Playa del Carmen parties and nightlife

 

Bar La Jarra If you want to hear live Mexican music and drink liter sized beers this is the place for you 10 st. / 10 y 12 st. 7 pm - 3 am. La Ranita 10 st. / 5 ave. y 10 st. 5 pm - 12 am Lime 5 ave. / 20 y 22 st. 12 pm - 2:30 am Margaritas 5 ave. / 14 st. 5 pm - 12 am Mushroom 5 ave. / 28 y 30 st. 6 pm - 2 am Om 12 st. y 1st ave. 5 pm - 3:30 am Pirata En la playa / 10 y 12 st. 9 pm - 3 am Sailormans 8 st. / 5 ave. y mar 3 pm - 11pm Sofia Bar 4 st. / 1st y 5 ave. 10 am - 12 am Viva Margarita Paseo del Carmen Mall 11 am - 2 am Lounge-Bar Amaris Paseo del Carmen Mall 9 am -12 am Deseo 5 ave. / 10 y 12 st. 6 pm - 1 am Puro Bueno 5 ave. y 30 st. 1 pm - 2 am Tequilita 1st Bis st. / 10 y 12 st. 6:30 pm - 4 am Café-Bar Mannee's Biêrgarten 4 st. / 10 y 15 st. 11 am - 12 pm Segafredo Zanetti Espresso Paseo del Carmen Mall 10 am - 12 am Disco La Santanera 12 st. / 5 y 10 ave. 8 pm - 4 am Mambo Café 6 st. / 5 y 10 ave. 10 pm - 4 am Moon Paseo del Carmen Mall 6 pm - 4 am The streets, clubs and bars are always alive with all types of music and entertainment. You can find belly dancers, stilt walkers, mariachi bands, live Cuban music, ska, reggae, hip-hop, lounge, good ole' rock 'n' roll, and blues all adding to the eclectic atmosphere we all know and love in Playa del Carmen. The energy of Playa del Carmen at night captivates and enthralls everyone, and has made Playa del Carmen famous for its energetic nightlife.

 

Dive in Yucatan's Cenotes

Cenotes (Sinkholes)

 

The natural wonders of the state of Yucatan are innumerable. Some of the most important and unusual are the cenotes (sinkholes) and caves. In the Yucatan there are some 3000 cenotes, with about 1400 actually studies and registered. There are four types of cenotes: those that are completely underground, those that are semi-underground, those that are at land level like a lake or pond, and those that are open wells such as the one at Chichen Itza. Some of them are accessible for swimming and cave diving.

 

Cuzama Cenotes

The town of Cuzama is becoming quite popular for the large number of cenotes found there. There is a fun trip that you can do in this area that entails visiting tree cenotes. On a platform buggy pulled bye horses you will travel seven kilometers on interesting paths that add to the sense of adventure.

The main cenotes are: Chelentun, Chansinic'che and Bolonchoojol. The Chelentun Cenote is located about three kilometers from the Chunkanan hacienda, about three kilometers south of Cuzama. The water is incredibly blue and clear with excellent visibility.

 

Cenote Zaci

Located in the heart of Valladolid, this semi-open cenote is 45meters in diameter and 80 meters deep. This is a popular cenote for swimming in the refreshing emerald green waters. You will see a rare species of eyeless black fish known as "lub". A third of the cenote is covered with stalactites and stalagmites, and there is a walkway around the entire cenote.

 

Cenote Dzitnup or Keken

Located seven kilometers southeast of Valladolid, this cenote is underground with a whole in the ceiling. It is probably one of the most photographed cenotes in the Yucatan. Deep, refreshing, crystal-clear waters await you. There is lighting and a guide rope to make it easier.

 

Cenote Ik-Kil

Located in the Eco-archelogical park Ik-Kil, just three kilometers from Chichen Itza and Piste. Called the "Sacred Blue Cenote", it is a perfectly round well type cenote with exuberant vegetation and waterfalls. Sixty meters wide, about forty meters deep, it is an open cenote located in Yucatan. 

Xcambo, Yucatan

Xcambo

 

This beautiful place, located in the Yucatan State, translated from Yucatecan Mayan to English, means the place of the crabs or crocodiles. This is a rather large site that has been somewhat restored. Six kilometers from Telchac Puerto and two kilometers from the coast, just off the Progreso-Dzilam de Bravo road, Xcambio is a curious combination of Mayan ruins, a Catholic chapel ans a small, freshwater spring.

The oldest evidence of occupancy is fron 150 BC to 300 AD. According to archeological theories, Xcambo was an important city and a provider of salt to the Mayan cities of Izamal, Oxkintok and Ah Kim Pech.

 

They also produced extensive handcrafts and exchanged goods with the Mayan cities in Campeche, Tabasco, Guatemala and Belize. This is marked similarity between the buildings in Xcambo and those inland in Izamal, making archeologist believe that Izamal Mayans used this site as a port.

In the area there are no cenotes but about 10 natural springs. On May 30 the locals honor the Virgin Mary. Some say she appears in the church near the largest pyramid.

Day trip through Rio Lagartos and San Felipe, Yucatan

Rio Lagartos and San Felipe

 

Rio Largartos, located within the Reserva Especial de la Biosfera, on the northern part of the Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, is famous for its enormous flamingo colony and large variety of other species. Protected by the SEMARNAP to shield the diverse flora and fauna of the area, it was register in the United Nations in 1986 as an area of important international wetlands.

