Climate/Topography Cancun is divided into two parts. The narrow 23-kilometer-long (14-mile) island section (Cancun Island) is lined with modern beachfront hotels surrounded by the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women), the Caribbean Sea, and the Nichupte and Bojorquez lagoons. Each end of the boomerang-shaped islet is connected to the mainland by bridges, the southernmost connecting to the airport and the highway south. To the north, the bridge connects the Hotel Zone with Cancun 'Centro' on the mainland. 'El Centro' has colorful shops, restaurants and smaller hotels catering more to European and national tourism. The 100 km stretch known as the Riviera Maya is in the middle of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. Here the towns are smaller and there are fewer tourists with miles of solitary virgin beaches, sparkling white sand and crystalline turquoise waters. The second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Reef, runs along the coastline and an unrestrained jungle surrounds the towns and beaches. In this part of the Mexican Caribbean, full of exotic tropical animals peering or flying through the branches, there are many places to explore. A unique and complex underground river system flows beneath the surface and surprises visitors with magical caverns, caves and cenotes (sinkholes). There are also hundreds of archaeological sites, remnants of the incredible and timeless Mayan civilization, and a spectacular and plentiful marine life.

Resort Areas Hotel Zone, Downtown Cancun (El Centro), and the Riviera Maya.

Travel with minors Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country. If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check-in at the airport.

Currency Mexican Peso

Departure Taxes $16.00 U.S.

Duty Free Shopping Duty free shops can be found at the forum by the Sea Plaza, La Isla Plaza, Cancun International Airport and Puerta Maya.

Electricity 110 volts, same as in the U.S.

Gambling There is no legalized gambling in Mexico.

Language Spanish, English widely spoken.

Location Description Cancun is located off the northeast point of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, directly south of New Orleans, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The Riviera Maya begins 32 km south of the Cancun International Airport and ends at Punta Allen.

Proof of Citizenship Valid U.S. passport or a state issued birth certificate, with a raised seal and a photo I.D. backup.

Rental Car Information A dozen rental car companies operate at the air port and at many hotel locations (including Advantage Rent-A-Car, Advant Rent-A-Car, Avis, and Budget Rent-a-Car). Note that car rental is relatively expensive, and often does not include unlimited mileage. You must be 25 years old, hold a driver's license and major credit card. Road signs are in Spanish.

Time Zone Equal to U.S. Central Time

Tipping & Taxes Tips in Mexico are generally 15%, tipping cab drivers is not expected, and tipping the maid in the hotel a couple of dollars a day (per room) is greatly appreciated.

Tourist Board Phone # 1-800-44-MEXICO

Wedding Requirement There is a two day waiting period, and couples require a passport/driver's license, birth certificate, certified copies of both parents' birth certificates or valid passports, four witnesses, and blood tests not older than 15 days.

Weather Conditions The average temperature is 27° C (80° F) with more than 240 days of sunshine, and rain is rare. In summer the temperature goes higher, but an onshore breeze makes the climate enjoyable throughout the day.