Cancun, Mexico is a new city with shopping malls, theatres, clean streets and hundreds of hotels. It is a monument to capitalism and a shoppers paradise.

There are also great beaches with water sports like sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. If you like visiting ruins there are many within an easy distance.

Nightlife is plentiful. The clubs are world class. The restaurants are varied. Most of these places can be visited on tours but some of them are better if you do it yourself.

Tulum is about 80 miles south of Cancun. The city was at its peak between 1000 and 1600AD. Eyewitness reports say the city was white walled with bright red and blue reliefs. When you look at the ruins it is not hard to imagine the city as it was. Full of wealth and power. No doubt the poor were not living in these buildings.

You can take a tour package here which also takes you to Xel-Ha. This is a national park with dozens of sea lagoons where you can snorkel among hundreds of fish, see a dolphin show or just relax in a hammock. I will opt for the hammock if I have already walked round Tulum please.

The package includes all entrance fees, food, snorkel equipment, towels and life jackets. It lasts 10 hours. I will definitely opt for the hammock. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes. Bring a swimsuit, some money and plenty of energy.

Coba dates back to 600 to 900AD. Because Tulum is so popular Coba is usually missed but it is well worth the detour. Much of the city is still buried by the jungle. The site is spread over quite a distance so only the hale and hearty should attempt it. It is very hot but the jungle canopy provides shade and this makes the hike more pleasant. Mosquito repellent is a must in the rainy season and also stout shoes.

You can take a tour to Coba. The tour will also take you to visit the community of Hidalgo where you can experience the real Mayan way of life. Seeing is believing? The price includes entrance to Coba, the Mayan community plus lunch. Take some money for the handicrafts at the village.

Chichen Itza is about 2 hours away from Cancun. This is a popular site for the tourist. All roads lead here. The pyramid here, called the Castillo, is probably one of the most recognised images of Mexico. This icon was built to celebrate the cosmos. I can understand the bit about the 365 steps representing the solar year but 52 panels to celebrate the Mayan century. Or is it me. You can book on the internet with ChichenItza.com and save about $20 per person. They say they have been going to the ruin for 30 years so should know what they are doing.

Ruinas del Rey

Ruinas del Rey is located on the Isla Cancun in the heart of the hotel zone. It dates back to 200BC and is thought to be an astrology look out. There are 2 main plazas flanked by 2 main streets and a small pyramid topped by a vault. Inside are fresco paintings which are in fairly good condition.

The Sacred Caves of Cenote.

No visit is complete without coming to these caves. These are among 10,000 large lime holes carved out of the earth by salt water. At one time they were used for human sacrifices to the water gods. It is a real pleasure to swim here.

You can travel by self drive jeep to both of these places with an experience adventure guide. You also get to see an authentic Mexican town and a Mexican petting zoo. And, as if that is not enough, you get to go on a 600m zip line ride.

Bring with you a good pair of walking shoes, a swimsuit and towel, sunscreen, camera and some money.

Tours Around Cancun

Isla Mujeres

The Island of Women. If you want something other than the beach in front of your hotel then this is the place for you. You can take the ferry to the Isla and when you get off the boat turn left to the best beach. Warning! If you are not a laid back and relaxed hippy sort do not go to the Isla. This place has the atmostphere of the typical Caribbean. Remember your sun cream, swimsuit, money and your cool. You can also book a tour to the island by catamaran and enjoy snorkelling on the reef. This will only cost about $50-$60. Go on really chill out and never mind the cost.

Playa del Carmen

It takes about 45 minutes to get to this beach. It is completely different to the Isla Mujeres. You can take a dip in the blue, blue sea to cool off. Spend your money in the unique shops or gorge yourself in the European style cafes. While you eat watch the over dressed, pot bellied tourists as they go by.

You can take a tour to Playa del Carmen and also take in the ruins at Tulun, the national park of Xel-Ha and Perto Morelos. This is by van for up to 12 people with an English speaking driver. The tour takes 11 hours and you need the stamina of a marathon runner. You also need comfortable sandals, your swimsuit and towel and plenty of money for the shopping.

If you have any stamina after doing your daytime tours you can take a look at the night life. There places that give you different sorts of entertainment.

Coco Bongo.

This is meant to be the hottest spot in Cancun. If you are a party person this is the place to go. It has everything. Live bands, a hanging stage, flying acrobats, foam parties, streamers, balloons and people pouring tequila down their necks like there is no tomorrow. Its too, too much. No really, it is.

Bulldog Café.

This place has a great laser show with live music. The VIP lounge even has a Jacuzzi. This place has hosted shows by some very big names like Guns n Roses. This place rocks.

Pat OBrians.

This bar has music but its not a disco. If you just want to hang out where there is good music and a well stocked bar this is the place. Sounds good to me after a long day looking at ruins of more than one type.

Cancun is a beautiful place with plenty to keep you occupied over your two week annual holiday. You can take in a lot of the ancient culture or spend time on the lovely beaches and shopping in the malls. There is something for everyone and for every sort of budget.