Cancun

The tour starting point was Cancun, situated on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on the east coast. Until just over 25 years ago, Cancun was a forgotten land occupied be a few descendants of the ancient Mayas. Keen to replicate the success of Acapulco, a group of Mexican entrepreneurs combined forces with a computer and decided that Cancun was the answer. They appear to have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.

Today Cancun hosts more international holidaymakers than Acapulco and has more first class hotels than New Zealand, and probably Australia also. The only problem is this - close your eyes and you could be anywhere in the world. So, the solution is easy, get out of Cancun and see the real Mexico.

With its white sand Caribbean beaches and clear blue water, Cancun's hotel zone is an ideal place to recover from jet lag and acclimatize oneself before continuing with the journey. With a seemingly never ending selection of restaurants and night clubs, it's no surprise that Cancun is a bit like little America. Downtown Cancun by contrast is busier, a little dirtier and has a good range of comfortable and inexpensive accommodation. The restaurants are also inexpensive, US$5 will provide a substantial lunch or dinner to satisfy even the most particular palate. At "100% Natural", this even includes the worlds largest, freshest and tastiest fruit juices imaginable, definitely worth seeking out. Cancun is about an hour's drive from one of the worlds largest marine reserves (Xcaret) plus several small Mayan ruins that will whet any tourist's appetite for the adventures that are to come.