Mincepie

You are right kja..hotels were very responsive when making bookings.
Our best meals were in la Paz(Baja),Celestun,and Mexico City. I don't think you are making any of these stops..but if you are ...let me know.

kja

I will be stopping in Celestun, Mincepie, and have heard great things about the food at La Palapa. Is that where you ate?

xxxx

I've been following your plans as we were recently to some of the places you are going.

Yes, the food at La Palapa in Celestun was very good. I would recommend it.

kja

Thanks, xxxx! Any other suggestions or comments based on your experiences?

kja

Hi, all -

I'm back from a fabulous trip, and wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who helped make my trip so special! My final itinerary differed in a few ways from my original proposal, reflecting some of the outstanding suggestions and comments you generously offered. (I posted my revised plans in a different thread if you want to check that out.)

For example, although I did rely on public transportation for most of the trip, I rented a car for 2.5 days to go from Merida through the Ruta Puuc (staying in Santa Elena for one night) and on to Celestun before dropping the car off in Merida. That worked really well for me.

And I spent 2 nights on the beach in Tulum at Cabanas Tulum - the accomodations were basic, but that was all I needed. I am so glad I had the chance to walk along, fall asleep beside, and wake up to that glorious beach!

Throughout my journey, I met many kind and helpful people. My Spanish was woefully inadequate, but people invariably responded with patience, so we found a way to communicate. (I only had to consult my dictionary once or twice.) And I never, once, felt anything other than safe.

I'm not likely to write a trip report, but will be happy to answer questions. Thanks again for all the help!

lucy55

Sounds like a great trip! I would try to fit in COBA while in the Tulum area. Much smaller crowds, and a unique temple you won't see at the others. Very good guides there.
If you want to snorkle for your first time, Puerto Moreles probably isn't a great choice - fairly rough water.
Take a quick snorkling stop in Akumal, and get a great lunch at Turtle Bay, Lucy's or Imelda's.'
Have fun!

kja

Thanks for your suggestions, lucy55 - unfortunately, I can't take advantage of them because I already returned from my wonderful trip. I obviously can't compare first-time snorkeling experiences, but I was very pleased with my first experience in Puerto Morelos - fabulous!