pepper131

We really loved staying at Ana y Jose last summer - we kind of fell into it after trying to stay in a house at Rancho San Eric which was very unsafe for our then new walker at 15 months old.

But we stayed in a suite...around $225/nt for 10 nights - that adds up!!!
So we are looking forward to "saving" $100/nt by staying at La Conchita.

After beach vacations in Texas, California, Florida, Alabama, New England...I can't imagine going anywhere else. Tulum has everything we need/require for a vacation.

I love the no-communications lifestyle - no TV, newspapers, phones for 10 days. All there is to do is nothing. And if you choose to do something, it's rather unique...watching turtles lay eggs and baby turtles hatching, swimming in cenotes, check out an ancient ruin. And then have the best Italian food for dinner. C'mon...it doesn't get better than that!!

sparklegem

So very true!

What are your favorite restaurants and things do (when you get tired of doing nothing) in Tulum?

pepper131

We always eat at the same places...Ana y Jose, Zamas along the beach. And Queiro Mas (I thought better than La Nave and cheaper!) in town. We'll check out Charlie's this summer. I'm vegetarian (for the most part), so that limits me a bit.

We have to go into Playa for a day to shop and eat at Babe's (our absolute favorite). Then go on a search for KinderEggs for our kids.

I took the kids to Caleta Tankah last summer. It helped my 11 yr old become more confident snorkling in the small cove.

We kayaked the Bay in Sian Kaan for an afternoon - not much going on, but it was nice to paddle around. We also like the beach in Sian Kaan (where the big clearing is).

My husband likes to rent a bike and ride into Sian Kaan and check out stuff.

This summer I plan on going into Akumal and hanging out at Lol-Ha so we can snorkle Akumal Bay - heard there are good turtle sightings.

We usually go for a turtle walk at night in Sian Kaan with guys who man the gate. My husband has become friendly with them and we tag along. First we check to see if there are any hatches and release them.

I heard the road to Punta Allen has improved a bit, so we may give it another try. Tried a few years ago and it took over an hour to get to the bridge. I had a headache from bouncing all over the road - couldn't wait to get out of the car.

What about you...? You used to live there, right?

Iza

Gem, thanks so much for chiming in on my post. I have actually made some reservations already. We have decided on a week in PDC - I know it is busy but we are going to stay at Shangri La Caribe which is on the northern edge of the downtown and much quieter than other place (based on my research). For the second week we decided to stay in Akumal instead of Isla Mujeres - we'll rent a car and drive around to visit various places in the area. I figured our daughter would like it better in Akumal than Isla which I thought may be too confining.

We do realize it will be hot in August but August is the only time when our schedules allow us to go. That is when we visit Costa Rica as well and I figured it wouldn't be really much worse than CR.

Pepper, where is that best "italian food" in Tulum?

pepper131

Iza -

We'll be there in Aug at La Conchita in Tulum. I know it seems crazy, but I love to go to this area of Mexico to eat Italian food.

In Tulum Pueblo:
La Nave and Quiero Mas

Along the beach:
Posada Margherita - IS THE BEST (fresh pasta!!)
Zamas (for pizza)

In Chemuyil:
People rave about Pizzaria Leo

You'll be Akumal and there are some other good places to check out: Turtle Bakery, Lucy's (good ice cream).

I'd like to hear about Shangri-La (which I think is a better choice than El Faro - you'll see what I mean if you walk by it) when you return. We have an 11 yr old boy (and a 2 yr old boy).

Have you gotten a map from cancunmap.com? They are very handy. I'd reccommend the Riviera Maya Map and Playa del Carmen Map.

sparklegem

Hi Iza,

Your trip sounds great! I can't wait to hear about it.

Pepper131,

We don't really have any favotites from our last trip. We did not have a car; so it was a lot of walking and not a lot of exploring. We are planning to visit Aktun Chen this time.

Did you enjoy Caleta Tankah?

AlwaysDreamin

Iza - you will love Akumal! My 13 year old daughter and I just returned from there and loved it - where are you staying? My husband and I have been many times and have stayed both on Half Moon Bay and Akumal Bay, which is our favorite.

I second the recommendation to purchase a map from Mapchick.com and rent a car to explore the area. You will get more info from the map than hours and hours on this board!

Here are a few quick recommendations for fun in Akumal with your family:
Snorkel in Akumal Bay with the turtles - ask people on the beach where they are seeing them today, eat at Pizza Leo's in Chemuyil, visit the little library on the left side before you enter "town" and make a small donation - your daughter will enjoy seeing some Mexican children, hang out at Lol Ha beach restaurant/bar, and visit CEA (the ecological organization on the beach) for info on turtle walks and hatchings taking place while you are there. Hope that helps. I am so jealous - have a wonderful time!