CANCUN

Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo, in the Mexican Republic.

In 1970, after an intensive study of experts, the beautiful Caribbean coast on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula was chosen as the site for this all-new, totally planned tourist development, which has one of the most successful in Mexican history.

Today, Cancun offers more than 20,000 hotel rooms, in all price ranges, from the budget downtown properties to the Gran Turismo top-of-the-line delux hotels. All these options have helped make this Mexican Caribbean destination a favorite for visitors from all over the world.

Cancun is a 14 mile-long island, shaped like the number "7". There are bridges at each end, one on the north, the other on the south. The island is formed by a lagoon, which separates it from the mainland, and by the Caribbean Sea. This part is known as "the hotel zone". The shorter end is protected by the Bay of Isla Mujeres, making it perfect for children or the elderly, as well as an ideal spot for windsurfing. The open sea baths the long part of the Caribbean side, perfect for good swimmers, as the undertow tends to be very strong or for strolling on the beach. To the west are the quiet waters of the Nichupte lagoon.

TIME ZONE: Mexico has used Daylight savings time since 1996, and Cancun is on Central Standard Time.

IMMIGRATION: To visit Mexico, you will need one of the following as an entry document.

A valid passport is required for all US Citizens to travel to Mexico via air, regardless of age.  For non citizens, please check with the Mexican Consulate.

LUGGAGE: Most airlines allow you to take one piece of checked luggage as well as one small carry-on suitcase that should fit under the seat or in the overhead compartments at no additional charge. Please be sure your luggage is properly identified, and do not pack any medicines, money, personal documents, jewelry or cameras; these should be carried aboard with you. Golf clubs and scuba diving equipment are not covered by your insurance policy while in Mexico. We suggest you purchase special insurance for them.

CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS: The currency in Mexico is the "peso" each composed of 100 "centavos." The exchange rate varies according to demand, so we urge that you check on the exchange rate at an airport bank or money exchange house. We also suggest, if you wish to exchange your cash to pesos, you change your dollars a few at a time, as needed. When we travel to Mexico, we exchange a small amount of currency because in most cases, you can get confused when converting back and forth from pesos to US Dollars. U.S. dollars are generally accepted, as are travelers checks, though you will need to provide identification to cash them; the exchange rate can vary slightly from bank to shop to restaurant to hotel. Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:30 PM. The exchange houses usually open every day. Major credit cards are also widely accepted, with exception of DinersClub and Discover, which are less commonly used. The fastest and safest way to have money sent to you in Mexico is through the American Express Moneygram.

WEATHER: The average temperature in Cancun is in the mid 80s, and sometimes higher, but an onshore ocean breeze makes the climate enjoyable throughout the day. We suggest you bring a light sweater for the evenings. The rainy season is considered from mid-August to December.

CLOTHING: Clothing at the Caribbean coast is very casual no ties are required anywhere. Some upscale restaurants do have a medium dress code. During the winter months, we suggest you bring a light sweater with you. Comfortable, flat-heeled walking shoes, such as sneakers, are recommended all year round so that you can safely explore the archeological zones and islands.

ELECTRICITY: Standard current in all of Mexico is 110 Volts.

TRANSPORTATION: Taxis are available 24 hours a day. Please agree on the fare before getting into the cab. Rates posted on the hotels board are a little bit higher than those going on the street are. Bus service is available within Cancun and it is the least expensive way to get around, costing about $1.00 US per person. It is safer to ride the buses in the day than at night. Try to avoid an empty bus.

In Cozumel, bus service is not available. For the Riviera Maya, there is scheduled service during the day all the way to Cancun. Rental cars are available.   All car rentals are subject to a minimum deductible charge for approx. $1,000 US in case of an accident, which CANNOT be waived. We suggest you purchase the insurance when renting a car in Mexico.  Local Police don't use radar to know if your speeding, if they say you are, then you are.

SHOPPING:

Cancun: Do not miss the Downtown area, as well as the convenient Plazas, such as Plaza Flamingo, Plaza Caracol and Plaza Kukulkan. Most stores are open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Cozumel: The best shops are located on the main street downtown. Most shops in Cozumel close from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, for siesta.

Riviera Maya: You may stop at one of the Mexican handicrafts along the road, or 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

LANGUAGE: The official language is Spanish, though Indian dialects are also spoken throughout the country. In the Cancun area you will find that most people speak English.

DINING: You will find all types of options in the cities- from the authentic and unique local Yucatan food, to the traditional and better-known Mexican dishes from central Mexico. There are first class restaurants serving Italian, French and International cruisine. Breakfast runs from $4.95 to $20.00 for "all you can eat" buffet; Dinner starts around $8.95 US and can go as high as you wish to spend. For those of you who want to feel like you have never left home, there is McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, TGI Friday's, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Planet Hollywood, HardRock Cafe and many more.

TELEPHONE CALLS: Please note that telephone calls in Mexico are more expensive than in the US due to the federal telephone taxes. We strongly suggest you use major telephone calling cards or your cell phone when calling outside the country. Collect Calls to US are very expensive. The hotel operator can assist you in Contacting the International operator. This service is subject to a charge. From public telephones, you can reach AT&T by dialing *01, at which time they will request your card number. 

TIPPING AND TAXES: In restaurants you should tip 10% to 15% depending on the service you received. Porters or bellboys receive $2.00 US per person, in and out. Maids should be tipped $.50 US per room per night.

Like most European countries, Mexico charges a value added tax of 10% on most items; it is usually included in the price tag. There is a 2% Hotel Tax. Int'l Airport Tax: $15.00 US per person. Domestic Airport Tax: $8.50 US (These rates are approximate, per person, and may vary, depending on the rate of the exchange. Subject to change)

GOLF:

Cancun and Riviera Maya:  The area has several beautiful and challenging golf courses.

Club de Golf Pok-ta-pok: build by Robert Trent Jones with 18 holes.

Caesar Park: build with 18 holes, very spread out.

Melia Cancun: has a par-three course on the grounds.

Cozumel: Cozumel now has a Jack Nicklaus designed course. Cozumel Country Club is listed by Golf Digest for 2008/2009 “Best Places to play” list.

TENNIS:

Tennis is available in major hotels. Please check for fees at front desk.

SCUBA DIVING:

As you may be aware, along the Mexican Caribbean coast, you can find the 2nd Largest Coral Reef in the world, "The Gama Reef", after the Great Barrier Reef from Australia. One thing that favors this reef, is the visibility, which is better than in Australia.

On Cozumel Island "the divers paradise" only Certified divers are allowed to dive, due to the drift dives with strong currents. Along the Tulum Coast, cave diving is available as well, but it is suggested only for certified, experienced cave divers.

DEEP SEA FISHING:

Small game fishing and wide variety of water sports is available.

MAYAN ARCHEOLOGY:

The Yucatan peninsula was home to the ancient Maya civilization, which left magnificent pre-Colombian cities throughout the jungle. Do not miss visiting Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coiba, or other sites.

ECOLOGICAL TOUR:

Nature lovers will be fascinated by this area, which is located very close to the Biosphere of Sian KaĈan, as well as to several bird sanctuaries such as Rio Lagatos and Contoy. Do not miss parks such as Xcaret or the Xel-Ha lagoon.

OTHER:

Swimming with the Dolphins is available at several places in the Cancun area. The Atlantis Submarine is available for underwater exploration for those who don't care to get wet, but still desire to see the beauty of the underground.