Mayan Riviera
 

We are heading to the Yucatan for 12 days in early April. We are planning to spend our first few days in Playa del Carmen and we will rent a car, but beyond that we haven't planned much.

Any suggestions of favorite spots / things to do along the Eastern coast? Is it worth driving over to Merida? Any other driving destinations? Non-driving destinations?

We would greatly appreciate any suggestions you might share with us!

Thank you!

There is so much to do, it's really hard to list everything.

I suggest getting a couple of maps from cancunmap.com. Get the Playa map, Riviera Maya map, and the Chichen Itza map.

Great tip on ordering the map - it is almost an entire travel guide in itself - you will love it. My personal favorites - spend a day lazing away on Akumal Bay in Akumal. Terrific snorkeling right off the beach - this is a prime spot for turtles! There is a great little beach bar/restaraunt called Lol Ha right on the beach for refreshments and drinks. We spend our entire week here as a home base.

Another favorite is to eat pizza at Pizza Leo's in Chemuyil - I know - Pizza in Mexico??? But it's wonderful, very local place, very few tourists.

You might also visit locogringo.com for more in depth info on the area - they have a very active message board with research function for you.

Do one of the cenote (cave) snorkeling trips. I thought it was fantastic. I only wish I would have brought a water camera (with flash).

I liked Merida, nice city, and the food is great! Also go to Dzibichaltun (don't know if i spelled it right, though), I liked it a lot!