A scenic oasis in the heart of Cancun's hotel row
Ask a taxi driver to carry you to the Cancun lighthouse and you will most likely end up at the base of the 150-foot high tower that overlooks the port. This edifice, which also houses a restaurant and gift shop, is a favorite tourist attraction. But there is a far more scenic alternative located some three miles to the east.
Here, where a small point of land known as Punta Cancun juts into the Caribbean, a red-and-white lighthouse tower was erected to warn ships away from this headland. The point provides a rare oasis of tranquility in the middle of Cancun’s glittering hotel zone, and the lighthouse is a favorite with photographers.
The structure was heavily damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but has since been restored, and now remains one of the area’s most iconic landmarks. Punta Cancun lies just beyond the grounds of the Hyatt Ziva Hotel, and is easy to reach with a beach walk. For the best photos, plan on visiting in late afternoon, as this spot is known to provide some of the best sunset views around.
