The most beautiful things about Cancun is that you can be in the jungle within five minutes. Despite the closeness to civilization, it will still be REAL jungle, no matter how small a piece. An American tourist was lost for 19 days in the San Gervasio park in Cozumel, despite the best efforts of search teams that included helicopters and planes. He survived by eating small fish that he caught with his hands and finally walked out on his own.

Except for mosquitoes and an occasional tabano, stinging or biting vermin are mostly a problem outside Cancun proper. Be careful when exploring outside the urbanized area. Never go barefoot in any vegetation, including hotel lawns. Some ruins, such as Ruinas del Rey and Kobá , are in clearings in dense jungle. Use insect repellent, wear shirts, long pants, socks and shoes and stay on the beaten path