OFFICIAL GUIDE
Why Cancun?
TABLE OF Cancun is recognized the world over for its CONTENTS spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise sea; its Why Cancun? 3 easy access by both land and sea and its superlative Location and Access 5 infrastructure have together made Cancun the Hotels 7 leading tourist destination in Latin America. Hotel Zone Map 8 Cancun combines the glamour of its 4 and 5 Diamond Cancun Hotel Directory 10 Award hotels with an extraordinary array of dining Downtown Cancun Hotels and Map 12 experiences. The Maya Culture and unique natural Fine Dining 13 phenomena offer a range of outdoor activities that include ecotourism, adventure tourism and water Water Sports 14 sports. Sophisticated, high-end spas bring you the Nature and Adventure 15 latest in beauty and wellness treatments and the Entertainment 16 destination’s many golf courses are set among Shopping 17 the incomparable scenic delights of the Mexican Caribbean. Exclusive and modern shopping malls Archeological Zones 18 house the finest national and international brands Maya Museum of Cancun 19 along with the traditional crafts of Mexico. Last but Golf 20 not least there’s the nightlife: a spectacular line up Golf Courses 21 of entertainment centers, bars and nightclubs with every kind of ambience imaginable. Spa and Wellness 23 Weddings and Romance 24 Whether travelling for business or pleasure, visitors Wedding Planners 25 will find Cancun an innovative, constantly changing Meetings 26 destination that consistently offers unique and unforgettable experiences. Hotels for Groups and Conventions 27 Isla Mujeres 29 Located a short distance from Cancun and considered Isla Mujeres Hotel Directory 32 an integral part of the region’s magic are the islands Holbox Island 35 of Holbox, Contoy and Isla Mujeres: destinations in themselves, each different, all worth a visit. Holbox Island Hotel Directory 37 Contoy Island 39
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Great Location Hudson Bay CANADA
Vancouver Calgary & Easy Access Seattle
Montreal Minneapolis New York Wisconsin Cancun is located in the San Francisco Denver Yucatan Peninsula, on the northern tip Chicago Cleveland of the State of Quintana Roo in Mexico. Los Angeles U.S.A St. Louis San Diego Atlanta Its privileged geographic location Dallas Atlantic makes it easily accessible by air from Ocean many countries around the world. Paci c Ocean
The Cancun International Airport is just Monterrey Gulf of Mexico 5 kilometers/3.5 miles from the hotel Miami zone and 16 kilometers/9.94 miles from MEXICO downtown Cancun. Guadalajara Cuba Mexico It is the second most important airport City CENTRAL Caribbean Sea in the country after Mexico City; AMERICA it receives the greatest number of 2HRS international arrivals. 4HRS 6HRS 8HRS
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Hotels
The options for lodging in Cancun are many and varied. There are more than 35,000 hotel rooms meeting the needs and expectations of every traveller.
Cancun’s hotels offer:
Luxury establishments holding the coveted, Automobile Association of America’s AAA 4 and 5 Diamond Award.
Hotels of different categories for different budgets.
Independent hotels and hotels belonging to the big international chains.
All-Inclusive hotels and hotels operating on the European Plan.
Hotels for families and those for adults only.
Hotels with facilities for events, groups, conferences and conventions.
Hotels located in the Hotel Zone (on the beach or alongside the lagoon).
Hotels located in downtown Cancun.
7 Punta Cancun Forum by the Sea cun Hotel Z Cancún Mall Can one 37 38 CANCUN ICC 36 39 International Convention Center 35 C
33 40 41 34 B 42 32 43 44 45 46 47 Yamil Lu’um 48 San Miguelito 31 49 50 51 Manchones A 52 F G Reef 30 Flamingo Mall L 53 54 55 Plaza Caracol 56 57 58 59 60 61 The Man on Fire 29 D 62 63 The Dream Collector 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 28 26 La Isla Shopping Village E 71 72 25 27 Fashion Harbour Plaza Kukulcán M 24 Luxury Avenue Isla Mujeres Boutique Mall 22 23 21
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18 Nichupté Lagoon 16 17
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J n u o t
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e o t u 10 y P 8 9 r r o t e
F y 7 r r e F 6 5
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Puerto Puerto Cancún Cancún K Marina Town Center Downtown Cancun Malecón Américas To Puerto Arqueological Site H Juárez El MECO Bullring M 1 Av. Bonampak Av. Tulum Plaza Las Américas I J
Hotels at the Beach and on the Lagoon 1. Puerto Juárez / Isla Mujeres 6. Ocean Spa Hotel 23. Hotel Condominios Coral Mar 37. Turquoize The Adult- Only Continental Zone 7. Aquamarina Beach 24. Sina Suites Experience at Hyatt Ziva a. All Ritmo Cancún Resort & 8. Occidental Costa Cancún 25. Grand Royal Lagoon Cancún 38. Krystal Grand Punta Cancún Water Park 9. Calypso Hotel Cancún 26. Beach House Imperial 39. Krystal Cancún b. Villa del Palmar 10. Sotavento Hotel & Yacht Club Laguna Cancún 40. Sunset Royal Beach Resort c. The Beloved Playa Mujeres 11. Grand Oasis Palm 27. Presidente Intercontinental 41. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancún d. Excellence Playa Mujeres 12. Oasis Palm Cancún 42. Grand Park Royal Cancún Caribe e. Finest Playa Mujeres by 13. The Royal Cancún 28. Beachscape Kin-Ha Villas & 43. Panama Jack Resorts Excellence Group 14. Hotel Casa Maya Cancún Suites Cancún 44. Hyatt Zilara All Inclusive Adult f. Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort 15. Real Inn Cancún 29. Dreams Sands Cancún Resort Cancún & Spa 16. Riu Caribe 30. Fiesta Americana Villas Cancún 45. Hotel Flamingo Cancún Resort g. Dreams Playa Mujeres 17. Sunset Marina Resort & Yacht 31. Riu Palace Las Américas 46. NYX Cancún h. Grand Palladium Paraíso Mujeres Club 32. Riu Cancún 47. Beach Palace Cancún i. Riu Dunamar 18. Riu Palace Península 33. Aloft Cancún 48. Me Cancún 2. Imperial Las Perlas Cancún 19. Maya Caribe Beach House 34. Cancún Clipper Club 49. Park Royal Cancún 3. Holiday Inn Cancún Arenas 20. Dos Playas Beach House 35. Grand Fiesta Americana 50. The Westin Lagunamar Ocean 4. Cancún Bay Resort 21. Laguna Suites Golf & Spa Coral Beach Cancún Resort Villas 5. Temptation Cancun Resort 22. Las Gaviotas Hotel 36. Hyatt Ziva 51. Live Aqua Beach Resort 8 Caribbean Sea