 

The village of San Felipe is 6 kilometers west of Rio Lagartos. This very picturesque fishing village has colorful painted wood and cement homes, good restaurants and hotels.

This is a fantastic area for bird watchers and those who want to see an unusual area that is off the beaten track. There are different options in boat trips out of Rio Lagartos and San Felipe that will take you into the sea. Enjoy your journey through this part of Yucatan.

Dzibilchaltun, a beautiful Mayan city in Yucatan.

Dzibilchaltun, Yucatan.

 

Dzibilchaltun, the place where is writing on the rocks, is a Mayan city only 15 kilometers from merida. Come see the user friendly museum, one of the best in Yucatan, plus the typical Mayan houses. Walk along the ecological path, lined with all the trees from the region, each label with their names. This path will take you to the pyramids.

The Temple of the Seven Dolls stands out from the rest. This is where each on March and September 21 the equinox gives a show. Other temples are being rebuilt ore have been restored. Wander around and climbthe buildings, and, last but not least, heat for the Xlacah cenote for a refreshing swim.

How to get there: by car take the Merida – Progreso highway and in the 12^th kilometer you will see the sign to turn to Dzibilchaltun. Or go on a tour on you favorite travel agency.

Ek Balam, Yucatan. A powerful Prehispanic Mayan city.

Ek Balam, Yucatan.

 

Ek Balam is a name in Yucatecan Mayan that can be literally translated as "black or dark jaguar". Founded in the year 100 BC, it was probably one of the most powerful Prehispanic Mayan cities economically, religiously and socially speaking. Containing 45 structures, this archeological site is surrounded bye two stone walls; there is also a third wall between some of the principal buildings. You will also find a ball court, an important series of roads and other monument including the original wells they built called "chultunes'.

 

The structure shows various architectural styles and influences. These include Puuc influence, from the western coast of Campeche. There are also some details, such as winged idols resembling angels that are unique to this site. The main buildings are devided into two plaza areas. The Acropolis is one of the most voluminous structures in Mesoamerica. Here you will see statues, masks, figurines and hieroglyphs that represent the culture of Yucatan.

Izamal, Yucatan. The city of hills.

Izamal

 

The City of Hills, located right in the middle of the Yucatan Penninsula, Izamal maybe the oldest city in Yucatan. Its history is very attached to religious events. Izamal was conquered by the Spaniards, and it was the monks in their eagerness to convert the Indians to Catholicism that gave the city its religious distinction. To this day, Izamal's people are very devoted to Immaculate Virgin.

An important sight in Izamal is the Franciscan Convent that was built from and over one of the Mayan pyramids. This convent is also famous for the story of the monk Fray Diego de Landa, its founder, who burned all the Indian crypts, and then feeling remorse for what he had done, tried to write all he could remember of the ways of the Indians in the "Relation of things of the Yucatan".

 

Pope John Paul II visited Izamal in 1993 and held a special meeting and Mass specifically for the indigenous people of the area. This has been one of Izamal's claims to fame ever since. Note the beautiful restored altar piece, the stained glass window of St. Francis de Asissi, and the many statues along the walls.

Izamal is a jewel of a colonial city, with just about all the buildings painted egg-yolk yellow, making all the town look like a movie set. Cabblestoned streets and colonial lamp posts complete the scenery.

There are Mayan pyramids (Kinich Kakmo, the most important), colonial-style buildinags, parks and plazas, horses and buggies and lots of people for people watching.

Visit the Community Museum, located under the Convent. Check out the horse and buggies that are by the plaza and can take you all over town. We hope you can vivit this part of the Yucatan State.

Valladolid, Yucatan

Valladolid

 

Located halfway between Merida and Cancun, Valladolid is a quaint city that still preserver a special colonial flavor. This is where you will see the majority of the townspeople still using the typical dress of the Maya and the buildings around the Main Plaza painted pastel colors. You will surely get a sense of the laid-back pace of life.

The Plaza is a unique place with many Mayan ladies sitting on the side opposite the Cathedral hawking wares that include hand-embroidered dresses and blouses, and handkerchiefs. The statue of the Mayan lady in the middle of the park is a fun place to have your picture taken.

 

Valladolid is the home to some very important history of the State of Yucatan. The Caste War began here in 1847 and also the first signs of the Mexican Independence of 1810.

There are seven churches in the different neighborhoods that should be visited, along with the impressive San Bernadino Convent, the San Roque Museum and the Government Palace, with its huge murals depicting Mexican history.

Take note of the many detailed stonework on the facades of many of the colonial buildings. Valladolid has also many important cenotes (sinkholes) like Dzitnup.

While in Valladolid, you are in the heart of good Yucatecan cooking country. Try the flavorful cuisine of Valladolid in such dishes as Lomitos de Valladolid, longaniza ans chicken escabeche. We hope you visit this part of the State fo Yucatan.

Aquarium coral reef life at Xcaret

The Aquarium at Xcaret is a new concept of underwater display.

