Conjured out of virgin jungle and beach in 1976, Mexico's number-one destination delivers with sun, surf and round-the-clock excitement. There are actually two Cancuns: the island Zona Hotelera, with its string of luxurious high-rise resorts lining the sand, and the low-rise "downtown" of Cuidad, located on the mainland. European and wealthy Mexican visitors lend aspects of Cancun a cosmopolitan edge, but the overwhelming vibe of this youthful resort city is strictly casual. If you tire of the beach, remember that Cancun is the major gateway to the Mayan world; there are even several minor archeological sites within the city limits.
Wedding Requirements Couples need to be in Mexico for at least three working days to submit the necessary legal documents; original birth certificates with certified Spanish translations, passports, tourist card, and license application. Blood tests for bride and groom are also required. If they aren't Mexican, your two required witnesses will need to submit their passports (originals as well as copies). Rules vary by state, so check with your coordinator to be sure you're okay. For more info, visit visitmexico.com.
What to Do
Beach Cancun's raison d'etre (besides close proximity to U.S. markets) is its 14 miles of talcum soft, ultra-white sands. Washed by the warm, turquoise Caribbean, the beach is the place for watersports including jetskiing, parasailing, windsurfing and luxuriating in the sun. In this party-centric enclave, cold margaritas and Coronas are never more than an arm's-reach away.
Clubs in Cancun In styles from sybaritic to sophisticated, the city's clubs give night owls (or willing initiates) plenty of reasons to keep going until sunrise. With top DJs, performers and dazzling light shows, Cancun's mega-discos host a wild scene, even offering an "all you can drink" option if that's your cup of tequila. For something more intimate, swing by one of the city's Latin clubs, which often feature entertainment direct from nearby Cuba. Plaza del Toros is a converted bullring whose arcades are filled with smaller venues offering everything from rave to alternative rock and folk.
Shopping and Markets Forget the sombreros and "sleeping Pedro" figurines, Cancun's upscale boutiques are increasingly geared towards international luxury brands of jewelry, clothing and accessories. Hit the two downtown 'mercados' (marketplaces) for traditional products like beautiful huipiles (embroidered white dresses), high-quality Panama hats and inexpensive (but tasty) souvenirs including fiery habanero sauce and Mexican vanilla.
Off the Beaten Path
Mexican Food Cancun's top-notch restaurants offer an international feast of everything from sushi to authentic Italian cuisine. Of course the Mexican food is great, featuring steaks and fresh seafood served up in cutting-edge contemporary restaurants, or in the grand style of the great haciendas. (Don't miss out on exotic Yucatecan-Mayan dishes like chicken steamed in banana leaf and grilled fish with spicy habanero chilies.) You'll also find many familiar stateside eateries have set up shop here, should you crave a taste of home. Latin Americans and Europeans eat much later than us Yanks, so take note or wind up dining with the tourists and kiddies. — Peter Zaremba