The Gardener of Hope
Punta Nizuc 83 Cozumel Island
82 80 81 79 73 77 78 74 75 76
84 Arqueological Site National Parks El Rey West Coast National Marine Park Ventura of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, Park Punta Nizuc and The Cancun Underwater Sculpture Museum
Underwater Art Museum “MUSA”
85
Inglés Lagoon
AV. R. MELGAR
TULUM ROJO GOMEZ A. L. MATEOS
COZUMEL GRAL. L. CÁRDENAS NIÑOS HEROES MAIN HALL BLVD. EL CID
A QUINTANA ROO EJÉRCITO MEXICANO EJÉRCITO
PLUTARCO ELÍAS CALLES ELÍAS PLUTARCO BOTANICAL GARDEN Puerto Morelos (22 km south of the Cancun Airport)
CROCOCÚN
HIGHWAY TO CANCÚN ROUTE OF THE CENOTES
Cancun To Chichen Itza International Airport
Shopping 52. Occidental Tucancún 69. The Royal Caribbean 53. Casa Turquesa Hotel Boutique 70. The Royal Islander Malls 54. The Royal Sands 71. Seadust Cancún Family Resort A. Plaza Caracol 55. The Ritz Carlton Cancún 72. Iberostar Cancún 56. Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa 73. Crown Paradise Club Cancún B. Mercado Coral Negro 57. Sandos Cancún Luxury Experience 74. GR Solaris Cancún C. Forum by the Sea Resort 75. Grand Oasis Sens D. La Isla Shopping Village 58. Secrets The Vine Cancún 76. Solymar Beach Resort E. Fashion Harbour at La Isla 59. Hard Rock Hotel Cancún 77. Royal Solaris Cancún F. Kukulcán Plaza 60. JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa 78. GR Caribe By Solaris 61. Marriott Cancún & Resort 79. Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa G. Luxury Avenue Boutique Mall 62. Paradisus Cancún Cancún H. Malecón Américas 63. Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún 80. Óleo Playa Cancún I. Mercado 28 All Inclusive 81. Sun Palace J. Downtown Plaza 28 64. Oasis Cancún Lite 82. The Westin Resort & Spa Cancún K. Puerto Cancún Marina Town Center 65. Grand Oasis Cancún 83. Club Med Cancún Yucatán 66. The Pyramid at Grand Oasis Cancún 84. Nizuc Resort & Spa L. Flamingo Mall 67. Omni Cancún Hotel & Villas 85. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort M. Plaza Las Américas 68. Emporio Cancún M. Cancun Mayan Museum 9 MEAL LOCATION CATEGORY HOTEL MAP ROOMS PLAN FLOOR PHONE (998) WEB SITE WEDDINGS SPA MEETINGS
GT/5D Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancún 41 260 AI 9 881-4740, 881-4741 www.leblancsparesort.com XX X
GT/5D The Ritz Carlton Cancún 55 364 EP 9 881-0808, 881-0772 www.ritzcarlton.com XX X
GT/4D Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún 35 602 EP 11 881-3200, 881-3276 www.grandfiestaamericana.com X X X
GT/4D Hyatt Zilara All Inclusive Adult Resort Cancún 44 370 AI 8 881-5600, 881-7300 www.playaresorts.com XX X
GT/4D Marriott Cancún Resort 61 450 EP 8 881-2000 www.marriott.com X X X
GT/4D Moon Palace Cancun Golf & Spa 85 2445 AI 3 881-6000 www.moonpalacecancun.com X x x
GT/4D Sandos Cancún Luxury Experience Resort 57 213 AI 8 881-2200, 881-2201 www.sandoscancunresort.com X X X
GT/4D The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa Cancún 50 572 EP 8 891-4200, 891-4201 www.starwoodhotels.com/westin XX X
GT/4D Paradisus Cancún Resort 62 666 AI 8 881-1100, 881-1720 www.paradisuscancun.com XX X
GT JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa 60 448 EP 13 848-9600 www.jwmarriottcancunresort.com X X X
GT Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun 51 371 AI 9 881-7600, 881-7601 www.liveaqua.com XX X BB/EP/ GT The Westin Resort & Spa Cancún 82 400 AI 7 848-7400, 885-0779 www.westin.com/cancun XX X 5/4D Beach Palace Cancún 47 287 AI 12 891-4110, 891-4119 www.palaceresorts.com XX X
5/4D Hard Rock Hotel Cancún 59 601 AI 12 881-3600, 881-3601 www.hrhcancun.com XX X
5/4D Hyatt Ziva All Inclusive Resort Cancún 36 547 AI 11 848-7000 www.playaresorts.com XX X
5/4D Iberostar Cancún 72 426 AI 9 881-8000, 881-8082 www.iberostar.com XX X
5/4D Me Cancún 48 654 AI 11 881-2500, 881-2501 XX X
5/4D Nizuc Resort & Spa 84 274 EP 3 891-5700, 891-5701 www.nizuc.com XX X
5/4D Secrets The Vine Cancún 58 497 AI 18 848-9400, 848-3155 www.secretsresorts.com/vine-cancun XX X
5/4D Turquoize The Adults-Only Experience at Hyatt Ziva 37 160 AI 9 848-7000 www.playaresorts.com XX X
5 Crown Paradise Club Cancún All Inclusive Resort 73 617 AI 8 848-9000, 885-1714 www.hotelcrownparadiseclubcancun.com XX X
5 Dreams Sands Cancún Resort & Spa 29 438 AI 5 848-7600 www.dreamsresort.com X X X
5 Emporio Cancún 68 403 AI 8 283-3800 www.hotelesemporio.com/cancun X X
5 Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive 63 507 AI 8 881-4200, 885-2005 www.fiestamericana.com XX X
5 Golden Parnassus All Inclusive Resort 56 214 AI 6 287-1400 www.goldenparnassusresortspa.com XX X
5 GR Caribe By Solaris 78 200 AI 4 848-8400 www.clubsolaris.com XX X
5 GR Solaris Cancún 74 306 AI 8 848-8400 www.clubsolaris.com XX X Hotel Directory Hotel 5 Grand Oasis Cancún 65 1744 AI 6 840-6040, 881-7000 www.oasishoteles.com XX X
5 Grand Oasis Palm 11 470 AI 10 848-7500 www.oasishoteles.com XX X
5 Grand Oasis Sens 75 427 AI 8 891-5000, 287-4478 www.oasishoteles.com XX X
5 Grand Park Royal Cancún Caribe 42 344 AI 6 848-7805, 848-7800 www.parkroyal.mx XX X
5 Seadust Cancún Family Resort 71 505 AI 12 287-1400, 885-0027 www.parnassusresorts.com XX X
5 Hotel Casa Maya Cancún 14 320 EP 8 881-0500, 881-1073 www.casamaya.com XX
5 Krystal Cancún 39 502 EP/AI 8 848-9800, 848-9811 www.krystal-hotels.com/cancun XX X
5 Krystal Grand Punta Cancún 38 395 EP 13 891-5555, 883-1349 www.krystalgrand-hotels.com.mx XX X
5 Omni Cancún Hotel & Villas 67 343 AI 12 881-0600, 885-0059 www.omnicancun.com.mx XX X
5 Presidente Intercontinental Cancún Resort 27 300 EP 10 848-8700, 883-2515 www.presidenteiccancun.com X X X
5 Riu Cancún 32 758 AI 15 848-7151, 881-4310 www.riu.com XX X
5 Riu Caribe 16 510 AI 9 848-7850, 848-7851 www.riu.com XX X
5 Riu Palace Las Américas 31 345 AI 8 881-4300, 881-4301 www.riu.com XX X
10 CATEGORY MEAL MEETINGS LOCATION HOTEL MAP ROOMS PLAN FLOOR PHONE (998) WEB SITE WEDDINGS SPA
