Travel Guide Cancún

Cancún M a p s & T r a v e l G u i d e

www.visitmexico.com Cancun is the best option for having fun filled vacation experiences! Welcomewww.cancun.travel to Paradise

Cancún delivers the best of both worlds: the Caribbean and Mexico. For visitors who frequent other Caribbean destinations, Cancún offers an unequalled mix of man- made, natural, and cultural attractions. Cancún was a part of the ancient Mayan civilization and is still considered the gateway to the Mayan World (“El Mundo Maya”). Mayan temples and ritual sites are literally everywhere, some smothered by lush jungle, others easily accessible (one pops up at one of our golf courses). There is even a Mayan temple overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the heart of the Cancún Hotel Zone! Cancun is situated on the southeast coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula. The small island just 12 miles long and 1 mile wide right on the Caribbean coast is marked by exceptional natural beauty and dotted with lagoons and spectacular beaches. Warm white powdery sand beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters together with the famous Mexican hospitality make this a place like no other! Cancun has the most modern and functional airport in Latin America and the Caribbean, offering worldwide connections and flights. Its hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment centers offer the best quality and service, not only in the Caribbean, but worldwide. With 250 sunny days a year, the gentle sea breezes keep the temperature at around 80ºF.

Arriving and Departing

* Cancún International Airport is located approximately 15-25 minutes from the Hotel Zone and 15 minutes from downtown Cancún. * The airport has a new “fare finder” on its website allowing passengers to check all available rates, and booking transportation online to all hotels in Cancún. Visit www. cancun-airport.com/transportation.htm There is also a toll- free number from the U.S. or Canada at 1-800-317-1921. * Your tour operators include airport transfers when purchasing an air/hotel package,

Around de City

BY BUS. Best way to move along the Hotels Zone is by BY CAR. You will find in Cancún all the major car rental bus. The bus system is reliable and inexpensive (one ride companies. They all have a great range of new and comfortable rental cars. This is the easiest way to explore costs about US $0.73 (9.5 pesos). The Route 1, runs along the surrounding beaches, villages and Mayan Ruins. TIP: the Hotels Zone and also takes you to downtown, Tulum some car rental agencies give drivers a ‘get out of a ticket Ave, bus station and Puerto Juarez. You don’t have to wait free’ card! If you’re pulled over for minor infractions, the more than 3-4 minutes for the bus. Buses operate between card is shown to police who will ‘forgive’ your first two 6:00 and 24:00 hrs. infractions! Really! BY FERRY. If you are planning to visit Isla Mujeres you BY TAXI. Taxis in Cancún are regulated, safe and reliable. take the ferry in Puerto Juárez, and run every half hour There are over 3,000 taxis in operation. Make sure to from 5:30 to 20:30 hrs. And then once every hour until ask the doorman at the hotel the rates so there are no 23:30 hrs. From Chiquila to Holbox, the transportation surprises; most hotels post a list of rates from the hotel to leaves every 2 hours from 6:00 to 21:30 hrs. And the ferry various points in and around Cancún. to Cozumel leaves from Playa del Carmen every hour from 7:00 to 22:00 hrs.

Weather Forecast

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Anual Average Temperature (ºC) 23 24 25 26 27 27 27 27 27 26 24 23 26

Average Maximum Temperature (ºC) 333324313029 33 3233 293031 31 Average Minimum Temperature (ºC) 17 17 18 20 21 22 22 22 22 21 19 18 20 Average Precipitation (mm) 67 50 31 28 76 156 106 130 163 165 135 80 1,256 Day length (hours) 11.4 11.9 12.4 13 13.5 13.8 13.6 12.613.2 12 11.5 11.3 12.5

Airport Handcrafts Scuba Diving Shopping Malls 4 Snorkeling Ferry Golf Jet Ski 2 Museum 3 Swimming Parasailing Fishing Sailing 2 Windsurf Archeological Site

Playa Caracol

Blvrd. Kukulcán

Flamingos

Blvrd. Kukulcán Cancún Center

Club de Golf Pok-Ta-Pok Mercado Nihupté El Coral Negro Plaza Forum Lagoon by the Sea Playa Chac-Mol

Blvrd. Kukulcán

Playa Mujeres Isla Golf Club Mujeres

J. López Portillo

Costa Maya ules v. T Terminal A Marítima Puerto Juárez

Centenario

Puerto Juárez Mujeres 20 de Noviembre Niños Héroes Bay Talleres Vicario De los Leona Miguel HidalgoFco. I. Madero

Niños Héroes a Puerto Chichen Itza p 91 N m

a Cancún

Chac Mool

n T Uxmal o ankah Puerto Cancún B

J. López Portillo Golf Club Laguna

á l

Costa i Morales h

Palenque c 40 Pte. x 127 Norte

Kabah a Y

137 Norte Edzna (C.26Pte) Cobá Carlos. J. Nader Playa las Perlas 54 Pte.

Rojo Gómez m u l Boulevard PlayaKukulcán Juventud

Xcaret u 149 Norte Chichen Itza T

Kohunlich axchilán Playa Linda J. López Portillo Y Andrés Quintana Roo 121 Nte A K Playa Langosta v

i . Contoy 135 n

n k

t Nichupté Contoy r Playa Nichupté i a Canal l Playa Tortugas Canal Nichupté Sigfrido Caracol Bonampak Quintana Roo Punta . Cuesta del Sol Torres ulum v Las T A Club de Cancún Golf DOWNTOWN Pok Ta Pok Playa Gaviota CANCÚN a Pok Laguna T ulum Azul T Bojorquez Boulevard Kukulcán Pok

Plaza Flamingo . las Naciones Paraíso v Boulevard Playa A Chac-Mol

Plaza La Isla Yamil Lu’um Nichupté De los Colegios Lagoon Boulevard Kukulca´n Plaza Playa Marlin Kukulcán Luxury Avenue

Melia Golf Club

Playa Ballenas México 307

Boulevard Kukulca´nGrand Oasis Golf Club Museo Maya Kukulcán de Cancún Golf Club CARIBBEAN SEA Playa El Rey El Rey

Río ´ a Playa Delfines c

Inglés K

d Airport r

e Lagoon l

México 307 o

B Laguna La Airport Cueva Laguna Punta Caleta Nizuc Boulevard Kukulcán Bahía N Nizuc

Riviera Cancún Golf & Resorts PLAYA DEL CARMEN, XCARET, TULUM

México 307

MAP OF CANCÚN

MAP OF DOWNTOWN CANCÚN

If you’re thinking that upscale travelers don’t have a place in Cancún… think again! There are several luxury resorts, limo service, gourmet dining, designer shopping, over-the-top outdoors, thrilling nightlife, sensational spas, and personally escorted tours to enjoy this place full of history as well as the Caribbean and the jungle. Cancún is the perfect luxury escape.

