Hello --
Has anyone stayed at Sian Kaan or Sol Caribe? Is there an advantage of 1 over the other?

Thanks!!
Kathy

Sian Kaan is a huge area - a wildlife preserve basically. Sol Caribe is in Sian Kaan bioreserve.
There is a tent on platforms place called Cesiak - they also do excellent tours of the area.
And a few villas to rent in Sian Kaan.

Sorry, haven't stayed at either.

Thanks-- from what I could tell on the websites there are accomodations at both and I wondered if one was better/different than the other.

At both of what?

Sol Caribe vs. Cesiak?

yes

I think Sol Caribe has better rooms especially since they have private bathrooms. And 24 hr electricity.

Cesiak is a platform-tent situation with a shared bath. Not sure if there is electricity.

The only drawback is that Sol Caribe is located just north (8k) of Punta Allen, and that drive can be brutal depending on the condition of the road. Cesiak is about 5k past the Sian Kaan gate. Just know at either, you are in a very remote location with not much of anything close by.

Thanks for your help. I knew both were remote but after checking around more I think it may be better to stay in Tulum and travel to Sian Kaan.

Tulum is wonderful. We stay for 10 days every summer. Let me know if you need help with any hotels.

Yes-- I would love some help!! How are Zahra and Cabanas Tulum?? Those are 2 that are in my price range and have availability.

How about transportation? Any need to rent a car?

Thanks,
Kathy

Ooops, forgot to ask about yummy places to eat.

I think the least expensive room at Zahra is very bare bones. You'll be happier at Cabanas Tulum - which is at least consistent and a fave with many budget travelers.

It's best to have a car. I'll bump-up your other question about transport.

Many good places to eat...Ana y Jose (next door to Cabanas Tulum). Zamas up the road where the pavement stops.

In town - meals cost less. Quiero Mas has cheap pizza slices. You can find cheap sandwiches (tortas) on the right side of 307 as you enter town.

We eat mostly Italian in Tulum. Fresh pastas at Nero di Sole (in town) for around $7-8.

Thanks for your helpful suggestions! I posted another question about the transportation issue and no answers yet. I really don't want a car for the entire trip, although I know there are advantages.

If you click on your screen name, all of your posts will appear...

Here, I copied my response to your question:
Author: pepper131
Date: 11/20/2005, 01:17 pm
It's much easier to rent a car. You can go on your time schedule. We always rent a car.

I don't think there are any buses that go down the Boca Paila Rd (Tulum and Sian Kaan).
There are taxis, but it can certainly add-up.
There are collectivos (passenger vans that provide transport) that run along highway 307 only. I've never used them, but I think you just stand on the side of the highway and flag them down.

You may think there are days when you won't use the car...but chances are that you will.
A quick run to the store for water and snacks.
You may want to drive to a restaurant to eat.
Or go to a remote area where getting a taxi back might be impossible.

thanks-- i appreciate the feedback. i do like having a car when traveling. any ideas about reputable rental agencies??

A lot of people use Easy Way without any problems:
http://www.easywayrentacar.com/

We usually use Dollar and call their Cancun office directly. But next time, we may use Easy Way.

Our last car from Dollar had a bad tire, a jack that wasn't sufficient enough, and a spare that wasn't too great. So we bought another tire and were fully re-imbursed, but still...this hasle could have been avoided.

Kthyrn,

We did not have a car on our last visit to Tulum. I really wished that we had. Taking taxis , as mentioned before, does add up and eats up your supply of pesos. The road is unlight and unpaved. At night it seemed a little dangerous to be walking since it is very hard to see people walking at night. We spent a lot of time waiting for taxis. We always had to have one called for us. At night there was quite a long wait.

I would like to tag on with a question:

Pepper131- what car insurance did you purchase?

Thanks so much for your helpful insight!! I will definitely check out Easy Way. I take it the insurance is required? I usually don't get that when traveling in the US.

I think Easy Way has the insurance included - that's why people like them.

But...really...I'm not sure what insurance we get. I always tell them we want FULL COVERAGE. It does cost more, but if anything should ever happen, you'll be happy you got it and can just walk away without having a huge amount put on your credit card that you'll have figure out later.