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.

Paraíso, Cozumel

Cozumel offers the greatest extent and variety of reefs for snorkelers and divers of every level of experience, and visibility is ideal. Paraíso and nearby Chankanaab are “must-sees”, with parrot fish, silver shoals of snappers and strangely shaped coral just below the surface (see Cozumel).
Parasailing

Soar above Cancún with the “Skyrider” from Aqua World (see Aqua World, Cancún). More basic parasailing operations are found along Cancún beach and at Playa del Carmen.
Paris de Noche, Tulum

This bar-terrace offers an interesting mix of Mexican and French cooking, and the owners are very friendly.
Parque Garrafón, Isla Mujeres

A broad, natural pool of rock and coral is the central attraction. There’s also an ordinary swimming pool, and snorkeling reefs and landing stages just offshore. Good for novices.
Parque Nizuc, Cancún

The number one fun center in the region. As well as the adrenaline-pumping rides that older kids love – the Wave Pool, Bubba Tub, and Twister – the Wet’n‘Wild section also has a Kids’ Park with gentler rides and slides for young children. The Baxal-Ha snorkeling pool, with rays and harmless sharks, is another big thrill for ages 8-plus.
Parque Nizuc, Cancún

The biggest water-fun park in Cancún has an interactive dolphin pool, a snorkeling pool with rays and innocent sharks, and a bungee-jump. But the biggest highlight is the Wet’n’Wild water park, with slides, rides, and wave pools for all ages.
Parque Nizuc, Cancún

With an interactive dolphin pool, snorkeling with (harmless) stingrays and sharks, as well as a Wet’n’Wild water park, this is the Riviera’s biggest fun park.
Parque Punta Sur, Cozumel

A very large area across the southern tip of Cozumel with an impressive variety of landscapes – forest, dunes, turtle beaches, snorkeling reefs, and tranquil mangrove lagoons – plus crocodiles, flamingos, and countless other birds. There are observation towers, an information center, and a maritime museum, and you can climb the Punta Celaraín lighthouse (see Parque Punta Sur).
Parrot Fish

These come in many varieties and sizes, but most are very colorful and look as if they are smiling amiably.
Pato O’Brien’s, Cancún

Famous for its cocktails, this nightclub boasts an outdoor patio, sports bar, and live music.

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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