Fly Away (English)

Destinatio­n Cancun

- TEXT Tomeu Gili Director of Incoming Tourism at World2Meet Raúl Alonso Travel Journalist

The full journey. Sun and sand, Caribbean fun and fabled ruins.

Beach day or trip to Chichen Itza? Rest up at the resort or take a dip in an idyllic cenote? The only downside of visiting Cancun is having to choose between its countless tempting options.

THERE'S A RUSH OF PLEASURE HORMONES FROM THE MOMENT YOU LAND

Cancun is the all-round destinatio­n: It offers that typically Caribbean combo of sun, sea, sand and fun, but there's also the archeologi­cal heritage of Yucatán and a stunning natural environmen­t.

From the first glimpse on landing, it promises to be an outstandin­g stay. The Cancun skyline emerges sparkling between the green of the jungle and the turquoise of the Caribbean, triggering a rush of Dopamine and all the other pleasure hormones. Then you’re welcomed by the balmy 27° average temperatur­e, confirming that you’ve arrived in the place you’ve been dreaming of for months.

To find your bearings in Cancun, you'll need to distinguis­h between its three areas: the 'town' or downtown area, where many of its 800,000 inhabitant­s live; the hotel zone, which borders the lagoon with its 14-mile barrier of islands attached to the Yucatán peninsula; and Costa Mujeres to the north. All three are full of temptation.

Cancun is a testing ground for hotels, which has made its resort a global benchmark in hospitalit­y. A varied offering that reveals itself without overwhelmi­ng, thanks to its extended footprint and welcoming architectu­re. And when you gather the courage to leave this paradise, there's even more to discover.

One of the most enjoyable attraction­s is the local cuisine. Whether it's the tacos or burritos from street stalls, Mexican and internatio­nal food, or exquisite dining experience­s like those of Puerto Madero or Rosa Negra, there's a sense of variety here that extends to the city's clubs, casinos and shows, and to shopping centres such as those of La Isla or Kulkulcan.

But Cancun always measures up. Its beaches of Tortugas or Bellenas are a must-visit, with a wide range of water sports on offer, as are the unforgetta­ble swims in its cenotes. And there are thrills aplenty to be had on trips to the Mayan ruins of Coba, Chichen Itza or Tulum, the Underwater Museum of Art and parks and islands such as Mujeres, Contoy or Cozumel... this place always has something else in store to tempt you with.

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 ??  ?? Looking out over the Caribbean Sea, shrouded in mystery, stands the ancient Mayan city of Tulum.
Looking out over the Caribbean Sea, shrouded in mystery, stands the ancient Mayan city of Tulum.
 ??  ?? 1_Silky sand and turquoise waters: the hallmark of Cancun. 2_The Ik Kil cenote.
3_ Museum of Underwater Art. 4_Mayan temples of Chichen Itza.
1_Silky sand and turquoise waters: the hallmark of Cancun. 2_The Ik Kil cenote. 3_ Museum of Underwater Art. 4_Mayan temples of Chichen Itza.
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