Cancun , a good place to go?

[travelmapia]

You can try Sandos Playa Cat or Grand Oasis Cancun. They have some nice deals right now.

[jd55418]

I love Cancun I go 4 to 5 times a year have been going there for the past 20 yrs and have been in love from the first time.
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[JohnULord]

Cancun is not what it used to be...and never was!

The whole place was a government project which took an unheard-of fishing village and solicited huge amounts of foreign, mostly European, capital to build a place that is truly amazing in its complete and total artificiality...like Vegas or Epcot. Don't get me wrong; I love Epcot (not Vegas!), and part of what I love is the incredible inventiveness that went into creating something so fake on such a scale.

Playa is quickly going down the drain. Five years ago it still retained some charm and at least the ghost of an authentic Mexican community. Today it is the newest entry on my list of places to avoid. Prices are up. Crowds are up. Crime is up.

Tulum (both the ruins and the beach) is still wonderful, but the town has little to offer. Also, the local government is said to be virulently xenophobic, and has a reputation for conspiring against foreign-owned businesses. Doesn't exactly inspire me to spend my hard-earned dollars there.

Isla Holbox is amazing, as are some of the small towns along the southern part of the Riviera Maya, and the fishing villages near Chetumal. But, in general, the feeling one gets from the whole experience of Quintana Roo is "hustle and sleeze."

The state of Yucatan is a different story, and very little effort one can still find beautiful places that still remain solidly Mexican. A short drive inland from QR, you'll find a whole world to explore of authentic culture, incredible sights and fascinating history.
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John U Lord
Co-Owner
Aguilar and Lord, Authentic Luxury Travel
http://www.aguilarandlord.com

[mechcanlarin]

Cancun is a lovely place to go and have a enjoyable time to spend. It is one of the most liked places of mine. I travel often there on vacation.

[KathleenO]

I think visiting the Yucatan is well worth it, but Cancun is not all that interesting. There are some areas nearby that are amazing, though. I think it would help to have a local guide you around the area. I stayed in the centro of Cancun to save money. It was more "authentic" I guess. I ate street food there and we took the bus to the beach. We were mainly just there for a layover to Havana.
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[JohnULord]

I have found a way to enjoy Cancun: Find a great hotel with a wonderful beach, a nice pool and great food and basically don't leave until it's time to go home!

Exceptions to the rule: Well, yes. You can take a tour, but choose carefully...they can be exhausting! Also, I agree that there are interesting places nearby: Puerto Morelos, for example, still feels more like Mexico than Fort Lauderdale. Check out John Gray's Kitchen! Here's a gringo who's really gone native!

But in general, if I've paid the money and gone to the effort of visiting a foreign country, I'm dismayed to be surrounded by things I don't especially care for back home (WalMart, TGI Fridays, McDonalds, etc.) I think one can experience something a bit more Mexican in Mexico than Senor Frogs!

But to each his own. That's what's so great about Mexico. There is so much there that almost everyone can find something to love about the place
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John U Lord
Co-Owner
Aguilar and Lord, Authentic Luxury Travel
http://www.aguilarandlord.com

[KathleenO]

Oooh, that sounds nice. A hotel with a wonderful beach and food. I could use a vacay like that right now! I despised that sort of thing when I went to Cancun since I wanted to see the "real" Mexico. As I get older, though, I am really starting to enjoy resort-style vacations. They really are a great way to unwind.
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[JohnULord]

Well, I hope you can have it all! Both the authentic experience of a place and the comforts of civilized travel. Here's an example: we're planning a 13 day expedition to the Yucatan in December. We will be visiting many important archaeological sites, meeting with a Maya family or community, hosting a private "folkloric" presentation, but at the same time arranging accommodations for our guests in first class boutique hotels. It just takes a little careful planning, that's all.

PS: If you're interested, you can find our more about our trip by clicking the link below.

Good luck!
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John U Lord
Co-Owner
Aguilar and Lord, Authentic Luxury Travel
http://www.aguilarandlord.com

[mxbeccah]

Cancun is not Mexico. It engenders a tourist economy that artificially inflates prices in the area, creates a surrounding community of poor Mexican families that depend upon service jobs in the hotel strip, and devalues what Mexico actually has to offer in terms of culture, scenery, and authenticity.

I would strongly encourage anyone to avoid Cancun in favor of less visited and less corrupted places. If you are coming to Mexico, it makes sense to open your mind to the idea that you are visiting not just a pretty beach, but a vibrant and complex country that deserves your consideration and respect.
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[JohnULord]

Well, I've said all I'm going to say about Cancun.

I do urge everyone to consider making the effort really to get to know the surrounding areas. And by this I don't mean Playa and Cozumel (and, sadly, Tulum) which are all now little more than theme parks for those who really aren't interested in Mexico at all and would be just as happy at Epcot.

No, if you really want to experience what this region has to offer, the inland cities of Valladolid and Merida and the Gulf Coast port of Campeche are much better choices. Or find a guide who can take you through the countryside and introduce you to the life of contemporary Maya. It is truly eye-opening to see this living culture today and reflect on its long history as you walk through Chichen Itza or Uxmal or any of the many, many sites in the area.
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John U Lord
Co-Owner
Aguilar and Lord, Authentic Luxury Travel
http://www.aguilarandlord.com

[Ashley Wilson]

Cancun is a great place to visit in holidays. Its a beauty to watch. You will definitely have a great time with you family.
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[GuX]

Yes, Cancun is absolutely outstanding place. Its unique beaches with white powdery sand and totally transparent water attract tourists and numbers of people visit there. It is also the best for wedding and there are lots of honeymoon spots over there. So if anyone plans to visit Mexico visit Cancun I hope it will be memorable tour.
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