There’s a good reason that Cancun has the reputation for being a place to laze around soaking up the sun, party, and everything in between. This city in Mexico consistently ranks among the top vacation spots for travelers in the western United States, but attracts visitors from all over the world, too. Scuba, visit ancient ruins, enjoy a bullfight…. or just do nothing at all.

Take a trip to Isla Mujeres and swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery. You’ll soon see that all those tricks they do at staged shows are not just training. These playful creatures interact with humans almost like playful dogs. Go snorkeling and see tropical fish, rays, and perfectly safe sharks, too. Feed the manatee and have an unrepeatable experience.

Jet ski over to Aquaworld and see why Cancun is known for white beaches found nowhere else. Go parasailing. Take a jungle tour on a 2-seater boat. Charter a fishing boat for an all-day trip. Stroll through the lobby of a big hotel right off the beach and into the bar.

Just south of Cancun, there are several ancient ruins to view, mostly small Mayan fishing villages long uninhabited. Or, take a day trip and see Chichen Itza, the capital of the Mayan empire. Visit Tulum and visit the Castle and the Temple of the Wind, flanking Tulum Cove. Then, have a swim in the inlet.

Many locals and tourists still enjoy traditional bullfights. The spectacle in Cancun is like none elsewhere. Prior to the main event, there are dances performed in colorful costumes to traditional music. Then the great beast emerges and the matador goads him with a swirl of the red cape and the contest is on!

Half an hour South is Rancho Loma Bonita where you can rent a horse and ride along the beach. Stroll through shallow swamps, lie back and sunbathe, or even go for a swim. All, less than an hour from Cancun.

Rent a catamaran instead and sail along that beach to your heart’s content. Booking is simple itself and you’ll get the first choice by having a pre-paid voucher in hand. Sail towards Isla Mujeres and stop near the Reef for some superb snorkeling. Then have lunch at the club.

Ready for a rest? Head over to Puerto Morelos, a laid-back fishing village about 20 miles from Cancun. Stroll around, laze in a chair, have a Margarita. Sit at the bar and chat with the locals and find out where everyone else is from.

Then make your way back to Cancun for one of the finest meals you’ll ever have in Mexico. The style of cuisine in this part of the Yucatan Peninsula is simply incomparable. Taco Bell, this ain’t. The city offers three AAA Five Diamond Restaurants – two inside the Ritz Carlton and Le Basilic in the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach. You can’t go wrong at any of them.

Whether your interest is in ancient ruins or up-to-the-minute water sports, or anything in between, Cancun offers tons of choices.