5 Riu Palace Península 18 618 AI 17 848-8090 www.riu.com XX X
5 Sun Palace 81 252 AI 8 891-4100, 891-4109 www.palaceresorts.com XX
5 Sunset Royal Beach Resort 40 192 EP/AI 9 881-4500, 881-4627 www.royalsunset.com X
5 The Pyramid at Grand Oasis 66 210 AI 7 283-3249 www.oasishoteles.com XX X
5 The Royal Cancún 13 201 AI/TS 5 881-5100 www.royalresorts.com XX
5 The Royal Caribbean 69 207 AI/TS 11 881-5100 www.royalresorts.com XX
5 The Royal Islander 70 186 AI/TS 8 881-5100 www.royalresorts.com XX
5 The Royal Sands 54 340 AI/TS 8 881-5100 www.royalresorts.com XX
4 Aloft Cancún 33 177 EP 11 848-9900, 848-4940 www.aloftcancun.com XX X
4 Aquamarina Beach 7 172 EP/AI 6 849-4606, 849-4600 www.aquamarinabeach.com
4 Beachscape Kin-Ha Villas & Suites Cancún 28 132 AI 4 891-5400, 883-1101 www.beachscape.com.mx XX X
4 Bel Air Collection Hotel & Spa Cancún 79 155 EP/AI 6 193-1770, 885-2144 www.belaircancun.com XX
4 Casa Turquesa Hotel Boutique 53 29 EP 4 193-2260 www.hotelcasaturquesa.com XX
4 Fiesta Americana Villas Cancún 30 179 EP 5 881-1400, 881-1404 www.fiestaamericana.com X
4 Flamingo Cancún Resort 45 256 EP/AI 6 848-8870, 848-8872 www.flamingocancun.com XX X
4 Holiday Inn Cancún Arenas 3 214 EP/AI 5 287-0500, 849-9000 www.holidayinn.com
4 NYX Cancún 46 119 EP/AI 4 848-3900, 848-4911 www.nyxcancun.com X X
4 Oasis Cancún Lite 64 848 AI 6 283-3249 www.oasishoteles.com XX X
4 Oasis Palm 12 345 AI 8 848-7500 www.oasishoteles.com XX X Beach 4 Occidental Costa Cancún 8 358 AI 7 849-7100 www.barcelo.com XX X
4 Occidental Tucancún 52 334 EP/AI 8 891-5900, 885-0615 www.barcelo.com XX X
4 Ocean Spa Hotel 6 154 AI 3 848-7170, 849-4140 www.oceanspahotel.com X
4 Óleo Playa Cancún 80 170 AI 8 313-0126 www.oleohotels.com X
4 Panama Jack Resorts Gran Caribe 43 458 AI 6 881-6750 www.playaresorts.com XX X
4 Park Royal Cancún 49 285 AI 6 885-1333, 885-0113 www.parkroyal.mx XX X L = Lagoon 4 Royal Solaris Cancún 77 498 AI 8 848-8400, 848-8410 www.hotelessolaris.com XX X
4 Solymar Beach Resort 76 87 EP 6 885-1705 www.solymarcancun.com
4 Temptation Cancún Resort 5 384 AI 3 848-7900, 848-7994 www.temptation-experiencie.com XX
3 Cancún Bay Resort 4 98 AI 3 849-5776, 849-5778 www.cancunbayresort.com X X
3 Dos Playas Beach House 20 139 EP/AI 4 849-4920, 849-4167 www.dosplayas.com X
3 Club Med Cancún Yucatán 83 426 AI 3 881-8200, 881-8280 www.clubmed.com
3 Imperial Las Perlas Cancún 2 120 EP/AI 4 849-5200 www.imperiallasperlascancun.com
3 Maya Caribe Beach House 19 40 AI 3 849-4163, 849-4167 www.maya-caribe.com X
L 4 Cancún Clipper Club 34 72 EP 4 891-5999, 891-5989 www.clipper.com.mx X X
L 4 Real Inn Cancún 15 160 EP 6 283-0400 www.hotelesrealinn.com
L 4/2D Sunset Marina Resort & Yacht Club 17 107 AI 3 881-8750 www.sunsetmarinaresort.com X
L 3 Beach House Imperial Laguna Cancún 26 61 AI 3 883-1338 www.hotelimperiallaguna.com
L 3 Grand Royal Lagoon Cancún 25 EP 2 883-2749 www.gr-lagoon.com
L 3 Calypso Hotel Cancún 9 87 EP 10 849-4400 www.hotelcalypsocancun.mx
L 3 Hotel Condominios Coral Mar 23 41 EP 6 883-0188 www.coralmarcancun.com
L 3 Laguna Suites Golf & Spa 21 47 EP/AI 2 891-5252 www.lagunasuites.com.mx
L 3 Las Gaviotas Hotel + Rent Apartments 22 35 EP 3 883-4747 www.cancunsuites.com
L 3 Sina Suites 24 37 EP 2 883-1018 www.sinasuites.com
L 3 Sotavento Hotel & Yacht Club 10 90 EP 74 884-1540 www.hotelsotavento.info 11 Downtown Cancun
SM 62 SM 30 SM 43 Av. Cobá SM 27 SM 69
32 SM 67 SM 21 19 Av. Kabah SM 26 Plaza Mercado 28 SM 89 SM 53 SM 28 Hollywood SM 63 SM 66 SM 24 COSTCO 18 Av. López Portillo SM 21 Plaza Hong Kong SM 75 SM 21 SM 25 Av. Uxmal 31 Av. Chichén Itzá WALMART 20 Av. Yaxchilán Plaza Las SM 23 SM 65 SAM’S Avenidas Av. Yaxchilán SM 17 21 Av. Kabah SM 23 35 17 22 16 33 Cruz Roja To Puerto Juárez Av. Xcaret 25 Av. Tulum IMSS 24 SM 19 SM 18 15 14 SM 65 SM 16 13 26 SM 2 SM 64 11 12 36 30 Plaza Infinity SM 20 SM 1 Pabellón Caribe Av. Labná Av. Náder 10 SM BENITO JUÁREZ SM 15 5 TOWN HALL 27 SM 12 8 SM 2-A Hospital 39 29 SM 68 9 SM 3 28 Galenia Av. Tulum SUPERAMA Hospital Av. Bonampak 22 SM 4 40 SM D-28 41 37 38 SM 11 Americano
3 Uxmal Av. To Airport 34 7 1 Av. Bonampak 38 2 Plaza 4 5 Las Américas Puerto Cancún Blvd. Kukulcán Hotel Zone Av. Bonampak Hospital SM 84 Amerimed Bullring 6 Hospiten
SM 4-B SM 6
Malecón Cancún
HOTELS SHOPPING MALLS
1. Courtyard Cancún Aeropuerto 25. Plaza Caribe Malecón Américas 2. Comfort Inn Cancún Aeropuerto 26. Parador Hotel This mall is the largest in downtown Cancun with big-name 3. Ibis Cancún Centro 27. Eco-Hotel El Rey del Caribe department stores, boutiques, perfume and cosmetic 4. City Express Junior Cancún Suites & Spa stores, children’s attractions, cafes, restaurants and cinemas. 5. City Express 28. Plaza Kokai Address: Bonampak Avenue, SM 6, downtown Cancun. 6. Krystal Urban Hotels 29. Terra Caribe Hotel Cancún - Malecón 30. Adhara Hacienda Cancún 7. Hotel Bonampak Cancún 31. Batab Plaza Las Américas 8. Ambiance Suites Cancún 32. Avenida Cancún Plaza Las Americas and Malecon Americas are connected. 9. Smart Cancún by Oasis 33. Hotel HC Internacional Address: Tulum Avenue, SM 6, downtown Cancun. 10. Handall Cancún 34. Fiesta Inn Cancún Las 11. Soberanis Cancún Américas 12. Antillano 35. Hotel del Sol Cancún Mercado 28 13. Plaza Carrillo’s Cancún 36. Hotel Margaritas Cancún The city market offers Mexican crafts and souvenirs, 14. Hotel Colonial Cancún 37. One Cancún Centro silver shops and restaurants serving fresh seafood 15. Suites Cancún Center 38. Four Points by Sheraton and regional cuisine. 16. María de Lourdes Cancún Centro Address: Tankah Avenue at the corner of Anona 17. Xbalamqué Resort & Spa 39. Oh! The Urban Oasis Cancún Street, SM 25, downtown Cancun. 18. Suites Gaby 40. Villa Italia Suite Ejecutiva 19. Tankah Hotel 41. Hampton Inn by Hilton 20. Caribe Internacional Downtown Plaza 28 21. Ramada Cancún This collection of shops specializes in Mexican crafts, 22. La Quinta Inn & Suites souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, liquor and tobacco. 23. Alux Address: Tankah Avenue corner of Anona Street, SM 24. Kin-Mayab 25, downtown Cancun.