IP: Cancún has four AAA Five Diamond winners and 17 AAA T Four Diamond recipients.

Cancún for all A ges

Cancun is the ideal destination for called The City. The clubs have laser family holidays. Children are welcome shows, professional DJs and musical everywhere, there are a myriad of hits of the moment that keep the party tours and activities for the whole going until dawn. family, you can visit the amazing eco- parks, enjoy nature and learn all the You don’t need to be under 25 to have ancestral history of the area. A good a great time in Cancún. This resort itinerary includes swimming with has countless beautiful beaches, an dolphins in the morning, climbing excellent dining scene, fascinating Mayan pyramids in the afternoon, and historic sites and stunning flora and end the day with a relaxed dinner with fauna, there is plenty here for older kid favorite dishes. travelers to enjoy. There is also affordable lodging, AAA discounts, If you’re a young single, Cancun most handicap facilities, and opportunities be on your radar. It is a world-class to interact with local culture. Should party town with some of the best clubs, the need arise; the medical facilities discos and bars in Mexico. The styles IP: Los programas infantiles en los are first-rate, including American and range from intimate jazz clubs, dance hoteles son fáciles de encontrar y Spanish hospitals. halls sauce, to the largest nightclub Tlos centros turísticos son seguros.

Cancun has 14 miles of white-powder sand beach. Cancún’s magnificently restored beaches are among the world’s finest. They are ideal for windsurfing and parasailing. There are over 25 Cancun watersports centers and marinas manned by expert guides and professional operators with excellent fleets for providing all the services you might require. You can rent a wave runner or catamaran - go on a jungle tour – take a trip on a glass bottom boat or even get SCUBA-certified by an experienced dive instructor. Cancún keeps its guests on the go with an unlimited assortment of the latest leisure pursuits.

Scuba Diving, Cancun is renowned for its shallow reefs with dazzling colors and a diversity of life. Reef diving is spectacular on the southern beaches and offshore islands. Currents allow for drift diving, and both reefs and offshore wrecks offer exciting opportunities. The cenotes or natural sinkholes on the peninsula provide a rare and unique diving experience. Cancun’s coastline is home to nearly 100 coral species, 350 mollusks and 164 species of reef dwelling fish.

The Cancun Underwater Museum is located in different areas of the National Park West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc. This project is unique and raises the fusion of art with environmental conservation on a large scale. Come and enjoy the largest underwater museum in the world, with more than 500 life-size sculptures, strategically placed at different depths that create artificial reefs. The submerged sculptures are also visible from the surface, and when seen from above create the silhouette of a human eye. Five different artists from 3 different countries make the sculptures. Each human size statue tells a different story and can be seen easily by diving, snorkeling or from a glass bottom boat. All the sculptures were placed near natural reefs and marine life. This project will benefit, both the ecosystem and the diversity of the tourism destination, creating an new Visitors Center, which showcases 26 replicas of the excellent option for our most popular submerged sculptures. Additionally, the visitors. center also shows the steps used by eco-sculptor Jason Recently de Caires, to create this underwater eco art. opened its The museum just finished submerging 10 more statutes, doors to a 5 of which are molds of NBC Today hosts.

For more information www.musacancun.com

The golf circuit in and around Cancun makes it one of the most competitive destinations both within and beyond our borders. It Offers 15 operating courses, other interesting golf complexes. In an advanced planning stage and the endorsement of international tournaments such as the PGA Mayakoba Golf Classic, the only PGA event to take place outside the United States and Canada. Cancún is on the verge of becoming México’s new golf leader, with five courses in Cancún and ten additional signature golf courses south of Cancún. Courses are full-service venues, each with a professional pro shop, well- maintained golf carts, driving range, putting green, Bermuda fairways and greens, caddies, top quality equipment rentals, restaurants, and beverage cart. All the courses are open to the public (some require advance arrangements for access).

Playa Mujeres Golf Club. An 18-holes Par 72 course designed by Greg Norman. The outstanding design and several holes facing to the Caribbean Sea will make you to enjoy the best golf round ever.

Puerto Cancún Golf Club. An 18-holes Par 72 course designed by Tom Weiskopf. It’s design combines warm trade winds with undulated greens to add fun and challenge to the natural beauty of the golf course.

Cancún Golf Club at Pok-ta-Pok. It is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course incorporates lush vegetation, the lagoon, the shoreline and ancient Mayan ruins.

© 2016 All rights reserved. Contents can not be 15 reproduced for commercial purposes. Map Índex Iberostar Cancún Golf Club. The18-hole, Par 72 Championship golf course is set within 150 acres of tropical paradise and through ancient Mayan Ruins, along the arms of the Nichupte Lagoon. It was design by Isao Aoki Group.

Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts. A golf course with the Jack Niklaus Signature design. The18-hole Par 72, is a combination of mangroves, ocean views and lagos, a perfect sum of challenges for the most demanding Golfer.

El Tinto Golf Course. This is an 18-hole golf course Par 72, an environmental role model golf course. Master golf course designer Nick Price created this marvel, boasting 84 bunkers and 5 astonishing natural lakes built into the design.

The Moon Spa & Golf Club. This 27-hole course Par 72, is one of the Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, a beautiful landscape, natural mangroves and exotic animals surround it. It’s ranked as one of the top 10 Golf Courses in Mexico.

