The Yucatan has everything to offer that a person could want. Cancun today caters to all ages, couples, families, and honeymooners. There is a resort for every budget, from 6 star all-inclusive hotels, to villas, condos and motels. Nightlife of all kinds (don't miss Perichos), fast food to traditional Mexican dinners and many gourmet places make your choices easy. For Ladies, there are shopping meccas, marketplaces, and malls offering silver trinkets to take home (make sure it is 925). For your honey, there is that sombrero that he has to wear home on the plane and will sit in the garage for 10 years but, remember he has to have it and then you can buy what you want. The last 10 years Cancun has spread to Playacar, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Aventuras. Although this area has developed, there is still the feel of the jungle. When you tube at the caves of Xcaret remember that this was the Mayan civilizations swimming pool. You can't miss the colored buses that run through Cancun to take you here and a day at Xcaret is well worth it. They have also built a hotel here that keeps the jungle atmosphere with canals running through the hotel, ramps that swing as you walk over foliage and a beautiful lobby (opened with trees). Also at the park they offer snorkeling, a zoo, a butterfly conservatory and a beach. Every evening there is a show of the history of the Mayas. This show is in a class of its own and the beauty of being surrounded by jungles adds to the atmosphere.

The ruins in the Yucatan are outstanding. Even if you are here to get away from every day pressures you might want to consider a day to discover the ancient civilization of the Mayan culture. Tulum is an excellent excursion for someone who wants a taste of this culture for a few hours so they can get back to the beach with their drinks for that tan. Tulum is a ruin that sits on the sea. It takes just a few hours to explore. You can go with an organized tour or catch a bus from the downtown central bus station in Cancun. (pick an air conditioned bus, it is worth a few more pesos). If you do go on your own you do have more freedom and also might consider a swim while you are there. The grand daddy of all ruins is Chichen Itza. It is hard to describe the vastness of these ruins and really takes several visits to be fully appreciated. I have been several times and always find something new. The first time I went I did take an escorted tour and felt that I missed a lot. At that time I was not comfortable taking buses everywhere or renting a car (Just please pay for the additional insurance). Most car insurances do not cover you in Mexico. When I returned on my own I then fully appreciated the ball court, the nunnery and the sacred wells. I also was able to have a nice dinner at the Club Med, a swim and stay for the Sound and Light show in the evening(make sure you do go a night when it is in English). Sitting there under the stars you feel the real magic of the ruins. Coba is my favorite ruin since it is not overrun with tourists from Cancun or the cruise lines. The first time I went with 8 people we were the only people there. Our guide had to cut the brush for us to get through and watch for wild boar. We came out of the jungle and I felt like Indiana Jones as I climbed to the top and saw nothing but jungle and hawks circling the sky. ( I only felt this one other time at ruins in Belize). Belize I will write about in the future. Today more people do visit this ruin but again it is not as touristy. If this all sounds like too much then consider getting on the bus in Cancun (they run about every 5 minutes) and go to the ruins of El Rey. They were found when the hotels were being built. It will take a hour of your time but then you can say you did see a Mayan ruin and still have that great tan.

Relaxation is on everyone’s minds these days with the stress of the world. After you and your honey have explored hand and hand you can relax and walk the beaches. English is spoken most places and Mexican people are very friendly. As I mentioned above the public bus system is very good and under a dollar. There are ferries that go to Isla Mujeres. This is a quiet island that is starting to develop but still has old world charm. It is about a 30 minute bus ride to the ferry and the ferry takes about another 30 minutes but you will feel miles away from the mainland. South of Cancun is Cozumel. A ferry does run from Playa Del Carmen. Cozumel is famous for its great diving. It also has many hotels, shopping and there are always cruise ships in town so it is busy till about 5 pm.

Anyone interested in ecotourism will find excellent bird watching at Isla Conroy. It is about 20 miles north of Cancun and has over 70 species of birds. Only small groups are allowed since it is a national park. Another great birding area is Rio Lazartos and it flamingos. South of Cancun is a different world at Sian Ka'an which is a area of dense mangroves(yes there are crocodiles) and a barrier reef.

For you honeymooners many hotels have wedding packages where you can get married on the beach at sunset with the sand between your toes. You can invite your family to also come and share this with you. There are many hotels that are for adults only and recently a clothing optional hotel has opened. If this is a second marriage or a romantic getaway and children will be with you consider one of the all-inclusive hotels that have children’s programs. The children will be happy with other children there age and you can still get the rest and romance and relaxation and the children will have their own memories of this paradise. All in all this area is for everyone so start packing. Look for me in 2 weeks when I talk about that honeymoon place in the Poconos with its famous Champagne Jacuzzi and in a few weeks the undiscovered island in the Caribbean Nevis.

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