Showing 1-11 of 11 results
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Avenida Tulum
The main north-south thoroughfare is Avenida Tulum is a wide boulevard lined with banks, shopping centers and restaurants.
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Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm
Several species of sea turtle lay eggs in the sand along the island's calm western shore. Although they are officially an endangered species, sea turtles are still killed throughout Latin America for their eggs and meat, which are considered a delicacy. In the 1980s efforts by a local fisherman led to the founding of Isla Mujeres Tortugranja, which protects the turtles' breeding grounds and places wire cages around their eggs to protect against predators.
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Mayan Temple
Dedicated chiefly to Ixchel, Maya goddess of the moon and fertility, this temple was 'discovered' by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba's expedition in 1517. The conquistadors found various clay female figures here; whether they were all likenesses of Ixchel or instead represented several goddesses is unclear. In 1988, Hurricane Gilbert almost completely destroyed the ruins.
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Museo INAH
Closed for the past two years from Hurricane Wilma damage (even the museum's director doesn't know when it'll be opening its doors), Museo Inah is on the south side of the Centro de Convenciones in the Zona Hotelera. Skulls exhibiting the deformities caused intentionally by Maya parents to beautify their children are a bit creepy but also on display are jewelry and artifacts.
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Park Las Palapas
Park Las Palapas is quiet and safe, a great place for an afternoon picnic or an evening stroll.
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Playa Delfines
Delfines is about the only beach with a public car park; unfortunately, its sand is coarser and darker than the exquisite fine sand of the more northerly beaches. On the upside, the beach has great views, there are some nearby Maya Ruins to check out and, as the last beach along the boulevard, it is rarely crowded. Heed the signs regarding swimming conditions as undertows are common here.
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Playa Langosta
In the middle of the north end of Zona Hotelera, Playa Langosta is a gem of a place for swimming. Facing Bahía de Mujeres, the beach is coated with Cancún's signature powdered coral sand and the waters are quite shallow, making it good for snorkeling. If you've had enough of the water there are lots of beach restaurants and bars.
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Plaza Las Américas
Plaza Las Américas at the south edge of the centro, is a vast modern shopping mall that includes the Liverpool and Chedraui department stores, a multiplex cinema, a food court and a salsa dance club. Don't confuse it with Plaza América, a small, aging arcade on Avenida Cobá with a few airline offices.
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Puerto Juárez
Puerto Juárez is the main port for passenger ferries to Isla Mujeres. Punta Sam, the dock for the slower car ferries to Isla Mujeres, is about 7km north of downtown. Irregular services leave from the Zona Hotelera.
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Yamil Lu'um
There are two sets of Maya ruins in the Zona Hotelera. The smaller site is Yamil Lu'um, where only the outward-sloping remains of the weathered temple's walls still stand; however, the ruin is still worth a visit, as much for its lovely setting as anything else.
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Zona Arqueológica El Rey
There are two sets of Maya ruins in the Zona Hotelera and, though neither is particularly impressive, both are worth a look if time permits. The first is the Zona Arqueológica El Rey, on the west side of Blvd Kukulcán between Km 17 and Km 18, there's a small temple and several ceremonial platforms. The other, much smaller, site is Yamil Lu'um.
Showing 1-11 of 11 results