Vidanta Golf El Manglar. An 18-hole-Niklaus Design golf course. It features traps of radiant, white sand, lakes surrounded by natural rocks and the intense color of the greens. It is a garden of delights for golf lovers.

Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club. The latest creation of P.B. Dye. It is an 18- hole Par 72 course carved out of the ancient Mayan jungle. The course boasts dramatic vertical elevation changes, is one of the best golf destinations around the world.

16 © 2016 All rights reserved. Contents can not be reproduced for commercial purposes. Map Índex El Camaleon Mayakoba. Golf Club. An 18-hole Par 72 golf course designed IP: Look for ‘twilight’ rates by Greg Norman. The course stretches from the jungle to the mangroves and (usually after 14:00 hrs. or on to the most beautiful ocean views, is the first course in Mexico to be chosen Tinquire if your hotel has special by the PGA. rates for area courses. Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya. An 18-hole course Par 71 design by Nick Price. The stunning course provides a fun and challenging golf experience, but also preserves a vital habitat for local plant and animal life. The layout winds through dense jungle that opens to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

The Golf Club at Playacar. A 18-hole Par 72 golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge, is surrounded by a diversity of lakes, cenotes (sinkholes), archeological sites and exuberant vegetation, and considered to be one of the most challenging golf courses in the area.

Cozumel Country Club. This is an 18-hole course Par 72, designed by the Nickaus Desing Group. Carefully crafted from the surrounding mangrove marshlands and tropical rainforest. The first Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary golf course in Mexico.

Puerto Aventuras Golf & Tennis Club. This beautiful 9-hole, par 36, was designed by Thomas Leman and is still one of the best-kept secrets in the Riviera Maya. The field is covered by a smooth carpet of Bermuda grass, surrounded by palm trees, bougainvillea, tropical trees, and lush foliage.

Riviera Maya Golf Club. An 18-holes Par 72 + 9 holes Par 27 golf course design by Robert Trent Jones Ii. It is an extraordinary Golf Course. 90 hectares in the middle of the rainforest.

Laguna Cancún Chacmochuk Cancún Golf Club at Pok-ta-Pok 5 Min. Isla Iberostar Cancún Golf Club 8 Min. Mujeres Puerto Cancún Golf Club 10 Min. Riviera Cancún Golf & Resorts 15 Min. Playa Playa Mujeres Golf Club Mujeres 20 Min. Golf Puerto El Tinto Golf Club 20 Min. Club Juárez Moon Spa & Golf Club Puerto 25 Min. Cancún Vidanta Golf El Manglar Riviera Maya 40 Min. Golf Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club 45 Min. Cancún Club Cancún El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Club 47 Min. Golf Club Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya 55 Min. at Pok- The Golf Club at Playacar 60 Min. ta-Pok Cozumel Country Club 87 Min. Iberostar Puerto Aventuras Golf & Tennis Club 95 Min. Cancún Riviera Maya Golf Club 120 Min. Laguna Golf Nichupté Club Cancun Riviera Country Cancún Club El Golf & Tinto Golf Resorts Course Moon Spa & Golf Club

Vidanta Golf El Puerto Manglar Morelos Riviera Maya

Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf El Club Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Club

Playa del Carmen Grand Coral Golf The Golf Riviera Club at Maya Playacar

Xcaret

Cozumel Country San Club Miguel Puerto Cozumel Aventuras Golf & L.Chancanab Tennis Club Puerto Riviera Aventuras Maya Golf N Club Akumal

Xel-Há L.Colombia

Adrenaline... this is the word that syn- still conserve their traditions and ex- thesizes the marvelous adventures cursions to the impressive archaeolo- that can be experienced in the desti- gical sites. nation’s ecosystems. The coral reefs, You can also swim with dolphins and wetlands, low altitude jungle, estua- even find yourself face to face with ries, caves, cenotes (sinkholes) and sharks in complete safety, as well as fantastic mangroves are the settings get to know at first hand the marine for the most original and fun excur- life that inhabits this region. sions. Boats set sail from Cancun to the di- Our dive sites are among the Cari- fferent Treasures of the Caribbean: The excursions can last from just one bbean’s best, while bird watching Isla Holbox, Isla Contoy, Isla Cozu- hour up to one week, traveling around areas, turtle sanctuaries, and exotic mel, Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos. Yucatan. animal zoos (Crococun, Xcaret) show- In all of these locations you can enjoy In no other part of the world can ceno- case our other natural wonders. the nature and all the amazing fauna tes and underground rivers be found You can tailor make your tour to in- of the region. in such abundance as in this region. clude driving through the jungle in an There are many amazing ecological One of the tours goes through a lab- open top jeep, mountain biking throu- theme parks near Cancun. You can yrinth of underground passageways, gh the undergrowth, and swimming in get to them easily by car, by bus or inside a grotto of stalactites and sta- the cool, fresh waters of the cenotes. take one of the many tours offered by lagmites, has been recognized as the the destination. best ecological expedition in Ameri- ca and Central America by the World Travel Awards. Different kinds of hanging bridges and zip lines have been set up in the middle of the jungle, along with tracks for driving four wheel drive vehicles. There are tours that take visitors from the hotels to Mayan communities that

© 2016 All rights reserved. Contents can not be 19 reproduced for commercial purposes. Map Índex Xcaret is a Paradise where the Mayan jungle and the Mexican culture combine in more tan 40 exciting attractions. It’s an eco-archaeological park at the edge of the sea, with subterranean rivers with transparent waters that run through caves and canals There is an inlet, beaches and natural wells, cultural exhibitions like the Mexican Equestrian Show and the Mayan Ball Game, and natural exhibitions like the Jaguar Island, the Coral Reef Aquarium, and the Butterfly Farm Here you will witness cultural expressions part of the UNESCO Immaterial Cultural Heritage, like the Papantla Flyers Ritual Ceremony, the Pirekua traditional chant, the flavors of the Mexican Gastronomy, and the Mariachi. At night, Xcaret Mexico Spectacular lights up the park: a show with more than 300 actors on stage with original costumes in a majestic scenario surrounded by light and color, showing traditional dances and ensembles. Apart from the mentioned attractives, there are activities available at an additional cost like swimming with sharks, stingrays, dolphins and more. Xcaret preserves also more than 500 Mayan residential structures and 60 temples, located through the park amidst the forest. Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 21:00 hrs, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 RESERVATION to 20:00 hrs. Xcaret Xel-Há

