Cancun, located on the northeastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, lives up to its reputation as a world-famous destination, best-known for its stunning white sand beaches, near-perfect weather, and vibrant bright blue waters. Often described as the Acapulco of Mexico's Gulf Coast, it's a place synonymous with sun and sea. The city is divided into two main areas: the more local downtown and the famous hotel-zone, situated on a long, narrow peninsula approximately 20 km long and 400 m wide, where resorts and hotels line the picturesque coastline. Upon arrival at the Hotel Zone, we checked in at the Meridien hotel, ideally located right next to the inviting white sand beach, allowing for immediate access to the sun and sea.
From our base in Cancun, we took a delightful side trip north to Isla Mujeres, a small, beautiful island located just a short ferry ride from Cancun. The ferry journey itself offers lovely views back towards the Cancun skyline and out across the Caribbean. Once on the island, we opted for the most popular mode of transport and rented a golf cart to explore. Driving around the island was a relaxed and charming experience, passing by Caribbean-colored clapboard houses that exude a laid-back island vibe and stopping at rustic, open-air restaurants that offered fresh local flavors. Isla Mujeres provided a pleasant contrast to the energy of Cancun, with its quieter streets and scenic coastal views.
A major highlight of our time in the Riviera Maya was visiting Xcaret Park. Described as a beautiful place full of culture and nature, Xcaret is an ecological and cultural theme park that offers a unique blend of experiences. You can enjoy amazing aquatic activities, explore numerous cultural attractions, and witness spectacular shows. The park is vast, boasting more than 40 attractions that showcase the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula. We explored fascinating exhibits like the Butterfly pavilion, where native butterflies of the Yucatan Peninsula flutter freely around you; the Coral Reef Aquarium, offering a vibrant window into the underwater world of the Caribbean; and a unique Mexican Cemetery built in a cone-shaped design with seven levels and 365 different tombs, reflecting Mexican traditions surrounding life and death in a visually striking way. We also visited a henequen hacienda which houses the Museum of Popular Mexican Art, exposing the ingenious work and craftsmanship of Mexican artisans through various folk art pieces.
One of the standout aquatic experiences at Xcaret, and a definite highlight for us, was the 1,590-foot swim in an underground river. Swimming through ancient caves carved by water, with sunlight filtering through openings above, was a truly unique and refreshing adventure. A river boat ride offered another relaxing way to experience the park's waterways.
The grand finale of the day was the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular night-time show. Taking place in a large roofed theater, this performance is a breathtaking musical show that takes the audience on a captivating journey through the history of Mexico, from its mysterious pre-Hispanic times with ancient rituals and ballgames to the most traditional and typical cultural expressions from various regions of the country (music, dance, costumes). The staging was very clever, utilizing a massive stage with intricate sets and incorporating remarkable effects like cast members rising dramatically out of the floor and excellent use of lighting and music to create a powerful and immersive cultural spectacle. Despite the cost of admission to the park, this show alone was so spectacular and informative that it felt well worth it.
Our time in this part of Mexico offered a diverse experience, from relaxing on the famous beaches of Cancun's Hotel Zone and enjoying the laid-back charm of Isla Mujeres, to immersing ourselves in the unique blend of nature and culture at Xcaret Park, complete with underground adventures and a truly spectacular historical performance.
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