12 Fine Dining
Cancun offers a range of fine dining experiences created via a fusion of Mexican and international cuisines developed by world-class chefs. Many of city’s most exclusive restaurants proudly bear recognition by the maximum arbiters of haute cuisine: the Automobile Association of America’s AAA 5 Diamond Award, the Michelin Guide and various prestigious travel magazines.
Cancun’s visitors enjoy an infinite list of dishes running from Mexican Cuisine in all its glorious regional manifestations to sophisticated international specialties. The city proudly hosts a range of restaurants that may be cutting edge or charmingly traditional, highly innovative and elegant or laid-back and casual. Some experiment with new techniques and unexpected ingredients creating dishes that are a celebration of the senses.
Superlative service is a fundamental part of any Cancun dining experience, as well as the surprisingly beautiful and varied ambience of each establishment. Consider a palapa on the shore of the Caribbean, an open-air terrace from which to watch the sunset over the Nichupte Lagoon or drinks on the deck of a luxury yacht. Perhaps a lively meal made livelier by irrepressible mariachis or a quiet, romantic dinner to the mellow strains of acoustic guitar or a grand piano.
13 Water Sports
In addition to having the finest beaches in the world, a variety of exciting, and occasionally new, water sports and aquatic activities are available here.
Flyboarding.
Catamaran cruises.
Snorkeling.
Windsurfing.
Parasailing.
Fast motor boat tours through the mangroves.
Kitesurfing.
Waterbikes.
Waverunners.
Jet boarding.
Paddleboarding.
Cancun’s marinas and water sports centers offer guides and expert instructors, professional equipment and the latest technology to provide you with an experience that is both exciting and safe.
14 Nature and Adventure
The area surrounding Cancun is filled with exotic natural phenomena that lend themselves to diverse eco-friendly activities. These adventures may take place in the lagoons, jungle, mangrove forests or in the region’s mysterious cenotes.
Swimming with whale sharks.
Trekking.
Birding.
Zip-lining.
Canopy.
Rappelling.
Swimming and diving in cenotes; cave diving.
Bike tours.
All-terrain vehicle tours through the jungle.
These activities take place in spectacular natural sites such as Route of the Cenotes and Isla Contoy National Park that make each of these experiences much more memorable.
15 Entertainment
Cancun’s entertainment options have brought fame and recognition to the city’s nightlife. The line-up includes intimate bars with a staggering range of drinks and the latest trends in music to top clubs with impressive floor shows, light shows, acrobatics and the best DJs in the world.
For those seeking something more family-oriented there are dinner cruises on pirate ships, authentic Mexican fiestas in Xoximilco aboard their famous floating trajineras (a kind of water-born platform decorated with flowers) and the visually stunning magic of Cirque Du Soleil.
16 Shopping The shopping in Cancun just gets better and better. As more shops open, visitors get an increasingly greater sweep of the finest, most sought-after domestic and international brands for fashion, perfume and jewelry as well as traditional Mexican crafts from every state in the country.
Shopping Cancun, visiting all the different malls, is an exciting experience. Each mall has its own architectural style and ambience; its own blend of services and entertainment. Each mall is a fresh, unique experience. Take a look.
Puerto Cancún Marina Town Flamingo Mall Center Flamingo Mall principally showcases souvenirs and Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center is an innovative take Mexican fine arts and crafts with an emphasis on silver on mall design with wide open esplanades and great and jewelry and leather. The mall also houses a pharmacy, vistas for every vantage point smoothly blending shops, a convenience store, car rental and several restaurants. entertainment and eateries. www.flamingo.com.mx www.marinatowncenter.com Address: Km 11.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Address: Km 1.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Plaza Caracol La Isla Shopping Village Address: Km 8.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. La Isla offers a visually exciting experience with its open plazas, navigable canals and its range of entertainment, Chedraui Selecto name-brand boutiques and restaurants. Its privileged Chedraui Selecto is a supermarket that features premium location, overlooking the lagoon, allows visitors to enjoy products: wines, gourmet foods, imported items and Cancun’s dazzling sunsets as well, an added bonus. foodstuffs, live marine species and an haute café. www.laislacancun.com.mx Address: Km 9 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Address: Km 12.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Fashion Harbour at La Isla Crafts And Souvenirs The most exclusive luxury mall in the Mexican Caribbean offers a different shopping experience lined as it is with the world’s top name brands featuring the latest in Plaza La Fiesta designer fashion. Address: Km 9 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. www.fashionharbour.mx Address: Km 12.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Mercado de Artesanías Coral Negro Luxury Avenue Boutique Mall Address: Km 9 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Luxury Avenue is located at the southern end of Kukulcan Plaza; it brings together under one roof a collection of high-end, international luxury brands in fashion, jewelry, watches, accessories and articles of leather. www.luxuryavenue.com Address: Km 13 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Kukulcán Plaza Kukulcan Plaza offers range and variety: clothing and perfume boutiques, jewelry stores, a supermarket and excellent restaurants. www.kukulcanplaza.mx Address: Km 13 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone. Forum by the Sea Forum by the Sea, located at the very heart of the hotel zone, unites shops, restaurants and entertainment centers. It is the only mall that opens onto the beach and provides permanent entertainment. www.forumbythesea.com.mx Address: Km 9 Kukulcan Blvd., Hotel Zone.
17 Archeological Zones
Tulum Tulum is one of the most beautiful ancient sites in Mexico. It sits on the cliff s overlooking the Caribbean and is the only Maya settlement placed along the open ocean. At 75 meters/ 245 feet in height, the so-called Castillo with its inner chamber dominates a landscape with the remains of more than 60 structures. Today a wooden stairway leads from the Castillo to the small cove-like beach below, which is directly across from the only Tulum break in the reefs for miles. It is believed that through that break the Maya guided their trade canoes into shore and safe harbor and surely they chose this location precisely because of that break, thus founding what would become for them a great trading center and cargo depot. Of the ancient sites in the Mexican Caribbean, Tulum is the one most frequented by visitors. It is located 130 km/81 miles south of Cancun. Muyil Muyil is one of the oldest Maya cities. It’s located 20 minutes south of Tulum on the shores of the Muyil Lagoon/Laguna de Muyil. The site includes three temples surrounded by lush vegetation; the tallest is the Castillo at 17 meters/56 feet in height. Cobá At the height of its power and glory Coba extended for 75 square kilometers/30 square miles across the peninsula. It´s located in the middle of the jungle between two lakes and contains the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Nohoch Mul towers to a height of 42 meters/138 feet Muyil above the plaza on which it stands aff ording spectacular views of the land in all directions. Coba is located 175 kilometers/109 miles from Cancun. Kohunlich Kohunlich may have over 200 structures but not all the mounds so far mapped have been excavated. The Temple of the Masks is today the most prominent of the site’s elements. It houses eight fi gures carved in stucco, supported by framework of rubble, on which the original pigments in red and black are still visible.
Chacchoben, Dzibanché-Kinichná, Oxtankáh Chacchoben, Dzibanche-Kinichna and Oxtankah are all located in the southern part of the State of Quintana Roo.
Cobá
Kohunlich 18 El Meco El Meco is located at Km 2.7 along the Puerto Juarez-Punta Sam highway that runs north of Cancun.
The site encompasses 14 structures; the principal structure is a pyramid in fi ve levels referred to as the Castillo. El Rey El Rey is laid out along a central causeway connecting two plazas and all the structures are aligned along this causeway.
