The Best of Cancun

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This hotel faces the ocean and is just across from shopping and entertainment. All 371 rooms and suites showcase Caribbean views with private balconies. All rooms include premium amenities and wireless Internet access. Shore club with private cabanas overlooks eight swimming pools and a white-sand beach.

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On a wave runner or speedboat for two, set off from Cancun on a breathtaking tour across the Nichupte lagoon, through the dense mangroves, the Nizuk River and the Caribbean Sea, all the way to the Nizuk Coral Reef where you'll snorkel among living colorful corals and a myriad of tropical fish.

This may be the most fun you'll ever have in Cancun! Two persons are assigned to each wave runner or speedboat and a total of 10 in each group are led by a guide.

The vehicles set off from the marina across the expanse of the Nichupte lagoon and through the dense mangroves, to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Here, in one of the largest reefs in the Western Hemisphere, you will stop for about 45 minutes to relax or snorkel amidst the colorful tropical fish, coral and sea plants.

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In the ever-changing restaurant community that thrives in Cancún, it takes more than a little luck to stay on top. La Habichuela has been a staple of the downtown scene since 1977, with a romantic atmosphere and award-winning menu, it shows no sign of slowing down. The dishes are prepared from only the freshest ingredients, and the chefs stick to traditional recipes that make for a great culinary experience. The outdoor patio is a great place to unwind with that special someone after a long day, as the full gardens and soft lighting transport you to a country retreat. Also, check out the drink menu, as there are some great choices to complement any meal.

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Spectacular Chichen Itza holds both mystery and magic. Explore the most important archaeological zone and ancient capital of the Mayan Empire, where you can admire the majestic observatory, the sacred cenote, the ball court and the castle. Sample typical Mayan cuisine at a buffet lunch with folkloric dancers before beginning your tour of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During your stay in Cancun, you simply must take the opportunity to visit Chichen Itza, the most important archaeological zone in Yucatan. Explore the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire and learn why it has been designated one of the modern wonders of the world. Its extraordinary architectural beauty and geographical location are sure to leave you in awe!

Upon arrival at Chichen Itza around 12:00pm, you'll head directly to the buffet and enjoy fresh salads, soups, rice, meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and other regional dishes. While eating, you'll enjoy a festive show in which the locals perform traditional dances to folklore music.

Once inside the world famous archaeological site, you'll be divided into English and Spanish speaking groups. You'll be taken on a 1.5 hour tour with a certified guide who will introduce you to the secrets of the Mayans. Your guide will explain the historical significance of all the most important sites before leaving you to enjoy the ruins on your own.

Plus Package: Includes a stop along the way at a small Mayan village where you can browse the local handicraft and jewelry shops. You'll also enjoy a box lunch on the bus ride with bottled water and soft drinks. Upon arriving at the buffet, the Plus Package includes two drinks - beer, soft drinks or bottled water.

Special Offer - Save over 30% off the recommended retail price when traveling through December 31, 2009 - BOOK NOW!

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Dolphin Discovery has been around for over 20 years and one of the top tour companies offering Swim with Dolphins excursions, in Cancun. The dolphinarium is actually located on the island of Isla Mujeres, just a few miles off the north shore of Cancun. Each day, tours depart from Cancun at 9:00am, by ferry. It will only take you about 20 minutes to sail over to Isla Mujeres and, once you are on the island, the fun will really begin. There are several different dolphin experiences available. The Sea Life Discovery Plus tour includes continental breakfast, a lunch buffet, open bar, the use of Dolphin Discovery's beach club, plus you get to interact with dolphins, as well as manatees and sea lions. The Dolphin Royal Swim at Isla Mujeres + Royal Garrafon program includes an American breakfast, a lunch buffet, open bar, snorkeling with sharks or stingrays, 50 minutes in the water with the dolphins, and admission to Royal Garrafon eco-park, which is one of the most popular attractions on Isla Mujeres.      

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Visit an incredible eco-archaeological park, where you can spend a day in paradise relaxing and enjoying nature, snorkeling, activities, shows and more! For more than a millennium, this nature park and archaeological zone has been an important ceremonial center and Mayan port. Xcaret is located 34 miles (55 km) south of Cancun, near Playa del Carmen.

Spend your day discovering Xcaret - the Little Inlet - where for more than 1,000 years, the most important Mayan ceremonies were held. Travel in air-conditioned comfort to this spectacular eco-archaeological park and relax on a hammock, learn the history of this ancient culture or swim through the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean.

It is said that this was the ancient port of Pole and that the Maya used to come here to bathe in its waters to purify their minds and bodies before sailing to the nearby island of Cozumel to worship the goddess of fertility, Ixchel. Man's ingenuity combined with nature's splendor has formed a very interesting park with a variety of attractions, proving that development, conservation, culture and entertainment are not opposite concepts.

Xcaret has a wide range of eco-attractions included in the entrance ticket: aquarium, aviary, bird breeding area, mushroom farm, orchid garden, inlet lagoon, many natural beaches and warm crystal clear pools, sea turtles, butterfly pavilion, botanical garden, Mayan Village, museum, archaeological sites, Mayan river, underground river (you can swim down in a provided life jacket) and a spectacular night show to top off your visit.

Plus Package: Includes a buffet lunch with lemonade and orange juice, snorkel equipment, lockers, towels and use of the plus area facilities

Special Offer - Save almost 15% off the recommended retail price when traveling through December 31, 2009 - BOOK NOW!

