AmyNYC

hi all,
I've have gotten some good advice on these boards, which have helped me narrow down a destination for my two-week march trip - the Yucatan/Caribbean Coast. Spent some time digging around trying to put together a possible itinerary but not sure if it makes sense...
Here's what I am thinking so far, but I am truly open-minded!

We have two full weeks, so something like:
Day 1:Fly into Cancun, pick up car (or bus to PDC, get cheaper car there?) - Stay in PDC or, depending on what time of day we arrive, drive to Chichen Itza (stay at the Dolores Alba, maybe two nights? or will one be enough?) Want to explore around that area.

Day 3 Drive to Akumal, stay in that area for maybe 4 days, do Xpu-ha,Aktun Chen, Xel-ha,Coba

Day 7-8 ???

Day 9-11 Drive down to Sian Ka'an, maybe stay at the Rancho Sol Caribe for a couple nights? Do we need 4wd to get there? How long will the drive be?

Day 12 or maybe 13 begin driving back toward Cancun, pick a nice spot to stay for last two nights, any suggestions?

As you can see we're into beach, ruins, cenotes... would love some jungle...we are budget travelers for the most part and we prefer less to non-touristy areas. We do like to spend a couple of nights somewhere higher end, just to treat ourselves (that's the Sol Caribe, but I am open to other suggestions). We like bungalows, not big-box AIs...

from postings I've read I'd also like to get to Uxmal and Loltun... but I don't know if that would be feasible.

Also, any recommendations for a good driving map available online? I'm having a hard time figuring out routes...
lastly, if anyone has suggestions for other good websites - I have been using locogringo.com, travelyucatan.com and mexonline.com.

muchas gracias for reading this long post, and for any and all advice.

Amy

pepper131

Amy -

Here's what I would do:

Fly into Cancun and spend the night in the city of Cancun. Your drive to Chichen Itza the next day makes more sense from this starting point.

Staying 2 nights around Chichen is a good idea - lots to see. Other than Chichen, there is Ek Balam. Various cenotes, Piste and Valladolid.

Then drive to Tulum via Valladolid/Coba into Tulum and stay there a night or two. From Tulum, it can take about 2 hours to get to Sol Caribe - all depends on the condition of the road. A Jeep is a good idea or other high clearance vehicle.

After your stay in Punta Allen area/Sian Kaan//Tulum, head up towards Akumal.

Then go toward PDC. An alternate area to stay in PDC is Xcalacocco. Ikal del Mar is located there, but so are some very budget cabanas.

From this point, Cancun is only 45 minutes away.

For this loop, a great map is the new Chichen Itza map from cancunmap.com. It highlights the route very well along with stops/sights on the way.
The Riviera Maya map is extremely handy too.

AmyNYC

Thanks pepper! This is exactly the type of advice I was looking for. That loop makes much more sense. I was hoping there was some other way from Chichen Itza to the coast besides backtracking, but it wasn't clear from maps I saw online. Will check out the one you recommend.

Do you have any suggestions for specific places to stay along this route, and in Cancun or PDC places that won't be as touristy?

And do you think this route sounds fun? As I said, I am open to other suggestions! Especially things a bit off the beaten path if you have any ideas...

thanks so much for your help!
Amy

pepper131

Seriously...the maps will give you everything you need to know - they are off-the-beaten-path and adventurous. Get them asap!!

What type of rooms are you looking for? Sol Caribe is around $90/nt and is fairly average in price. Now...if you are looking for a cabana with shared bath situation - they exist; just know that budget in Mexico does not equal budget in the US. These place are no Motel 6.

In Tulum, try Cabanas Arrecife, Zazil-Kin (old Don Armandos). Find them on hotelstulum.com. Good map of area on intulum.com.

In the northern section of Sian Kaan, try Cesiak - tents on platforms with nice shared baths. locogringo.com

Never stayed in Akumal (only 20 minutes from Tulum). Many places to stay; I think it would be nice to stay on Yalku Lagoon - excellent snorkling. Look at locogringo.com.

Xpu-Ha is just south of PDC (20 minutes) and the most reasonable place is Villas Caribe. xpuhahotel.com

North of PDC (10 minutes) is Punta Bete/Xcalaccoco. Paradise Point Cabanas comes to mind. A good little restaurant there - Juanito's (nicely priced margaritas).

Around Chichen, Delores Alba looks good and reasonable. And acrooss from Ik Kil cenote - which is awesome!! Many people also like staying in Valladolid at El Meson del Marques.

Sorry, can't help with Cancun. I know there are a couple of places to stay in the city that are cheap and clean. You might want to get the Cancun map also from cancunmap.com.

And your route sounds fun to me. Some things mentioned are kinda touristy - Aktun Chen ($20/person) and Xel-Ha (never been - always snorkle in Akumal).

AmyNYC

pepper, thank you SO much for taking the time to write all of that, I can't tell you how helpful it is!
hope that I can return the favor sometime.
now I just have to get everything booked!

take care,
Amy

pepper131

No problem, let me know if you need more help...