Cancun
Cancún
Cancún was our second adventure together as a couple. We had so much fun here and would love to come back. Most people know Cancún for their big Spring Break events being advertised, but we visited during the low season and it we couldn’t have asked for a better time to go.
Cancún is located in the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, in the eastern part of Mexico. This place has everything a traveler would want to see and do and all of which are within close proximity from each other. There are many clubs along the strip of Zona Hotelera, water parks, archaeological sites, cenotes, and smaller towns not too far away.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is the most beautiful Mexican island we’ve been to. Perhaps because it is in the Caribbean Sea and the crystal clear turquoise colors of the ocean are unforgettable. No pictures do justice to this amazing paradise. The ocean was so shallow and the waves were so peaceful that making it to the island, was even more relaxing. It is a place you’ll want to add to your bucket list. It is also a great getaway from the busy Cancún! The ferry ride takes less than an hour and the round-trip ticket was about 160 pesos. You can purchase these ferry tickets at two ports located in Cancún: Gran Puerto Cancún (Ultramar) and Terminal Martima Puerto Juarez. There are many restaurants, shops, and small beaches to visit. There’s also a Turtle Sanctuary which we wanted to visit, but didn’t have enough time on the island. Be sure you are aware of the last ferry ride out of the island, because we almost missed ours!!!
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a fun and entertaining beach. It is a popular tourist destination in the Riviera Maya. You will find local performers sharing their amazing talents. We saw the Voladores de Papantla performing their most popular acts. We came across sand-sculptors creating incredible masterpieces. We saw Aztec dances right by the beach and other fun performances happening randomly. Playa del Carmen is such a fun beach to visit.
Coba
This Mayan archaeological site is quite big and it is a good idea to rent a bike to explore the area. The costs of renting a bike is very cheap and there are so many structures to visit. The paths are nice, clean, and clearly marked, which makes it fun to go for a scenic ride. Plus, you’ll be able to get your cardio in for the day. The Nohoch Mul Pyramid is one of the main attractions in Coba and it is still open to the public to climb. We felt adventurous to climb the 130 steps to the top and we were glad we did, since the view from the peak was priceless. No words can describe the feeling of being “on top of the world.”
Tulum
Tulum is another ancient Mayan archaeological city that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. It is the only fortress city where the structures are built near the ocean and provides priceless and beautifully stunning pictures. One of our favorite and most iconic structures there was El Castillo. Located behind El Castillo and within a short trek on the trails, you’ll be able to dip your toes into the sand and feel the warm coastal water between your toes. And yes! There are lots of iguanas throughout the archaeological site. They are very friendly and are used to people walking around.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and it’s no wonder why it is ranked one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza is known for being a “religious center” and during the spring and fall equinox, it is said that sunlight shines right up the main stairway. There are many other Mayan ruins on this area and finding out more information about them, you can pay for a guide at a very small cost. Heck, they can even take your pictures at each location too. Please be nice and offer a small gesture by tipping them a few pesos!! Also, there are small booths around the surrounding trails that sell affordable souvenirs for the people back home.
Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha, pronounced Shell-Ha, is a beautiful and entertaining waterpark located about an hour and a half away from Cancún by car. At this location, you’ll be able to swim with dolphins, take pictures with parrots, ride bicycles, walk through a jungle, snorkel across the water park, swim in cenotes, or float by using water tubes. All this is included in a package deal, which can be purchased online before arriving the location. Did we mention that this package also includes an all-you-can eat and drink buffet?!? Well…it does.
Month We Visited: October
Places Visited/Attractions:
- Tulum
- Coba
- Puerto Morelos
- Valladolid
- Isla Mujeres
- Xel-Ha
- Zona Hotelera
- Chichen Itza, Yucatan
Restaurants We Dined At:
- Local street food
Nightlife:
- La Vaquita
- Coco Bongo
Total Cost:
- Airfare = $641 USD total (320 USD per person)
- Condo by the beach = $297 USD total for 6 nights
- Car rental w/ insurance = $260 USD total for 6 days
- Xel-Ha Water Park = $71 USD pp
- Total = $1,269
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