The most signifi cant structure is designated number 2 and is composed of a pyramidal base from which a temple rises; Numbers 1 and 4 are referred to as palacios or palaces with great galleries and columns supporting fl at roofs. El Rey is located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone at TulumEl Meco kilometer 18. Cancun Mayan Museum
The Maya Museum of Cancun is located along Kukulcan Blvd. in the Hotel Zone. It showcases one of the most signifi cant collections of Maya artifacts in the country, brought to the museum from sites in this State of Quintana Roo and the major archeological sites of Palenque and Chichen Itza, located in the states of Chiapas and Yucatan respectively. The artifacts are arranged in three salons: the fi rst is dedicated to the work of archeologists in the State of Quintana Roo. The second reveals aspects of the Maya Civilization in general: its relationship to the environment; the origin, development and rising of its cities; its economic activities; its culture including the development of writing, the Maya calendar and some of its rituals such as the ball game. The third is used for temporary expositions.
A visit to the museum also gives visitors access to San Miguelito, an archeological zone that together with El Rey form the most important Maya settlements on the island of Cancun. San Miguelito has a pyramidal base, a grouping of fi ve platforms believed to be living quarters as well as temples and rooms used for administrative purposes.
19 olf Course Golf G s
The golf courses in Cancun and the surrounding area merge visually charged settings with dynamic, innovative designs created by the greatest course designers in the business.
El Tinto Golf The challenge was to incorporate the Course Cancun vagaries of the landscape in ways that diversifi ed, even intensifi ed play while being harmonious and beautiful to the Time to Golf Courses eye. And the results are spectacular: Approximate Times turquoise sea, deep-green lagoon, living Playa Mujeres 20 min jungle and placid cenote share pride of Golf Club Puerto Cancún 10 min place among greens and fairways. Golf Club From Downtown Isao Aoki, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Cancun Robert Trent Jones Jr. PB Dye, Tom Cancún Golf 5 min Club at Pok ta Pok Frazio, Tom Weiskopf and Robert Von Iberostar Cancún 8 min Haggeson met the challenge with Golf Club signature courses that have made Riviera Cancún 15 min Golf & Resort Cancun a golf destination par excellence El Tinto 20 min for enthusiasts and professionals alike, Golf Course Cancun drawing world-class tournaments to Moon Spa 25 min & Golf Club Cancun year after year. Vidanta Golf 40 min Riviera Maya Iberostar Playa 45 min Paraíso Golf Club El Camaleón 47 min Mayakobá Gran Coral 55 min Golf Riviera Maya Hard Rock Golf Club 60 min Riviera Maya Cozumel Country 87 min Club Puerto Aventuras 95 min Golf & Racquet Club Riviera Maya 120 min Golf Club
20 Golf Courses
Playa Mujeres Golf Club Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club Design: Greg Norman Design: P.B. Dye Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Yardage: 7,218 Yardage: 6,700 Tel: (998)800-3892 Tel: (984)877-2847 www.playamujeresgolf.com.mx www.golf.iberostar.com Puerto Cancún Golf Club El Camaleón Mayakoba Design: Tom Weiskopf Design: Greg Norman Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Yardage: 7,171 Yardage: 7,024 Tel: (998)847-4446 T: (984)206-4653 www.puertocancun.com www.mayakobagolf.com Cancún Golf Club at Pok-ta-Pok Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya Design: Robert Trent Jones II Design: Nick Price Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Holes: 18 holes, Par 71 Yardage: 7,051 Yardage: 7,043 Tel: (998)883-1230 Tel: (984)109-6025 www.cancungolfclub.com www.grandcoralrivieramaya.com.mx Iberostar Cancún Golf Club Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya Design: Isao Aoki, Renovación Pedro Gueraca (2006) Design: Robert Von Hagge Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Yardage: 6,734 Yardage: 7,136 Tel: (998)881-8016 Tel: (984) 873-4990 www.golf.iberostar.com www.hrhrivieramaya.com
Riviera Cancún Golf & Resorts Cozumel Country Club Design: Jack Nicklaus Design: Jack Nicklaus Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Yardage: 7,060 Yardage: 6,734 Tel: (998)848-7777 Tel: (987)872-9570 www.rivieracancungolf.com COZUMEL COUNTRY CLUB www.cozumelcountryclub.com.mx El Tinto Golf Course Cancun Puerto Aventuras Golf & Racquet Club Design: Nick Price Design: Thomas Leman Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 Holes: 9 holes, Par 36 Yardage: 7,435 Yardage: 3,200 Tel: (998)800-1072 Tel: (984)873-5109 www.tinto.cancuncountryclub.com www.puertoaventurasgolfcourse.com Moon Spa & Golf Club Riviera Maya Golf Club Design: Jack Nicklaus Design: Robert Trent Jones II Holes: 27 holes, Par 72 Holes: 18 holes, Par 72 + 9 holes, Par 27 Yardage: 10,798 Yardage: 18 holes-7,272 / 9 holes-1,265 Tel: (998) 881-6100 Tel: (984) 875-5048 www.moonpalacecancun.com www.rivieramaya-golfclub.com Vidanta Golf Riviera Maya Design: Nicklaus Design Holes: 18 holes, Par 54 Yardage: 2,923 Tel: (984) 206-4043 www.vidantagolf.com
21
Spa & Wellness
The spas of Cancun are sophisticated installations set in dazzling natural surroundings. They offer specialized therapies and cutting-edge techniques combined with ancient Mayan healing practices to create a spa experience that stimulates the senses, purifies the body and relaxes the mind.
For those for whom vacation means revitalizing, Cancun’s spas offer both new and time-tested treatments: thalassotherapy, a range of massage, facials, body wraps and exfoliations with the finest products together with the ancient indigenous practice of the Temazcal (a kind of sweat lodge), all designed to restore physical and emotional wellness.
A spa experience in Cancun is the perfect complement to a perfect vacation.
23 Weddings and Romance
Over the years Cancun has grown popular with those dreaming of unique weddings in spectacular surroundings because here they find such settings: a white-sand beach and a turquoise sea, splendid parks and reserves, ocean-going yachts, tropical gardens, a terrace at sunset, a gazebo on the lagoon, docks stretching into the horizon and of course, grand ballrooms in the grand hotels.
Cancun is ready to organize the wedding of a lifetime. All types of ceremonies are available here: those conducted by a justice of the peace, a non- denominational/denominational priest or pastor, Maya shaman or the bride’s best friend. Anything is possible. The city’s roster of suppliers and wedding experts are savvy and efficient; there is a wealth of wedding coordinators, hair stylists, makeup wizards, florists, decorators, photographers, caterers, dress designers, audio visual teams, musicians, bands and DJs from which to choose, all working to produce that perfect day.
Then too, Cancun is the ideal place for an unforgettable honeymoon or that milestone anniversary or vow renewal with the serene and beautiful Mexican Caribbean as the only witness. .
24 Certified Wedding Planners
Dream Weddings México Organiza www.dreamweddingsmexico.com www.weddingsbyorganiza.com
Party Boutique Cancún Love Memories www.partyboutiquecancun.com www.lovememories.com.mx
Cancún Unique Weddings www.cancununiqueweddings.com Blossom www.blossomcancun.com
Celebración Promisses www.celebracion.mx www.mysticceremonycancun.com
Karla Sandoval www.karlasandoval.com Vía Destination www.viadestination.com
Eventing www.eventingplanners.com
25 Meetings Infrastructure
Up to 50 hotels with meeting space with 84,000 square meters (900,000 square feet) available for groups, conventions and exhibitions.
Services and installations for the organization of big events, conferences and national and international conventions.