It is educational and full of wonderment and beauty too, but this Aquarium also serves as a laboratory, where research is a daily, subtle fact. For those who don't dive, it provides a unique close-up view of coral development and life. Xcaret's ecological tours of the Aquarium, Butterfly Pavilion and Mayan Jungle are offered in English and Spanish, and provide unique personal looks into the intimate workings of nature. As for the Aquarium tour, Xcaret's Aquarium was the first of its kind in the world, displaying various depths of a living coral reef Symbiotic relationships are demonstrated by the moray fish and the red shrimp. The shrimp clean the teeth of the moray, and the moray protects the shrimp. Seahorses are also spotlighted along with their unusual method of breeding. Each couple is monogamous for life The largest displays show reef life at 100, 66 and 16 feet. The effects of depth variation are created by artificial light, and the true-to-life environments are carefully monitored and controlled. Sponges, fish, and a variety of soft and hard corals can be viewed as they exist in their natural environment within the sea. Nutritional gelatin squares containing algae and vitamins provide food for the fascinating starfish Seven of the eight species of sea turtle return to Mexican shores every year to lay their eggs The scientists at Xcaret are taking various steps to help the sea turtles survive

Day trip through Rio Lagartos and San Felipe, Yucatan

Rio Lagartos and San Felipe

 

Rio Largartos, located within the Reserva Especial de la Biosfera, on the northern part of the Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, is famous for its enormous flamingo colony and large variety of other species. Protected by the SEMARNAP to shield the diverse flora and fauna of the area, it was register in the United Nations in 1986 as an area of important international wetlands.

 

The village of San Felipe is 6 kilometers west of Rio Lagartos. This very picturesque fishing village has colorful painted wood and cement homes, good restaurants and hotels.

This is a fantastic area for bird watchers and those who want to see an unusual area that is off the beaten track. There are different options in boat trips out of Rio Lagartos and San Felipe that will take you into the sea. Enjoy your journey through this part of Yucatan.

Xcambo

 

This beautiful place, located in the Yucatan State, translated from Yucatecan Mayan to English, means the place of the crabs or crocodiles. This is a rather large site that has been somewhat restored. Six kilometers from Telchac Puerto and two kilometers from the coast, just off the Progreso-Dzilam de Bravo road, Xcambio is a curious combination of Mayan ruins, a Catholic chapel ans a small, freshwater spring.

The oldest evidence of occupancy is fron 150 BC to 300 AD. According to archeological theories, Xcambo was an important city and a provider of salt to the Mayan cities of Izamal, Oxkintok and Ah Kim Pech.

 

They also produced extensive handcrafts and exchanged goods with the Mayan cities in Campeche, Tabasco, Guatemala and Belize. This is marked similarity between the buildings in Xcambo and those inland in Izamal, making archeologist believe that Izamal Mayans used this site as a port.

In the area there are no cenotes but about 10 natural springs. On May 30 the locals honor the Virgin Mary. Some say she appears in the church near the largest pyramid.

Spend your night at a Mayan Village in Yucatan

Oxkutzcab, Yucatan.

 

Located in the southern part of the State of Yucatan, some 60 miles from Merida; is the quaint Mayan village of Oxkutzcab. Oxkutzcab is the perfect place to spend the night if you want to do the Convent Route one day and the Puuc Route the next as it is located in the hearth of both. By staying here, you will save time, money, energy and see a lot more. Oxkutzcab is also an interesting place to stay and use as a base to really get into and see the southern part of the Yucatan State.

 

The way to optimize time is to do the Convent Route one entire day and sleep in Oxkutzcab an one of the hotels, then continue on the next day with the Puuc Route, ending up in Merida after seeing the Light & Sound Show in Uxmal.

In this very Mayan village of Oxkutzcab, you will find services such as hotels and restaurants and interesting sights that include colonial churches, Mayan pyramids, Lol-Tun caves and the fascinating market that is the gathering center for all the citrus crops that the southern part of Yucatan is so famous for.

Spend your day at Ticul, Yucatan

Ticul, Yucatan.

 

Referred as the Pearl of the South, this town is located 60 miles south of Merida, in the Puuc region. It is on both the Convent and Puuc Route circuits. Ticul is the perfect place to stay when you do either one of these routes. You will find things a lot more laid down her than in Merida.

Ticul is a producer of all the red clay planter pots and reproduction of the Mayan gods that you see in this area. It is also known for the fine leather shoes that are designed and made her in town.

 

Most of the businesses are home based cottage industry workshops where you will find the entire family working. Stop and they will gladly aloow you to wander around. If yopu decide to buy something you can't carry, they know the packaging and mailing procedures to get your goods home to you.

You will find a mixture of culture in Ticul. You will se the old San Antonio de Padua Cathedral, colonial buildings, thatched roof of Mayan homes and much more things that are part of the history of the State of Yucatan.

Don't forget to try the famous Yucatan's cuisine of Poc Chuc, Pollo Ticuleno or Lomitos de Valladolid.

The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, Yucatan.

 

Chichen Itza. Dating back 1553 years, the famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza are a mere one and a half hours from Merida. The name Chichen Itza is derived from the Mayan language: "Chi" is mouth, "Chen" is well and "Itza" is the tribe that inhabited the area.

 

Chichen Itza is divided in three areas: the north group, distinctly Toltec; the central group, early period; and the area known as the old Chichen. All three can be seen comfortably in one day.

Stay for the daily Light & Sound Show held each evening. You can travel to Chichen Itza by booking daily travel agency tours, renting a car or riding public buses. You can do the trip one day or stay over night. There are hotels at Chichen Itza, Pste or Valladolid.

A journey through the history of Yucatan

The convent Route, Yucatan.

