Cancun: From Fishing Village to Global Party Hub

Cancun offers more than just sun, sand, and partying. This popular tourist destination on the Yucatan Peninsula has a lot to offer beyond the typical beach vacation. From Lucha Libre to Mayan history to the stunning beauty of the nearby jungles, Cancun is a diverse and exciting place to visit.

Visiting Cancun right now is especially significant. This year marks the 50th anniversary since the first hotel opened in the area. In the early 1970s, Cancun was a pristine coastline with only a small fishing village. However, the rapid development of the area was not natural but part of a strategic plan by the Mexican government to create a lavish "multimillion-dollar playground."

Cancun's life as a major resort began 50 years ago.

Cancun's life as a major resort began 50 years ago.

The Cancun Project, approved in 1969 and started in 1970, aimed to create a new city from the ground up. The plan included the Hotel Zone, residential areas for locals, and an airport to welcome visitors seeking sunny weather and fun.

Quintana Roo, a Mexican state since 1974, saw its first hotel open in the same year. This state is now host to a collection of resorts, with Cancun being the very first one.

Looking ahead to today, Cancun has achieved remarkable success. In 2023, a staggering 21 million visitors flocked to this destination, surpassing the predictions of the tourism ministry and solidifying its status as Mexico's top must-see location.

Wrestling with the past

Lucha Libre - Mexican wrestling - has a massive fanbase.

Lucha Libre - Mexican wrestling - has a massive fanbase.

CNN

A night out on the town in Cancun doesn’t have to involve shots, bashing each other with balloons and dancing in the street, although all of these things have their place. For something truly local, it’s best to get sporty, with a night of Lucha Libre, Mexican wrestling.

A sport with a massive fanbase, wrestlers known as Luchadores wrestle in masks which, when they lose, they can never wear again. It all makes for a colorful but brutal experience, one you can’t help but enjoy, whether it’s wrestlers being chucked out of the ring or the delicious tamales you get to snack on before showtime.

While Cancun's historic form of entertainment dates back to the 1900s, there is something even older to admire in the city. Long before Cancun became a tourist destination, the Mayan Empire constructed temples and cities in the area. These ancient ruins can still be seen today, nestled among the pyramid-shaped hotels that mimic their original architecture.

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People are drawn to the Tower of London, located on the north bank of the River Thames in London, England. As the capital city of England, London is known for its many famous tourist attractions. It is one of the most popular cities in the world, welcoming millions of visitors each year. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

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Diving into history

Puerto Morelos is know for its cenotes - deep sinkholes found throughout this part of Mexico.

Puerto Morelos is know for its cenotes - deep sinkholes found throughout this part of Mexico.

CNN

To truly understand the advanced civilization that thrived in this area, it's worth exploring deep into the jungle. One must visit Puerto Morelos and its famous cenotes. These deep sinkholes, scattered across this region of Mexico, were created during the last ice age when weakened limestone crumbled, providing the only freshwater source in the forest.

The term "cenote" comes from the Mayan language, as the Mayan people considered these sinkholes to be sacred places, a gateway to the underworld.

"They call it Xibalba," says Roberto Rojo, a biologist and the founder of Cenotes Urbanos, a nonprofit conservation organization. According to him, Xibalba is the Mayan word for the underworld, but it's not a place like hell. Instead, it's just another part of their universe.

Biologist Roberto Rojo says cenotes were believed by ancient Mayans to be an entrance to the underworld.

Biologist Roberto Rojo says cenotes were believed by ancient Mayans to be an entrance to the underworld.

CNN

Many pyramids and temples were constructed over cenotes or caves, or in close proximity to these locations, as they held great significance for the ancient civilizations.

These sites were considered so vital that entire cities and temples, such as Chichen-Itza - recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2000, were built around them. Sacrifices were also carried out, with animals being thrown into the depths of the water to please the Mayan deities.

At Cenote Zapote in Puerto Morelos, you can dive to the bottom and see something that has been there for over 10,000 years.