Amazing inlet considered the largest natural aquarium in the world. You can rent snorkel equipment and life vests to explore the water environments in this natural marvel. It is a space to perform water activities, free and at an additional cost like swimming with dolphins or stingrays, encounter with manatees, snuba (a combination of snorkel and diving) or Sea Trek (underwater walk. You can explore the jungle through the Path of Conscience, or enjoy like a child jumping safely from the Cliff of Courage, five meters above the water, balance walking over the inlet on two swinging ropes and slide down a zipline hammock. Another attraction is Zip Bike, a bike that moves forth suspended from a wire through the jungle: a 1,640 feet tour of around 30 minutes in duration. There is a spa for those who seek purification, liberation and wellness, harmony and total renovation, completed by the chance to experience the late tradition of the Temazcal, used in pre-Hispanic times to cleanse body, mind and soul in Mayan sauna-like baths Xel-Ha offers an enormous array of activities but also unique spaces to simply relax and enjoy nature. You can also visit the archaeological site that was one of the main commercial ports in the late post classic era of the Mayans. The park features many stores and many all- RESERVATION inclusive buffet options with your entrance fee. Opening hours from 8:30 to 19:00 hrs.

Xplor

Xplor Park opens its doors on July 2009. Neighbor to different points in the park, along with a healthy buffet at Xcaret Park, located just 5 minutes away from Playa del the “Troglodite” restaurant. Carmen and 45 minutes away from Cancun, it extends For the adrenaline lovers, Xplor offers a new experience through more than 145 acres, 20 of which are located that lets you enjoy the dusk and the night: Xplor Fuego gets underground together two worlds in a nocturnal version of Xplor, that All explorers will be able to enjoy four incredible activities: invites you to discover new thrills with additional elements ziplines, amphibious vehicles, rafts and underground river like torches, fireflies, and stars that illuminate caves, swimming, all of them related to adventure and nature, roads and bridges. Xplor features the most strict safety enjoyed in a natural environment in the outdoors. Also, procedures, guaranteeing the well being and enjoyment to delight the adventures, an unlimited bar of healthy of its visitors, even in the most intense activities. A unique shakes and natural fruit juices can be enjoyed through environment, with unique activities. Opening hours from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. Xochimilco Boca Puma On board colorful Mexican barges called trajineras, at It is a magical ecological reserve, where you can bike, Xoximilco you will cruise through a beautiful set of channels swim in cenotes (sinkholes) and get on the best zipline in

on a night- tour, where, accompanied by a mariachi and 5 the area. traditional live music, you will experience an authentic Mexican fiesta. RESERVATION

Remains from this hemisphere’s most advanced society, the Mayas, surround Cancún visitors. Just two hours away by car you can visit several important archaeological sites. The sites are open to visitors every day of the week, between 8:00 and 17:00 hours and multilingual guides are available for hire.

Sites in Cancún

Yamil Lu’um Ruinas del Rey The site consists of two small temples that were likely used as watchtowers The largest archaeological site in and lighthouses between 500 and 700 Cancún is El Rey , located within years ago. These ruins are close to walking distance from the Iberostar the Westin Lagunamar Hotel. Cancún (Blvd. Kukulcán, km.19). The site is remarkable for the unusual architecture: two main plazas ending El Meco in two streets. The excavated part includes forty-seven structures in It is located three miles north of a religious and administrative zone Cancún, near the Puerto Juarez ferry where important ceremonies took dock. The settlement was inhabited by place and the elders of greater stature fishermen, as early as the 3rd century in political life lived. This site, dating B.C. it was a major commercial port back to the second and third centuries for the Mayas and remained so until B.C., was an important astronomy the Spaniards arrived on the 16th center for the Maya. century. El Meco’s remnants consist of 14 structures. The centerpiece is the 41-foot-high (12.5 meters) well- preserved pyramid known as El Castillo.

© 2016 All rights reserved. Contents can not be reproduced for commercial purposes. Map Índex Sites to the South and West of Cancún Tulum It is one of the loveliest archaeological treasures in México. Sixty impressive structures, most dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries, mark Tulum, a walled Mayan fortress and the only city the Maya built on the coast and one of the few to still be occupied when the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century. More than 60 well-preserved structures can be observed within three massive walls that surround the site. Two of the more important buildings are El Castillo (The Castle), and the Temple of the Descending God. A number of sinkholes around Tulum are easily Cobá accessible. This was once one of the leading city-states in the entire Mayan Empire. Archaeologists believe approximately 6,500 structures still shrouded by thick jungle. In fact, only 5 percent of the site has been excavated. This once great city is now being exten- sively studied for the first time. Built between two lakes during the Classic Period (300-900 A.D.), Cobá was at one time a very large city with nearly 50,000 inhabitants and extended over 80 square km. The structures have been classified into different groups: The Cobá group, The Nohoch-Mul group with a the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula, 42 meters tall (138 feet), the Mecanxoc group and the Group “D”. Much of the site is still unearthed, giving visitors an “Indiana Jones” type experience.

Muyil

One of the oldest Mayan is located 15 minutes south of Tulum around a beautiful blue fresh water lake called “La Laguna” (the lagoon). Although surrounded by thick vegetation, visitors are still able to view three temple groups, “El Castillo” (the castle) 45 feet tall, is one of the tallest structures in the east coast.