 

More enticing than ever, the Convent Route is a day trip that will take you somewhat off the beaten path and into the heart of Yucatan. Meandering through the countryside of the central west part of Yucatan, you will visit Mayan villages and ruins, colonial churches, cathedrals and convents, courtyards and cenotes dating back centuries.

The best way to do this rout is by driving and by leaving early. Twenty two kilometers from Kanasin, is Acanceh (moan of the deer) where you will see an interesting combination of the Great Pyramid, colonial church and modern-day church, all on the plaza. Ask around for the Temple of the Stuccoes.

Tecoh, eight kms. down the road has a market and a very ornate church and convent dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption. The carved stones and altar along with the statues and paintings are impressive. Notice this complex is built on the base of a large Mayan pyramid.

 

Next is Telchaquillo, a small village that has a small austere chapel and a wonderful cenote in the plaza that you can visit.

Next are the ruins of Mayapan, this walled city has 4000 mounds in which six are in different stages of advanced restoration. Next stops are Tekit, Mama, Chumayel, Teabo, Tipikal, Mani. The last in the convent route is the San Francisco de Asis in Oxkutzcab; the wooden altar piece in this church is unique in this region. You can stop here and do the Puuc Route the next day. Enjoy your trip around the state of Yucatan.

Ancient Caves a few miles from Chichen Itza

Balancanchen Caves

In these beautiful and mysterious caves, located six kilometers from Chichen Itza, the Mayas performed their secret and most sacred ceremonies.

It is best known for its mysterious forms inside the cave as well for the museum right outside that has a lot of objects that belong to the people of Chichen Itza.

Rediscovered a mere 30 years ago by a tourist guide from Chichen Itza, the caves are now open to the public. In one of the seven chambers the stalagmites have formed into the sacred "Ceiba" tree.

A journey through Yucatan State

Puuc Route and Uxmal

 

An interesting, varied overview of the Mayan civilization awaits you justo 50 miles from Merida. Known as the Puuc Route, the sites include Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labna and the caves of Lol Tun. The Puuc Route has something for everyone. Each of the sites has restored Mayan pyramids and others covered with brush, trees and jungle. There are three ways to make this trip: rent a car, book a tour through a travel agency or take a bus from the terminal.

 

An interesting option is to make the Convent Route one day, sleep in Oxkutzcab and continue the Puuc Route the next day starting at the Lol Tun caves. Take the guided tour of the caves in the morning, do the rest of the circuit and end up in Uxmal in the afternoon with the optional light & sound show at night.

 

The next stop is Labna, inhabited between 750 and 1000 AD. Presently four buildings have been restored. Notice the caretaker's open, thatched-roof home as you enter the site. The Palace at this site has 70 "chultunes" (water cisterns) that are not visible. Tere is also the much-photographed, artistically intricate arch of Labna. There is also a watercolor of this arch in the Watercolor of Yucatan collection.

Four kilometers down the winding road is Xlapak (unglued walls), a site of some 14 mounds and three partially restored pyramids. This site and the followings are lees restored and manicured, so you can see how they were found. Notice the many carved stones just lying around on the ground.

 

Five kilometers from this turn is Sayil, the Place of the Ants. At the entrance is the outdoor museum under a thatched roof. Check the huge stellae dating from 800-1000 AD. From the top level of the main palace you can see the church at Santa Elena (where the mummies are located) and across the way a tiny ruin on the side of a mountain, called "the nine masks".

The next stop is Kabah. Kabah is famous for its Palace of Chaac Masks (Chaac is the rain good). Also here is the arch that is thought to be the center of the city and the entrance to the "sac-be" (white road) that went to Uxmal.

Just a few kilometers down the road is Uxmal. The most manicured of the sites and the last stop on this route, Uxmal is the thrice-built city with the colossal Magicians' Pyramid, impressive Governor's Palace, intricate Doves' Temple and grand Nuns' Quadrangle. Don't miss the spectacular Light & Sound show every evening. It is the only place in the tour that has hotels. You are guaranteed a memorable stay in the tropical, colonial, jungle atmosphere of the Yucatan State.

A piece of the Mayan culture

Ruins of Chacchoben

 

It's located 85 kilometers from Chetumal city and 75 kilometes from Mahahual, nearby the modern cruise ship terminal "Costa Maya". This site is considerate the largest seatlement reported in the area known as "The region of the Lakes" until now.

This site is distinguished bye the distribution of the structures in different ranks, where the Grat Foundation, The Vias and the Second Group which contains the biggest building stand out.

 

Its architectural characteristics and some pieces of ceramic found in the area suggest that the essential function of the buildings had civic and religious meaning. Chacchoben has a restaurant, a shopping area and pottery shops. A few kilometers far from Chacchoben, you will be able to visit a small town where gum is produces. It looks like a replica of the ancient camps, which were used as home places for the natives who went into the jungle to extract latex from the Chicozapote tree.

In the site of Chacchoben it's possible to observe different sorts of plants and endemic birds, plenty of mammals including the jaguar.

Mexico, the best place for Romantic Hideaways

Mexico Boutique Hotels

 

Romantic tradition smiles on flowers and chocolates. But when you are fortunate enough to have found a special someone, why not celebrate it in a country renowned for its warmth? Mexico Boutique Hotels offer novel experiences to be shared, along with the intimacy you crave.

