The city of Cancun is young, as are most of its permanent and temporary inhabitants. It was just a small sand barrier some 35 years ago when the plan began to develop it into the vacation haven of the 21st century. Today, Cancun consists of a medium-sized coastal city and a long, thin island connected to the mainland through bridges at its north and south ends. It features world-class resorts, hotels, clubs, and malls. It offers something for everyone, from an all-day fun party beach to an isolated, tranquil island. Here you'll find everything, from ultra chic to funky laidback, from R&B to techno, from tacos and cheeseburgers to fancy, mainstream standards. All tastes are welcomed and catered to in this paradise.

Most resorts, hotels, and condominiums are located in the Hotel Zone, as this long strip of island is known.It is the area where it all comes together for most visitors.Kukulcan Boulevard is the main and only thoroughfare. On the west side of the island is Laguna Nichupte, a vast lagoon home to hundreds of marinas, waterfront restaurants, shopping malls, a couple of golf courses, a few islands and inlets, and the fantastic sunsets you'll see during your Cancun vacation. The island's energized atmosphere emanates from the middle, its heartbeat, an area known as the Party Zone featuring the best nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. (www.cancun.com/Cancun)