© 2016 All rights reserved. Contents can not be reproduced for commercial purposes. Map Índex Chichén Itzá It is located 100 km from Merida and 180 km from Cancún (about 2 hours drive). Chichén Itzá is one of the largest and most fascinating sites in Mexico, and is famous worldwide for the phenomenon that occurs twice each year, at the spring and fall equinoxes in the structure known as “El Castillo” (the Castle). As the equinox sun sets, a play of light and shadow creates the appearance of a snake that gradually undulates down the stairway of the pyramid. Another impressive structures are the Ball Game, the largest found in Mesoamerica, the Observatory called El Caracol (Snail), and the Warriors Temple. This is place not to be missed, and plan to spend at least an entire day here.

Kohunlich Ek’Balam

It is located about 65 km west of Chetumal. The road It is located 51 km northeast of Chichén Itzá and 30 km approaches the site from the north and leads into an north of Valladolid. Ek’ Balam was at its height from A.D. enormous central plaza ringed by pyramids and temple 770 to 840, contains 45 structures and provides a rich platforms. Settled in 200 B.C., it contains almost 200 resource of information for understanding northern Classic mounds that remain largely unexcavated. The site is cities. Some of the notable features are: the Entrance Arch, best known for its Temple of the Masks, an Early Classic the Oval Palace and the Ball Game. pyramid whose central stairway is flanked by huge humanized stucco masks.

In addition there are nearby colonial cities, including Valladolid, a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town) not far from Cancún, as well as 18thcentury haciendas, ex-convents, and fine museums. Cancún is a top choice for those looking to explore Mexico’s enthralling past.

IP: You can head west to Valladolid, founded in the T16th century, from here head north some 30 kms (18 miles) to incredible archaeological zone of Ek-Balam.

The modern white building seems perfectly at home in the heart of Cancun’s bustling Hotel Zone. The museum’s collection includes 350 archeological artifacts showcased in two exhibition halls covering over 13,000 square feet. The first room is dedicated to the Mayan population of Quintana Roo. The second room explains Mayan culture on a whole, featuring Mayan architecture, art, and other artifacts that made up Mayan’s everyday life. You can see 14,000-year-old Mayan remains discovered in Tulum’s underwater caves to the 10,000-year-old remains of the Woman of the Palms, tools, sculptures and jewelry. There is a third hall featuring a temporary exhibit that changes from time to time. After surveying the museum, wander outside to see the San Miguelito archaeological site which is adjacent to it, and contains some forty structures classified into groups: The Great Pyramid, a 26 foot structure; The South, comprising of residential units, palace-style building and small altars; and Dragons – named in the 1970’s after an area where snake heads were found and mistaken for dragon heads - in this area stands a temple adorned with fragments of ancient mural paintings of animals and marine elements. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 hrs.

Isla Cabo Contoy Isla Catoche GULF OF MEXICO Holbox San Felipe Laguna Cuyo Yalahan Parque Natural Parque Natural Chiquila Ría Lagartos Templo San Felipe Ixchel El Meco Isla Mujeres Puerto Júarez

Cancún El Rey Tizimin Puerto Morelos Motul

Yucatán Nuevo Ek Balam X-Can Mérida Playa del Carmen Cozumel Castillo Valladolid San Xcaret Miguel Real 5 Chichén Itza San Cobá El Gervacio Cedral Akumal Parque Mayapán Chan Chén Nacional de Tulum Uxmal Quintana Ticul MEXICO Peto 184 Roo Muyil Kabah Tihosuco Chunyaxché

MEXICO 307

Dziuche Cancún El Rey

MEXICO 295 El Meco Templo de Ixchel 1 h. MEXICO Bahía 184 de la Xcaret 6 Ascención Tulum Carrillo San Gervasio Campeche Puerto El Cedral Sian Muyil, Chunyaxché 2 h. Ka’an Ek Balam Biosphere Cobá Chichén Itzá Reserve Mayapán 3 h.

Quintana Chacchoben MEXICO Oxtankah 293 Dzibanché Roo Uxmal Kabah 4 h. Kohunlich Chacchoben MEXICO 5 h. 307 Xpujil Calakmul Becán Chicaná Biosphere Reserve Kinichná Bacalar Oxtankah Bahía Dzibanché de Chetumal MEXICO 186 Becán

MEXICO Chetumal CARIBBEAN Chicaná Xpujil 186 Kohunlich SEA N

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Puerto Morelos is only a short 25-minute drive from Cultural activities and music festivals are held in the Cancún’s international airport and Hotel Zone; it is the main square, such as the “International Seafront Theatre departure point when traveling to the “Cenotes” Route or Festival” in April and the “International Deep Sea Fishing other adventures in the Mayan world. Tournament” at the end of May. Set in a rustic atmosphere, but with the same quality as Puerto Morelos also has other attractions such as Cancun, Puerto Morelos offers a wide selection of cuisines the Botanical Garden, 150-acres of lush jungle and where the highlight is the catch of the day. It also offers mangrove trees where you can admire colorful birds, everything from boutique hotels to large international sunning iguanas and playful spider monkeys, as well as chains. some Mayan ruins; there is also a re-created chiclero Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the main camp. The “Crococun”Zoo, where the region’s flora and experiences offered by this picturesque town, thanks to fauna such as crocodiles and orchids can be observed. the great Mayan Reef, which is located only 1,640 feet And Xoximilco, a modern version of the legendary cruise from its calm beaches. The most recommended spots for through the canals, with the colors and the ambiance of scuba diving are: “Cuevones”, “La Pared”, “La Bocana”, fiesta, music and tradition. “El Túnel”, “Los Jardines” and the Mexican naval ship, the C-56 Juan Escutia.

