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.

Playa del Secreto

A short way south of Puerto Morelos, this big, broad, white sand beach is mostly fronted by private villas, with scarcely any hotels, so there’s never any shortage of space.
Playa Delfines, Cancún

A great place to find space to stretch out in Cancún, with huge banks of white sand above pounding ocean surf. There’s an amazing view north along the beachscape of Cancún Island.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

The beach bums’ favorite on Isla – a compact strip of white sand with plenty to keep you entertained, from pedalos, kayaks, and snorkeling, to great bars for laid-back socializing under the palms.
Playa San Francisco and Playa Sol, Cozumel

Two among the many great beaches on Cozumel’s southwest coast: San Francisco and others near it are great for all-round relaxation; Playa Sol is best if you want a beach with loads going on.
Playa Secreto, Isla Mujeres

Especially good for small kids: a broad, sheltered, shallow inlet tucked away from the main North Beach. Its waters are always tranquil, and the beach is rarely crowded.
Playa Sol, Cozumel

Cozumel’s beach clubs offer all the fun of the sand and sea, plus restaurants and loungers in the shade. Playa Sol has the best choice of things to do for older children – snorkeling, kayaks, banana boats, beach games – and has a Kids’ Club for little ones.
Playa Tortugas, Cancún

One of the best beaches on the north side of Cancún Island for mixing with the partying crowds. Highlights include the Fat Tuesday bar (famed for its cocktails), diving, snorkeling, mini-cruises, banana boats, and more.
Playacar

The plusher side of Playa del Carmen, with a fascinating jungle aviary in the midst of landscaped avenues lined with big resort hotels and private villas (see also Air Tours).
Plaza Caracol, Cancún

One of the biggest and most varied of the Cancún malls, with engaging toy shops, lots of beach-wear, fine jewelry stores and a huge choice of restaurants in an attractive, light-filled building.
Plaza Caribe, Cancún

This big hotel’s main selling point is that it’s right opposite the bus station in Ciudad Cancún and so is always popular. Despite being in such a traffic-heavy area, it’s sur-prisingly peaceful inside, with pretty gardens, a nice pool, and attractively furnished rooms.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under US$20
- US$20-$45
- US$45-$80
- US$80-$130
- over US$130