Cancun, Mexico
Cancún is a city on the Caribbean Sea in southeastern Mexico on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
It is an important tourist destination in Mexico, just north of Mexico’s Caribbean coast resort band known as the Riviera Maya. In older English-language documents, the city’s name is sometimes spelled “Cancoon,” an attempt to convey the sound of the name.
Riviera Maya, Source: Travel Club Mexico
The History of Cancun
The history of Cancun dates back to 1967 when the Mexican government, recognizing the importance of tourism to the country’s economic future, began a detailed search to pinpoint ideal sites for tourism development.
Resting on the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo (keen-tah-nah-ROW), Cancun was a part of the ancient Mayan civilization and is still considered the gateway to El Mundo Maya (the Mayan World).
The city began as a tourism project in 1974 as an Integrally Planned Center, a pioneer of FONATUR (Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo, National Fund for Tourism Development). Formerly was known as INFRATUR. Since then, it has undergone a comprehensive transformation from being a fisherman’s island surrounded by virgin forest and undiscovered shores to being one of the two most well-known Mexican resorts, along with Acapulco.
Source: Destination 360
Cancun has the distinction of being the one Caribbean destination with the infrastructure, modern amenities (spruced up in 2006) and service philosophy to rival leisure destinations worldwide.
Unlike many other parts of the Caribbean and Mexico, Cancun was built for tourism, and continues to meet the needs of its over 3.3 million annual visitors. Cancun delivers to travelers the best of many worlds: the Caribbean and Mexico; modern and ancient; action packed and laid back.
Cancun is unequaled in its ability to offer cultural treasures, natural beauty, infinite activities and North American-style conveniences.
Source: Wall Devil
Due to its near perfect weather, natural beauty and easy accessibility from North American gateways, Cancun emerged as the government’s top candidate.
What was once a remote and tiny fishing village of just 12 families was cultivated into the ideal Mexican vacation spot. It capitalized on, without compromising, the region’s natural resources.
Cancun’s hospitality staff are the among the best-trained in the world at leading hotel brands represented in here – from the major names in affordable accommodations such as Best Western and Holiday Inn to the very best in luxury such as Ritz-Carlton to Hilton.
The landscape of Cancun encourages the growth of many exotic flowers, such as flamboyances (named for the dazzling orange-red splash they make lining sidewalks and plazas) and fascinating fauna, like the prehistoric-looking iguanas.
Source: Easy Voyage Uk, © Tono Balaguer
Source: Travel Mood
Things to Do
If you are a sports enthusiast, Cancun will not disappoint. It boasts great five golf courses, incredible coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving, sport-fishing and jungle tours.
Source: Top Tours Cancun
Beaches
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in and around Cancún making it Latin American’s most important leisure destination.
Playa Ballenas, Cancun
Source: Visitroo
Additional Info: Wikipedia
