Think Cancún and your mind will instantly transport you to a white-sand beach framed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. This is not surprising, since the city is a global favourite tropical destination and a popular spring break spot. Picturesque beaches like Playa Delfines and Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte offer plenty of opportunities to get active – scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and more. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, you can lounge about on the sun-drenched sands or sip on a cocktail at one of the many beachside bars.
Located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is home to historic Mayan ruins, artefacts and art. You can get a glimpse of the ancient civilisation at the El Rey Archaeological Zone and the Mayan Museum of Cancún. Also worth your time are the submerged sculptures of the Cancún Underwater Museum. You can explore them by scuba diving or snorkelling in the waters, or take a look from a glass-bottomed boat if you’d rather stay dry. For shopping enthusiasts, the sprawling La Isla Shopping Village offers plenty of retail options, as well as a Ferris wheel, an interactive aquarium and a canal along which you can take a boat ride.
Being a popular beach destination, Cancún boasts unparalleled nightlife. You can head to its most famous club, Coco Bongo, for extravagant performances and acrobatic acts, or let your hair down at Xoximilco – a floating Mexican fiesta aboard a colourful gondola, with carnival games, mariachi music and dancing.