidback beach bum. Cancun is a resort for everybody, from college students on a strict budget to the rich and famous from all over the world. Cancun caters to all who visit and everyone should experience Cancun at least once.
Cancun is definitely Mexico's showcase resort. The original developers and the Mexican government can be proud of what they have accomplished here. Built in a location that was named by Mayan people, long ago, for the large number of snakes in the area, Cancun has been carefully groomed into one of the most polished resorts anywhere. Long gone are the snakes and most of the mosquitoes that might have enjoyed the numerous lagoons. Few resorts in the world have the infrastructure and amenities that were built into Cancun from the beginning. Everything just seems to flow together effortlessly in Cancun. This is one of the reasons that Cancun is Mexico's most popular resort, the other reason being... Location, Location, Location.

CANCUN: The Tourist Zone

The "Zona Hotelera" or Tourist Zone, a narrow island 14 miles long, is the area of Cancun where it all comes together for most visitors. Hotels and beachfront condominiums line the beaches and serve as the nearly uninterrupted backdrop along this stretch of incredible Caribbean coastline. Kukulacán Blvd is the main thoroughfare that dissects the island and is a name that you will become familiar with in your travels around Cancun. On the inland side of Cancun Island is Laguna Nichupté, a vast lagoon that serves as home to numerous marinas, water front restaurants, shopping malls, a couple of golf courses, a few islands and inlets and some fantastic sunsets. Laguna Nichupté is fed by fresh underground water and is connected to the sea in two places which in turn provide an outlet for numerous water related activities and tours. In Cancun one is never very far from the water so naturally much of your time is going to be spent in, on, or very close to the water. There is an area near the center of all this which is known as the “Party Zone” which is home to many of the areas nightclubs and discos. The very same area is also home to some of Cancun's better restaurants and one of the nicer shopping malls. Do not rule this area out of your itinerary just because you are not a party animal.

Restaurants and nightclubs in the tourist zone, of which there are many, come in endless varieties with something that is just right for everyone. From trendy "Brand Name" night clubs to simple taco stands, do a little hands on research and you're sure to find a favorite that will beckon you to return.

The tourist zone has some minor archeological sites, the best example of which is Ruinas El Rey located on Kukulacán Blvd at Km. 17 across from the Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort (formerly Caesar Park). A visit to El Rey is well worth the modest entry fee. The ruins are well preserved and the sheer number of resident Iguanas make for a pleasant diversion. Bilingual tour guides are available for the more inquisitive types. There are other very minor ruins along the beach, well marked on most maps.

Cancun is a destination of different faces. The most famous, a face recognized by much of the world, is the above-mentioned tourist zone.

CANCUN: TOURIST SERVICES

Cancun has one of the best highway infrastructures in the nation. Route 180 leads to Merida and Mexico City (more than 1,860 kilometers away). The region?s most important bus line is ADO. As far as air travel, it has the second most important airport in the country. The following carriers offer domestic or international service to Cancun: Aeromexico, Mexicana, Aerolineas Azteca, Aviacsa, Aerocaribe, American Airlines, Continental, Northwest and British Airways.

Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancun (airport) ? Located off the Cancun-Tulum Highway, 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the hotel zone and 8 kilometers (5 miles) from downtown. Has taxi and bus services that will take you to Cancun, the hotel zone and Playa del Carmen.

Terminal de Autobuses (bus terminal) ? Located in the downtown area on the corners of Uxmal Avenue and Tulum Avenue. Has local taxi and bus services.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND INFORMATION

Tourism Office ? Tel. (998) 884-8073

FONATUR (tourism development agency) ? Tel. (998) 884-0610

Local information ? 040

Red Cross ? Tel. (998) 884-1616

Emergencies ? 060

Police ? Tel. (998) 884-2342

Federal police ? Tel. (998) 884-1107

Traffic police ? Tel. (998) 884-0710

Public safety office ? Tel. (998) 884-2342

Port Authority ? Tel. (998) 880-1360

Immigration ? Tel. (998) 884-1749

CANCUN FISHING

Cancun ranks among one of the top destinations for sportfishing. In the marinas and in nearly all the hotels, fishing tours are offered. The boats depart at 10:00 am and return in the late afternoon. You can rent a private boat or go on a group outing. February to April is a good time of year to catch kingfish, barracuda, shark, and blue marlin. From September to February, you?ll reel in barracuda, grouper, jackfish and kingfish. From April to August, you?ll hook blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, bonito and dorado. In annual fishing tournaments off the coast, these species are caught and returned to the sea. Prizes go to fishermen who catches the biggest fish.

Cozumel. Located off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. You can reach the island on boats that depart from Puerto Marques and Playa del Carmen. Throughout the year, the waters of the Mexican Caribbean?s largest island offer sierra, mackerel, barracuda, kingfish, snapper and shark. From March to June, you?ll find blue marlin, sailfish, dorado and white marlin.