Cancun ICC: 14,200 square meters (152,847 square feet) for conferences and expositions.
10 divisible salons to form up to 36 independent sections for up to 8,000 participants.
5,096 square meters (54,852.89 square feet) in areas for expositions (for up to 200 3 x 3 meter stands).
Exclusive banquet services for up to 5,000 people.
Moon Palace Cancun
More than 3,000 rooms.
25,742 square meters (276,984 square feet) of available space for conferences and conventions.
Moon Palace Arena seats up to 10,000 people.
Additional Perks And Services
No tax applied to cost for conferences, exhibitions and international conventions.
High standards of personalized service.
Specialized travel agencies, destination management companies, event production companies, audio visual teams, transportation services, customs brokers, professional caterers, translators and interpreters among others.
More than 150 diff erent excursions for Cancun and the surrounding area.
Diverse activities and places of entertainment: golf, spas, archeological zones, shopping malls, theme parks, museums, restaurants and more.
26 Hotels for Groups and Conventions HOTEL ROOMS MEETING SPACE (SQ.FT) WEB SITE
Beach Palace 287 8,274 www.palaceresorts.com Crown Paradise Club Cancún 617 10,082 www.crownparadise.com Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort 502 7,551 www.amrmeetings.com/dreams Emporio Cancún 399 12,486 www.hotelesemporio.com Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún AI 507 16,281 www.fi estamericana.com Flamingo Cancún Resort 249 715 www.fl amingocancun.com Golden Parnassus AI Resort & Spa Cancún 214 3,780 www.goldenparnassusresortspa.com Grand Caribe Resort Cancún 470 9,719 www.playaresorts.com Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún 602 8,500 www.grandfi estaamericana.com Grand Oasis Cancún 1,744 36,964 www.oasishoteles.com Grand Park Royal Cancún Caribe 344 9,544 www.parkroyal.mx Seadust Cancún Family Resort 505 17,996 www.greatparanssuscancun.com Hard Rock Hotel Cancún 601 16,404 www.aicmeetings.com Hyatt Zilara 307 6,681 www.playaresorts.com Hyatt Ziva 594 16,000 www.playaresorts.com Iberostar Cancún 426 36,964 www.iberostar.com Presidente Intercontinental Cancún Resort 300 8,289 www.presidenteiccancun.com JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa 448 46,250 www.jwmarriottcancunresort.com Krystal Cancún 453 5,597 www.krystalhotels.com.mx Krystal Grand Punta Cancún 395 4,060 www.krystalgrand-hotels.com.mx Le Blanc Resort Cancún 260 8,274 www.leblancsparesort.com Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún 370 17,099 www.liveaqua.com Marriott Cancún & Resort 450 41,842 www.marriott.com Me Cancún 434 6,749 Moon Palace Cancún 2,404 140,000 www.moonpalacecancun.com Nizuc Resort & Spa 274 7,524 www.nizuc.com Omni Cancun Hotels & Villas 343 8,740 www.omnihotels.com Paradissus Cancún Resort 649 25,000 www.paradissuscancun.com Real Inn Cancún 160 3,517 www.hotelesrealinn.com Sandos Cancún Luxury Experience Resort 214 6,254 www.sandos.com Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort 424 7,772 www.amrmeetings.com/secrets Secrets The Vine Cancún 497 17,000 www.secretsresorts.com The Ritz Carlton Cancún 364 26,250 www.ritzcarlton.com/cancun The Westin Resort & Spa Cancún 326 16,705 www.westin.com/cancun
27
Isla Mujeres is a magical community, a place for romance and relaxation. The island lives close to nature and is a fi ne example of undiluted Caribbean culture. It is located off shore from Cancun, just 6 kilometers/3.7 miles to the northeast.
Its geographic location makes Isla Mujeres a kind of paradise; the island receives the fi rst rays of the sun to touch Mexican soil each morning, a sight to see.
Miniscule Isla Mujeres is only 7 kilometers/4.5 miles long and 500 meters/1600 feet wide. Touring the island on bike, motorcycle or golf cart is a fi ne way to explore at your own pace. The landscape and beaches are stunning and lend themselves to variety of activities. There are sand dunes, lagoons and How to get there mangrove forests as well as stretches of medium and You get to Isla Mujeres by boat; there are tours, low jungle (mostly on the mainland, a stretch of which and ferries make the crossing every 30 minutes or is part of the Isla Mujeres Municipality). so. You can catch a ferry at four diff erent docks: in Puerto Juarez north of Cancun on the mainland, The diving, snorkeling and kayaking are great. Sport and in the Hotel Zone at Playa Tortuga, Playa fi shing is second to none. Tours in both motor boats and Caracol and the Embarcadero. The crossing takes catamarans are available as well as zip-lining over the from 15-20 minutes. water. There’s a lot going on for such a laid-back island!
29 Manchones Reef Manchones is a section of reef filled with a range of Must See Island Sites 1/4 marine species. It runs for two kilometers/1 miles at a depth of 15 meters/46 feet some 10 minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres. The dive’s hallmark feature North Beach / Playa Norte is a bronze cross set 12 meters/40 feet down; the North Beach is considered one of the loveliest cross weights a ton and stands three meters/10 feet beaches in the region, covered by soft white sand, tall. Called the La Cruz de la Bahia, the sculpture is dotted with palm trees and kissed by the crystal clear a tribute to the men and women who have lost their waters of the Caribbean, waters which in North Beach lives at sea. Manchones is considered an interesting are calm and shallow, perfect for swimming and other dive for both experienced and novice divers. low-key water sports. Sunsets from North Beach are legendary. The Lighthouse / El Farito South Point / Punta Sur El Farito is a small underwater park located 1.5 Located on the southern-most tip of the island kilometers/0.9 miles from Isla Mujeres. The site is and its place of highest elevation (20 meters/60 named after a small lighthouse located at the center of feet above sea level) is South Point. The cliffs are a spectacular reef, great for snorkeling, and visitors can naturally sculptured and afford spectacular views of also see the statue referred to as the Virgin of El Farito the Isla Mujeres Bay and the Caribbean with Cancun that graces the reef. as backdrop. A small temple dedicated to the Maya Goddess Ixchel graces the very tip of the point and The Turtle Farm / Tortugranja megalithic, multimedia sculptures commissioned Tortugranja is a safe harbor for turtles of different from world-renowned artists, dot the field leading to species, both land and sea. A small aquarium filled the point. with lobsters, starfish, shrimp, conch, sea cucumbers and other marine life not often seen is an additional El Garrafón attraction. El Garrafon, named for the reef whose shape is thought to resemble a bottle neck (garrafa), has been declared a national park. Its shallow depth, gentle currents and abundance of sea creatures make it an ideal site for viewing life below the surface. Garrafon is famous for its brilliant tropical fish and the coral reef that is their home; it’s a veritable snorkeling paradise located right next to South Point.
The Cave Of The Sleeping Sharks The murky cave filled with sharks apparently ‘resting’ from their constant movement was discovered by island native Carlos Garcia Castilla back in the 1950s. Sharks are thought to need constant movement to survive and discovery of the cave with its sleeping sharks is a highly unusual, even freakish phenomenon that allows people to get up close and personal with this great predator. The cave is located 30 minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres and dive tours for advanced divers are available.
Musa: The Underwater Art Museum MUSA is a collection of over 500 submerged sculptures. The purpose of the project, now a reality, was to promote reef restoration through art, thus connecting fine art with the science of conservation. Placed as they are, the sculptures draw visitors away the reef, thus reducing the massive, inadvertent damage done the reef by droves of divers and snorkelers.
Hacienda Mundaca Hacienda Mundaca is the principal historic attraction on the island. It was built by Fermin Mundaca of Marecheaga, a pirate and slave trader who used the island as a refuge.
