A Museum

To the right side of the entrance to the Cancún Convention Center is the Museo Arqueológico de Cancún (tel. 998/883-0305), a small but interesting museum with relics from archaeological sites around the state. Admission is $3.50; free on Sunday and holidays. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 7pm.

Bullfights

Cancún has a small bullring, Plaza de Toros (tel. 998/884-8372; bull@prodigy.net.mx), near the northern (town) end of Paseo Kukulkán opposite the Restaurant Los Almendros. Bullfights take place every Wednesday at 3:30pm during the winter tourist season. A sport introduced to Mexico by the Spanish viceroys, bullfighting is now as much a part of Mexican culture as tequila. The bullfights usually include four bulls, and the spectacle begins with a folkloric dance exhibition, followed by a performance by the charros (Mexico's sombrero-wearing cowboys). You're not likely to see Mexico's best bullfights in Cancún -- the real stars are in Mexico City. Keep in mind that if you go to a bullfight, you're going to see a bullfight, so stay away if you're an animal lover or you can't bear the sight of blood. Travel agencies in Cancún sell tickets, which cost $35 for adults, free for children; seating is by general admission. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted.

Sightseeing

Get the best possible view of Cancún atop the new La Torre Cancún, Paseo Kukulkán, Km 4 (tel. 998/849-4848 or 998/889-7777), a rotating tower at the El Embarcadero park and entertainment complex. One ride costs $9; a day and night pass goes for $14. Open daily from 9am to 11pm.

Panoramic helicopter tours allow you to see a complete overview of this island paradise and the surrounding areas. Both day and evening flights are available. Tours to the ruins and flights south along the Riviera Maya are also an option. Heli Data (tel. 998/883-3104) offers customized tours with hourly rates depending upon the length of flight and time of day. Hotel pickup is provided. HeliTours (tel. 998/849-4222 or 998/849-4230) offers a 15-minute ride over the Cancún Hotel Zone for $79.