Akumal. Located 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of Cancun off Route 307. A quiet place where different marine turtle species arrive to lay their eggs. This place offers sportfishing outings for those looking to catch sailfish, marlin, barracuda and bonito. It has a magnificent bay with a reef that serves as a barrier to the open sea. Akumal is an ideal spot to relax as you take in the beauty of the Caribbean scenery.

Isla Mujeres. Located 14 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of Cancun, it is one of the most beautiful spots in the Mexican Caribbean. The island is 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) wide. To arrive there, you can take a ferry or speedboat from Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam and Playa Linda. You can arrive by taking the Garrafon Cruise, which departs from the Embarcadero in Cancun?s hotel zone at Km 4. It arrives at Parque Natural Garrafon on the southern part of the island. Fishing is the island?s mainstay of life. Off its coast, you can catch such species as marlin and dorado, among others.

Isla Holbox. Located 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Yucatan Peninsula. Separated from the mainland by the Yalahan Lagoon, Holbox Island is far enough removed from civilization to allow you to forget about everything and enjoy some quiet relaxation. To arrive there from Cancun, take Route 180 west to Km 150 and then head north about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the town of Chiquila. There you?ll have to cross Yalahan Lagoon in a boat to arrive at the island. The inhabitants are fishermen and they can guide you around the island. An island known for its shark fishing, you can catch hammerhead and blue sharks, as well as jackfish and tarpon.

Puerto Morelos. Located 36 kilometers (22 miles) south of Cancun off Route 307. Has calm waters, which are ideal for water sports, and reefs nearby that are certain to please scuba divers. Near the port, you?ll find a charming botanical garden and a crocodile farm. A fishing village where fishermen catch blue and white marlin, dorado, tuna and barracuda.

CANCUN GOLFING

For those who enjoy golfing, Boulevard at Km 7.5. Tels. (998) 883-1230, 883-1277, and 883-0871. www.cancungolfclub.com Cancun has several world-class courses that offer the unparalleled beauty of the Mexican Caribbean.

Pok-Ta-Pok Golf Club ? This is one of the first golf courses built in Cancun?s hotel zone. It is an 18-hole, par 72 course. Located on Kukulkan

Hotel Grand Oasis ? Located in Cancun?s hotel zone, this hotel has an excellent nine-hole, par 27 course. Located on Kukulkan Boulevard at Km 16.5. Tels. (998) 885-0867 and 885-0627 www.oasishotels.com.mx

Club de Golf Melia ? Has an 18-hole, par 54 course. Located on Kukulkan Boulevard at Km 16.5 in the hotel zone. Tel. (998) 881-1100 www.solmelia.com

Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Club ? Has an 18-hole, par 72 course. Located at Retorno Lacandones Sec. A at Km 17 in the hotel zone. Tel. (998) 881-8016 www.hiltoncancun.com

Moon Palace Golf Course ? Designed by the famous Jack Nicklaus, this is an 18-hole, par 72 course. Located at Km 36.5 on the Cancun-Tulum Highway. Tel. (998) 881-6000 www.golf.com.mx/temporal/palaceR.html

Cancun Shopping

Shoppers rejoice! Cancun has it all! The varied aspects of Cancun's shopping facilities are seemingly endless. From ultra modern malls with chic boutiques and shops to street vendors and open-air markets, it is all here. You could forget the beach if you wanted to, but that was probably one of the main reasons you came here. Everything from Cuban cigars (enjoy them in Cancun if you are an U.S. citizen) to expensive jewelry and everything in between, is just a short distance away in Cancun. Truly, a shoppers delight.

Cancun City

But Cancun has a population of over 450,000 and there is another Cancun, a lesser-known face to many. This is the heartbeat of the entire area; this is Cancun City or simply Centro. This is an area that is not heavily promoted, but should definitely be included as part of your Cancun vacation if you are spending more than just a long weekend. When the beach and hotel scene get to be a bit overwhelming take a short drive and see where the locals live and spend much of their time. "Centro" is a pleasant city with some great restaurants, modern shopping facilities and is a semi-peaceful diversion to all of glitz and hype that surrounds the tourist zone. Your wallet will appreciate your visit to Centro, as the money contained therein will certainly go farther, as prices for almost everything are more reasonable in the city.

Cancun Beaches

BEACHES

Without a doubt, Cancun?s strongest draw is its crystalline blue water. In these waters, or on the beaches, you can do all kinds of activities. You might want to take a spin on a waverunner or a banana boat. Or you can play some volleyball or simply bask in the sun on a white-sand beach as you take in the spectacular scenery of the hotel zone. The following beaches are located along Kukulkan Boulevard:

Playa Langosta ? Located at Km 5 in the hotel zone, just west of Punta Cancun, it is one of Cancun?s most visited beaches. From Playa Langosta?s pier, there are several tour boats that will take you to Isla Mujeres.