30 Where To Stay Dining Isla Mujeres has hotels for all tastes and budgets. Dining in Isla Mujeres is an adventure; you’ll fi nd excellent The offering ranges from the simplest, no frills regional and international cuisine and the fresh fi sh and establishments to high-end boutique hotels and big seafood are especially superb. all-inclusive operations, the latter mostly located on the mainland facing the island. The island’s streets are a treasure trove of great little eateries, each with its own singular ambience and roster of delicious dishes. So just relax and soak up that lovely hospitality that fl ows naturally as the ocean breeze here in the Mexican Caribbean.
Nightlife For the many small bars steeped in Caribbean culture and alive with music of all sorts, just stroll the beach or the colorful bustling streets downtown. OF Each offers a quirky, unique ambience all its own. TOP
Diving Isla Mujeres Isla Mujeres is a divers’ paradise, its waters peppered 5 Tour the island in a golf cart. with great dive sites. The sea is crystal clear and fi lled with life and massive strands of the Great Dive or snorkel MUSA, the underwater art museum. Mesoamerican Reef with names like Los Cuevones, Manchones and La Bandera. The Cruz de La Bahia Dine on a delicious regional specialty: fi sh Tikin-Xic. (a huge bronze cross, three meters tall), MUSA (an underwater art museum) and the Cave of the Sleeping Walk the picturesque streets of downtown Isla (pet Sharks are all worth a visit. name for the island used by locals).
Fishing Watch the sun set over the mainland from Island’s The inhabitants of Isla Mujeres have been fi shermen beaches. since time immemorial; there are no better fi shing guides than these islanders. The waters around Isla Mujeres are teeming with barracuda, dorado, tuna, wahoo, bass, snapper and marlin and not surprisingly, the island hosts important international fi shing tournaments every year.
When the fish are running: Sailfi sh: November to January Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, Bonito, Blue Marlin, White Marlin: March to July. Barracuda: year round.
31 CATEGORY HOTEL PHONE WEB SITE
5/4D Excellence Playa Mujeres (998) 872-8600 / (998) 872-8601 www.excellenceresorts.com 5/4D Finest Playa Mujeres by Excellence Group (998) 872-8180 www.finestresorts.com 5/4D Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort (998) 283-3600 www.secretsresorts.com/playa-mujeres 5/4D The Beloved Playa Mujeres (998) 872-7230 www.belovedhotels.com 5 Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort (998) 283-3600 www.dreamsresorts.com 5 Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa (984) 873-4826 www.palladiumhotelgroup.com 5 Riu Dunamar 01 800 225-5748 www.riu.com 5 Villa del Palmar Cancún Luxury Beach & Spa Resort (984) 287-6770 www.villapalmarcancun.com.mx continental zone continental 4 All Ritmo Resort & Water Park (984) 881-7900 www.allritmocancun.com GT Isla Mujeres Palace (998) 999-2020 www.palaceresorts.com/islamujerespalace 5 Hotel Secreto (998) 877-1039 / (998) 877-1048 www.hotelsecreto.com 5 La Casa de los Sueños (998) 877-0651 / (998) 877-0708 www.casasuenos.com 5 Mia Reef Isla Mujeres (998) 999-2050 / (998) 881-3932 www.hotelmiareefislamujeres.com 5 Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres (998) 884-1387 / (998) 848-8470 www.privilegehotels.com 5 Zöetry Villa Rolandi (998) 999-2000 www.zoetryresorts.com.mx/mujeres 4 Bahia Chac Chi (998) 877-1797 www.bahiachacchi.com 4 Cabañas Maria Del Mar (998) 877-0179 www.cabanasdelmar.com 4 Casa Ixchel (998) 888-0107 / (998) 267-7615 www.casaixchelisla.com 4 Ixchel Beach (998) 999-2010 www.ixchelbeachhotel.com 4 Maria´s Kankin (998) 877-0015 / (998) (998) 877-0733 www.mariaskankin.com 4 Na Balam (998) 881-4770 www.nabalam.com 4 Playa Arena (998) 877-0355 www.playa-arena.com 4 Worldmark by Wyndham (998) 287-3340 www.xtraholidays.com 3 Belmar (998) 877-0430 / (998) 877-0429 www.hotelbelmar.book.direct 3 Chac Chi Hotel & Suites (998) 877-0269 www.hotelchacchi.com 3 Garrafón de Castilla (998) 877-0107 / (998) 877-0019 3 Hotel Isla Caracol (998) 877-1675 / (998) 198-2435 www.hotelislacaracol.com 3 Kinich (998) 888-0909 3 Las Palmas (998) 192-6234 www.laspalmasonisla.com 3 Hotel Plaza Almendros (998) 877-1701 / (998) 877-1217 www.hotelplazaalmendros.com 3 Bucaneros Hotel & Suites (998) 877-1228 / (998) 877-1222 www.bucaneros.com 3 Paradise Suites (998) 688-4154 www.paradisesuites.mx 3 Paraíso Mexicano (998) 877-1871 3 Playa la Media Luna (998) 877-0759 / (998) 877-1124 www.playamedialuna.com 3 Posada del Mar 998) 8770770 / (998) 877-0266 www.posadadelmar.com 3 Rocamar (998) 877-0101 / (998) 877 0905 www.hotel-rocamar.com 3 Villas Coco Resort (998) 999-0123 / (998) 274-0340 www.villascocoresorts.com 2 Chichis and Charlie (998) 877-0491 www.chichisandcharlies.com 2 D´gomar (998) 877-0541 www.hotel-dgomar.bussines.site 2 Francis Arlene (998) 877-0310 / (998) 877-0861 www.francisarlene.direct-reservation.net 2 Hotel Berny (998) 218-3432 / (998) 877-1866 www.hotelesberny.com 2 Hotel Boca Iglesia (998) 877-0509 www.hotelbocaiglesia-islamujeres.com 2 Maria Elena (998) 888-0471 2 Sueño Maya (998) 877-1695 2 Suites los Arcos (998) 877-1343 / (998) 877-1344 2 Suites Sol Caribe (998) 877-1698 www.solcaribeislamujeres.com 2 Villa Kiin (998) 877-0045 / (998) 877-1024 www.villakiin.com 2 Vistalmar (998) 877-0209 / (998) 877-0096 1 Carmelina (998) 877-0006 1 Isleño (998) 877-0302 1 La Casa Naranja 998) 139-6675 1 Marcianito (998) 877-0111 www.isla-mujeres.net/hotels/marcianito 1 Maya (998) 877-1329 1 Osorio (998) 877-0294 / (998) 877-0094 1 Xbulu-ha (998) 877-1783
32 CATEGORY HOTEL PHONE WEB SITE
Posada Posada Silver (998) 877-0071 Posada Posada Suemi ((998) 877-0122 Posada Posada Que Barbara (998) 877-1233 Posada Posada San Jorge (998) 877-0378 Posada Posada Trinchan (998) 877-0856 Hosteles Poc-Na (998) 877-0090 Apartamentos Casa El Pio (998) 229-2799 www.casaelpio.com Apartamentos Casa Sirena México (998) 274-9024 www.casasirenamexico.com Apartamentos Color de Verano (998) 877-1264 www.colordeverano.com Apartamentos Condominios Puerta al Mar (998) 274-0119 www.puertaalmarcondos.com Apartamentos María Leticia (998) 877-0832 Apartamentos Nautibeach (998) 877-0606 www.nautibeach.com Apartamentos Sea Hawk Divers (998) 877-1233 www.seahawkdivers.com Apartamentos Sundreamers Apartments (998) 845-0438 www.sundreamers.com Apartamentos Sunset Grill (998) 865-4148 Villas Villas La Joya (998) 877-0088 www.villaslajoya.com Villas Villas Punta Sur (998) 877-0572 www.villaspuntasur.com Villas Villas La Bella (998) 888-0342 Villas Villas Su Casa (998) 877-0180 www.sucasamexico.com Marinas Marina Makax (998) 845-7400 Marinas Marina Paraíso (998) 877-0252 www.marinaparaiso.com Marinas Marina El Milagro Beach Hotel (998) 877-1708 www.elmilagromarina.com
33
Holbox is a spit of island located off the natural habitat (April-October) and the chance to actually northern coast of the State of Quintana Roo. It is fi lled swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest fi sh. At night with the wonders of nature, forms part of the Yum there’s the startling phenomenon of bioluminescence, when Balam Ecological Reserve and is a declared Protected the sea comes alive with phosphorescent sparks of light. Area for Flora and Fauna.
