Forty years ago, a high-rise beach resort rose from the mangrove swamps of the northern Yucatán. It quickly became, in the popular imagination, a VEGAS BY THE SEA, the stomping grounds of hard-partying college crowds and crass package tourists. This was Cancún, a hazy cliché of tequila shots and manufactured Mexico. Four decades on, Cancún has become a real city – or, perhaps, two cities. It is a shining international destination, with a beach recently refurbished to the tune of $71 million, producing a third of Mexico’s tourist dollars. And below its skyline is a village, populated by the rugged pioneros who built the towers and now keep them running, as authentic and welcoming as any in Mexico. This is Cancún 2.0 – equal parts polished sophistication and bohemian charm. Whichever you seek, Cancún delivers.
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WHAT TO KNOW
Tourist Information: 52-998-881-2745; cancun.travel/en
Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens must present passports.
Getting There: Cancún International Airport is one of the busiest in the Caribbean, with frequent service from North America offered by Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, United Airlines and WestJet.
Dialing In: 011+ 52 + 998 + seven-digit number
Currency: The official currency is the Mexican peso, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. US$1 = 12.46 MXN
Getting Around: In the hotel zone, simply hoof it or hop any bus running along Boulevard Kukulcán. A flat fare of 7.50 pesos takes you anywhere along its 15 miles, from the start of the zone at the Hilton (km 17) to downtown (km 0); save your ticket for discounts at stores and attractions. Rental cars are plentiful and handy for day trips along the Riviera Maya, but heavy traffic and numerous roundabouts can make downtown driving a hassle.
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