Question : Traveling to Maya Rivera, Playa del Carmen, Cancun - Suggestions?
My boyfriend and I are traveling to the Mayan Rivera for a week (8 days, 7 nights) and renting a car. I'm looking for suggestions on great things to do and visit throughout Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cosumel? We're young (25 & 26) love adventure, but also tranquility, sports, the beach, dining and some partying. I'd also love to hear about things that are not real touristy - the spectacular hidden places. Thanks!
- asked by ut_sunshine_02
All Answers:
Answer #1
Wow, where to begin? The area is rich in all of those things you seek. Having a car at your disposal is the best choice you could have made. While Mexican busses are often better and more comfortable than those in the United States, having a car gets you off of the "tourist schedule" and on your own. Good choice.For beaches: I have never in my life seen a beach as beautiful as the north beach of Isla Mujeres. Depending upon when you go, it may be crowded, or it may be deserted. Crystal clear blue waters, very calm, and shallow. You can wade out for hundreds of yards, and still stand up. This means that even if the beach is crowded, swim out with your partner until you find a secluded part of the water, and you can likely still stand up and enjoy each other's company in the tranquil ocean.For Maya ruins, most tourists love Tulum. It was once one of the last Maya ceremonial centers (during the "Late Postclassic Period" - ca. 1400). It is a walled city on the cliffs overlooking the beach. It has a small beach within its walls, originally for canoes to land, and you are welcomed to bring your swimsuit to the ruins for a dip. The only problem with Tulum is that it is the closest impressive ruins to Cancun - meaning that you want to get there before the busloads of tourists arrive (before, lets say, 10 or 11 am). It is the second most visited set of ruins in all of Mexico, yet it is one of the smallest (you do the math!).If you want to scuba dive, Cozumel is world famous. However, it is not as good for beaches or snorkelling (the drop-off is steep, and the waters are at times rough at the surface).For both Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, I suggest renting a scooter for your island travels (you will not be able to bring your car accross on the ferry, unless you rent one on the islands). They are fun, and let you enjoy the island breeze while travelling from point to point.If you want to go snorkelling, don't just rent or buy some gear and go on your own. Pay an agency to take you to the best places (any of your destinations will have some agency to organize this, or ask you hotel). They will boat you out to great locations you never would have found on your own, and let you just float on the water enjoying the sea life below.If you are into climbing pyramids and seeing some of the interior of Yucatan (semi-tropical forests and ancient Maya cities), then you might consider taking a trip to Coba. This was once a massive city, and few tourists go there. It does not have the magnificent scenery of Tulum on the beach, but I believe they will still let you climb at least one or two of the pyramids at the site, getting above the trees and seeing the forest stretch on for miles. Consider it a nature walk, and a fun drive through rural Mexico.On a side note, many tourists worry about travelling outside of the "tourist zone" for fear of robberies, etc. The truth is just the opposite. When you are in the tourist areas, lock your car and secure your belongings. However, if you are in the rural areas, still lock your car, but your safety is much more secure. Tourist dollars (as are plentiful in Cancun) brings out the worst in people. You are much more likely to be robbed in the beach areas than you are in the interior. Don't be afraid to explore, stop in local villages, and meet the people.I wish you all the best on your journey.
- answered by mayaboy
Answer #2
On Cozumel there's Chakanaab park. It's got swimming with dolphins (you have to make reservations for that I believe), snorkeling, snuba, and an archaeological park with full-sized replicas of famous Mexican artifacts like the Sun Stone, Moon Stone, and more--also a replica of a Mayan village. I don't know if there's a car ferry to Cozumel but you can rent a car when you get there if there's not. Just to drive around the perimeter of the island is a nice ride and on the "other side" there's great little beaches where there's no one, but the surf is hard and the swimming sucks.Chichen Itza, THE Mayan site to visit, is about 75 miles inland. Tulum (not as great) is down the shore aways and Uxmal is also in the area.I have some pictures of my last trip to Cozumel and Chakanaab on my website under "fun".
- answered by Gevera Bert
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