About town of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico

Cancun (pronouced Kan-Koon) is located on the eastern most part of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.  Cancun is easily one of the most popular resort destinations of Mexico attracting millions of visitors each year. 

Lying on the Mayan Riveria, also known as the Mexican Caribbean this resort offers a wide variety of options for all vacationers with its Mediterranean climate.  

People traveling here are within driving or a boat trip to many additional destinations including one of the seven marvels of the world Chichen Itza, the Mayan pyramid and the islands of Cozumel and Isla de Mujers.

A brieft history of Cancun

Prior to modern day Cancun, the region was populated by the native people of Maya, before the Spanish arrived. However, as with most western conquest, many of the Mayan people died of disease and warfare leaving mostly a deserted area. 

It was not until the 1970’s that the Mexican government decided to invest in the region to promote tourism as a way to generate more revenue. At first there was a very big reluctance of many investors and visitors alike, so the first hotels were actually financed and sponsored by the Mexican government.

Since then, Cancun has grown into a notable city on the Map of Mexico and today has over 600,000 residents with many of the newer residents coming from places like the United States, Canada and Europe. Further, in today’s modern day Cancun, Mexico continues to attract billions of dollars from foreign investors wanting to cash in on this popular Caribbean destination.

The majority of investment has come in the form of hotels, with over 140 large hotels and boutique hotels, condos, food and entertainment.

Cancun tourism

With over 4 million annual visitors, Cancun ranks as one of Mexico’s most popular travel destination with nearly 200 flights that come in and out of the Cancun international airport daily.

While, the all-inclusive beach resort hotels are very popular there are many things to do in or near Cancun including traveling to the nearby islands of Isla De Mujers (Island of Women) and Cozumel known for its world scuba diving and snorkling. Further south, with a short car drive you can reach other popular resort and fishing villages such as Puerto Morales and the beautiful and smaller resort of Playa Del Carmen. Continuing south you can reach many Cenotes (Natural Water Sink Holes) and the Mayan ruins such as Tulum or Chichen Itza, all very well known by world archeologist.

Cancun weather

The weather and temperature in Cancun varies depending on the season. January temperature is close to 80 degrees fahrenheit and can get close to 65 degrees fahrenheit in a summer night in June. Due to the fact of the varying temperature you can expect almost all hotel rooms to have air conditioning for those hot days.

Cancun has a very pronounced tropical storm season which last between May and December with a peak around September. If you are looking for dry weather, the best months are February and late May where it is mostly dry.

Travel information for traveling to Cancun

Nearby Airport: Cancun International Airport 
Address: Carretera Cancún-Chetumal Km 22, 75220 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 55 5284 0400

Is a passport or travel visa required? This will depend on your nationality and also your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what you require to travel to Cancun.
Read about the next beach destination > or select another beach destination yourself using the quick links below:

Cancun | Cabo San Lucas | Puerto Escondido | Puerto Vallarta | Zihuatanejo | Ensenada | Mazatlan | Playa Del Carmen | Guaymas
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