Cancun

 

Cancun’s hotel zone is renowned for its spectacular nightlife. There will be no night when you don’t have the chance to dance and find what to do from a variety of options on offer here.

Forum Beach is worth a visit. It is a long white sand beach with calm waters and protected by boardwalks. In the background it presents a row of hotels. Free entry.

The Rosa Negra Restaurant is iconic in Cancun. It is worth treating yourself to a meal in this luxurious restaurant. It is built on a pier and they present live shows every day. It is advisable to book, you can do it the same day.

If you have a special celebration, they give you a delicious cake and the staff comes to your table with sparklers. The food is exquisite. Despite being a place that some would call luxurious, with a budget of 100 USD two people can eat and be satisfied. With dessert and everything.

From Tulum we wanted to go to Coba, but just that day they closed due to the COVID-19 issue. Our host AirBnB warned us in time so we changed plans and went to Xcalcel Beach about 40 minutes from Tulum.

That was a great suggestion from our host. The entrance is like a jungle that suddenly opens up to reveal the beach. In fact, at 4 pm they close the access because there is wildlife that comes out at that time.

 

Cenotes

 

Cenotes are deep wells that result from the collapse of the roofs of underground galleries, exposing groundwater.

At the bottom of the cenotes, there are natural pools that are connected to underground rivers, so they are not stagnant waters but in permanent current, being very crystalline.

The walk to the cenotes is almost a must. But don’t do it for tour operators. We investigated and went on our own to two cenotes in one day and spent about 20 USD each, including entrance fees and transfers. Then we checked with a tour operator and the transfers to the same two cenotes were more than 90 USD each. And you cannot stay as long as you want in there: 20 or 15 minutes per cenote.

And these natural wonders are worth taking your time. Bathing in its warm and crystalline waters, relaxing, experiencing the free spa courtesy of the fish that come to your feet and hands is priceless. And we definitely didn’t want to overpay to be deprived of that.

 

Tourist Package, Car or Bus Rental?

 

That depends on your spirit of adventure, budget and if you are traveling with children.

The tour package is more for older people, people who do not want to risk surprises or for families with kids. They look for you at the hotel and after the walk they return you to your hotel. Sometimes they include food.

The downside is that they are more expensive, with inflexible schedules and views and generally take you to the most expensive places to consume in there.

If you rent a car, you should be willing to pay 65 USD plus about 50 USD for gas per day. This option is better if there are four or five people who can share the expense. By renting a vehicle, you will have no limits or restrictions on what to visit and for how long.

With buses we talk about prices from 2 to 3.5 USD. The luxury bus company ADO makes trips to other cities and to the airport. You can buy your tickets in advance. With this option, you will have to make your itinerary yourself, but you will have total freedom to visit what you want and when you want at low prices.

It is more suitable for singles, couples, backpackers and adventurers on a budget.

 

Tips

 

• Meals are between 10 or 15 USD per person per meal. Some can reach 25 USD.
• We recommend an Airbnb near the bus station if you want to visit different places not so close. Try to stay near the ADO bus terminals, which have intercity services.
• As there are many beaches, there are many water activities: diving, snorkeling, skysurfing, windsurfing … Try to do one or more of them so that you appreciate the incredible landscapes, environments and underwater reef fauna and flora of the entire coast of the peninsula. of Yucatan.
• When you ask for water in a restaurant, always ask for natural water. Because if you ask for mineral water, they give you sparkling water.
• The beaches are beautiful, but at certain times of the year they can be invaded by sargasso, which are algae that invade the coasts of Quintana Roo and Yucatán. There is a claim among the locals that the Mexican government does not take the cleaning and prevention provisions. This problem can deter many from bathing, among other things, because there may be an unpleasant smell. If you are in the sargassum season, go to the beaches of the islands that are always free of them: Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and Holbox.
• It is important to buy special shoes so as not to get hurt by the rock formations in the cenotes and the corals on the beaches.
• In Valladolid, don’t miss the marquesitas, which are like crepes that are somewhat hard and crunchy like the nacelle. There is a cream cheese one with fruit that is delicious.