Created from scratch half a century ago, Cancun’s sandy beaches have been developed into a fully-fledged resort. You’ll find shops, nightclubs, bars and restaurants to fill your evenings From exhibition dances on street corners to the Casa De Cultura Art Center and the Teatro de Cancun, culture and the arts are also well represented in Cancun.

Influenced by the Mayans, British, French, Spanish and even Dutch, this historic town located to the north of the Yucatan peninsula is about as far removed from the bright lights of Cancun as you can get. It’s a delight to explore; begin with the stunningly beautiful art murals of Fernando Pacheco, the Palacio de Gobierno on the Plaza Grande or the city’s contemporary arts museum, the MACAY. Chichen Itza- Towering above the jungle, the Kukulkan pyramid of the sun at the ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive sights in the Mayan world. The site is vast. Take your time as you explore ancient ball courts, the beautifully carved El Caracol observatory and Tzompantli, the wall of skulls.

Towering above the jungle, the Kukulkan pyramid of the sun at the ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive sights in the Mayan world. The site is vast. Take your time as you explore ancient ball courts, the beautifully carved El Caracol observatory and Tzompantli, the wall of skulls.

Stroll along Quinta, Playa del Carmen’s pedestrian promenade, and you’ll soon understand why so many tourists here are repeat visitors. A former fishing village, Playa has found the perfect balance for its new role: plenty of cafes, restaurants and hotels but built with breathing space. If you can drag yourself away from its broad sandy beach, there’s a ferry leaving for the paradise island of Cozumel at the end of the strip.