 

The historic Hacienda de los Santos in the world heritage site of Alamos has a comfy private theater where you can set up her favorite movie, plan a romantic snack, and kick back together on butter-soft leather sofas.

The luxurious 17^th century mansion La Quinta Luna in Cholula, is mere steps away from ancient sites and wondrous as your attraction to one another. So you may want to proclaim your devotion atop one of the world's largest pyramids or while gazing at one of Mexico's highest volcanoes, everything here inspires a reverence for what is lasting.

 

Guadalajara's charming Villa Ganz near the artisan center of Tlaquepaque, is the place stay while the both have shopping on your mind. – with world class dinning and cultural events also at your doorstep.

Hang out as CasaSandra on the tiny island of Holbox and take a fishing tour designed just for the two of you that culminates in a romantic stroll and picnic on a remote beach. Later, snuggle al fresco on a lounge bed built for two as the sun slides into the wine dark sea, ending the perfect day.

 

At the Tides Riviera Maya, just outside Playa del Carmen, an outdoor "moon shower" lit with candles and strewn with petals awaits you when you get back from dinner. This natural and oh-so invigorating way of cleansing embodies the sophisticated simplicity of Mayan-style sauna and stunning spa.

Spas at Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Relax and enjoy your vacation at Cancun or the Riviera Maya

 

When arriving to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, worn out from pressures of work, city stress, the bustle and rush et the airport, don't you wish a delicious aromatherapy bath was waiting for you in your hotel suite? Plan was to go a step beyond the traditional concept of relaxing. Enjoy a revitalizing vacation at Cancun or the Riviera Maya and return more beautiful than when you left home.

Here, the ancient wisdom of Hispanic cultures and the most advanced technology are combined, offering regenerating therapies and specialized programs.

 

Another great advantage of Cancun and the Riviera Maya is that local nature is used: plants, fruits and alternative medicine, as well as herbal lore inherited from the Mayan civilization. During your vacations in the Mexican Caribbean you will find many spas that are listed among the best in the world. The Spas in Cancun and the Riviera Maya have received excellent reviews on the treatments, environment, novelties, prices and grounds from tourists as well as from associations of peers.

Mexican Caribbean, the paradise for golfers

Golf at Cancun and the Riviera Maya

 

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are golf destinations. The magical scenery permits the creators of golf courses to give the environment curves, mounds, fairways and greens, creating as perfect combination of natural scenery and modern design. The rich mayan culture is present everywhere and some courses have been built near vestiges of one of the most enigmatic civilizations that ever existed on this earth.

 

Cancun and the Riviera Maya offers: practice areas, putting greens, golf car rental, golf club special shoes, and tips from one-site pros. Also enjoy refreshing drinks in the Club houses.

The Mexican Caribbean is shaping up to be a major destination for golfers. It is without a doubt, an increasingly attractive panorama for those who love golf.

The best Mexican food at Cancun and Playa del Carmen

Fine Dining and Entertainment in Cancun and Playa del Carmen

 

In addition to spending afternoons by the turquoise sea, swinging in a hammock, watching the passing couples: your trip to Cancun and the Riviera Maya could be a culinary and recreational exploration. The Mexican Caribbean has become very cosmopolitan, with chefs from all over the world. Every other year during the first two weeks of November, the Gastronomy Festival of the Mexican Caribbean is celebrated. About 30 restaurants and chefs participate in the delicious competitions: Professional chefs, up-and-coming young chefs, and bartenders.

 

There is also the beer festival, the wine festival, the paella festival, the expo tequila in which an expert tequilier gives a presentation of the most popular drink in Mexico, its history, principal producing regions and the differences between various types. An aged tequila is perfect to accompany a main dish like a delicious lobster in tamarind sauce.

To burn those calories try living the nightlife. It is really an adventure in Cancun and Playa del Carmen; you will find famous nightclubs, with modern, sophisticated sound and light system, different shows every night, world famous DJ's, live music, performances. After a night of dancing, the lounges were waiting for us with gourmet snacks and mellower music.

Cancun and Playa del Carmen are world-class destinations for gastronomy and entertainment.

Explore the ocean in the Riviera Maya

Water sports and activities in the Riviera Maya

 

Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a variety of sports and recreational activities available both in the water and out.

You can experience the Nichupte Lagoon System, formed by five connecting bodies of water covering some 6700 hectares in all. There are crocodiles and watching these reptiles and other species in the mangroves is one of the fascinating activities.

The ocean and the lagoon are perfect natural frameworks that allow Cancun to offer a great diversity of water-related services. The infrastructure of the Mexican Caribbean and the Riviera Maya is one of the best: over 60 marinas and water sports centers with professional operators who are experts in their fields, an excellent fleet for providing services and the use of cutting edge technology, with environmental awareness.

 

An incomparable experience is the catamaran tours and the party boats that sail to Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and other nearby destinations. Windsurfing is also a great option. By night, go on a sail on a replica of a pirate ship to enjoy on-board dining and entertainment.

Another of the popular activities is snorkeling, accessible to all and doesn't require much experience or equipment.

Embark on a fun jungle tour that combines navigation, snorkeling and mangrove tour. There are attractions and variety of all: for the more intrepid, jet skis and parasailing; for lovers of the open sea, deep-sea fishing; and for those who love the deep blue sea, there are charted divers and, for the experts, night-dives and cave diving in the Riviera Maya's incredible cenotes (sink holes).