For adventure lovers, Puerto Morelos is the departure Cenote Verde Lucero. Easy walk from where you park your point for a unique adventure. Near Puerto Morelos there vehicles. You walk down some stone steps to a lower tier are many cenotes and underground rivers, so you can and you find a set of wooden steps that leads down about travel into the jungle, either walking or by bicycle, on 20 feet/6 meters down to an enormous swimming hole with horseback, or ATVs. There are fun activities for all ages, clear turquoise water and seemingly no bottom from your youngest to adventurous teenagers or adults, the water. The maximum depth is 66 feet/20 meters. Look like snorkeling, zip lines or scuba diving. for the freshwater turtles that make their home here. Opens Cenote Las Mojarras. This a great sinkhole located in the daily from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. Parque Cenote Las Mojarras. It is 65 meters in diameter Chilam Balam. The perfect place for an exciting ATV ride, and 14 meters deep and has a double zip line and in a natural enviroment. At the end of the ride you can double tower to jump into the water. There are restrooms, cool off in a beautiful cenote where you can dive, swim or hammocks, picnic area, and camping areas. snorkel. Cenote Siete Bocas. This is a great place, a wonderful Kin Ha. It is a close cenote ideal for diving. There is an cenote as it is shaped by rock formations dating back eco-park that has guided tours to the two crystal clear million of years. Inside, you can swim or float through cenotes, three zip lines high above the jungle floor and off the cave, with its spectacular stalagmites and stalactites road vehicles through the thick jungle. The whole area used to be well-known for its natural gum La Noria. This cenote is part of the “Tres reyes(3 Kings)” (chicle) camps in the middle of the jungle. group of cenotes. This is a favorite for cave divers since Cenote Boca del Puma. It is located in a magical ecological it is 18 meters deep and 47 meters wide, but it is also a reserve in the heart of the Mayan Riviera. At Bocan del nice place to swim. It is also well known among cycling Puma you can experience a real jungle adventure filled enthusiasts. with history and culture, as well as some fun activities like? Zapote. This lagoon type cenote is approximately 120 feet snorkel, zip line, ATV’s, and a natural gum village. Opens in diameter and is wide open. The water is green, cool and daily from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. transparent with small fish. To enter the cenote you may use the steps, or to add to the fun we recommend you use the “Mayan Zip Line” which is 6 feet high.

CANCÚN

Croco Cun

Arrecife Petempich

Dellfín Fdez.Hurtado Mapache Cuevones

.J.Zetina v Armadillo A Cocodrilo Tapir Tapir Nutria Jabalí

imón T . v A

Crucero Trasantlántico Catamarán Tanchacte Carabela J.Hendrix

Goleta Ancla Velero Galeón Carretera Federal 307 Puerto Morelos .J.Zetina Vallarta v Calle 1 A

imón Caoba T 12.5 Km / 7.7 Miles / 19 Min . Cenote Las Mojarras v A Chechen Cedro 15.5 Km /9.63 Miles / 20 Min Almendro Cenote Siete Bocas Caoba . Rojo Gómez Picudas v A Ciricote Ejercito Mexicano Parque Boca de Puma 16 Km / 9.94 Miles / 24 Min José María Morelos López Mateos Cenotes Botanic Parque Cenote Verde Lucero 18 Km / 11.18 Miles / 27 Min te Niños Héroes Route Garden Ceno Muelle Nacional R.Melgar Tres Bocas Pescadores Arrecifes Cenote Chilam Balam 18.8 Km / 11.68 Miles / 28 Min

Niños Héroes . Rojo Gómez de Av Parque Selvática 19 Km / 11.81 Miles / 29 Min Cozumel Puerto Muelle Aduana 21.5 Km / 13.36 Miles /32 Min Comercial Morelos Parque Gorilax Cenote La Noria 22 Km / 13.67 Miles / 33 Min

Cenote Kin Ha 22 Km / 13.67 Miles / 33 Min

El Muelle

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, XCARET, TULUM

CANCÚN

Cenote Siete Bocas / Deep Blue Selvática Cenote Cenote Cenote Boca de Puma Puerto La Noria Lucero Verde El Rey Polo Club Morelos Cenote Cenote Cenote K’aak Kin-Há El Abuelo Cenote Che Che Tres Bocas Cenote Chan Be

Cenote Cenote Blanca Flor Las Mojarras Cenote Venados

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

downtown you can visit the church, the main square, the cultural center, or explore the handicrafts shops. Add to this swimming with dolphins, a turtle farm, an ancient Maya temple dedicated to goddess Ixchel and the Hacienda Mundaca and you have found the place for a perfect vacation-while enjoying the serenity of the Island lifestyle. The Maya who inhabit the island, many of whom work as fishermen, live in simplicity and like visitors, enjoy the pleasures of life in this tropical paradise. Isla Mujeres white sand beaches are perfect for sunbathing and border seas of a deep turquoise color. Mopeds, golf carts, bicycles and taxis can be easily rented upon arrival.

Isla Mujeres with more than 480 years of history is a place full of Caribbean tradition and culture. Coming to Isla Mujeres is like arriving in a land of dreams where everyone finds a second home. The charm of the island, its gentle people and natural beauty inspire love at first sight and create a lasting love affair that brings visitors back year after year. It is here that many universes are revealed and are joined together by their authentic Mexican Caribbean flavor. Located across Cancun-a short 15 minutes ferry ride away- the Island is only five miles (7.5 km) long by half a mile (0.7 Km) wide. Hotels on Isla Mujeres offer accommodations ranging from simple to luxurious. Restaurants serve fresh seafood as well as international and regional cuisine specialties. Funky bars offer live tropical and romantic music and Caribbean shows. When you stroll around the

By boat, from Puerto Juárez there are comfortable, air-conditioned speedboats leaving every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Things to do in Isla Mujeres

Las actividades acuáticas en Isla The options for water sports on Isla Mujeres are unlimited and unparalleled: windsurfing over calm Caribbean waters; snorkeling though beautiful coral landscapes at El Garrafón National Park or at many of the others reefs surrounding the island and diving into the amazing underwater world of Manchones and Islaché reefs or at the unique cave of the sleeping sharks. Powdery-white sand beaches ring the island; the largest is called Playa Norte. Here you can enjoy the sun, tropical breeze and calm, warm waters and you can also rent Kayaks, water bicycles and boogie boards. Discover how exciting fishing can be, enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sea, a good catch, the turquoise blue waters around Isla Mujeres are excellent for fishing; you have the opportunity to catch marine species such as marlin, dorado, wahoo and much more. On Isla Mujeres there are several international fishing tournaments every year.

