The capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from a small village of Mayan pilgrims to a lively, cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. Its natural features, beauty and long beaches, its enviable geographical location and its blend of sea and jungle make this destination on the Mexican Caribbean a magnet for both Mexicans and visitors from other parts of the world.

In this diverse city, activities and imagination go hand in hand: the coast lends itself to all kinds of water sports. There are diving facilities, sport fishing and jungle treks to nearby archaeological sites.

The other famous destinations of the riviera, each with its own unique character and attractions, are Akumal, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras to name but a few.

Cancun is one of the most important tourist complexes in Mexico and the world. Its superb Caribbean location makes it the perfect place for everything from ecotourism, snorkeling, horseback riding and fishing, to golf, scuba diving, surfing and sailing. Extreme sports are also a major part of the excitement found in Cancun – the city boasts one of the highest bungee jumps in Mexico.

Cancun has fascinating Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. It’s excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighbouring Yucatán.

Nightlife in Cancun’s hotel zone is extremely varied. You will find some of the largest discotheques in the world and restaurants with some of the world’s most famous chefs as well as fast-food outlets.

Capital : Mexico City

Currency : Peso

Driver's License : A valid Canadian driver’s license is required.

Electricity : 110 volts, 60Hz

Entry Requirements : A passport valid for the expected duration of stay in Mexico is required.

GMT Time : -5h and -6h, -7h,-8h to the northwest. Daylight savings time is applied

Government : Federal constitutional republic

Land size : 1,972,550km2

Language : Spanish

National Airlines : Aeromexico

Population : 119,530,753 approx

Religion : Majority roman catholic

Required Vaccines : none

Tourist Season : Year round but October through May best

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada : Consult the "Country Travel Advice and Advisories" of Mexico

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Banks & Money

Although American dollars are preferred it is recommended that you use pesos. There are bank branches all over the country and ATMs can be found in many places. To exchange your money look also for the 'Casa de Cambio'. Hotels usually exchange money but you may get a better rate at the money exchange office. All major credit cards are accepted.
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Climate

Mexico has a varied climate depending on the regions. The rainy season runs from May through October with the west coast vulnerable to hurricanes in September and October. While the north western region of Mexico is arid, the climate of the south eastern coast is tropical due to surrounding warm waters. Higher elevations (the central plateau) enjoy spring like weather almost year round.

Communication

The country code for Mexico is 52. Most resorts provide internet access and many internet cafes can be found.

Health

There are no required vaccines to enter Mexico however precautions do need to be enforced. The most common illness is the traveler's diarrhea (turista), usually showing up on the third day. Drink bottled water and wash your hands often. Make sure your food is thoroughly cooked and avoid open-air stands. The following vaccines are recommended for any tropical destination: hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid, tetanus and yellow fever.

Safety

Although one must be very careful in metropolitan areas such as Mexico City, the rest of the country is safer than one would expect. Nonetheless tourists are more likely targets in resort areas. Use common sense, take advantage of hotel safety deposit boxes and make sure to lock your hotel room and rental car.

Extreme sports enthusiasts will enjoy scuba diving in the open seas in the crystal-clear waters. The ecological park called Tres Ríos is specially created for bicycle rides. You can go kayaking on the Pájaros River, where you can admire the mangrove swamps and see a large number of different species of birds.

Xel Há

This site has lakes connected to each other by underground tunnels that are fun to explore. The tropical jungle is great for hiking, and climbing down the walls of the cenotes and swimming in the reservoirs.

Playa del Carmen

Locals will sometimes rent out horses so that you can enjoy a relaxing tour of the surroundings. The constant coming and going of ferries, hydro-jets and yachts is a highly entertaining, year-round spectacle. You can go snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef, located less than 100 meters out from the beach. Alternatively, you can go diving in the caves, which is a great experience.

Puerto Aventuras Marina

This tourist village has a marina with 240 docks. This marina is considered the largest and best protected on the Caribbean coast. You can rent boats for periods of up to a day.

Archaeology

This state contains some of the most spectacular sites in the Mayan world, such as Tulum, Xcaret and Coba. Until recently, Xaman-Há, a meeting point for the Mayans to attend their ceremonial appointment with the goddess Ixchel on the neighbouring island of Cozumel, was a small fishing village. It is now the second most important tourist destination in the Mexican Caribbean.

Eating Out

You can enjoy a wide variety of succulent exotic dishes available in Cancun. The exquisite dishes of Mayan origins are distinguished by their use of condiments found in the region. Fish of all sorts cooked in different ways, chirmole, papatz tzul, cocido, relleno negro, cochinita pibil and ceviche (marinated seafood cocktail) are just some of the dishes you can try at the restaurants in the state of Quintana Roo.

Some of the best restaurants include La Habichuela, Lorenzillo´s, Sirenita and El Mortero, among others.
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Shopping

Cancun is a cosmopolitan city with all facilities. It has plazas and large shopping malls where one can acquire handicrafts from all over the country.

Mexican handicrafts include items made of pewter, silver and glass, hand-painted tiles and oil paintings, huaraches (leather sandals for men and women), leather articles, tobacco and other imported goods.

Knitted clothes and the typical colorfully embroidered blouses and dresses of Yucatan are a tradition in Coba, a small village some 105 km from Playa del Carmen passing through Tulum. You will also find decorative objects made of copper and jewels made of semi-precious stones. Several shops also offer handicrafts made in the other regions of the country.