 

The coral reefs of the National Parks in the Riviera Maya possess an incredible biodiversity of the marine ecosystem that forms part of the second largest reef system in the world; its variety and beauty are unequaled.

The Mexican Caribbean and the Riviera Maya are a national and international example of conservation efforts because all it's reef areas are Protected Natural Areas and classified as part of the national park.

Tulum area restaurants, lodge and ruins by car

Fron Cancun Airport to Tulum Driving thru Riviera Maya

We arrived at CUN about 10 AM and it was hot. Yes!!! Migra and customs were a snap, but an Avalon guy followed us almost outside – USD 150 to see Avalon time shares. No gracias, cono.

Elite Rental Car, which we booked through www.cancuncd.com . The car was perfect and we exited the airport toward Cancun and picked up Route 307 South for our roughly 140 km drive to Tulum.

Driving in Mexico, on 307 was no problem whatsoever. The road is fine, very wide until Playa del Carmen, then a standard 2 lane blacktop with wide shoulders. Many gas stations and a few police cars. Speeds were between 60-120 km/hr, averaging about 80 km/hr.

Tulum is situated on the east and west sides of 307 and is about 10 blocks long. Tulum starts at the turn off to Coba. If you take the Coba road east, the other way, you head towards the beach and a road called Camino running north and south just off the beach. It is spotted with maybe 20-25 hotel cabanas and restaurants. The Camino is OK running south for about 2km, then it is a war zone. Pot holes?? Carters is more like it. You drive at 1 km/hr and still bottom out. It is drivable but very slow. But after about 2 km we arrived at –

LOS LIRIOS and our 2nd floor cabana right on the beach. Los Lirios (water lilies) is a beautiful place, with garden grounds, a great beach and wonderful large rooms with AC, balconies, hammocks, inside sitting area. No fan, no safe and no pool, but heaven. Too bad the restaurant is not as good. We were adamant about not leaving "our" beach and had lunch on the sand. Ceviche, guac and chicken tacos were OK, but a little pricey. Margs were good, but the second round very good. The food, with 4 margs and 2 waters was 460p. The next day, we spent less than that for three meals elsewhere.

Tulum, the city, El Pueblo, is inland about 4-5 km and is fine. All the action seems to be right on 307, the main drag.

The FOOD is GREAT!!! We saw smoke coming from a chimney, investigated and found Pollo Branco – a little store with a giant flame grill with maybe 30 chickens on it. The man said 5-10 minute, so we got 2 cocas and sat down and watched the world go buy. In a few minutes, we looked up as a pick up truck pulled up. The place now had about 15 locals in it, waiting. And worth the wait – a whole chicken and then some (3 legs), tortillas, rice, beans and a salad, 3 cokes, 1 water – 84p!! The exchange rate at the bank was 11.4 – so, darn cheap! And the best chicken I, we ever had. Juicy, well done and mucho rico gusto maximo. We had dinner at Cetli in the Hotelito. Wow!! Alto cocina Mexicana – smallish portions but absolutely wonderful, never before eaten or heard of (by us) dishes. Large plates with the food presented art! Cucarando (sp) was stunning slices of chicken with spinach ribbons. 70p I think. Politz was chicken with pepper and jelly – superb! An unordered appetizer tray arrived with all sorts of goodies – bread, butter in corn wrappings, empanadas, several salsa … wow!! The bill was 174p. BYO too! Stunning, high class Mexican food like nowhere else.

El Mariachi – tacos are great! The fish and the seafood tacos are 10p. The others (pastor, puerco, carna, pollo) are 9p – and 2 for 1 !!!!! With all,the fixings you want! So, a shrimp taco, a fish taco, then a pork, pollo and carana x2 m- 8 tacos for 47 p!!! And Great.

Il Basilico is a beautiful place serving great Italian food – 2nd floor deck, salads, wine, pizza, shrimp, cappuccino, desert – 675p with tip – but great food, service and décor.

Right across from Cetli is THE hot night spot Cocodrillos (spelled that way) – band every night, place is crowded but comfy, youngsters sitting all over the side walk and curb, listening and sipping beers. Very nice. Had a hot dog for 10p at a cart – like a Bimbo Dog – great at midnight, haha!

Que Fresco restaurant at Zamas – very good Italian/Mex on the beach. Great fish, pizza, margs.

The ruins are awesome and swimming below then is an experience. Dropped in a cenote and hung out. All in all, we are back to Tulum soon!!

Mexican handicraft in Playa del Carmen

Buying Oaxaca black pottery masterpieces in Playa del Carmen

 

Just south of Oaxaca City lay the Zapotec community of San Bartolo de Coyotepec.

 

Accesing the rich clay of soils of Paraje del Barro Cantaro only three miles away, this humble village has produced utilitarian vases and pots to accompany daily life.

San Bartolo potters discovered a new firing technique that turns the traditional red pottery, black.

First the frash clay earth is laid out on mats, to break it up and air it out. Then it's put in tubs. Water is added, then kneaded with hands and feet. The kneading process consist mainly of walking out the clay two to three ours per day, for 30 days. Water and any impurities are then filtered out through finely woven fabric. The substance is then allowed to dry until compact and doughlike. Then is kneaded again.

