The Mayan Coast has three distinct areas for honeymooners to explore. They include:
- Ciudad de Cancun
- Zona Hotelera
- Sian Ka'an
The Ciudad de Cancun or City of Cancun is actually a quaint town filled with cafes, shops, movie theaters and the residents who are employed mainly by the Zona Hotelera or Hotel Zone. Life in the Ciudad de Cancun is relaxed, and like the rest of Cancun, filled with delightful people and colorful sights to enjoy.
In the city, you can rent a room for a few pesos or check into a four-star hotel. Meals and snacks are cheaper than near the beach and resort hotels, and there are more possibilities to taste authentic, homemade Mexican fare than in the resort dining rooms. Casual strolls through the streets of the city will reveal Mayan treasures to add to honeymooners memories.
The Zona Hotelera is where the magnificent turquoise seas meet the powdery white beaches of Cancun. Over 13 miles of the Boulevard Kuculkan; the avenue that runs the length of the island, are home to some of the world's finest luxury, beach resorts. Called the Gran Turismo of accommodations, these magnificent structures are mainly five-star hotels and spas, surrounded by Caribbean blue waters and the hottest entertainment in Mexico.
Boutiques, custom jewelers, fine restaurants and over 25,000 resort hotel rooms are available in this area, and if you get tired of shopping and eating, you can parasail, swim, golf, or explore the Mayan archaeological sites. If you enjoy scuba diving, consider a tour to the Gran Arrecife Maya, the world's second largest reef, just off the southern coast of Cancun. You will travel through an exotic forest and small villages to get to this place, which will be yet another unforgettable experience to add to your honeymoon log.
The Sian Ka'an is the ecological reserve in Cancun. It is a tropical forest filled with protected lakes and mangrove marshlands. The entire area is filled with a large number of exotic plants and animals; some endangered. Covering hundreds of miles, this is the largest government and non-profit maintained area of its type in Mexico. If you would like to explore this area, be sure to check with the locals regarding tours and regulations relating to visiting there.
In all directions outward from the city, there are archaeological sites to see. The ancient Mayan civilization thrived here and the Mexican government has made every effort to preserve the history that is unique to this region. If you will be seeking out opportunities to visit the Mayan ruins, consider purchasing a guidebook prior to leaving on your honeymoon to boost your knowledge of the area prior to your arrival. Knowing a bit more might allow you to soak in the sights, sounds and feelings that will undoubtedly be evoked when you experience it for yourself.
Citizens of the US, Canada and most other countries must obtain a Tarjeta de Turista or Tourist Card, upon crossing the border into Mexico. These are available at airports, train stations and embassies. A passport and a certificate of birth with a raised seal are needed to obtain this document, and it is a good idea to have current medical records with you as well. The Tourist Card is good for 180 days from the time you obtain it.
Consider anytime a good time to travel to Cancun, with October through May being the best time. May through September it is hotter and more humid than the other months, but travel deals are more numerous.
Check online for special events during the time of your honeymoon. Carnival is held in late February through early March, and is a big party before the 40 days of Lent. Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, is the fiesta most enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. It is believed that departed souls return to Earth on November 2nd of each year for a party in their honor. Visitors during this time are treated to marketplaces filled with large amounts of skeleton themed souvenirs.
Christmas and Easter, and the months of July and August are the times when Cancun is filled to the brim with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your honeymoon accordingly.
When considering a Cancun honeymoon take your time and savor the fantasy of what relaxing delights are in store for you. Whether it is the beautiful beaches, the hot nightlife, or the natural beauty of the mangroves and Mayan ruins that draw you to Cancun, once you are there, you can't help but enjoy it all.