Rojo explains, "This cenote is unique because at the bottom, you can find the complete skeleton of a giant ground sloth that lived here during the ice age."

A spiritual experience

Architect and philanthropist Eduardo Neira Sterkel, AKA Roth, created the SFER IK jungle art gallery.

Architect and philanthropist Eduardo Neira Sterkel, AKA Roth, created the SFER IK jungle art gallery.

CNN

Hidden in the jungle of the peninsula are more secrets waiting to be discovered. Just two hours away from Cancun, in Tulum, you'll find SFER IK - a unique museum and arts center that opened its doors in 2019. This place is not your typical museum; it's a blend of museum, gallery, and jungle all in one. Made entirely from local timber, vines, and even living trees, SFER IK has no flat floors or ceilings, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings.

Created by architect and philanthropist Eduardo Neira Sterkel, also known as Roth, this space is designed to immerse visitors in the beauty of the Yucatan forest. With its twisting walkways and vines hanging overhead, SFER IK offers a truly unique experience that brings you closer to nature. It's a place where the trees above and the paths below come together in a harmonious dance, inviting you to explore and connect with the natural world.

Roth believes that SFER IK, consisting of 200 trees, is a way to incorporate nature into daily life. He emphasizes the importance of caring for nature, stating that it is our last precious resource.

When asked about the significance of creating this unique space, Roth expresses that it is a place where one can feel peaceful and connected to the surrounding environment. Unlike the bustling party atmosphere of Cancun, SFER IK offers a tranquil and serene experience.

The healing powers of a Tamazcal Ceremony are unique and go beyond the typical expectations of the region. This ancient Mayan tradition is still practiced in the jungle around Cancun today, offering a chance to unwind, cleanse, and rejuvenate in a natural setting.

Local shamans are available to guide the ceremony in the Temazcal, a stone igloo with a hot fire at its center. It can be likened to a jungle sauna, where the darkness of the space is intended to foster connection among participants. Ceremonies can last up to eight hours and involve sharing emotions and thoughts.

The shaman inside the Temazcal explains, "This is great for our body; it helps with healing and detoxing." According to beliefs, the Mayans used to participate in these ceremonies after battles or court competitions. Many ancient civilizations, including the Mayans, recognized the importance of mindfulness thousands of years ago.

Woman admiring tropical fish snorkeling on coral reef, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Woman admiring tropical fish snorkeling on coral reef, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld/Moment RF/Getty Images

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The old, the new and everything in between

Modern hotels stand next to ancient ruins in Cancun.

Modern hotels stand next to ancient ruins in Cancun.

CNN

Away from Cancun, tourists are captivated by the natural wonders, while the frequent rain forces them indoors, seeking refuge in the town's numerous malls. Despite being a modern-day destination, the souvenirs available here reflect a distinct Mayan influence, ranging from local handicrafts to temple-shaped fridge magnets.

Fortunately, the sun is always within reach, allowing visitors to admire the stunning turquoise waters, boats gliding on the surface, and birds soaring in the sky. It is undeniable that this corner of the world is exceptionally beautiful.

The creators of modern-day Cancun were inspired by the Mayans in designing this popular tourist destination. It offers a unique mix of ancient traditions and contemporary attractions, making it a fascinating place to visit. From its stunning beaches and vibrant bars to its mysterious cenotes and lush jungle adventures, Cancun has something for everyone.

Editor's P/S:

Cancun, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and nightlife, offers a diverse range of experiences beyond the typical vacation. From the adrenaline-pumping Lucha Libre wrestling matches to the sacred Mayan ruins and the mystical cenotes, Cancun immerses visitors in a rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

The city's rapid development over the past 50 years has created a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions. The Hotel Zone, with its towering pyramid-shaped hotels, stands adjacent to ancient Mayan temples, while the bustling malls offer a contrast to the tranquil jungle surroundings. This fusion of the old and the new makes Cancun a fascinating destination that caters to a wide range of interests.