The pottery piece needs various drying periods, when fully dried, the pieces are rubbled with a quartz stone to compact the clay and eventually give it its brilliant shine. This process, called bru~nir, it's what makes black pottery unique.

Underground ovens hold the secrets to the pottery's unique black hoe. Oak is burned until the kiln's interior reaches 800-900 degrees, then the openings are sealed with fresh mud to smother the flames and deprive the air of oxygen. The thick smoke that results from the reduced atmosphere, reacts chemically with the iron oxide in the red clay, turning it to black in matter of hours.

Oaxaca Black Pottery in Playa del Carmen

Hotel Playa Media Luna Isla Mujeres

Media Luna hotel is a wonderful hotel, located west (erratum: east) of the convention center right on the rocky (eastern) beach just south of North Beach. You enter from the , on a road between the center and the bull arena. Media Luna hotelis at the end, right next to Secreto. From the street, one block to town and the first restaurants (Alexia y Giovannis and Jammin), 2 blocks to Hidalgo (the strip), one block to North Beach (or you can walk the rocks along the water to North Beach), but it is quiet at the hotel.

The façade of Media Luna hotelis stunning, with the outside wall being a waterfall.

The lobby is tasteful and has an eating room attached to it and a bathroom. Each of the three floors has a water cooler and a north wing and a south wing.

The rooms are a tad small, but beautiful. The standard rooms have 2 double beds. We had a king room, which has a king bed, TV(remote cable), AC(remote), telephone (dial 10 and the room #), safe and frig, along with a balcony with chairs and a hammock. The king bed has a canopy over it and the ceiling is recessed with dim lighting for that romantic feel. Great! Standard rooms have a mixture – some have TVs some do not. The bathooms need more hooks 0 – bring some clothespin hangers.

The picture above is from our second floor room.

The pool is really nice and blends into the beach. The pool has a shallow area with 4 steps to a deeper area; the deeper area is ringed with a ledge. There are lounges around the pool, on the beach and on a poolside, common deck, which also has a table. There is also a little covered area by the pool with chairs and a table. Very, very nice. No bar or restaurant, but you can order from Buhos beach bar (Maria del Mar) for delivery of food and drink. Never did order, but beers were 20p I believe – reasonable.

The staff is friendly but not intrusive and Kin, the owner (??), is a lovely hostess.

Now, some quibbles – which by no means ruin ML's beauty. We shall go back, for sure!

The ground floor rooms are fine since you can just walk from your room, across your patio to the pool and beach – 2nd and 3rd floor rooms have to exit by the main door and use the lobby for pool access. But the first floor rooms are right there for everyone to see you on your patio. Upstairs, your balcony has some privacy and you can leave your door open at night. BTW, all rooms have a sliding window facing the ocean.

Media Luna hotel is built like the beach, as a half moon.

Picture yourself with outstretched arms about to embrace someone – that is what Media Luna hotelis like, half moon

The lobby and 2nd and third floors balconies are in the middle, like your torso. Your right outstretched arm is the south wing and your left arm, the north. Now, the rooms of each wing closest to the lobby are situated only a few feet apart, sort of on your shoulders in my embracing analogy. A bit too close. Also, the ocean view from these rooms is partially obstructed by the outer rooms. The outer rooms, in my analogy, on your elbows and hands, are not only further apart from each other, but also have wider vistas, as there are fewer rooms to obstruct them. The end rooms are best, ours was in the middle. Also, from the outer rooms, if you look back to the building, you see into the room behind you.

Therefore, the best rooms in my estimation are the outer rooms on the second and third floors. In the south wing, that would be rooms, 5 and 8; both are Jacuzzi suites. 5, on the second floor, being the best room overall. Both jacuzzi suites have a second, larger balcony with a jacuzzi. In the north wing, 16 and 13 are the outer rooms. PLEASE, remember, these are quibbles – I'd stay in any of the rooms at this wonderful hotel.

The ocean breeze is great and sometime brisk.

If you leave you louver bathroom window open a crack, you get great cross ventilation I mean the drapes at 90 degree angles. Really nice. HOWEVER, that same breeze will slam you door shut right out of your hands. And that happens a lot. Dozens of times a day, BOOM – a slammed door. The door have kick bucks at the bottom, but if not all the way down, the wind will slam your room and/or balcony and/or bathroom door really hard.

The tile floors are beautiful, but have a low friction co-efficient – they are slippery when dry, much less wet. Be careful.

And one last bad thing – we had to leave. We warned Kin we'd be back.

Avalon Reef Isla Mujeres hotel and resort

We arrived at CUN about 10 AM and it was hot. Yes!!! Migra and customs were a snap, but an Avalon guy followed us almost outside – USD 150 to see Avalon time shares. No gracias, cono.

 

Executive Rental Car, which we booked through Kathryn/Travel From, knew our names as we walked in. The car was perfect and we exited the airport toward Cancun and picked up Route 307 South for our roughly 140 km drive to Tulum.

 

Driving in Mexico, on 307 was no problem whatsoever. The road is fine, very wide until Playa del Carmen, then a standard 2 lane blacktop with wide shoulders. Many gas stations and a few police cars. Speeds were between 60-120 km/hr, averaging about 80 km/hr.

