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Can-dos for Cancun and Mexican RivieraBeyond the Beautiful ResortsBy J. J. ScottCan-dos for visiting Cancun. Cancun and the Mexican Riviera are known for their excellent resorts but there is much more to do besides enjoying the beach and pool. To really see Cancun and the Riviera leave the resort and see it from the water – day and night. See it underwater or the top of a pyramid. Explore the Mayan culture and learn about nature.
Snuba this! Take a walk on the floor of the ocean. Perfect for the wannabe diver. Discover the magnificent depths of the Mayan Caribbean without the heavy tanks. The oxygen tank remains on the surface in a floating raft giving snuba divers freedom to breathe underwater. No certification is needed. $45
Encounters of the dolphin kind. So up close and personal you can have hug one, kiss one, let one kiss you on the cheek, and enjoy watching your new friend while it performs a series of amazing behaviors. www.dolphindiscovery.com, $69
Save time for swimming, walking along the beach, hanging around the pool but when you are ready for more experiences check out www.cancun.info. |
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Start with an overview. Look into the
culture of Mexico at the entrancing Folk Art Museum is on the second floor of El
Embarcadero marina. Original works by the country's finest artisans are arranged
in fascinating tableaux. Then get a view of the geography of Cancun from the
nearby rotating scenic tower. $10
Make a day of it. Snorkel through the
crystalline waters of an underground river at Xcaret Eco Theme park to discover
ancient Mayan sinkholes, magical caves, rock formations and marine fossil.
Spend the rest of the day visiting the aquarium, butterflies garden, and Jaguar
Island, and the tapir farm. Follow the call of the preHispanic drums and conch
shells summoning people to Xcaret Spectacular Night, an entertaining trip
through the history of Mexico.
It’s a woman thing! Take a 25-minute
cruise to Garrafon Natural Reef Park on Isla Mujeres – the “Island of Women.” It
was once the sanctuary of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, and
feminine forces of nature. Daredevils will want to try the zip line and bungee
jumping. Less adventurous can walk the path through the Sculpture Garden and
enjoy the great views.
Looking for a hot time? Purify
yourself in a temazcal, a traditional Mayan sweat lodge. Huddled around a fit
pit in an igloo-like structure, the shaman chants and pours herbal waters over
the hot coals. The small enclosure structure gets hotter and hotter, and fills
with stream driving all the poisons from the system. When the door of the
temazcal opens everyone rushes into the sea.
Spa out. Nearly every resort has a spa
where all manner of pampering takes place from aroma therapy to yoga. The
ancient wisdom of pre-Hispanic cultures and the most advanced technology are
combined, offering regenerating therapies and specialized programs.
No trip to the Yucatan is complete
without a trip to Chichen Itza, the most renowned Mayan site. Climb the steps
of the Pyramid of Kukulkan to watch the sun set and stay for the laser light
show relating the story Mayan culture.
Sail off on the Columbus. The Columbus
anchors deep in the heart of lagoon, watch the sunset while dining on lobster
and steak. When the sun sets dance the night away to the rhythms of live
saxophone music wishing you never had to leave.
Bag it! Shop Duty Free at Luxury Avenue for that must-have
jewelry, fine perfume or body care product, and name brand products that take
advantage of Cancun’s duty free status with everything from jeans to sporting
goods. Remember you are saving money with each purchase.