A paradise in and of itself, Cancun is loaded with things to do. At first its the beach that draws us... But the Paradise doesn’t end there. Offering fine cuisine through a vast assortment of international restaurants, and also possessing many luxurious hotels, a thrilling nightlife, excellent shopping at the many duty-free malls, and artisan markets where bartering is the key to a cheap price, Cancun is the place to be. This city is also the jumping off point for exploring the ancient, mysterious world of the Mayans. For nature-lovers, there is the wonder of the world’s second largest barrier reef, and numerous freshwater cenotes provide incredible snorkeling and diving. Exciting, exotic, slow or fast, diverse and fun, Cancun has something to offer everyone.

Atractions, activities

The Maya Civilization is one of the most prominent ancient cultures with a distinct style, complex religion and rich mythology. The Maya achieved great accomplishments in the fields of mathematics, astrology and architecture. 

 Their nation extended through an area known as Mesoamerica, which includes the Mexican states of Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo as well as Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. The legacy of the great Maya nation can seen in their ruins that remain scattered throughout these countries. Visitors to Cancun are fortunate that some of the most spectacular Maya ruins are within easy reach.

Tulum is another famous Maya ruin, attracting more than 2 million visitor a year. The name means walled city and while Tulum’s architecture is not as sophisticated as other sites its cliff-side location by the blue-green waters of the Caribbean is breathtaking. First known as Zama (city of the dawn), it is though to have been built as a ceremonial site for worshipping the sun. It later developed into a strategic military and trading post. Tulum has always held special significance for the Maya. From AD 987 to 1194, it was a principal city in the ancient League of the Mayapán. When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, they spotted Zama from their ships and were so intimidated by its vivid 25-ft-high blue, white, and red walls that they were reluctant to land. 

Although abandoned 75 years after the Spanish Conquest, it remained independent for 300 years thereby becoming a symbol of freedom for the enslaved Maya. During the 1847 War of the Castes it became one of the last outposts of the rebel Mayas. When the Mexican army finally conceded defeat in 1915, Tulum was given to the victorious Cruzob Mayas as one of the holdings in the independent territory of Quintana Roo. The Maya gave Tulum back to the Mexican government in 1935. 
 
Unfortunately many of the buildings have been blocked off to preserve the delicate frescoes. Be sure to visit the two-story Temple of the Frescoes, to the left of the entryway. The temple's vaulted roof and corbelled arch are excellent examples of Classic Maya architecture. Faint traces of blue-green frescoes outlined in black on the inner and outer walls are honoring ancient Maya gods. 

The largest and most famous building is El Castillo (castle), which rests at the edge of a 40-foot cliff just past the Temple of the Frescoes. The front wall has carvings of the Descending God thought to be the Bee God or Corn God. Alongside are columns depicting the plumed serpent god, Kukulcán, first introduced to the Maya by the Toltecs. It appears the Castillo may have been the watchtower to monitor enemies approaching by sea. To the left is the Temple of the Descending God – named for the carving of a winged god plummeting to earth over the doorway. The same deity is seen in stucco masks along the corners and is thought to be the Bee God, Ab Muzen Cab, guardian of the coast and of commerce. Most of the other remaining buildings have flat roofs resting on wood beams and columns with few distinguishing features. At the north side, atop a hill are a few small altars offering an excellent view of the ocean and the Castillo. The tiny cove to the left of the Castillo is where the ancient Maya launched their canoes to trade along the coastal cities. Open daily 8 AM – 6 PM. Admission: $5, use of video cameras an additional $4. Free Sundays and holidays. Located on highway 307, 130 km (81 mi) south of Cancun. 

Naturally, the beaches are the biggest draw in Cancun with their soft sands and brilliant water. The Hotel Zone is really just one long beach separated from the mainland by a system of lagoons. The calmest beaches are found windward along the Bahía des Mujeres. Playa Linda, Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol are ideal for water sports and swimmers of all levels. These beaches have all the usual amenities such as restaurants, change rooms and showers. South of Punta Cancún, the eastern beaches face the open sea. Playa Chac-Mool, Playa Marlin and Playa  Delfines have bigger waves and stronger currents. While on windy days they may not be the best for swimming, they still have the spectacular view of that turquoise water. Depending on where your hotel is you will have access to either northern or eastern beaches. Do pay attention the flags posted on the beaches – they can save your life as they are posted to let you know if it’s safe to swim. Green or blue flags indicate that the water is calm, yellow means swim with caution while red or black means danger, don’t go into the water. Remember not to swim alone or when you are tired, overheated or right after eating.

Nightlife. During the day Cancun is pretty laid back. That changes at night when both the Hotel Zone and downtown start rocking with music. It’s all here: salsa, meringue, flamenco, reggae, jazz, classical, disco, rock and roll, hip-hop and techno. Many restaurants do double duty as party centers with “all you can drink” specials and waiters who don’t hesitate to get up on stage and dance in between serving drinks. Cancun Discos and dance bars usually have taped music accompanied to high tech laser light shows with the occasional live band thrown in for good measure. The Cancun nightclubs, especially the Latin Clubs, all have live music and import some of the hottest bands from Latin America. Barhopping during happy hour (4 PM – 7 PM) is a great way to check out the different hotels and evening cruises have a high-energy, party atmosphere. For a taste of how the locals like to party head to one of the Salsa clubs or check out the clubs in the downtown area. There is usually a free evening concert in the downtown Parque de las Palapas and close by are some excellent jazz clubs featuring local musicians. Just choose your spot and you can dance until the wee hours of the morning.

If you’re not into the party scene, there is still plenty to do in the evenings. 

Many of the finest restaurants are only open in the evening and have live entertainment. You can go for dinner or have a drink in their bar watching the ocean, listening to the music. There are also a number of dinner-theatre places that have Caribbean or Mexican song and dance revues like the Ballet de Folkloricó de Cancun that performs nightly at the Convention Center.

For some real romance take one of the sunset or moonlight cruises. Both downtown and the Hotel Zone have state-of-the-art cinemas showing Hollywood blockbusters in English (with Spanish subtitles). Please see our site for cinemas for local show times. Shops in Cancun stay open until at least 10 PM. Whatever your mood, your age, your budget, Cancun has the nightlife for you to enjoy.

Hilton Cancun - Mexico

Bullfight is one of Mexico's oldest traditions since the age of Hernan Cortes, who was the first bullfighter in Mexico. A demonstration of courage and style, combined with authentic folkloric dances and Mexican Rodeo is part of the magnificent show.

Bullfighting is an ancient Spanish festivity with a flokloric mexican angle, where is demonstrated the skills of the matador and the courage in front of a fierce animal of almost half a ton.

Bullfight is an emblematic activity for Mexico. In Cancun is organized this event in the city's Bullring to give you a sample of the Mexican traditions. Come with us and cheer Ole!! You must not miss it!