by
Sheila Marikar Without a doubt, Cancun draws in millions
of visitors each year because of its world famous beaches and tropical atmosphere.
Relaxing on the shores of the resort is one activity that just about everyone
enjoys. But Cancun offers more than sand and sun – ancient ruins, sporting adventures,
and charming islands are all worth leaving the beach to experience. Scattered
among the resort's modern hotels and restaurants are relics of the ancient Mayan
civilization that ruled Cancun over 700 years ago. Tulum, a Mayan city dating
back to the ninth 9 th century, is Cancun 's most popular archeological site,
attracting over 2 million visitors each year. The Maya called Tulum the city of
sunrise; today, the name remains fitting – dawn at Tulum is breathtaking. Near
Tulum's entryway stands the two-story Temple of the Frescoes, an example of classic
Mayan architecture and painting style. Just past the Temple of the Frescoes looms
the Castillo (castle), the largest and most well known building in Tulum. The
Castillo stands tall over the ancient city, rising up over a tropical jungle to
the west and the turquoise Caribbean to the east. Take a break at Tulum Cove,
a small inlet nestled next to the Castillo. Once an outpost for Maya trading ships,
today the cove is an oasis for tourists who wade in the water after a day of sightseeing.
From the Omni
Puerto Aventuras Beach and the Eldorado
Resort , Tulum is just a short drive away. To see more
of Maya civilization at its finest, take a day trip Chichen Itza or Coba. With
its location a little off the beaten path, it's easy to make jaunts to these sites
from the Hotel
Riviera Caribe Maya . Between 700 and 1200 AD, Chichen Itza was the center
of all political, economic, and military activity in Maya society. Its largest
attractions are the Pyramid of Kukulan, named after the Mayan serpent god, and
El Caracol, an observatory built to observe the planet Venus. Coba is another
relic of ancient times, boasting one of the most magnificent temples on the Yucatan
peninsula – the Nohoch Mul. If you don't have time to visit
any of the major ancient cities, check out some of the other archeological sites
scattered throughout Cancun . Signs near the Riu
Caribe lead the way to the small Ruinas del Rey (Ruins of the King). The 2
nd to 3 rd century BC Mayan city contains two main plazas and a pyramid adorned
with paintings on its interior. The site may have been a royal burial ground and
has been linked to ancient Mayan religious rituals. Ruinas del Rey's location
near the center of the Zona Hotelera makes it an ideal place to visit if you have
a few hours to spare during the day. Bullfights are one
of Mexico 's signature sporting events. Since Spain introduced the bullfight to
Latin America in the 16 th century, the sport has become a staple of Mexican culture.
The Plaza de Toros is Cancun 's premier bullring, hosting fights every Wednesday
afternoon. A lively folk dance energizes the crowd before four bulls saunter into
the ring. Charros (Mexican cowboys) follow the beasts and initiate the intense
and often bloody spectacle. Most hotels, including the Park
Royal Piramides Cancun , have bullfight tickets available for purchase. Those
in the mood for a more traditional vacation sport should tee off on one of Cancun
's many golf courses. Located at the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, the Hilton
Cancun Beach Resort features an 18-hole, par-72 golf course. The Moon
Palace Golf and Spa offers package deals ideal for those who want to work
on their swing under the Cancun sun. More-->> | 
