Why is cancun so popular? Aren't the othe areas of Mexico prettier?

I haven't been anywhere but Cancun, but here are my own suppositions (in no particular order): (1) cheaper airfares from the East Coast (relative to places like Puerto Vallarta - I have wondered if people from the West Coast tend to go to other places more), (2) a newer resort than say PV or Acapulco, (3) cheaper airfare for Europeans too, (4) Mayan ruins, (5) more Americanized - wouldn't be my reason, but some people like travelling somewhere more like home, (6) the highly touted beaches. Maybe some other people can add some other thoughts on this? <BR> <BR>I would agree just from seeing photos and videos of other parts of Mexico that Cancun is probably not the prettiest in some regards, but it has some beautiful beaches, beautiful water, lots of activities, awesome ruins nearby, and those other reasons. Personally, I went mainly because it was cheap (airfare). I could go to Europe for what it would cost me to go to PV. However, the ruins and beaches are the reasons I would return. I would not stay in Cancun again though, but somewhere quieter like Playa del Carmen or Akumal.

<BR>I went to Cancun (10 yrs ago) in order to see the ruins...and they are certainly worth it!! <BR>I would not go back to Cancun - I'd rather stay somewhere less developed if I have a choice.

This is more of an answer to Dan than why people go to Cancun. I personal;ly do not like Cancun. <BR> <BR>Dan, I live on the west coast and it is true that the vast majority of us visit the West coast resorts. For us, airfare to Cancun is very high. Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas are the most popular places for folks that live in the west. There is direct flights from the US to these places at pretty reasonable fares. <BR> <BR>Puerto Vallarta is my favorite tourist destination in Mexico. It is in a very scenic location with the mountains and the bay. It is also quite traditional Mexico which Cancun is definitely not.

The first time I visited Cancun was in 1980, I stayed at Club Med and had a GREAT time. I was living in Los Angeles then. Going to Club Med is not like experiencing the local culture! I've been back at least 8 times since then. Cancun (the city and turist centeres) sucks, but the beaches and the Ruins (Ya gotta go to the ruis in Chicken Pizza) are some of the best in the world (I've been around the world several times...) It's not real Mexico as far as the feeling you get when wandering around the turist zones, but the beauty of the beaches, the skys, etc... can't be beat. I keep going back, despite the touristy nature of Cancun (I totally avoid spots like Sr. Frogs and Planet Hollywood like the plague). <BR>

I don't agree with Rob. I just came from Cancun and I can say that beaches are not so beautiful and the water is for looking only because of big waves. If you want to go some place nicer I would suggest Isla Mujeres with beautiful beaches, very reasonable prices and great sunset. We also heard good things about Playa del Carmen.

Don't know when you went to Cancun, but the waves are not big. Actually, there are none at most of the beaches. The north side of the island tends to have rougher water though.

I came home 5 days ago and on Isla Mujeres the northern beach has the calmest water in Cancun area.

<BR>Why Cancun?? for absolutely beautiful and clear blue/green/aqua/turquoise water, and beautiful beaches - not to mention the Mayan ruins. I do prefer PV tho, as a town.

Cancun is probably the best place I've ever been. It's so easy to get around. Unless you stay in a dump all the hotels are real nice. The beach is awesome. Make sure you are on the caribbean side and not the lagoon side. There are plenty of american places to eat, although the mexican food is the best. There is NO need to rent a car. There are busses that run all day and night and it only costs like 50cents. You can catch the bus just about anywhere on the streets and jump off at your destination. I love cancun. Are you planning on going soon? and if so where are you staying? There is a great website to check out. www.cancunonline.com

Cancun is probably the best place I've ever been. It's so easy to get around. Unless you stay in a dump all the hotels are real nice. The beach is awesome. Make sure you are on the caribbean side and not the lagoon side. There are plenty of american places to eat, although the mexican food is the best. There is NO need to rent a car. There are busses that run all day and night and it only costs like 50cents. You can catch the bus just about anywhere on the streets and jump off at your destination. I love cancun. Are you planning on going soon? and if so where are you staying? There is a great website to check out. www.cancunonline.com