DK Travel : Cancún and the Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has a special atmosphere and an immense variety of attractions, including some of the world’s best beaches and diving areas. The modern, glittering resorts of the east coast’s “Mayan Riviera” lie alongside charming old Spanish Colonial towns, sleepy Mayan villages, and the awesome remains of ancient civilizations.

Cobá

The largest and most powerful city in northern Yucatán before the rise of Chichén Itzá. Buildings are spread over a huge area of dense forest and lakes (bikes can be rented). The Nohoch Mul, at 42 m (138 ft), is the highest pyramid in the Yucatán.
Cochinita Pibil

A dish that dates back to pre-Conquest Mayan cooking – pork marinated in lime, bitter orange, and achiote (a hot, spicy mix of dried herbs), wrapped in banana leaves and baked in an earthenware dish. Punchy but flavorful, it’s very versatile and can be served as a main course or just used to make tacos. Pollo pibil is a chicken version of this dish.
Cocinas Económicas, Valladolid

Around the bazaar on the square (see Shops, Markets, and Tours) there’s a line of self-service food counters. Noisy, with lots of atmosphere, this is a great place for breakfast, and for local snacks.
Coco Bongo, Cancún

Cancún’s most high-tech, high-powered, multilevel mega-club, with a wide-ranging music menu.
Coco Bongo, Cancún

The most state-of-the-art of them all among Cancún’s mega-clubs, a vast, multilevel, multi-space venue with music that covers all the bases – techno, rock, Latin – from DJs and live bands, and a space to eat. Ultra-extravagant theme nights, live shows, and other eye-popping surprises are house specialties
Coctelería Las Brisas, Playa del Carmen

This big terrace-restaurant has a straightforward style, but its fresh local seafood is some of the best in town.
Cocteles

Usually, fish or seafood ceviches served in a glass in a vinaigrette-style dressing.
Coral Negro, Cancún

Not a plush modern mall but a rambling jewelry and handicrafts bazaar, a few steps from the Forum. In among its many stalls you can find fine traditional craftwork, as well as a lot of junk.
Cosmic Turtle

Another symbol of water and the earth. In the Mayan creation myth, the Maize God emerges through a crack in the shell of the cosmic turtle.
Cozumel

The island’s fan base is split into three: divers, cruise passengers, and families. The finest diving locations are in the distant reefs, but the tranquil beaches along Cozumel’s west coast are wonderful for a first experience of snorkeling.San Miguel town has a touristy but easygoing feel.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $5
- $5-$10
- $10-$20
- $20–$35
- over 35