Places to visit in Isla Mujeres

El Farito

This natural water park, El Farito is located 1500 meters (0.93 miles) from the island. It is a lighthouse in the middle of a spectacular reef where you will be able to admire the marine fauna and dive to visit the Virgin of El Farito, which was submerged in 1966 to protect fisherman. Visitors and fisherman alike worship her with flowers and coins. The reef is perfect for beginner divers and snorkeling.

Just 30 minutes off Isla Mujeres This breathtaking reef is about 10 lies a very unique place, which has minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres. baffled marine biologists everywhere, Along with spectacular coral because sharks must be in constant formations and a rich marine life, this motion in order to breathe, but this reef is home to MUSA, an underwater cave had an extremely high amount sculpture museum with more than of oxygen and reduced salinity, so 400 life-size sculptures. It’s one of the sharks can “sleep” completely the most popular local dive tours for still. This astounding adventure is divers of all levels. recommended for more experienced divers as the cave can be reached between 65 and 100 feet (20 to 30 meters).

Hacienda Mundaca

Hacienda Mundaca was built by Fermín Mundaca de Marecheaga, a pirate and slave trader, for a local woman known as La Trigueña (Brunette). It is located on the road to Garrafon, 3.5 kilometers (2.17 miles) and you can have a pleasant stroll in the shady grounds while you learn more about the legends of the place.

Punta Sur

At the southern point of the island Garrafón The Cross of the BayEl there is a lighthouse, the remains dramatically perched over cliffs, of a temple dedicated to Ixchel, This natural park, 30 minutes by boat A bronze cross was placed on Maya goddess of the moon and from Cancun, is a terrestrial paradise Manchones Reef as part of the fertility, and a sculpture garden. You of reefs, cliffs and ocean landscapes. celebration of the island’s foundation can walk on the paths to see the Here you will enjoy water activities (1857). The cross is 3 meters (10 contemporary works of 23 sculptors like kayaking, snorkeling, as well as ft) high, weighs almost a ton and is from different countries among which adventure activities like hiking, biking twelve meters under the sea; it was are: Sebastian, Devin Laurence Field, and flying over the turquoise waters of placed here as a memorial to those Ingo Ronkholz and Omar Rayo. There the Caribbean on a zip line. who have lost their lives at sea. is a little bar/restaurant where you can get a cold beer and some good, inexpensive food.

Zazil-Ha Carlos Lazo

Guerrero

Hidalgo Abasolo

Matamoros Guerrero López Mateos

Av A . Rueda MedinaMaderov. Juárez Bravo

Allende

A v . Rueda Medina

A v . Juárez

A v . Rueda Medina

A v . Juárez

A v Educ. Técnica . Rueda Medina Payo Obispo 2 de 16 de Sept. Abril

.Blanco Othón P Isla Blanca

E.Zapata Circ.Colonias

A v . Rueda Medina Payo Obispo

A v Jesús Mtnez. Ross . Rueda Medina

Punta Boca Nueva

Arenas

Boca Limbo

Boca Iglesias Payo Obispo Cayo Ratón

22 22 Mojarra Jesús Mtnez. Ross

20 3 A v 18 . Rueda Medina20 5 Mojarra 18 16 16 16

14 7 13 14 Payo Obispo Macabí

Macabí 1 9 1 13 Cherna 14 2 7

1 6 5 3

Islote Yunque

Playa Norte

Ferry to Pto.Juárez Cave of the Sleeping Ferry to Sharks Punta Sam

El Farito Isla Chica

Isla Tiburón MUJERES

Marina BAY Isla Mujeres Makax Lagoon Salina Grande

Playa Tiburón Granja de Tortugas CARIBBEAN Hacienda Playa Mundaca Paraíso SEA

Playa Lancheros

Playa Indios

Arrecife Arrecife La Lavandera Manchones Parque de Parque las Esculturas La Cruz de Garrafón la Bahía Templo of Ixchel

ISLA MUJERES MAP

The island is separated from the mainland coast of Mexico In Holbox the common transport are: bicycles, motorcycles by a shallow lagoon, which gives sanctuary to thousands and golf carts. The island’s beaches are perfect for of flamingos, pelicans and a wide diversity of marine life. It beginners to learn how to kiteboard. Additionally, the is an island, approximately 2.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. island’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking, fly-fishing The water is clear and shallow several hundred yards and snorkeling. offshore, ideal for wading and collecting the abundant Visitors to Holbox are able to swim with whale sharks, a seashells. once-in-a-lifetime experience available in very few parts of Holbox can be reached from Cancun by taking a two-hour the world from June to September. The beautiful beaches trip by road to Chiquilá village, where ferries depart to the of the island are the spawning ground of green sea turtles island between 5:00 and 19:00 hrs. during the months of August to September. Local fishermen Isla Holbox offers 53 rustic styled boutique hotels, will take visitors out to fish or snorkel, to see the flamingo which accentuate the island’s tranquil atmosphere and nesting grounds at the Ría Lagartos Nature Reserve, lifestyle. There are lodging establishments that are from April to October. The Island hosts the annual Holbox defined as ecological, since they operate using only International Public Arts Festival every February. This natural resources. The hotels on this island typically offer event provides local and international artists the space to personalized service and local flair in intimate settings. create a series of beautiful murals. In October, the annual Small restaurants that serve the catch of the day, conch, Holbox Gastronomic Festival showcases the best of island lobster, octopus and Mexican dishes complement these cuisine to tourists from Mexico and the world. magnificent tourist services.