 

Tulum is situated on the east and west sides of 307 and is about 10 blocks long. Tulum starts at the turn off to Coba. If you take the Coba road east, the other way, you head towards the beach and a road called Camino running north and south just off the beach. It is spotted with maybe 20-25 hotel cabanas and restaurants. The Camino is OK running south for about 2km, then it is a war zone. Pot holes?? Carters is more like it. You drive at 1 km/hr and still bottom out. It is drivable but very slow. But after about 2 km we arrived at –

 

LOS LIRIOS (PIC ABOVE)and our 2nd floor cabana right on the beach. Los Lirios (water lilies) is a beautiful place, with garden grounds, a great beach and wonderful large rooms with AC, balconies, hammocks, inside sitting area. No fan, no safe and no pool, but heaven. Too bad the restaurant is not as good. We were adamant about not leaving "our" beach and had lunch on the sand. Ceviche, guac and chicken tacos were OK, but a little pricey. Margs were good, but the second round very good. The food, with 4 margs and 2 waters was 460p. The next day, we spent less than that for three meals elsewhere.

 

Tulum, the city, El Pueblo, is inland about 4-5 km and is fine. All the action seems to be right on 307, the main drag.

 

The FOOD is GREAT!!! We saw smoke coming from a chimney, investigated and found Pollo Branco – a little store with a giant flame grill with maybe 30 chickens on it. The man said 5-10 minute, so we got 2 cocas and sat down and watched the world go buy. In a few minutes, we looked up as a pick up truck pulled up. The place now had about 15 locals in it, waiting. And worth the wait – a whole chicken and then some (3 legs), tortillas, rice, beans and a salad, 3 cokes, 1 water – 84p!! The exchange rate at the bank was 11.4 – so, darn cheap! And the best chicken I, we ever had. Juicy, well done and mucho rico gusto maximo. We had dinner at Cetli in the Hotelito. Wow!! Alto cocina Mexicana – smallish portions but absolutely wonderful, never before eaten or heard of (by us) dishes. Large plates with the food presented art! Cucarando (sp) was stunning slices of chicken with spinach ribbons. 70p I think. Politz was chicken with pepper and jelly – superb! An unordered appetizer tray arrived with all sorts of goodies – bread, butter in corn wrappings, empanadas, several salsa … wow!! The bill was 174p. BYO too! Stunning, high class Mexican food like nowhere else.

 

El Mariachi – tacos are great! The fish and the seafood tacos are 10p. The others (pastor, puerco, carna, pollo) are 9p – and 2 for 1 !!!!! With all,the fixings you want! So, a shrimp taco, a fish taco, then a pork, pollo and carana x2 m- 8 tacos for 47 p!!! And Great.

 

Il Basilico is a beautiful place serving great Italian food – 2nd floor deck, salads, wine, pizza, shrimp, cappuccino, desert – 675p with tip – but great food, service and décor.

 

Right across from Cetli is THE hot night spot Cocodrillos (spelled that way) – band every night, place is crowded but comfy, youngsters sitting all over the side walk and curb, listening and sipping beers. Very nice. Had a hot dog for 10p at a cart – like a Bimbo Dog – great at midnight, haha!

 

Que Fresco restaurant at Zamas – very good Italian/Mex on the beach. Great fish, pizza, margs.

 

The ruins are awesome and swimming below then is an experience. Dropped in a cenote and hung out. All in all, we are back to Tulum soon!!

 

Next, Isla, sweet Isla.

 

 

Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort Riviera Maya Mexico

With all the resorts/hotels in Mexico there is one that you most definitely should reconsider. If anyone is thinking of staying at the Occidental Grand Xcaret a Resort in the Riviera Maya you should be aware that they manslaughtered a little boy!!It is the opinion of many that Corporations need to step up, and not encourage travelers to stay at properties that have verified senseless deaths to stop the promotion/advertisment of such resorts. The management at the Grand Xcaret operated a pool that within the 1st year of opening caused a fatality. They left 3 12" inch drainpipes uncovered, and underwater----they stole an 8 year olds future because they seemingly do not respect safety or life. To associate with a resort that senselessly killed a little boy over an elementary procedure is a disgrace. If you wish to read the details go to www.brentmidlock.com and google brent midlock.It is about time that Mexico stops worrying so much about their tourism dollars, and putting some effort into safety and regard for life. Perhaps, the tourism rate would even increase. As a result of the resort management lies, cover-ups, and inhumane treatment of the family, and Brent's body this atrocity, and ones to happen in the future must be stopped. Mexican businesses will not change unless they see the dollars drop. It is all of our moral, social and ethical responsibility not to "reward" this resort by booking innocent families. The Grand Xcaret, and their stellar management team have stolen Brent's future, shattered his family,his friends, and the community. The daily pain of living in the hell they created so unnecessarily for so many can simply not be verbalized. We ask that you stand up, and do the right thing, and that is to STOP and think twice before planning on the Riviera Maya. It is about time that Mexico stops worrying so much about their tourism dollars, and putting some effort into safety and regard for life. Perhaps, the tourism rate would even increase. As a result of the resort management lies, cover-ups, and inhumane treatment of Brent's family, and his body this atrocity, and ones to happen in the future must be stopped. Mexican businesses will not change unless they see the dollars drop. It is all of our moral, social and ethical responsibility not to "reward" this resort by booking innocent families. The Occidental Grand Xcaret, and their stellar management team have stolen Brent's future, shattered his family, Brent's friends, and his community. The daily pain of living in the hell they unnecessarily caused for so many can simply not be verbalized.