Cancun, Mexico
Cancun | The Ultimate Vacation
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Cancun is located on the Yucatan peninsula in the eastern state of Quintana Roo. Cancun has often been referred to as the Mexican Caribbean. The Mayans originally inhabited Cancun until the Spanish conquered it. After the conquest, there was little migration to the area and most of the population died off. In 1967, the Bank of Mexico decided to do a study to determine how Mexico could bring more tourists in and it was decided that the Cancun area would be feasible for tourist development. At that time, there were only three residents in Cancun and investors were initially reluctant to invest in the area. The Mexican government had to finance the first hotels.
Today, Cancun’s population is over 570,000. The area has become an attraction for retirees from the United States and Europe. In the last few years, seven colleges and universities have opened and the area, which once was only a spring break attraction, is now a popular place to attend college also. Cancun now has over 150 hotels, including timeshare resorts and hosts approximately 4 million visitors per year.
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The main attraction in Cancun is the many ruins. The Ruinas del Ray is the closest to the Hotel Zone. Dating back to the 2nd century B.C., the ruins include several buildings. There is a pyramid that includes a platform that is believed to have been used for the practice of astrology. During the evening, the location features a dinner show. Yami Lu’um is perhaps the smallest of the ruins and is located in the Hotel Zone. Yami Lu’um consists of a lighthouse and a temple that are believed to date back to the 13th century.
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Visitors who have more time will want to visit Chichen Itza. These ruins, which are about 2 hours away from Mexico, are believed to be the greatest archeological ruins in Mexico. Chichen Itza is believed to have been the most important city to Mayan civilization and a guided tour will take between 2 to 3 hours. Once you are ready to take a break from the ruins you will want to visit Museo de Arte Popular. This is a Folk Art Museum, which will give you the opportunity to learn all about Mexican culture.
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Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular pastimes in Cancun. There are many facilities where equipment may be rented. Diving tours can be arranged and even diving courses for those who want to learn the sport. Want to be on the ocean but stay on the boat? Try a sport fishing trip and catch a monter. If you prefer to stay on top of the water, you may go kayaking. For the adventurous, many facilities offer bungee jumping.
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