My husband and I will be going to Cancun for the first time next month. We have been to Cozumel several times and love it, but thought we would try something different.<BR><BR>Any suggestions on places to eat that are safe (No Montezuma's Revenge) yet reflect the local culture, not American food?<BR><BR>Any other suggestions for fun daytime activities would be great.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Melinda

You'll have no problems finding tons of authentic Mexican restaurants. I like Maria Bonita's. Also, not many Americans go into the "real" Cancun. There are tons of authentic Mexican restaurants in the heart of where most of Cancun lives. Not in the hotel zone. It's a safe area. Your taxi driver can take you there. The restaurants aren't glamorous but the food is excellent. <BR><BR>I highly recommend Rene. An American speaking taxi driver that speaks English. He can take you wherever you want to go. His direct phone # in Cancun is 8509512. He drives a white Suburban taxi. (I highly recommend this guy). <BR><BR>Have fun.

Michael is right. To see the real Cancun, you'll need to get out of the hotel zone, where the Hard Rock, etc. places are. That area of Cancun is like Miami Beach or Vegas in Mexico, without the art deco and gambling, of course.<BR>For a great 'day' trip, take the ferry over to Isla Mujeres. It's much less crowded and laid back, and no high rise 'hotel zone'!

If you want to try authentic Yucatecan cuisine, try the restaurant Los Almendros, next to the bullring. It's been there a long time so it's not that great decor-wise, but the food is good.

See my Yucatan travelogue at www.oneeyed.homestead.com for restaurant choices. I would probably add La Habichuela to the list of those on my site, but I haven't eaten there. You definitely want to venture downtown for the more authentic and less expensive spots.

We have eaten at LaHabichuela six times and all were fantastic. It is not cheap but is really an experience of fine dining and superb service along with excellent seafood. I wish I had a dime for everyone i have told about this place! SEE FODOR REVIEWS. Best wishes!