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Pass(e)port - Cancun

14 mar
Cenote - Crédit photo : LRCImagery
Photo : LRCImagery

Cancun, here we come!

Cancun is a favourite beach resort with Quebecers. How come? Well, a direct flight from Québec City sets you down (virtually!) right on the beach in only 4 hours 40 minutes. No need for endless travelling and never-ending connections, the Riviera Maya starts right here!

Mexico’s Cancun, on the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula, marks the start of the Riviera Maya. You can forget about intimacy—hundreds of high-rise hotels line the 23 km lagoon of white sandy beaches along Boulevard Kukulcan and the Caribbean Sea. And be careful which hotel you choose—almost everywhere is chic, but sometimes there’s no accounting for taste.

WHAT TO DO

In this high-density environment, the only stress you’ll see comes from the kite surfers as they keep a close eye on the wind. Rent a catamaran, go deep sea fishing, swim with dolphins, dive into the turquoise waters of mysterious cenotes—don’t miss the one at Oasis Maya—or take a snorkelling trip to watch the giant turtles… there’s so much to do!

Kitesurfers - Crédit photo : Drazen Vukelic
Photo : Drazen Vukelic

WHERE TO VISIT

Spend a morning exploring MUSA, the world’s biggest underwater museum of art, at the Cancun-Isla Mujeres Marine Park, before heading to the El Meco Mayan archaeological site just north of the hotels. There are lots of excursions to choose from, but we’re especially fond of Isla Mujeres, a 25-minute ferry ride from Cancun. Be sure to check out the unusual sculpture garden at Punta Sur (Garrafon Natural Reef Park) and the ruins of the temple to Ixchel, the Mayan moon goddess. Still have energy to burn? There are hundreds of nightclubs, wine bars, cigar bars, and discos to dance the night away.

Dauphins - crédit photo Abezikus
Photo : Abezikus

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Puerto Vallarta

This seaside resort on Mexico’s west coast has wonderful beaches and is a popular port of call for cruise ships. Strong Pacific waves have made it a surfers’ paradise, while local hotels are both chic and affordable. We love its historic district and church—Our Lady of Guadalupe—which is surrounded by art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. A sunset stroll along the Malecon is a must.

Direct flights to Puerto Vallarta are also available from Québec City.

Disney cruise line

The magic never stops. Halfway between Disney World and an all-inclusive vacation, Disney Cruise Line is a hit with young families. Along with Disney’s legendary customer service, cruises feature children-only areas and everything from movies and Broadway-style musicals to pirate nights on deck. Explore the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe from the comfort of a two-bathroom family cabin.

Punta Cana

On the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a favourite destination for Quebecers, with direct flights from Québec City. Vacationers come for the turquoise sea, the endless sandy beaches, and temperatures that lie between 24 and 30°C all year round. Taking a catamaran out to Saona Island is a must!

Punta Cana is a favourite destination for Quebecers, with direct flights all year round from Québec City.

Mère et fils sur la plage - Crédit photo : Aleksandar Nakic
Crédit photo : Aleksandar Nakic

 

Written by Diane Laberge and published in Magazine Y No 1

Magazine Y - Numéro 1

To consult Magazine Y No 1http://maison1608.com/PageFlip/MagazineY-1/mobile/index.html#p=1