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Cancun Overview  By Rachel Newcombe The island of Cancun is located on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and is about 16 miles long. As well as offering gorgeous beaches and an array of water sports activities, it also boasts impressive Mayan archaeological sites and has many areas off the beaten track that are worth exploring.
The area that attracts the majority of holidaymakers is aptly named Zona Hotelera, or Tourist Zone, and is packed with hotels, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and shops. Away from the popular tourist areas, on the mainland, you’ll find Cancun City, or Centro as it’s known. Visiting Centro is a fantastic way of getting a glimpse of the real Cancun, the place where locals reside, families are raised and ordinary people make their living. There’s a good selection of traditional restaurants, as well as shops to explore. As a bonus, you’ll probably notice that your money goes further here, as prices are often hiked up in the tourist areas.
Ancient Mayan archaeological sites are dotted around theYucatan, with some of the highlights being Calakmul, Palenque, Tulum and Uxmal. At Palenque, there’s a tomb dating from 683 AD when King Pacal was buried. Uxmal has a variety of ornate stone carvings. Cancun also prides itself on ecotourism and has a wide range of sites awash with wildlife. Sian Ka’an, for example, is the home of over 345 bird species, including endangered cats and other animals.
Whether you enjoy stunning coastlines, archaeology and exploring, or a lively nightlife and sun-drenched beaches, Cancun has it all. Go!
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