The Local Tourist in Cancun: Enjoying the City’s Less Glitzy Side - Destination Specials, Top Holiday Destinations - 226 views
Cancun is a unique city in Mexico in that it was developed from the onset for tourist activities. Several factors motivated the decision to develop the region, but two of the largest were the area’s beautiful beaches, and also the favorable climate. Today, the city is home to dozens of resorts, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
While a trip to any Cancun mega-resort will undoubtedly be enjoyable for most, there has already been much literature written on the subject. There is much less information available, however, concerning activities away from the commercially developed centers. In this article we look at some of the local attractions that are less glitzy, yet in some ways even more rewarding to visit.
Where to Stay
One only has to look online to find a list of dozens of all-inclusive super hotels that offer multiple swimming pools, world-class golf courses, and beach cabanas. These resorts are great, but like I said, they aren’t the focus of this article. For a more intimate experience, try staying at Avalon Baccara. This boutique hotel feels more like an old-world Mansion than a resort, and has only 27 rooms. It’s located directly on the beach, so you won’t have to miss out on any sunbathing, and all rooms come with a view of the water. You can book here from $105 a night when using a Travelocity promo code.
Visiting Chichen Itza
It must be admitted that the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza aren’t exactly a local secret. That being said, an astounding number of visitors each year come to Cancun without bothering to make the trip. The site is roughly six square miles, and features Kukulkan’s pyramid, a 75-foot structure that will amaze visitors. There is also an amazing Cenote on the property (called Cenote Sagrado), which is 200 feet in diameter and filled with water. This is a beautiful semi-natural feature, but the serenity is tampered by the fact that the Mayan’s put the bodies of their sacrificed in here. Either way, it’s definitely a must see.
The Most Secluded Beach in Mexico
About three hours from Cancun lies Holbox Island, which is part of the Yum Balam ecological reserve. The island features miles upon miles of white sand beaches, and is only accessible by Seaplane or boat. There is very little electricity on the island, and few visitors, which means you’re likely to have a whole stretch of beach to yourself if you make the trip. Holbox Island was ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the ten most secluded beaches in the world!
Go Fish
Cancun has some of the best sport fishing in the world, yet only a small percentage of visitors take the time to enjoy this activity. Of those who do go fishing in Cancun, the vast majority do so in the gulf. A much easier option for those who’d like to experience the thrill of the hunt is to fly fish in the salt water flats that surround the city. Guided tours are available through Cancun Fly Fishing (cancunflyfishing.net) and are fairly affordable.
Watch a Bullfight
Nothing tops a day of fly fishing like watching a perilous bullfight, especially If you’re looking to get your inner-Hemmingway on. The Plaza de Torros in Cancun is a beautifully built arena, and visitors can watch brave matadors battle some of the world’s most dangerous bulls. Bullfights happen every Wednesday at 3:30 pm local time.
The truth is that any vacation will be what you make of it. If the goal of your trip is to waste away on a warm beach, drinking tropical concoctions and taking in the sun, then more power to you. Still, there are a lot of great attractions in Cancun that often get overlooked, and they can certainly enrich your experience.
Stefan Georgi is a frequent travel blogger who loves visiting Cancun. He highly recommends using a Travelocity promo code when booking a room at the Avalon Baccara hotel.
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