november_moon

Holbox is on my list of places to visit for those exact reasons. I haven't been there yet, but it looks like the perfect place for laid back, quiet beach time. 10 days might be too much there, but it seems like a good place to combine with other areas in the Yucatan.

As an aside - ambushed? Really Rohelio? Sidetracked - yes. But ambushed? Like posters were lying in wait to attack you? I think you've misread the discussion.

jamie99

I think Easter next year is around April 16-17 so it will be crowded with families taking vacation when their kids are on break as well as Mexican nationals, also prices will be higher. My last few trips we stayed on Half Moon Bay in north Akumal, much less crowded yet has some restaurants and a few shops, also Aventuras Akumal is laid back but you definitely need a car here.

Rohelio

Yes, Easter is on the 17th and the Semana Santa is the whole week before that which means, crowds in a big way, The whole area is just flooded with Mexican and their families. You can rent your condo in the blink of an eye and for almost twice the price. iF YOU SEEK PEACE AND QUIET, THIS IS NOT THE TIME...

Danielm

Wow, thanks for the great responses everyone. So to be clear- as my vacation starts early april and ends mid month (1-15), is that a bad time to go and should I expect big crowds everywhere?

cybor

Daniel,
I think your dates should be ok. I believe the hordes will start to emerge in CUN and PDC on the Sat before Easter. You'll have a better idea of when the actual high season or holiday season is when you check the rates. They'll dramatically jump when there's something going on.
Other than the above, my other suggestion for any tourist sites is to get there when the gates open. You can usually see what you need to see at ruins, etc in the first couple hours. Less crowds and cooler morning air.
ADO buses, many of the combis (the transport vans that you'll see everywhere) or having a rental car will get you where you need to go. Many of the tours will get you there late morning. They all seem to arrive at the same time.

hopefulist

In our experience around Latin America the whole week before Easter Sunday is packed in beachy places because of North American vacations and especially because lots of Latin American folks have that whole week off from work. Since that will just be the last few days before you fly home, maybe plan for those days to be away from the beach - Valladolid, maybe? Or San Felipe? We loved both of those places and they're not too far from Cancún for your flight home unless you leave really early in the day.

cybor

Sorry about that. Hopeful's right that Semana Santa starts a week before Easter.
https://www.vercalendario.info/en/wh...xico-2017.html

As said, Mexicans go to the beach en mass. Merida empties out while entire families go to the beach.
Also know that many locally owned places in many cities and pueblos close down that week.

Rohelio

Well said cybor... and, yes, there are crowds but on a positive note, many attractions to be enjoyed if in the area at this time. It is important to note that holly week or semana santa starts from Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. The churches are all decked out in colorful decorations with drapes and flowers. Ash Wednesday is popular as you will notice the many church goers with marked foreheads from ash. Not to be missed, is the procession that takes place. Two years ago it started with the reenactment of Judgement day in a city park near 30 th ave in Playa... down 30th right up to the beach where the young person chosen to be Jesus was tied to the cross and the lifted and planted in the beach, at the end of Benito Juarez street. This whole undertaking takes many hours to unfold but it so very realistic... even Judas (portrayed) was hanged (harness) from a huge Ceiba tree (Mayan sacred tree) on 30th. All participants are very well costumed and real whips are used to mimic the whipping. The young man chosen for Jesus has to be in great shape as he has to drag the huge wooden cross along the street and is relieved at several points along the procession. All traffic is redirected as crowds of patrons and tourists follow for several kilometres from the starting point to the beach.
Something to remember for a lifetime !
Some restaurants offer special meals and events at this time also. On Sunday mass (if you can get in the church) all patrons and tourists hug and wish peace upon one another. Mexicans are a very warm people and given the chance, they are quick to share.
For sure, you need to book your hotel ahead of time for this period.

cybor

Rohelio, Agree. No one parties or does festivals like Mexicans. I personally love it at holiday time here in Merida. Course, we can sort of spread out a bit so it never feels claustrophobic like it can at our closest beaches.
Progreso turns into a zoo at Easter and Xmas. The Malecon all the way into the water is packed. Fun and stimulating but packed.
Even the quieter beaches on the gulf get packed as well.
That said, I know of a few quieter out of the way beaches that not many people flock to if I want to escape the crowds.
Anyhow, I think it's easier to get away from crowds on the Carib side if you're willing to walk a bit because of the large properties and the vastness of the beaches. You can always find space and quiet if you're willing to get away from the main tourist towns/beaches etc.

Danielm

So, now that I have my mind set- how would you recommend combining Merida, Holbox,Tulum, Akumal in 10-12 days? Starting the trip with Isla Muheres for 2 nights. Will probably rent a car if needed.

suze

If you start with only 10 days, subtract 2 for Isla, and only have 8 left (or 10 if you use the 12 day number) for the other 4 towns/cities, I don't think that's enough time really to do any of them justice.

Subtracting the time to get between them will barely leave you 1.0 to 1.5 days in each place (8 days divided by 4 places subtracting a 1/2 day in between each for transfer).

Rohelio

If you change your mind about Puerto Vallarta, I can help. Sorry don't know "the other side" at all.

Rohelio

The message above was sent by suze on Sept. 22. so I would not be too keen on following that advice...

suze

Rohelio, Instead of stalking my posts, why don't you help this person out then?

You explain how they can arrange their itinerary and transportation in order to fly into Cancun, and visit Isla Mujeres, Merida, Holbox, Tulum and Akumal in only 10 days.

What I posted is simply from looking at a map, that they are trying to cover too much ground in too short a time, unless all they want is a "drive by" of the 5 places mentioned.

Danielm

Well, does it change anything if I extend to 14 days?

suze

Sure, it would help a little bit -haha.

All I'm doing here is math

Take the 14 days total, subtract approx. 2 days (moving 4 times, allowing a 1/2 day each time. So 12 days divided by 5 = 2-1/2 days in each place.

Danielm

Longest drive (Tulum to Merida and Merida to Holbox area) is 3-4 hours, so that's not too bad. So what if we do:

2 nights Isla Mujeres
4 nights Tulum/Akumal
3 nights Valladolid/Merida
4 nights Holbox

cybor

Daniel,
14 days is always sweeter than 10, lol
Have you checked flights out of Merida - MID
I'm thinking that that would logistically make things a bit easier.
If were me (I wish) I like to start with the city stuff first and end my vaca on the beach. Others like to do it the opposite way.
Anyhow, fly into Merida, then drive to Holbox (you'll need to park your car in a lot and ferry over) then hit some ruins/caves/cenote etc maybe stay in Valladolid while doing this.
Hit a cenote and maybe Coba on the way out and end up at the beach to chill. Stay at one beach and make day trips to the others - Tulum or Akumel.
Ferry over to I Mujeres (leave car in Cancun lot) then fly out of Cancun.

cybor

We were posting at the same time.
Your plan also works.

Rohelio

Mathematics aside... YES, Yes you can do it, of course. Your only concern will be finding accommodation at that particular time of year.
I will get come and give you my two cents worth !