I'm a 24 year old Tourism Graduate originally from Crawley. I love football - Brighton and Hove Albi...
I'm a 24 year old Tourism Graduate originally from Crawley. I love football - Brighton and Hove Albion fan, like various types of music, enjoy sports and quiz shows. Have appeared on Fifteen-to-One and completed 2001 Flora London Marathon whilst raisin...
Member since:09.03.2001
Reviews:56
Members who trust:7
As a professional in the travel industy, i have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Cancun a few times and don't hesitate in recommending the destination. There are, however, two very different sides to this rapidly growing resort and it is vital that your holiday planning is done with this in mind
OVERVIEW Cancun is situated on the east coast of Mexico, lapping against the sides of thr Caribbean. Originally a small fishingvillage it has rapidly grown over the last 20 years and now can be only called a purpose built tourist haven. It has had its setbacks, notably hurricanes in the 1980's but building has continued and the local authorities are ever resilient.
Just down the coast from the main resort, lies the Riviera Maya. a beautiful stretch of coastline which is becoming frequently invaded by new hotel builds and developing at an even faster rate than Cancun itself.
The reason to differentiate is that many operators advertise both destinations under the general header of Cancun. This is because that will be the arrival airport for both.
WHY GO TO CANCUN ITSELF? As mentioned, Cancun is a purpose built tourist resort anddoes not pretend to be anything else. It's tacky, it's American, it has no shame and it works. The majority of hotels are all inclusive and the ones that are room only are not featured heavily by the primary british tour operators. The british market to Cancun is growing, seen as a longhaul alternative to the mainland spain resorts. For the main though, the market is dominated by USA and Canada.
If you want to go on a holiday with friends and get drunk, go to Cancun. If you want to try and pull an American college spring breaker, go to Cancun. If you want to experience the unique Coco Bongo night club (made famous by The Mask) go to Cancun. You get the message - it's very tacky and liberal and anything goes.
This is not to say that it isn't picturesque - if you look past the high rise hotels, you will find very nice beaches and a lagoon (housing crocodiles), through which you can take an excursion 'Gentle Ben' style. Accomodation is also good, try the Costa Real or Riu Cancun.
WHY GO TO RIVIERA MAYA? This area is rapidly expanding to cater for the needs of tourists and it is in my opinion that too many hotels have now been built. At present it gets away with it because the Riviera maya is a huge stretch of coastline but i would advise that you go now.
Once again, the accomodation is a good standard all inclusive - favourites include Xpu-ha Palace and Cameleon Marival. There are several towns so, if you want to get away from the complex, you can - try Playa del Carmen for great bars and authentic tequila (there are about 270 different kinds!) or the port of Puerto Aventura. Although many tourists frequent here, you will still get more of a mexican feel.
The beaches are beautiful and more spare sand per person and the towns and villages are charming. It is a lot more relaxed feel than Cancun andmore suited to your sunbather and romantic couple. Take timeout to visit Xcaret eco-park and, of course, the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza (most of your hotels will organise excursions)
CONCLUSION Which ever you choose, make sure it is right for you. The best time to go is winter as weather is still good but heat isn't as suffocating. If you plump for the nightlife of cancunitself, please note that restaurants and bars can be expensive.
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Advantages: A very good resort with lots of different attractions Disadvantages: Sometimes expensive, and a bit of a tourist trap. Take dollars ONLY for the airport tax.
northers 26.07.2000 ·
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Review of Cancun (Mexico)
Advantages: Atmosphere, weather, nightlife (cheap clubs), shopping, hotel and club staff, English speaking Disadvantages: Can be stormy, also can be expensive to drink and bars and go on excursions
alimcc21 22.09.2005 ·
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Review of Cancun (Mexico)
Advantages: unique, in your face, great entertainment, superb value for money. Disadvantages: bit cheesy - but meant to be
TheWizardsSleeve 05.11.2007 (31.10.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Coco Bongo, Cancun, Mexico
Advantages: Trapeze acts, stage artists, great fun party music, atmosphere, strong drinks Disadvantages: Very busy, likely to get drinks spilled on you
![Video Visits: Mexico - Merida, Cancun, Belize [DVD] [1999] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/116084473.jpg "Video Visits: Mexico - Merida, Cancun, Belize [DVD] [1999] [US Import] [NTSC]")
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