Looking for new off the beaten path escape\
Jun 16th, 2019 | 02:42 PM
#1
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Joined: Mar 2016
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Looking for new off the beaten path escape\
We have traveled around Mexico & have totally enjoyed our time there. Akumal was a great place to go but must say after going there for a few times, the last time really disappointed us. Too many people & they ruined the snorkeling at Akumal Bay. It was all roped off & way too many ropes in the water that you couldn't cross. So where have you gone that is quieter, great snorkeling, good food, fun things to do & reasonable lodging. We are not the all inclusive type. Would love to find a place to rent for a month. Love ruins, archeology, nice beaches, snorkleling, fishing & friendly town. Appreciate your feedback.
Jun 16th, 2019 | 05:37 PM
#2
Joined: Jun 2010
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Below are links to trip reports I did on Veracruz state. Ticks several of your boxes. Beaches however, are generally regarded as not as nice as either the Pacific or the Caribbean. But the lack of hordes of tourists more than makes up for it, IMO. Veracruz has the largest reef system in the gulf. Ruins nearby. If you found a rental for a month you could very easily venture inland as I mention in the reports. I didn't really mention too much about the Anthro museum in Xalapa, but it's regarded as the 2nd best in Mexico behind that in Mexico City.
https://www.fodors.com/community/mex...tripa-1656231/
Veracruz Coast Trip Report
https://www.fodors.com/community/mex...tripa-1656231/
Veracruz Coast Trip Report
Jun 16th, 2019 | 05:40 PM
#3
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,529
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One link didn't post.
Veracruz Coast Trip Report
Veracruz Coast Trip Report
Jun 16th, 2019 | 07:07 PM
#4
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,339
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Looking for something similar a few years ago we spent a week just outside of Mahahual after departing Akumal. It also ticks a number of your boxes.
But two major negatives:
1) Cruise ships dock there and then the place becomes a zoo if you go in or near town.
2) The beaches had an extraordinary amount of plastic litter washed ashore. We were told it came from dumping trash off the coast of Honduras. Who knows but very depressing.
I don't imagine either of those have improved since our trip. But we did find ways to make it work for us, so you could consider it.
https://www.locogringo.com/mexico/va...maya/mahahual/
But two major negatives:
1) Cruise ships dock there and then the place becomes a zoo if you go in or near town.
2) The beaches had an extraordinary amount of plastic litter washed ashore. We were told it came from dumping trash off the coast of Honduras. Who knows but very depressing.
I don't imagine either of those have improved since our trip. But we did find ways to make it work for us, so you could consider it.
https://www.locogringo.com/mexico/va...maya/mahahual/
Jun 17th, 2019 | 12:47 PM
#5
Joined: Sep 2005
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Look into Puerto Morelos, good snorkeling, mostly via boat but you can snorkel safely in front of the Ojo de Agua Hotel, too much boat traffic in other areas. Small town about a 20 minute drive from the Cancun airport, lots of restaurants and near Crococun Zoo.
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Jun 18th, 2019 | 06:38 AM
#8
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We have been to that area a few times. We stayed a week at the Explorean Kohunlich which was great. We got to explore ruins where we were the only visitors as well as the lake & a stop at Majhuhal. We also stopped there on a cruise which does overtake the area. I've looked into Holbox. Anyone have any thoughts on that area?
Jul 3rd, 2019 | 09:05 AM
#9
Joined: Feb 2003
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For one, you could look directly to the north of the main beach in Akumal, at Half Moon Bay and the adjacent Yal-Ku Lagoon ...
Also, if you're looking for a pleasant town with fishing and snorkeling, you could do a lot worse than Puerto Morelos.
Also, if you're looking for a pleasant town with fishing and snorkeling, you could do a lot worse than Puerto Morelos.
Jul 3rd, 2019 | 01:21 PM
#10
Joined: Jul 2013
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Holbox is great for a few days, no cars, small village with plentiful restaurants and laid back atmosphere. Easy to get to by ADO bus and ferry but try to make reservations before getting there as the hotels fill quickly. Nice sunsets and take time to visit the cemetery... rent a bike and tour the area, you can also rent a go cart, the only means of transportation....
Oct 31st, 2019 | 02:58 PM
#13
Joined: Jun 2010
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Good question. My response I guess is some, but not a lot compared to the more touristy areas. Which I suppose is typical for places more off the beaten path. A handful of people we met were anxious to practice their English when they saw us gringos. Like in hotels and the trolley lady. And some random guy on the street in Veracruz City. He actually kinda stalked us when we were shopping. I think he probably was angling for a handout. I suspect in Xalapa you might find more it being a university city. Our Spanish is OK, so we tried to use it as much as we could.
Oct 31st, 2019 | 07:16 PM
#14
Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi idahogal,
My thoughts are similar to Baldone on this point. Veracruz, like other places off the usual anglophone tourist beaten path in Mexico, will I’m sure have some that have studied English with proficiency and even have lived somewhere in the anglosphere, but Spanish was always my go-to language. I’m racking my brain but I can’t remember speaking to anyone in English in Veracruz. Funny, it was in Veracruz that I learned an expression “Qué perro!” which a guy said after a gust of wind blew the hat off my head and off the trolley (to be lost forever) from San Juan de Ulúa; I’d never heard it before but assumed it meant “what rotten luck!”
Best wishes. Daniel
My thoughts are similar to Baldone on this point. Veracruz, like other places off the usual anglophone tourist beaten path in Mexico, will I’m sure have some that have studied English with proficiency and even have lived somewhere in the anglosphere, but Spanish was always my go-to language. I’m racking my brain but I can’t remember speaking to anyone in English in Veracruz. Funny, it was in Veracruz that I learned an expression “Qué perro!” which a guy said after a gust of wind blew the hat off my head and off the trolley (to be lost forever) from San Juan de Ulúa; I’d never heard it before but assumed it meant “what rotten luck!”
Best wishes. Daniel
Last edited by Daniel_Williams; Oct 31st, 2019 at 07:23 PM.
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