Cancun, located at the western end of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is considered one of the world's top destinations for couples. [Photo=Agoda]

Cancun, situated at the western tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is ranked among the world's premier destinations for couples, alongside the Maldives. Many couples visit here to enjoy their honeymoons and romantic getaways.

The primary reason couples favor Cancun is the promise of a perfect relaxation experience at world-class luxury all-inclusive resorts, set against the backdrop of the emerald Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, the tourist routes combining cenotes and Mayan ruins offer a uniquely exotic honeymoon experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

A Garden, Oh, Our Perfect Luxury Garden

All-inclusive refers to a one-stop accommodation where all meals, alcoholic beverages, and room service within the accommodation are provided free of charge from check-in to check-out. Since all these costs are included in the resort fee, it is also known as a "wallet-free trip."

Cancun, where everything is perfectly prepared as if a paradise garden has been transplanted, is an excellent choice for couples on a short trip.

The allure of all-inclusive is that you don't need to venture outside into the heat; you can lounge in your hotel room, order delicious food, swim a bit, and then relax with cocktails at the bars and buffets lining the pool.

Combined with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, white sandy beaches, and Cancun, where everything is perfectly prepared as if a paradise garden has been transplanted, it is an exceptional choice for couples embarking on a short trip.

Although the accommodation fees might seem very high given that three meals, lodging, snacks, and drinks are provided, travelers who have visited Cancun often say it offers good value for money. This is because Mexico's cost of living is relatively low compared to the United States or South Korea.

Currently, 5-star resorts are listed on online travel agencies for prices ranging from 500,000 to 900,000 KRW per night.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can consider high-end luxury resorts offering dedicated butler services and top-tier dining. While this would cost over 1 million KRW per night, it's a worthwhile expense for a long-awaited couple's trip after traveling to the other side of the world.

Oh, Mysterious Mayan Ruins and Natural Wells

Cancun is regarded as the best base for experiencing the essence of Mayan civilization. Chichen Itza, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in Cancun. In the Mayan language, 'Chi' means 'mouth,' 'ch'en' means 'well,' and 'Itzá' is the name of a tribe. Therefore, Chichen Itza means 'at the well of the Itza people.'

The El Castillo pyramid is a nine-tiered pyramid dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulkan, with a total of 365 steps.

The El Castillo pyramid (Temple of Kukulkan) here is a nine-tiered pyramid dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulkan, featuring a total of 365 steps. It is easy to infer that the 365 steps symbolize one year. The Mayans not only understood the 365-day cycle but also knew the concept of zero.

The Temple of Kukulkan is a key urban ruin representing the late Mayan civilization from the 9th to 13th centuries, embodying the advanced astronomical, mathematical, and architectural skills of the Mayans. It is said that the Mayans constructed El Castillo without tools like the wheel.

During the spring and autumn equinoxes, one can witness the shadow of a serpent descending the pyramid's steps, which serves as proof of the sophistication of Mayan astronomical knowledge.

The purpose of this pyramid is somewhat shocking. It was a place where human sacrifice rituals were performed to strengthen the connection with the gods, essentially serving as a religious facility.

Ik Kil Cenote. [Photo=Facebook]Cenotes are natural wells formed by the collapse of limestone ground. It is known that there are nearly 1,000 cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula alone. They are a type of sinkhole, and in ancient Mayan civilization, cenotes were sacred places that served as sources of drinking water and as sites for offering sacrifices to Chaac, the god of rain.

Because the water is clear and fresh, anyone can enjoy swimming without hesitation. In particular, the Ik Kil cenote is a large cenote about 50 meters deep, with vines hanging down like curtains, creating a spectacular sight. It has also gained popularity as an Instagrammable spot.

Oh, Gardens, Oh, Gardens of Delicious Mexican Cuisine

Cochinita pibil, a representative dish of the Yucatan, is slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked over low heat. It is usually served as a taco dish with pickled red onions.

Other traditional dishes include the seafood dish 'Tikinxic', 'Ceviche', the traditional Yucatan soup 'Sopa de Lima', and the Mexican crepe 'Marquesitas'.

There are currently no direct flights from Korea to Cancun, Mexico. Travelers typically transit through cities in the United States such as Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or New York, and sometimes via Mexico City.

Taking Aeromexico from Incheon to Mexico City and then transferring to a domestic flight to Cancun has the advantage of not requiring a U.S. visa. Honeymooners often prefer a stopover itinerary that includes a few days in Las Vegas or New York.

Mexico allows visa-free entry for tourism purposes. Cancun has a well-developed tipping culture, so it is advisable to have plenty of $1 bills ready.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee