Cancún, a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beaches, numerous resorts and nightlife. It’s composed of 2 distinct areas: the more traditional downtown area, El Centro, and Zona Hotelera, a long, beachfront strip of high-rise hotels, nightclubs, shops and restaurants. Cancun is also a famed destination for students during universities’ spring break period.

The main commercial street of the Zona Hotelera, Boulevard Kukulcán, is also the site of El Rey, ancient Mayan ruins, and the sleek Museo Maya de Cancún, housing Mayan artifacts. Besides swimming, popular water activities include snorkeling and diving along the Mesoamerican Reef, or in one of the region’s many sinkholes, known as cenotes. Sailing and jet-skiing are common in the calm Nichupté Lagoon. Making frequent voyages offshore are deep-sea fishing charters and ferries to nearby Isla Mujeres island, home of Garrafón Natural Reef Park. South of the city are Xcaret, a Mayan-themed eco park, and the Xel-Há water park.

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