We have never faced a bigger problem than what happened to us when we were planning this trip… We read and saw so many beautiful places on maps and travel guides, that we didn't know which one to go to first! In fact, at one point we said: "Is what we are seeing too good to be true?"
12 days in Mexico, and specifically in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan, were enough to convince us that this is a unique destination, which enchanted us with its beauty, its people, the beautiful Caribbean beaches and the monuments. Images and memories that we will never forget from a roadtrip that we did not want to end with anything! Let's go together to wander the land of the Maya...
Cancun
Cancun is a tourist resort that developed from the 1970s onwards and has become a favorite vacation destination, especially for residents of the United States. The city's tourist zone, also known as the Zona Hotelera, is built on a 20-kilometer strip of land, washed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. This area is home to luxury hotels, department stores, nightclubs, restaurants, etc. As the city is about 5 decades old, it does not offer anything picturesque. However, it does have a number of things you can do:
– Visit the Mayan Museum and the San Miquelito archaeological site (located in the same area)
– Swim at the beautiful beaches of Playa Chac Mool and Playa Delfines. If there are waves, you can take surfing lessons or if you want calm waters, you can find them at Playa Gaviota.
– Stroll through La Isla shopping center with a magnificent view of Lake Nichupte. If you are interested in finding affordable prices for shopping, the best option is Las Plazas Outlet in the city of Cancun.
– Try the best burritos and quesadillas in town at Surfing Burrito and savor Yucatan cuisine while listening to Mariachi guitars at La Parrilla restaurant.
– Go up the Scenic Tower to see the view. If you visit the Xcaret theme park, which I will tell you about later, keep the bracelet they give you and you will go up for free.
Island Women
A 15-minute ride from Cancun by passenger catamaran is Isla Mujeres (Island of Women). On this island, the Mayans worshipped Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. A visit to the island is worth a day trip as you will discover many special places. There you will rent a golf cart (the only ones on the island) and after being given a map of the island, you will tour it in a few hours. After your tour of the island, one of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa Norte, awaits you for relaxation and diving! At the Green Demon beach club you will taste delicious burritos and "jam" with reggae music under towering palm trees. We really loved this place!!
Playa del Carmen
An hour away from Cancun is Playa del Carmen, another tourist area, but without the apartment buildings of Cancun. From a simple fishing village, Playa del Carmen has evolved into a cosmopolitan resort that deserves:
– Take a walk on the pedestrian street of 5of avenue (Quinta avenida) with its countless souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
– Wander around Cenote Chaak Tun.
– Enjoy the sun and the sea at Mamitas beach club or Riu Palace beach club in Playacar.
– Experience the area's intense nightlife.
– Walk to the shopping center and the shops and Plaza Playcar.
– Try tostas rocas at the excellent Zitla, as well as tostadas and tacos at Los Aquachiles.
– Take the ferry to the island Cozumel, which is considered one of the 5 best scuba diving spots in the world! A short distance from the island is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or otherwise the Great Mayan Reef, which is the 2th largest reef in the world! If you are not into diving, you can see the reef by snorkeling, that is, with a mask and snorkel. Once you get down to the island, you will find many offers. Choose the one that suits you and spend a special day among corals, tropical fish, rays, starfish, etc.
– Spend a whole day at the UNIQUE theme park Xcaret. This is a natural park, where you will swim in underground rivers, canyons and caves, see a lot of tropical animals, birds and fish, swim with dolphins, turtles and sharks, while you will enjoy the natural and cultural wealth of Mexico in more than 50 attractions accompanied by music and dance performances. Believe us, it is worth it like nothing else! Tip: Go early in the morning so that you have the whole day ahead of you to do as many activities as possible. Don't leave without seeing the evening shows with over 200 dancers! Inside a huge theater and in about an hour and a half, the entire history of Mexico will pass before you!
– Experience moments of adrenaline and exploration at the theme park Xplor. Here you will fly over the jungle with zip lines, drive amphibious vehicles through forests, over water bars, over suspension bridges and underground caves and raft in cenotes with crystal clear waters and amazing geological formations. The only thing that is certain is that you will feel like a little kid, in a park for everyone! Both parks include food in the ticket, and if you don't have a waterproof camera with you, with the bar code you wear on a bracelet on your hand you can choose your photos at the end.
If you're still not convinced, check it out here. video that we did for these two theme parks!
Tulum
The area, which was once a Mayan port, has evolved into a well-known tourist destination that exudes a bohemian atmosphere. Here you will not find the numerous hordes of tourists of Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but rather sophisticated travelers and those who wish to isolate themselves in luxurious resorts on the beach. The place is particularly expensive, so the most advantageous option is to stay in the town of Tulum, which is located 7-8 kilometers from the coastal zone. Here you will visit:
– The ruins of the Mayan city (Zona archaiologica) built on the rocks. Don't miss the much-photographed temple of the god of the winds! The archaeological site is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
– Swim on the golden beaches and enjoy the shade from the palm trees at Coco Tulum and Nomade.
– Stroll along the coastal road with its numerous restaurants and boho-style clothing boutiques.
– Visit Grand Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos
– For food, I recommend Mateo's and Raw Love, and for ice cream, Matcha Mama.
Read here the secondly part of the trip where we explore the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you haven't read about the preparations for the trip and the reasons why we chose Mexico, go here. here…
