This post is about walk-arounds in the Cancun hotel zone and downtown. It is not about the tours and excursions. To have a look at what this incredible destination has to offer, check www.vacacionandocancun.com/tours.

1. Shopping Centers

Plaza La isla. The largest and most complete shopping center in the hotel zone, recommended for:
- souvenir shops
- International brand stores in clothing, cosmetics, perfumes, jewelries
- exclusive brand stores, among other Italian and French brands
- sunset by the lagoon
- bars and restaurants by the lagoon
- Big Wheel to see Cancun from 200 feet high
- Aquarium to discover maritime fauna, dolphins, dolphin show and swim with dolphins.

Puerto Cancun. The newest shopping center, recommended for:
- International brand stores in clothing, cosmetics, perfumes, jewelries
- bars and cantinas
- food area and international food restaurants, such as European and Asian
- Cinema with VIP rooms and subtitled movies

2. Public Beaches

Playa Delfines. The beach of the postcards of Cancun, recommended for:
- its sign of colors, sand and the incomparable sea.
- its viewpoint where you can admire 11 km of sand.
- its waves. For those who love foam, but be careful for those who can not swim.

Playa Chac Mool. A great combination, recommended for:
- its sand and the incomparable sea.
- the store at the corner with the boulevard. Ideal to rehydrate.
- The tall buildings that border it shadowing the sand in the afternoon. Shade on the beach, sun over the sea, live your Caribbean experience at full.
- good swell. For those who love foam, but be careful for those who do not know how to swim.
- one of the most central in the hotel zone (km10/20) and close to the party center.

3. Culture

For those who cannot go on tours to the most emblematics sites of the region:
- El Museo Maya de Cancún. The Mayan Museum of Cancun. A new museum with some of the “most relevant pieces of the State of Quintana Roo and surroundings”... according to the creators of the museum. Consider 1h30mn visit
- El Rey. Meaning the King. The only archaeological site on the island of Cancun. A visit of 30mn ...

To book a tour that includes a bit of those first 3 points and more ... See here

4. Gastronomy

The hotel zone of Cancun is a tourist destination with international standards. It can be the opportunity to take advantage of culinary excellence in:
- Meats
- Seafood
- Mexican cuisine
- International cuisine: Argentina, American, Brazilian, French, Italian, Japanese, and many more...
- Tequila and Mezcal Tasting

5. Nightlife

Cancun is a destination of international fame in terms of parties and nightlife, almost all are concentrated around the km 9.5. But not everything is nightclubs there, you can just stroll in front of the clubs or have a drink aside to understand why Cancun is Cancun. We recommend:
- Obviously CocoBongo and the other clubs ... To book, see here
- Monkey Business, a bar for live music in the heart of the party center.

6. Flea Markets

There are several flea markets for souvenirs, mainly in Cancun city downtown: between security issues, distance/traffic and prices not necesarily so cheap compared to Cancun hotel zone, we recommend those downtown markets only for specific souvenirs because it is not always worth going:
- Mercado 28, or market 28, for its great selection, but you have to know how to bargain. Take R2 bus. Bus stop is Plaza 28 Downtown, one block away from real Mercado 28.
- Mercado 23, or market 23. Simple, humble, less choice, but prices at their lowest. You can take the trip to see the core of this market where locals still shp their meats, vegetables, fruits, tortillas... You can even get a hair cut for 2 USD. Take R1 bus.