Cancun
In short
Cancun is a major city and tourist hub located on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It sits along the Caribbean Sea and serves as the most populous city in the state of Quintana Roo.
In plain words
It is a famous seaside destination known for its beautiful beaches and large resorts. Most visitors stay in the special Hotel Zone to enjoy the sun and the ocean.
A simple example
A traveller might fly into Cancun to stay at a large resort in the Hotel Zone before exploring the nearby Riviera Maya.
Why it matters
It is one of Mexico's most important economic drivers due to its massive international tourism industry. The city acts as a gateway to the wider Caribbean coast and the Mayan ruins.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse it with the wider Riviera Maya region, of which Cancun is only a part.