Cancun

It’s no accident that Cancun is one of the world’s most popular beach destinations. In the late 1960s, the Mexican government undertook a multi-year search of the nation’s beaches in hopes of creating the world’s next great resort destination. The research team personally checked the swimming conditions, the beaches, and the actual living conditions at various places along Mexico’s 6,000-mile coastline. Their search led to a seven-mile swath of undeveloped sand on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.

This was the birth of Cancun. Today, a busy international airport welcomes a steady stream of vacationers who fill 30,000 hotel rooms and generate one-third of Mexico’s tourism revenue. The resort district is one of the Caribbean’s most-visited destinations, known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts. But beyond the sand and surf, Cancun is also a destination rich with fascinating history, unique natural wonders, and the cultural treasures of the Mayan civilization.