When Hurricane Wilma hit Cancun in October of 2005, much of the city was ravaged beyond recognition. Parque de las Palapas was no exception, but it has made a strong comeback and is well on its way to regaining its former glory. The palapas (palm trees) may not be as grand as they once were, but the food vendors are out in force. This plaza finds itself filled with locals and tourists alike enjoying the great food variety that is offered by the many food carts. Parque de las Palapas is a fantastic spot to grab a meal and mingle.

A little over 400 sculptures, most of them human figurines, appear misplaced when one learns about their location. The MUSA Underwater Museum of Art houses these strangely arresting sculptures eight meters (26.24 feet) under the sea. Founded in 2009 by artist Jaime Gonzalez Cano, underwater museum exhibits are crafted from specialized materials and are lodged into the seabed. There is more than one fascinating way to view these riveting sculptures. While scuba diving and snorkeling allows for a more up-close study of the museum, tours via the Glass Bottom Boat allow families to enjoy this wonderful spectacle too.

It's not just fun in the sun and Cancún's shops that attract visitors, but in fact, the city is full of cultural activities. For those who like exhibitions or are interested in photography, sculpture and the arts, visiting Museo Maya de Cancún is a must. At the Museo Maya de Cancún, you will find great exhibitions year-round, displaying works by Mexican and foreign artists. Don't miss the best national exhibitions on your next visit to Cancún, a heavenly place full of fun and culture.

Situated facing the azure waters of Caribbean Sea, the pristine Playa Delfines beach is a popular spot for tourists in the city. This beach is situated in close proximity to many resorts and hotels. The panoramic view of the entire beach and the waters can be best enjoyed from El Mirador, a vantage point offering breathtaking views. Swim in the waters, get a tan and simply relax during your visit to this mesmerizing beach.

Amid the bustling urban vibe of Zona Hotelara, the archaeological site of El Rey provides a historical contrast. Named after a sculpture that looks like a head of a king, the El Rey or the King is one of the most significant Mayan sites in Mexico. According to archaeologists, the El Rey is an ancient fishing village that contained grand religious and secular structures. Comprising of over 45 buildings in the complex, El Rey was used largely as a ceremonial and ritualistic place by the Mayans. Temple ruins and noble tombs ornamented with murals and artworks were excavated in the 20th Century. After the Spanish invasion in the 16th Century, the Mayan site was abandoned. Treasured relics found here are preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Cancun.

Parque Nacional Isla Contoy, one of the beauties of nature, has been preserved as a huge ecological reserve. It is surrounded by mangroves, where the flora and fauna are zealously protected by the Mexican authorities. An expedition to this island is a must for nature lovers or adventurous spirits. Enjoy the waters in a small boat, watch wildlife in its natural habitat and take in the beauty of nature in its purest form.

Protected since 1999, the area encompasses sections of land and sea. The most outstanding features above the surface of the water are the cliffs, which form a beautiful landscape. In the sea, the main attraction is the shallow reef, perfect to co-exist with marine life and dive or snorkel in a safe way, even for children. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Garrafon Natural Reef Eco Park by ferry from several points in the Cancún resort area. The entrance fee includes life jackets, hammocks, kites, binoculars, lockers and showers. Don't forget your swimsuit!

While Cancun has grabbed the spotlight for being the vacationer's haven, the Isla Mujeres is no less than a tropical paradise. Flanked by magical blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and painted in colors of white sands and windswept verdure of palm trees, the island was once a revered site of Mayans dedicated to Goddess Ixchel. While the island exudes a charming sense of tranquility, Playa Norte is a vibrant contrast with its colorful umbrella-dotted beach with vacationers enjoying its shallow waters. Ideal for fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, the waters surrounding the Isla Mujeres are bustling with recreational activities. The southern tip of the island is ornamented with ruins of an old lighthouse and the temple of the Mayan Goddess. With an abundance of fresh fish, the restaurants and eateries on the Hidalgo Street, serving seafood delicacies and a variety of cuisine, are a gourmand’s paradise. A perfect destination for a beach holiday, this resort island is Mexico’s tropical gem.

With its trees and beach chairs, Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres is considered both by the tourists and Mexicans as the perfect spot to laze around and indulge in games. The crystal clear blue water of this beach is ideal for swimming, the deepest level coming right up to the chest. Apart from offering quintessential beach experience, Playa Norte is also lined with numerous seafood restaurants, each bringing something new and unique to the table. The one thing that should not be missed here is witnessing the magical sight of sunset being reflected on the water.

Standing tall at the height of 80 meters (262.46 meters), La Torre Escénica is the perfect spot for relishing wonderful views of the azure waters of Caribbean Sea, as well as, of Cancun. The view from top of La Torre Escénica is mesmerizing to say the least. Visiting this observatory tower and enjoying the panoramic views is a must while in the vicinity.