Cancun
SHOPPING IN CANCÚNCancún is a natural paradise which not only has beautiful beaches with crystalline waters and fine white sand, but also boasts some twenty shopping centers, all of which have their own characteristic style. They all have renowned boutiques and a long list of restaurants serving everything from typical local cuisine to international culinary delicacies. One thing is for sure, there is something for everyone, whatever your tastes or budget.
Shopping in Cancún is made easier by the fact that most of the big shopping centers in the city are to be found on Boulevard Kukulcán. If you wish to visit one of the newest and most spacious shopping centres in the city, go to La Isla Shopping Center on Boulevard Kukulcán. Forum by the Sea is very close to Hotel Krystal. Other shopping centers which aren't as new, but are certainly just as popular are Plaza Caracol, Flamingo Plaza, Plaza Bonita and Plaza Nautilus. All of these await visitors with aisles and aisles of interesting items, allowing you to buy practically anything you want.
If you prefer the rather more picturesque and traditional small markets, we highly recommend you pay a visit to Mercado Coral Negro.
All the main international brand names are to be found in Cancún's shopping centers: Benetton, Soho, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss. Don't miss the chance to go to the fabulous jewelers such as Victorinox.
The typical Mexican restaurants, generally cheaper than the others, are located in the city center, on the Avenidas Tulum, Coba, Chichen Itzá, Xcaret, Uxmal, Sunyaxchen, Pok ta Pok, Labna and Yaxchilán. Try La Parilla de Pepón for scrumptuous food from the grill and Tacolote for some supreme tacos. On these avenues you will also find inexpensive bars and shops, with all sorts of bargains and seasonal sales. In the center, you will find some small shopping areas. On Saturdays and Sundays don't miss the chance to go to the flea market on Avenida Playas and admire the local handicrafts in Plaza Coral Negro. Spend a wonderful day shopping either in the exclusive hotel resort area, or in the more traditional street markets, passed on from generation to generation.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN CANCÚN
For those adventurous spirits out there, Cancún offers a wide range of options to keep you entertained during your stay. The amount of things you can do is truly staggering and every day new things come up, designed to provide fun for children and adults. At the several beaches such as Los Delfines, outdoor sports are popular among tourists. You can go windsurfing, fishing, horse-riding, kite-flying, diving and snorkeling. Just a few kilometers from Cancún island is one of the best theme parks, Xcaret, best described as an archaeological and ecological site with exotic birds flying free, a light and sound show, visits to underground streams, areas to swim with dolphins, and an overall natural beauty difficult to describe with words. It is some three hours away from the hotel area, but most of the hotels provide comfortable and secure means of transport to the park.
Also in the outskirts of Punta Cancún is the natural aquarium Xel-Ha, with the impressive colors of its waters and the amazing variety of species. Imagine the most beautiful sea plants hiding the unique, vividly colored fish which inhabit this area. Towards the south is the Reserva de la Biósfera de Sian Ka´an, where, in the midst of a seemingly untouched forest, trips to the mangrove swamps are organized. Pay attention and listen to the sound of the birds and enjoy watching the small mammals coming out to have a good look at what's going on.
If archeology is your thing, you will enjoy visiting sites such as El Rey, Cobá and the mysterious Tulum.
If you'd rather go for a cruise, admiring the beauty of the turquoise sea and, if you are lucky, watching the fish jumping out if the water, there are several options. Cancún Queen and Colombus Coaster Club, both offer cruises with restaurant services, games, guide and all the comforts you could possibly need. For further information regarding the price, time and transport of any of these destinations, contact your hotel reception or go to the nearest travel agency.
OUT AND ABOUT IN CANCÚN
What do you say to starting off the day on the beach, having breakfast at Splash! looking onto the sea? After breakfast, perhaps a little sunbathing, to work on that tan and enjoy the ocean. If you feel like a walk along the beach, you can follow the shore and take in the stunning scenery you come across on the way. Indulge yourself and relax on the deck chairs while you sip a long, refreshing drink.
When the time comes to have a bite to eat, we recommend any of the following delicious options.
Into theme restaurants? Perhaps you'd like to live a "wild" experience in a tropical forest with animals and storms, all this without even having to leave your table. In that case, try Rain Forest Café, located in Forum by the Sea shopping center. This is an ideal place to take children, who will be delighted to see animatronics synchronized with light and sound tricks.
If the idea of choosing you own lobster, having it cooked to order, and brought to your table appeals to you, you should visit Lorenzillo´s, in the hotel area, they have a table waiting for you and your friends.
To get the chance to taste a good piece of prime rib meat, Ruth Chris Steak House or the Argentinian restaurant Cambalache are sure to satisfy. If Japanese food is your favorite, Mikado at Casa Magna or Yamamoto in the city center, are all excellent choices.
If you want to taste something Caribbean, La Habichuela is the place to go. But if you are on the move, there is no need to say that Cancun has six Burger King outlets, located in the main shopping centers. Looking for fresh but inexpensive seafood? Russian food is also represented in Cancún, at Russian Terem. The food there is delicious and highly original.
The afternoon is probably best spent on the beach, where you can wait until it gets slightly later and cooler, when you can even go back to some of the shopping centers if you like, such as Forum by the Sea or La Isla Shopping Center. At La Isla Shopping Center there are ten cinemas with the best sound and digital image.
If you feel like a drink, go along to Bacco's in Plaza Terramar, or Santa Fe Beer Factory at Forum by the Sea. If you fancy staying on longer, you could go to Zandunga, where you can sing along with Mariachis and enjoy the Mexican party. Enjoy your stay and, ¡Buen provecho!
CANCUN NIGHTLIFE
If you are creature of the night, enjoy partying, live music and staying up all night having fun, Cancún offers a wide variety of choices as to what you can do until the early hours of the morning. As is the case with most beach destinations, the "al fresco" bars and the discos by the seashore are among the main attractions for the young visitors to Cancún. Most bars have people in charge of entertaining you and providing the fun you require, to ensure you'll be back to Cancún!
If you're into club atmospheres, we highly recommend the following as the best options in Cancun: Boom (La), Christine, and Daddy'O, all of which are in the hotel area of the city.
If what you are really after is good live music venues, Cassis is a club where you can listen to jazz late into the night. The Hard Rock Café is another obvious option, offering the best rock & roll in town. For a good Jamaican party go to Cat's Reggae Club. When it comes to bars with a lively atmosphere, we suggest you try Carlos and Charlies, Sr Frog's, Tequila Rock, or Gap del Caribe.
Nearer the city center, you will find places where you can dance and listen to good music. What it's really all about is not staying in your hotel room, while so many options available at night in Cancun pass you by. Enjoy the spirit and liveliness of Mexico. Ask around to find out about special nights, when the party goes on for even longer. Please do not miss out on all the interesting and exciting places in Cancún. You are bound to take back memories of Mexico's music, people and relentless mood for partying. Admission prices vary, but most of the discos and clubs include drinks in the price. What to wear? Generally, people dress quite casually in bars, although they do tend to dress up a little more in discos. Enjoy your stay, and get dancing!

