Cancun

Cancún is a city in Quintana Roo, Mexico, on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula along the Caribbean Sea. It is the municipal seat of the Benito Juárez municipality and has grown rapidly since the 1970s as a planned tourist destination; tourism is the main economic activity.

The city sits on a barrier island connected to the mainland by bridges; the Hotel Zone is a long crescent of beaches and resorts along the coast. The Nichupte Lagoon lies to the west; nearby Isla Mujeres is reachable by ferry from the mainland and is a common excursion.

Cancún offers access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef for snorkeling and diving, cenotes, and other water sports. The underwater Museum of Underwater Art (MUSA) is installed off the coast near Cancún. Notable Mayan sites in the area include the El Rey archaeological site in the Hotel Zone; day trips to Tulum and Chichén Itzá are common.

The city has a hot, tropical climate with a rainy season from May to October and a risk of hurricanes June to November. Coastal development and reef health are ongoing environmental concerns.

Cancún International Airport (CUN) is the main gateway for international and domestic travelers. In-city transport includes buses, taxis, and rental cars; ferries link to Isla Mujeres, and highways connect to the Mexican interior.