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Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for gay travelers, and Cancun is designed to be the ultimate tourist destination in Mexico. The result is a very tourist friendly, gay friendly atmosphere with excellent public transportation, friendly people, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Unlike other cities, Cancun has a modern water purification system, so most of the tap water is drinkable for visitors.

Cancun’s Zona Hotelera is the strip of resorts and hotels created specifically for tourists. In this area, you will find American chain restaurants, shops and amazing beaches. El Centro is the downtown area, a bit less touristy and more local. Here there are great local restaurants and eateries, and a variety of nightclubs, both gay and straight.

Of course, while in Cancun you won’t want to miss a trip to the Mayan ruins at Ruinas del Rey and Yamil Lu’um, both in the Zona Hotelera. But whatever you do while in Cancun, you are sure to have an amazing tropical vacation.

Beaches

Cancun offers the beautiful strips of white sand beaches that most people think of when they imagine the Yucatan coast. Many of the beaches have rough waves and are not safe to swim in, but are great for sunbathing and other water sports.

Though the water is generally to treacherous to swim in, Playa Delfines (Boulevard Kukulcán km 20) is a popular place with gay tourists. The white sands are perfect for sunning, the water is many shades of blue and the view is incredible. This beach is also popular for surfing, and a great place for taking lessons. Like many beaches in Cancun, the scene at Playa Chac Mool (Blvd. Kukulcan) changes depending on the time of day. During the day, many local families flock here to swim in the relatively calm waves. But in the afternoon, the rocky areas becomes a bit cruisey. Parque de las Palapas in El Centro is another outdoor location known for its cruisey-ness. Playa Langosta (Boulevard Kukulcán Km 5) is calm beach that is popular with families and partiers alike. It is a relaxing beach for sunbathing and swimming in the gentle waters. There is a dock in the middle, but the swimming area is clearly designated.
Events

For three solid weeks at the end of January, the streets of Cancun are filled with parties, shows, dancing and exhibitions. It’s Carnival! And it is not to be missed. People gather from all over to take part in the 24-hour street party. Each May, ARCO IRIS (800-765-4370 or 619-297-0897, gaymexicoexperts@aol.com) hosts the International Gay Festival, a four day celebration of hedonism and homos, that includes tours, cruises, and tons of parties. ARCO IRIS also hosts the Mayan Riviera Gay Fall Festival in November, highlighted by the Fall Fiesta Grand Party complete with strippers and drag queens. These events are too hot to be missed!

Nightlife

Clubs come and go quickly in Cancun, but there are a couple long-lasting gay clubs and many of the straight clubs are gay-friendly. Nightlife in Cancun doesn’t really get started until 10pm or later, and lasts until 5 in the morning. Looking for addresses in Cancun can be tricky, but the cab drivers know most of clubs by name. Buses run frequently between El Centro and Zona Hotelera and El Centro is walkable.

Every night seems like a party at Cancun’s oldest gay bar, Picante (Plaza Gallerias, Av. Tulum 20), but for holidays Picante throws wild parties complete with costumes and elaborate performances that reflect the culture of Mexico. Picante has great drink specials, drag shows and strippers. Thursday is Tequila night with free shots. Nearby at Karamba (Av. Tulum 11), the largest disco in Cancun, the fun really gets going after midnight when the locals show up. Karamba offers great drink specials, drag shows, and karaoke. You’ll also find male strippers here on the weekends.

Dining

Cancun offers a lot of great dining options for visitors, from street food to cuisine. One of the most beautiful (and expensive) restaurants is La Joya (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5, +52 998-881-3200), located in the Fiesta Americana Hotel. Here you will find perfectly prepared traditional Mexican recipes. The catch of the day wrapped in maguey leaves is always a treat. Folklorico dancers and mariachi bands heighten the experience. For something even more authentic, head over to La Parrilla (Av. Yaxchilan 51, +52 998-887-6141) which bills itself as the most traditional restaurant in Cancun. They serve reliable Mexican recipes in an authentic folk atmosphere. Live mariachi music and an excellent assortment of tequilas provide the perfect finishing touches to the experience. Reservations are recommended. A visit to Cancun is not complete without a visit to Perico’s (Av. Yaxchilan 61, +52 998-884-3152). The food is not the highlight of this popular tourist trap, but the non-stop party is. Costumed waiters serving flaming drinks to the loud marimbe and mariachi music, and the whole restaurant jumping up to conga line together and drink tequila shots is really the draw.

For foodies looking for something with a twist, Labna (Av. Margaritas 29, +52 998-892-3056) serves Mayan-inspired food that is anything but run of the mill. Their gourmet traditional cuisine features fantastic dishes such as pork loin in sour orange sauce and Longaniza de Valladolid, a traditional Mexican sausage. For dessert, try the guava mousse. The menu here is well priced, and the wait staff are friendly and hospitable. Another excellent food bet is El Cejas (Avenida Xel-Ha, +52 998-887-1080), an open-air seafood restaurant in El Centro. Located inside the Mercado Veintiocho, El Cejas serves up amazingly fresh seafood. The shrimp ceviche is delicious, and they have a great hangover remedy called vuelva a la vida (return to life) made of conch, oysters, shrimp, octopus, calamari, and fish in a spicy tomato sauce.

Maybe you’ll want something besides Mexican food while in Cancun. In that case, try La Pasteleteria-Crepería (Av. Coba 7, Sm 25, +52 998-884-3420). With a variety of soups, sandwiches, crepes and pizza, this is a delightful little spot for a mid-day meal. A delicious assortment of pastries are baked on-site. For a healthy, organic meal, check out the aptly-named 100% Natural (Av. Sunyaxchen 62, +52 998-887-1000). This popular chain of restaurants (there is also one in the Zona Hotelera) serves a wonderful array of light, healthy and vegetarian dishes. The menu is broad and diverse, and also offers egg, chicken and fish dishes. 100% Natural is also a great place for fresh fruit drinks.

Fuente: writingportfoliobyjenn.wordpress.com