The waters around Holbox are shallow and the island itself has streets of sand and those colorful clapboard houses so traditional to Caribbean culture. You can tour the island on foot, bicycle or golf cart. It’s a veritable heaven of tranquility where living close to nature is a normal as breathing.
In addition to just relaxing in the presence of unadulterated nature, the island off ers some unique experiences such as seeing fl ocks of fl amingo in their
How to get there From Cancun, take the highway to Merida to the Holbox/Chiquila turn off . Ferries to Holbox leave from Chiquila at regular intervals. The drive to Chiquila from Cancun is about two hours and the crossing takes approximately 15 minutes.
35 Must See Island Sites
Passion Island/Isla Pasión Yalahau Cenote Passion Island is a small patch of deserted sand. A short 30-minute ride by boat from Holbox gets you Lounging on a virgin beach under a tropical sun, far to the Yalahau Cenote, a sweet-water sinkhole of clear, from the madding crowd is the order of the day. invigoratingly cold water. The cenote is surrounded by mangroves and the entire area can be seen from the Bird Island/Isla Pájaros designated lookout point. Legend has it the cenote’s Birders and nature lovers will be in their element waters have healing powers, hence it’s popular name: on Bird Island. Located in the Yalahau Lagoon, the “the source of eternal youth”. island is a refuge for a diversity of bird life such as the Magnificent Frigate Bird, White Ibis, ducks, Cabo Catoche pelicans, cranes and storks (in season). The birds Cabo Catoche is a small island blessed by nature and filled are protected by law and meant to be left at peace. with history. It’s great for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Only walking is permitted on the island and a tall The areas referred to as Ekab and Boca Iglesia contain the lookout post offers 360 degree views of the refuge remains of ancient and conquest-era structures including and its birds. the site of the first Catholic Church ever built in Mexico.
Where To Stay Lodging options run from rustic cabins and small guest houses to exclusive, full-service boutique hotels, all of them surrounded by the inimitable setting that is Holbox. No matter which option you choose, the unswerving constant is warm island hospitality.
Dining The island’s restaurants are small, intimate and decidedly original in décor and ambience, and despite Holbox’s diminutive size, the world’s major cuisines are all there. Best bets include fresh fish and seafood which are used in novel ways by local chefs. Lobster pizza, the favorite of many a visitor, comes to mind. Some of the bigger hotels have excellent restaurants with ocean views.
Nightlife Given that Holbox is famous for its laid-back pace, nightly entertainment is suitably low key but the ambience is open, friendly and lively nonetheless. Live music and DJs are common.
TOP OF 5Isla Holbox Swim with the whale sharks (May-September).
Eat lobster pizza.
Kayak through the mangroves.
See the ocean’s bioluminescence (July-January).
Go kitesurfing.
36 HOTEL DIRECTORY
CATEGORY HOTEL PHONE WEB SITE
4 Casa Sandra Hotel con Arte (984) 875-2171 www.casasandra.com 4 Casa Takywara (984) 875-2255 www.casatakywara.com 4 Casa Las Tortugas (984) 875-2129 www.holboxcasalastortugas.com 4 Las Nubes Holbox (984) 875-2300 www.lasnubesdeholbox.com 4 La Palapa del Sol (984) 875-2031 www.palapadelsol.com 4 Puerto Holbox (998) 875-2167 www.hotelpuertoholbox.com 4 Tribu Hostel (984) 875-2507 www.tribuhostel.com 4 Villa Caracol Petite Charming Hotel (984) 875-2079 www.villascaracol.com 4 Villas Delfines (984) 875-2196 www.villasdelfines.com 4 Villas Flamingos Holbox (984) 875-2167 www.villasflamingos.com 4 Villas HM Paraíso del Mar (984) 874-2077 www.villashmparaisodelmar.com 4 Xaloc Resort Boutique (984) 875-2160 www.holbox-xalocresort.com 4 Zomay Holbox (984) 875-2090 www.zomayholbox.com 3 Amaité Hotel & Spa (984) 875-2217 / (984) 875-2186 www.amaitehotelholbox.com 3 Casa Blat-Ha (984) 875-2393 www.casablatha.com 3 Casa Iguana (984) 875 2469 www.casaiguanaholbox.com 3 Casa Maya Hotel Boutique Camping Bar (984) 875-2428 www.casamayaholbox.com 3 Hacienda La Catrina Holbox B&B (984) 802-8645 www.catrinaholbox.com 3 Holbox Dream Beach Front by Xperience Hotels (984) 803-3980 www.xperiencehotelsresorts.com 3 La Palapa Isla Holbox (984) 875-2185 www.hotellapalapa.com 3 Maya Hotel Residence (984) 875-2005 www.mayahotelresidenceholbox.com 3 Poasada Mawimbi (984) 875-2003 www.mawimbi.com 2 Casa Bárbara (984) 875-2302 www.hotelcasabarbara.mx 2 Casa Cereza Holbox (984) 135-5525 www.casacerezaholbox.com 2 Holmar (984) 875-2100 www.hotelholmar.com 2 Hostel & Cabañas Ida y Vuelta Camping (984) 875-2358 www.holboxhostel.com 2 Posada Los Arcos Holbox (984) 875-2343 www.arcosholbox.com
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Contoy is uninhabited and famous for hectares/575 acres in addition to 4,900 marine its flora and wildlife. It’s the most important bird hectares/12,000 acres. Scientists have logged 210 sanctuary in the Mexican Caribbean and a major species of bird in the island’s mangroves, lagoons draw for nature lovers. and areas of low jungle including significant nesting colonies of cormorant and frigate. Contoy is the The island is located 30 kilometers/20 miles north major nesting ground for the Brown Pelican along of Isla Mujeres where the waters of the Gulf of the Atlantic seaboard from Texas to Belize. These Mexico merge with the Caribbean Sea. Contoy three species--cormorant, frigate and pelican--are was designated a legally protected nature reserve the most numerous on the island, numbering 10,000 in 1961 and a National Park in 1998. It has a length individuals. Cranes, sand pipers and migratory of 8.75 kilometers/5.5 miles and a surface of 230 species (in season) are also present.
How to get there Tours and private boat rentals to Contoy operate out of both Cancun and Isla Mujeres. The crossing takes about an hour depending on the weather. Must See Sites on Contoy Ixlaché Reef The reef is filled with different types of live color, fish, the spiny lobster and conch.
This reef marks the beginning of the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Beaches The waters of Contoy beaches are sparkling clear and Birders’ Lookout/El Mirador surrounded by lush vegetarian. The mirador, located in the visitor’s center, allows you a bird’s eye view of the landscape and all the many Nature Paths species of bird in their natural habitat along with a These pathways lead you through areas where the breath of fresh ocean air (welcome after the climb up). island’s flora and fauna is readily seen.
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