Cancun

Cancun

Created 30 years ago on a 12 mile stretch of empty coastline specifically as a tourist destination, Cancun is a hedonistic, Torremolinos style place to party and chillout. It is NOT representative of what México really has to offer, but it is useful because it provides charter flights, often at amazingly cheap prices, direct from the UK - see Getting There for my tips on how to get these cheap flights. So, use it as a launch pad to explore the beautiful coastline and tranquil beaches further south at Playa del Carmen and hire a car and do a 2 week tour around the peninsular. Better still stay at Playa del Carmen ! There is so much more to México than Cancun. All inclusive hotel and flight packages sound great but infact , given how cheap México is, they are NOT a good deal and you are much better off booking flight only with the Charter companies and making up your own, much more rewarding itinerary for the same price! If you want to base yourself at Cancun initially then it would be much more interesting to stay with my American friend Steve Broin who owns a wonderful boutique hotel on an Island just off Cancun, called Isla Mujeres. Go to Casa Sirena to find out more and mention my name. Steve can also recommend car hire from the airport at a better rate than you would receive yourself. He also mixes a mean Margarita and is a superb host !

Eating Out in Cancun

Normally you get typical hotel food in Cancun which is uninspiring, however, I have one recommendation for a great place to eat if you love fresh seafood. I ate at Mocambo in October 2009 and it was the best meal I had the whole trip anywhere. With an amazing view of the ocean with the sea crashing just below you , and the freshest food. The buffet for less than £10 is a bargain. And you know it's a good place because it was full of Mexicans! Highly recommended. On the left my photo of my beautifully prepared and delicious white fish dish.

Mark at Mocambo Restaurant, near Plaza Caracol, kilometre 9.5, Cancun Telephone: 883 0398
October 2009

The 12 km beach at Cancun. The Hilton Hotel is in the foreground. The Sea is very powerful here with strong undercurrents . Much better swimming is to be had at Playa del Carmen 45 minutes south.