Visiting Cancun? Here are some must visits to this historic city that really knows how to party.
26 July 2007
You can literally choose to spend time in the ancient ruins of this Mayan city of the Yucatan Peninsular or chill out on any one of its sandy beaches or party at various funky clubs. Cancun is Mexico's showcase, polished and calm. Start out in the "Zona Hotelera" or Tourist zone - a narrow stretch of land just 14 miles long and at night do your thing in the "Party Zone" where restaurants, nightclubs and discos offer fun nights. But especially do not forget to include some of the following must-visits:
1 Coco Bongo
This is a huge party venue located in the bustling hotel zone of Cancun. Multi-level seating, Rock and Roll and Salsa Bands comprise the Coco Bongo club. Also on offer is a musical mix journeying through 70s, 80s, 90s, Dance, Trace and Hip Hop. But there are also entertaining shows: Flying acrobats, bar top conga lines, movie clips project onto high tech video screen and live bands. Entrance $39
Coco Bongo, Boulevard, Kukulkan, Plaza Forum by the Sea, Cancun, Mexico
998 883 061
www.cocobongo.com
2 Xcaret, (pronounced ish-car-et)
This former sacred Mayan City and Port, is now a 250-acre archealogical theme park located along a stretch of coastline. It can get a little crowded but it is worth it to see the aviary, butterfly pavilion, botanical gardens, riding stables, aquarium with sea-turtle nursery, a dive centre and sporting activities. You can also walk through a replica Maya village, May ruins and even snorkle though a series of underground caves. For $90 you can visit the dolphinarium, attend a dolphin workshop and touch (but not swim with) the dolphins. Only 36 couples a day can participate so book early.
During the evenings, shows with folk lore themes are put on and include re-enactments of the Maya ball game, and ancient fire ball game. The show ends with a folk dance consisting of a 200-member dance troupe. For an extra $24 you can enjoy dinner too during the show. You need a lot of time and money to really enjoy Xcaret. $49 pays to get in and to see the show and exhibits but everything else is extra.
Open daily 8:30 AM-9 PM.
Xcaret, (pronounced ish-car-et), Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera,
Cancun, Mexico
(998) 883-0470
www.xcaret.com
3 Over 30 Club
This nightclub is a great venue for baby-boombers. It offers great entertainment and even a highly enjoyable Kareoke with a sing-a-long with the band. You can enjoy music from 60-70s, some great snacks and finger food. You’ll find it on the lagoon across from the Hyatt Cancun Caribe. Opens at 7pm.
Over 30 Club, Blvd Kukulcan Km 10.3, Cancun,
(998) 892 00 60 and 883 5348
4 Chichen Itza
A day trip from Cancun located 120 km from Merida via federal highway 180 in the State of Yucatan, Mexico.
This ancient city whose name means ’in the mouth at the itzae’s well’ is located in the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula - it is one of Mexico's most popular archaeological sites because of the striking and well-preserved ruins. The city prospered between 800 and 1200 AD and was the centre of politics, religion and military power. Chichen Itza was abandoned around 1400 AD. and nobody knows why. Evidence of early Mayan achievements can be seen in the architectural structures and carvings throughout the complex. Entry 75 pesos. The sound and light show costs 35 pesos and another 25 pesos for headphones for an English commentary. In July 2007 Chichen Itza was proclaimed one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
5 Seno Frog’s
Described as ‘the best bar on earth’ by some this is a bar that positively encourages good times and drinking. You'll see dancing on tables and people getting dunked into the water slide and into the laggon. The MC keeps the beat going with Hip Hop, Rock, Dance to Live Reggae music
Seno Frog’s, Hotel Zone, Cancun
6 The Original Snorkeling Adventure
They pick you up from your hotel and at their camp which has chaise lounges for sunning and wooden tables and stools to dine on. There are three snorkeling opportunities, one in the shallow and second a little further from camp where the water is deeper. Then back for lunch and out again. Though the coral reefs are not has splendid as elsewhere in the world, it is still a fun day out.
(9) 880-6559
7 The City. Boulevard
This is 4 clubs in one in an indoor/outdoor complex. Dance, drink and be entertained. If you love house music, this one is for you.
The City. Boulevard Kakulcan km 9.5, Hotel Zone, Cancun
848 8380
8 Tres Rios Ecopark
A paradise way from the madding crowds, you can horse ride along the coast, canoe or just stroll in the midday sun.
Tres Rios Ecopark, Carretera Cancun, Playa del Carmen Km.40
52 998 887 80 77/78
www.tres-rios.com
9 Dady Rocks
Enjoy dinner and live shows. MCs and DJs provide contents, interactive shows and prizes. You can dance on the stage, on table tops and even in a cage.
Dady Rocks, Along Strip in Cancun, Cancun
10 Mercado
A great market to buy arts and crafts.
Mercado 23 Flea Market, Cancun
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