I haven't been to Cancun since 84, but, aside from the hotel area, the entire "countryside" around Cancun was jungle. Thick tropical jungle. I don't know if it's changed that much, but the vast majority of people living there are Mayan, and many live basically in the same way as their ancestors--in small pole huts in the tropical jungle. In town and in the hotel zone, it's more touristy and many of the hotel workers are Mexican, not Mayan. But, I haven't been there in ages. Maybe someone who has been there recently can update you on what to expect. Be careful what you eat and drink while you are there. Carla in Texas.