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a huge club that holds 1000s of people so it often feels empty until around midnight, when the crowd starts to roll in. You'll have a great time here even if the main floor isn't full.

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The City claims to be Latin America's largest nightclub. It holds up to 5,000 people and, during busy times of year like Spring Break, it will be filled to the brim. There are nine bars scattered throughout the club's three floors. Internationally known celebrities, performers, and DJs are often on-hand to host special parties or, of course, to perform. Flo Rida, 50 Cent, and The Black Eyed Peas are just a small sampling of artists that have taken the stage at The City in recent years. Paris Hilton and Criss Angel have also been spotted there. Hip-hop, pop, and rock & roll are played in this club. Throughout the evening, there are shows featuring acrobats, dancers, or other performance artists. If partying until dawn isn't enough for you, be sure to check out the after-party at La Cabana, the beach club located behind The City.  

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this is the most famous site of Mayan ruins in the region. A "must-see" on anyone's list, this popular site can get crowded, particularly during equinoxes and solstices.

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Chichen Itza, located approximately 120 miles west of Cancun, is the largest and most important site of Mayan ruins in the region. The expansive park can be seen in two or three hours and its main focal point is a large pyramid, called the Temple of Kukulkan (also known as "El Castillo").

Each year, crowds flock to the park for both the spring and autumnal equinox. On those two days of the year, as the sun sets, shadows appear on the stairs of El Castillo in such a way that it looks as though a snake is slithering down the stairs. The Mayan people had a great understanding of astrology and mathematics. The pyramid was built with such accuracy and regard to astrology that the phenomenon of the slithering snake can only be seen on the days of the two equinoxes.

The Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012 and there is great debate about what will happen at the end of the cycle. Some people believe the world will end, but experts on the Mayan civilization believe it will simply be the beginning of a new era; a rebirth. To learn more about the Mayan calendar, and about Mayan history, visit Chichen Itza between now and the end of 2012. 

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Have you ever kissed a dolphin? Here is your chance to get close to one of the sea's most incredible creatures. Be amazed at how intelligent these animals are. Relax while you are taken on a belly-ride around the water by your new friend and watch their playful antics as they show off a series of energy filled activities!

This Cancun Dolphin Swim Adventure program was especially designed for you to share a series of sensational, safe and emotionally touching moments and activities while establishing a unique bond of trust with your new mammal friend!

The dolphin greets you with a kiss on the cheek and a handshake, giving you an automatic sense of closeness to this beautiful creature! Next, it is time to get up close and personal with your new friend. Relax as you are taken on a belly-ride around the water, a truly unique experience!

During your free time together, you'll get to enjoy moments of great spontaneity while you both reveal your personalities to each other and create memories that will last a lifetime! It is truly an unforgettable experience!

Prepare to witness an incredible view of the dolphins as they speed and spiral through the water below you, demonstrating their amazing agility. The dolphins will swim frequently in and out of groups, giving you more chances to view and caress them from up close! An experience not to be missed!

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Sail on a beautiful Trimaran through the Caribbean Sea and travel to the tropical island that sits on the imaginary line between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Explore Isla Mujeres and enjoy a relaxing day on this beautiful, quiet island!

Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a casual, laid-back refuge from the conspicuously commercialized action of Cancun, visible across a narrow channel. Just 5 miles (8km) long and 2.5 miles (4km) wide, it's known as the best value in the Caribbean!

Request your tropical drink of choice from the bartender and take a seat in the shade or enjoy the unique experience of stretching out at the front of the ship across the open netting, the only thing between you and the beautiful Caribbean Sea!

Relax and enjoy the views as you cruise along, stopping at a coral reef national park along the way for an hour of snorkeling. You'll be guided through crystal clear 30-foot (9 meter) deep waters to admire beautiful coral formations, tropical fish and other fascinating animals. Your guide will sprinkle fish food into the water to completely surround you with schools of beautiful tropical fish. At the conclusion of your underwater journey, your catamaran will meet you at the other side of the reef and take you to the Beach Club.

As you make your way down the dock, don't miss the chance to have your picture taken holding a shark! (subject to availability). Then, take a seat on hammocks and lounge chairs and enjoy a delicious all you can eat buffet lunch.

Then re-board the catamaran and sail to the best shopping zone in Isla Mujeres. Browse a range of interesting shops with everything from classic souvenirs to incredible hand carved limestone and wooden sculptures. Although sometimes hard to find, you'll also find beautiful preserved sea creatures and shark jaws straight from the sea. The rule is, you never know what you'll find on Isla Mujeres!

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A spa that offers the exclusivity of Pevonia Botanica spa services and products, including indoor or outdoor massage, reflexology, whirlpools, showers, and salon treatments.

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This amazing ecological park is one of the most popular attractions in the Cancun area. It is impossible to see all of the shows and exhibits, or to participate in all of the activities in just one visit to Xcaret, but you will have a fantastic time trying.

Inside the lush, tropical park, you can see Mayan ruins, walk among thousands of butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion, swim with dolphins, watch performers put on a show, float down an underground river, swim in a cenote (sink hole), visit a Mayan village and a cemetery, see flamingos and other exotic birds in the bird refuge, hike through the jungle, go snorkeling, or simply have lunch and relax on the beach.   

The park has a program to protect sea turtles, which nest in the Riviera Maya each Summer. Spider monkeys, howler monkeys, manatees, and jaguars are also protected at Xcaret.

The night show is spectacular and is included in the cost of admission.

The park is open daily, from 8:30am until 9:30pm.