The spectacular coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula is a diverse playground where you can bask on pristine beaches, explore ancient ruins, play golf or tennis, go biking, snorkeling or scuba diving, do serious shopping, or escape to a secluded lagoon. With info on Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, plus the nearby ruins, this friendly guide gives you the low down on:

• Everything from unique spa experiences to nature preserves and ecoparks• Accommodations ranging from a luxury resort where guests can dabble in a Viking-clad kitchen or where rooms spread out through the jungle to a European-style inn that offers Spanish lessons or a peaceful beachside palapa (thatch-roofed) inn• All kinds of dining options, including fresh seafood, regional specialties such as pork pibil, papadzules, and poc chuc, or Thai, Argentinean, or Italian cuisine• Diving into the clear depths of the Yucatán cenotes (natural wells)• Birding at Isla Contoy, with more than 70 species of birds as well as a host of marine and animal life• The Panoramic Tower on Isla Mujeres. where you get a stunning view of the island and Cancun• Day trips to the archeological sites at Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and Ek Balam• The pedestrian-only Avenida 5 in Playa del Carmen that’s the hot social scene• Night life, including live music venues, tequila bars, sports bars, cafes, and plenty of places where you can dance the night away

Like every For Dummies travel guide,Cancún & the Yucatán For Dummies, 3rd Editionincludes:

• Down-to-earth trip-planning advice• What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip• The best hotels and restaurants for every budget• Handy Post-it® Flags to mark your favorite pages

Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is action, sun, and non-stop fun or an escape to a peaceful haven where life moves along in pure mañana mode, this guide will get you on your way with no problemo, amigo.