It is a wonderful place for nature admirers and is often called “the fountain of youth.” You can appreciate the large natural pool surrounded by plants, trees and shrubs, as well as the dolphins that come to this lagoon in the mornings to eat, and the flamingoes during the day. Cabo Catoche, another small island off the waters of Holbox. You can enjoy the singular beauty of this place and snorkel among colorful exotic fish, dolphins and sea turtles. Boca Iglesia, it is located right where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. A journey through history in the midst of nature, a lone church and nunnery sit on a small hill overlooking Boca Iglesia. Here, in the early 1500s the Spanish conquerors built what is probably the

Isla Pasión, is a small island only 15 minutes by boat from Downtown Holbox. Isla Pasion is a great place to enjoy the beaches, palm trees and birds in their natural habitat. Isla Pájaros, or Bird Island, a small mangrove covered islands located on the Yalahau lagoon, where there is a large diversity of birds, including some that are in danger of extinction. There are also two observation points and walkways on the island created to minimize contact with the birds. Yalahau Lagoon, and its famous fresh water spring are located about 30 minutes from Holbox. In ancient times this cenote was an important harbor for Maya traders.

first church in Latin America, and now, trees and vines overrun it. There are no easy roads, so the best way to get here is by boat. Ekab, it was a pre-Hispanic port. This settlement continued to be inhabited during the colonial period, but it was abandoned for the continuous pirate incursions. Also available from Holbox are tours to Solferino, a Mayan village, and the Corchal located 30 minutes from the island near the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve. This region is an important wetland known for its cork trees, Bromeliads and Orchids.

GULF OF MEXICO

CALLE CAGUAMA

CALLE CORAL

CALLE CALAMAR CALLE CHERN

CALLE MANT CALLE CORNUDA . PEDRO V A

ARA Y A CALLE MACABÍ BOCA CONIL

HOLBOX MAP

This island is situated just 41 km (25 miles) north of Cancún, 30 kms north of Isla Mujeres, and it’s just 8.5 kms (about 5 miles) long. The Isla Contoy National Park is the oldest protected natural park in the state of Quintana Roo. It has solar and wind power facilities, a museum, a research office with laboratory, a visitor’s center and two walking-paths for learning about local flora and fauna. Visitors can climb the steps to the top of its observation tower and enjoy the island’s landscape, a refuge for approximately 150 species of birds, 250 species of fish, 98 species of flora and three species of sea turtles in danger of extinction. It also supports supervised eco-tourism and regulated commercial fishing. Access to the National Park is by sea, leaving from Cancun, Puerto Juarez or Isla Mujeres, and tales between one or two hours. Only 200 visitors are allowed to visit Isla Contoy per day arriving on authorized vessels.

Trace your route App for route plannin Free route planer with information of: roads, bridges, costs and everything you need to enjoy your trip. 6

QUINTANA ROO MAP Cancún

30 Min. Puerto Morelos Cabo Catoche GULF OF MEXICO Punta Maroma Isla Isla Holbox Laguna Contoy Playa del Carmen Cuyo Boca San Felipe Yalahan Iglesia 1 h. Parque Natural Isla Isla Xcaret Chiquila Blanca Mujeres Parque Natural Ría Lagartos Puerto Aventuras San Felipe Punta Sam Akumal Dzilam de Bravo Puerto Júarez 1.5 h. San Felipe Punta Cancún Xel-Há Puerto Cancún Tulúm Puerto Progreso Tizimin Kantunilkin Punta Nizuc Temax Boca Paila Puerto Morelos 2 h. Motul Cansahcab Playa del Yucatán San Andrés Secreto Punta Allen Punta Maroma Nuevo Tres Ríos X-Can Mérida Izamal Tunkas Tres Reyes Playa del Punta Bete Uman Punta Laguna Carmen Valladolid San Molas Laguna Xcaret Miguel Mojarras Calica Puerto Chichén Itza Aventuras Paamul Sotuta Campamento Cobá Hidalgo Kantenah Xpu-Há Ixhil Actún Cozumel Chen Xcacel Akumal Chan Chén Parque Celarain Mayapán Nacional Tankanah Xel-há Tulúm San Silverio de Uxmal Tepich Parque Ticul MEXICO Peto 184 Quintana Nacional Roo Muyil Tulum San Tihosuco Uaimax Lorenzo Chunyaxché Tzucacab Huay Max Boca Paila Sabán MEXICO Catmis X-Querol 307 Sacalaca El Payón Dziuche Laguna Chinchancanab Punta Allen Laguna Esmeralda MEXICO Laguna 295 Azul Candelaria José Ma. Morelos Cayo Culebras Kankab-Chen Bahía Tacoh MEXICO de la Punta 184 Pajaritos El Naranjal Carrillo Ascención Puerto Chunhuhub Puerto Arturo Sian Campeche Othon P. Laguna Blanco Ocom Ka’an El Ramonal Chan Santa Cruz Poniente Biosphere Isla Chal San Isidro Poniente Petcacab Reserve Ziquipal Camping Bahía Punta Herreros Espíritu Santo Airport Laguna Quintana Chancab Tampalám MEXICO 293 Laguna Handcrafts Roo Nonbec Puticub Scuba Diving Limones Lázaro Chacchoben El Uvero Snorkeling Cardenas

Miguel Alemán MEXICO 307 Ferry Altos de Sevilla El Placer Calakmul Río Indio Grottos La Libertad Cayo Biosphere Bahía Norte Bacalar de Majahual Cenote Azul Oxtankah Hotel Zoh-Laguna El Cedral Kinichná Chetumal Reserve Comitán de las flores Dzibanché Church Calderitas

MEXICO 186 Cayo Marina Centro CARIBBEAN Chicaná MEXICO 186 Chetumal Punta Museum Nicolás Corozal Kohunlich La Aguada Herradura SEA Bravo Río Sarteneja Huach Cayo Swimming Cayo Lobos Blackford Calakmul Alvaro Banco Bird Watching Obregon Chinchorro Biosphere Tres Garantías Xcalak Flora and Fauna Reserve Cenote del Cocodrilo Dorado Orange Sea Turtles Walk Tomás Boat Ride Garrido

Justo Sports Fishing Sierra La Unión Azul Arroyo Maachtún Negro Alton-Ha Dos Lagunas Río Cabin Rental Arrecife de Corales N Restorant Ladyville Trailer Park Guatemala Bermudian Islas Landing Belize Turneffe Archeological Site

Belize La Democracia Uaxactún Arrecife del Faro Belmopan Tikal