Tequila is the national drink of Mexico, and chances are you will be offered a glass sooner or later. There are hundreds of tequilas available, ranging from the super-smooth to the pretty harsh varieties. To be considered authentic, tequila must come from the state of Jalisco and have a seal of certification. There are basically three types, all of which are made from the blue agave plant. Blanco (white) or plata (silver) tequila is fresh from the still and retains most of the flavor of the agaves plant.

Clubbing in Cancún is a favorite part of the vacation experience and can go on each night until the sun rises over that incredibly blue sea. Several big hotels have nightclubs or schedule live music in their lobby bars. At the clubs, expect to stand in long lines on weekends, pay a cover charge of $15 to $25 per person, and pay $5 to $8 for a drink. Some of the higher-priced clubs include an open bar or live entertainment

Cancun Nightclubs
One of Cancún's main draws is its active nightlife. The hottest centers of action are the Centro Comercial Maya Fair, Forum by the Sea, and La Isla Shopping Village. Hotels also compete, with happy-hour entertainment and special drink prices to entice visitors and guests from other resorts. (Lobby bar-hopping at sunset is one great way to plan next year's vacation.

A great idea to get you started is the Bar Leaping Tour (tel. 998/883-5402). For $49, it takes you by way of the Froguibus from bar to club - the list currently includes Señor Frog's, Glazz, and Coco Bongo -- where you'll bypass any lines and spend about two hours in each place. The price includes entry to the clubs, one welcome drink at each, and transportation by air-conditioned bus, allowing you to get a great sampling of the best of Cancún's nightlife. The tour runs from 8 pm to 3:30 am, with the meeting point at Come and Eat restaurant in the La Isla Hopping Village. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard, are accepted.

Continuing its reputation as one of the hottest spots in town is Coco Bongo in Forum by the Sea, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 9.5 (tel. 998/883-5061. Its main appeal is that it has no formal dance floor, so you can dance anywhere - and that includes on the tables, on the bar, or even on the stage with the live band! This place can and regularly does - pack in up to 3,000 people. You have to experience it to believe it. Despite its capacity, lines are long on weekends and in high season. The music alternates between Caribbean, salsa, house, hip-hop, techno, and classics from the 1970s and '80s. It draws a mixed crowd, but the young and hip dominate. Choose between a $15 cover or $25 with an open bar.