Cancun is an exciting, master-planned resort area on the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean side of Mexico. Until a relatively short time ago, this land had been largely untouched since the mysterious departure of the great Mayan civilization over 700 years ago. This exotic, tropical wonderland embraces its historic ancestry, yet offers almost unlimited sights and activities for people of all ages. There are archaeological sites on Cancun, but visitors are drawn to ancient Mayan cities at nearby Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, and others. This fascinating resort area also claims some of the most spectacular beaches and clear waters in the world. The white, fine powder beaches run into the turquoise- and emerald-colored waters of the Caribbean, providing an unbelievable setting for swimming, surfing, sailing, game fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, biking, golf, tennis, cruising, bullfights, dancing until the sun comes up, or plain lounging beneath the warm Cancun sun.