Playa Tortugas - located at Km 6, west of Punta Cancun. This beach has calm and shallow waters, making it the ideal family vacation spot. In front of the pier, there is a platform for bungee jumping.

Playa Chac-Mool ? Located at Km 10 in the hotel zone, in front of the Bojorquez Lagoon, this beach with moderate surf is a great place to sunbathe while sipping on a drink and looking out onto the Caribbean Sea.

Playa Marlin ? Located at Km 13 in the hotel zone and half a kilometer south of archaeological site Yamil Lu?um, this place is a great romantic getaway for those looking to get away from noise and crowds.

Playa Ballenas ? Located at Km 14 in the hotel zone, north of Punta Nizuc, the blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea invite you to do water sports. Has one of the best panoramic views of Cancun.

Playa Delfines ? North of Punta Nizuc at Km 18 in the hotel zone, it is a great beach to soak up some sun and it has a lookout point that will give you an excellent opportunity to take some photos of the Caribbean Sea.

Isla Mujeres ? Located 14 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of Cancun, it is one of the most beautiful spots in the Mexican Caribbean. The island is 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) wide. To arrive there, you can take a ferry or speedboat from Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam and Playa Linda. You can arrive by taking the Garrafon Cruise, which departs from the Embarcadero in Cancun?s hotel zone at Km 4. It arrives at Parque Natural Garrafon on the southern part of the island. You can do all kinds of aquatic sports at this beach, which offers waverunner rentals and banana rides.

Playa Gaviota Azul ? Just behind Plaza Forum and south of Punta Cancun at Km 18 in the hotel zone, the beach has decent surf, making it a good place to swim and do other water sports.

San Miguelito ? Located in the hotel zone at Km 16.5, between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, at this beach you can visit ruins at a small archaeological site, which is also called San Miguelito.

Yamil Lu?um ? At Km 12.5 in the hotel zone, south of Playa Chac-mool, this beach has two Mayan structures. The more noticeable of the two is a construction that probably served as a lookout post for a temple.

Playa Las Perlas ? At the beginning of the hotel zone and west of Punta Cuncan at Km 2.5, you?ll find this beach with balmy weather, ideal for doing such water sports as sailing, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. This spot also has ferries that depart to Isla Mujeres.

Playa Linda ? Located at Km 4, where the hotel zone begins, and 1 kilometer (less than a mile) west of Playa Langosta. Mujeres Bay is known for its calm waters, making it a safe place to swim. It is also a main stopover and departure point for cruise liners and other boats going to Isla Mujeres.

Playa Caracol ? Located at Km 8.5, between Playa Langosta and Punta Cancun. The shallow waters at this beach make it an ideal swimming spot for children and beginners. It is also a fabulous place for water-skiing.

NIGHTLIFE IN CANCUN

Cancun is the best place to have fun at night. If you?re looking to dance to the beat of Latin rhythms, we recommend the Cocobongo, located in Plaza Forum. For those who like pop and electronic music, The City, The City Basic, and Bulldog Café. are good options. For live music, check out Dady Rock, El Bulldog, or The Hard Rock Café.

Nearby, along Kukulkan Boulevard, you can listen to Latin and Caribbean sounds at Mango Tango, a place with ten years of tradition. If you want to do something totally different, you can take a cruise on a replica of a Spanish galleon, where you?ll be waited on by pirates and enjoy a delicious meal, an open bar and dancing. There are also other boats that offer romantic night tours and dinner on the Caribbean Sea.

CANCUN

Cancun is Mexico's most important tourist destination and one of the world?s most well-known resorts. Located in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula region, it has a subtropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 27º C (81º F) and 35º C (95º F) and sunny days throughout most of the year.

Cancun offers the unparalleled beauty of the Caribbean Sea?s turquoise-blue water and white-sand beaches. During your stay, you can do water sports or other activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting, or you can take a spin on a waverunner. You?ll also find plenty of time to relax and enjoy the fine services offered in the  hotel zone. Along the hotel strip, which spans more than 30 kilometers (nearly 19 miles), you?ll find everything from villas and five-star hotels to exclusive resorts and spas. You?ll also find modern shopping malls, more than 500 restaurants offering the best in national and international cuisine, and numerous bars and discos where the parties rage all night long.

Nearby Cancun, you can tour the Mayan Riviera and check out Playa del Carmen, Xcaret and Xel-Ha, ancient Mayan ports that have been converted into modern-day paradises. Also nearby is Tulum, a fascinating archaeological zone by the sea. It was the only walled city built by the Mayans. Finally, you?ll want to visit Isla Mujeres and Cozumel to live the unforgettable experience of snorkeling and scuba diving along the coral reefs.