I am looking to put together a quick trip for 4 days to Mexico. Priorities are: beach, relaxation, beach, snorkeling and 1 day exploring ruins. I hope to be close to beach while keeping it economical. I've never been to Mexico, will leave from Denver and am looking for the best value with specific referalls. Thanks so much!!

Try looking at Akumal or Tulum. Both have nice beaches, Akumal has the snorkeling.
Ruins: Tulum, or Coba or Chichen Itza. Easy for a day trip. Tulum and Coba can both be done in one day.

Tulum has some great budget accomodations, Hope this helps

I fly out of Denver also to Mexico all the time. Look at Frontier, Aeromexico or American. The good thing about Frontier is that they are non-stop. Last week got hung up a bit on American through Dallas. Booked Aeromexico for next Dec because of the price (350USD). Then, choose a method of transportation. The cheapest is the bus (90 pesos) from the airport to Playa del Carmen (they will also stop in Puerto Morelos). The most expensive would be a taxi. The bus leaves from terminal 2 and 3 which, based on using Frontier or American would be terminal 3. Not sure of Aeromexico. The bus is quite nice, a/c and a movie. Storage underneath for luggage. If you choose this method I can give you more specifics on how to do the transfer by bus. Then, where to stay....Puerto Morelos would be your first stop south on the way from Cancun, then Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum the furthest south. Tulum will probably take 2 hours to reach. Playa just under an hour. What month are you planning on traveling? That will determine how much the lodging will cost. You have choices everywhere from an all inclusive to a cabana on the beach and everything in between. Do you want in town with restaurants, shopping, night life and beach or do you want quiet on the beach but not close to anything else? I live in Playa del Carmen part time and would be happy to give you some more ideas if you can give more specifics. : )

www.bookit.com Mexico

excellent packages good values all areas

from DIA Cancun/PDC packages best cheapest...

I am not a travel agent either...just someone who loves the area and who has been going down there for quite awhile.

I think you've got excellent advice so far! I don't know that side of Mexico, but I think Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, or Akumal all fit what you describe.

As an aside, I had a fantastic experience with AeroMexico just last week on a new nonstop they have between Seattle and Cabo San Lucas. Rock bottom ticket price ($282), on time departure and arrivals, clean planes, great attendants, even free lunch box, movie and cocktail!

i stayed at Casa Valentina B&B, all conforts, near Akumal (beach, restorant, bars, dive, snorkeling...you can see the tortle), Yal-Ku Lagon (natural aquarium), Xpu-ha (free beach...just a little bar/restaurant!), Tulum and Coba!
www.akumalcasavalentina.com
Have a nice trip!

Good to know about Aeromexico. I haven't flown with them before but got that great price for the end of Dec which is usually way high. Have to connect through Mexico City. Did you do the same?

Nope they are running a nonstop Seattle/Cabo route once a day only on certain days of the week (Sat/Sun/Mon/Th?). I could have saved a little $ going with a DF transfer, that was also an option, but since the nonstop was available, was thrilled to go that route instead.