Rishi and Carlos Final

About the
editors

espite the island’s sleepy reputation, it hosts a few
sites worth checking out. Recent visitors suggested
renting a golf cart and driving to Punta Sur,
located on the island’s southern tip. Home to an ancient
temple honoring the Mayan moon goddess, the landscape
is surrounded by steep cliffs and spectacular bay
views – in fact, this is where the rising sun first greets
Mexico. This area is also where you’ll find Garrafon
Reef Park, which offers a variety of activities against the
scenic backdrop of Punta Sur, including a swimming
pool, a zip line, kayaking and snorkeling.
sla Mujeres also remains popular for its sea turtles,
and you can glimpse the creatures at the local
tortugranja, or turtle farm. Visit between August and
October, and you just might get to witness the baby
turtles hatching. You can reach the farm by taxi from
Isla Mujeres’ downtown. If you’re just looking to relax
on the sand, head to Playa del Norte, regarded among
travelers as a beautiful, pristine beach.
ou can reach Isla Mujeres by ferry from
several different terminals in the Hotel
Zone, including Playa Tortugas and Playa
Caracol, as well as Cancun center. Several of
the city’s top guided tours also make stops on
the island. You can learn more about the
ferry service in our Getting Around Cancún
section.

idely considered a beach spot for
locals, Playa Tortugas is known for its
relaxed atmosphere and clean sands. The
area also boasts several open-air restaurants
that make for great evening dining,
according to past visitors. The beach also
features a pier, where brave visitors can
bungee jump. From here, daily ferries also
ome travelers enjoy Tortugas so much
that they choose the area over their own
hotel’s beach. Visitors appreciated that
the public beach is free to enjoy and the
water is calm and relaxing (a particular
highlight for those traveling with children).
Playa Tortugas is located on the
northern part of Cancún’s “7,” along

f you’re tired of the standard beaches along the
Hotel Zone, try heading to Playa Delfines, which
is a largely undeveloped ribbon of sand located
near El Rey. Likewise, the beach often lacks the
heavy crowds found elsewhere throughout the
Hotel Zone. Make sure to bring your own drinks
and snacks since there won’t be opportunities to
buy them here. This is also where you’ll find the
colorful “Cancun” sign featured on many of the
city’s postcards and brochures.
ravelers regard Playa Delfines as the quintessential
escapist’s beach as there are no
umbrellas or shade and few vendors hawking
goods or services. Just be mindful of heavy
currents and riptides, since the beach is known
for its rough waters.

onsidered the spot for nightlife in Cancún,
Coco Bongo isn’t your traditional, DJ-controlled
nightclub. Instead, thousands of travelers pack
the house to witness nonstop performances from
acrobats, conga lines, live bands and musician
impersonators. A typical night at Coco Bongo
involves projected videos, balloons, soap bubbles
and confetti.
hile the club is a nonstop amalgam of cocktails
and dancers, there is no traditional dance floor.
This fact surprises – and even upsets – many travelers
expecting a conventional nightclub experience.
Don’t come to Coco Bongo if you just want to dance
to a DJ; there are plenty of other clubs along the
Hotel Zone that you’ll prefer. But if you’re seeking
some stage antics and endless performances, Coco
Bongo is definitely worth a try. Most travelers say
that they had a great night at Coco Bongo, even if
their seats offered poor views, there were long lines

ven if you don’t seek out Avenida Kukulkan,
you’ll likely cross its path at least once
during your Cancun vacation. That’s because
Avenida Kukulkan is Cancun’s main artery,
traveling through the Hotel Zone and stretching
from downtown Cancun running south
toward the airport. The avenue is lined with
pathways and several shops and eateries. If
you’re not strolling along the avenue, you’ll
likely be riding the bus along it since this is
the main route for the buses most frequently
used by tourists.
ecent travelers described Avenida Kukulkan
as a safe, well-maintained and well-lit,
place to walk or jog. Still, some travelers warn
about the crocodiles that lurk on the lagoon
side of the road, suggesting that travelers stick
to the pathway or better yet, stay on the ocean
side of the avenue.