We've never been to Mexico, but have done a lot of travelling in Europe so we really know what we like. We just don't know how to split our time up on this trip. We'll have 9 nights. My husband wants to spend 4 or 5 in a remote area on the Caribbean coast kayaking, snorkeling and fly fishing. We are outdoorsy, like history, different cultures, nature etc. We do not like tourist traps and are willing to get of the beaten path. Some other areas we are considering are Uxmal and the convent route, Lake Bacalar and the Rio Bec ruins, and the area around El Balam. Do you have any thoughts? Is driving so slow that we really want to limit ourselves just to the beach place and then 1 other area, or could we do 2? We know how slow driving can be in Europe when you are not on the autobahns and are probably guessing that Mexico is the same. thanks for your thoughts.

Driving on the highways other than the main ones such as Cancun--Tulum or the autopistas (toll roads) can be a bit slow due to the speed bumps (topes) everywhere. But, I really enjoy these roads--so much to see.
The Bacalar Lagoon is really beautiful--one of my favorite places. I have Mexican friends with a home there and go anytime I can. I would also recommend the ruins at Coba--not touristy like Tulum and Chichen and really a large site. I also enjoy the town of Valladolid--a really mexican town that hasn't been destroyed or infuluenced by tourism.
Enjoy!

Thanks much.

I second the recommendation for Vallodolid. Great town, not touristy. Also, coba...not crowded and very interesting ruins. We did like Tulum and chichen Itza, also, but they are definitely more crowded.

Given your comments, you may want to look into a tour with Alltournative, which goes to Coba but which also offers other options/sites. They're at www.alltournative.com if you're interested. Always very positive comments from what I hear, and certainly not your typical tours.

Steve