Which city to stay in Yucatan
Mar 3rd, 2002, 10:00 AM
#1
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Which city to stay in Yucatan
We want to take a trip to Mexico in April. I am having a hard time deciding which area would be best for us. (myself, husband, 16 yr old daughter). We usually travel on our own (no tours) and have travelled extensively throughout Central and South America. We've never liked tourist-y places. This time, however, we are in need of a relaxing trip and would not mind a resort. Might like the total comfort idea. We definitely want a beautiful swimming beach and NICE place to stay. We're not used to spending lots. From the little research I've done so far, Cancun seems too commercialized (but maybe not) and Cozumel seems swarmed with Cruise ships (but maybe not). Definitley want to visit the Mayan ruins. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Mar 3rd, 2002, 10:51 AM
#2
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How about Playa del Carmen? Many inexpensive but not nice hotels there. My recommendation would the Colibri. You could rent a car for a few days and see several ruins on your own, plus there are so many other things you can do in the area. Or you could also eplore down the beach and research areas like Akumal. I think Playa is great because it is centrally located and is a very interesting place. If you would like more suggestions feel free to e-amil me.
Mar 3rd, 2002, 12:33 PM
#3
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I would second the recommendation for Akumal - not too touristy, just a nice relaxing beach community. It's even more laid back than Playa. The beach is great and you can snorkel right in the bay and also at Yalku lagoon which is just at the north end of the community. There are 2 or 3 small hotels - very reasonable (rooms start at $60 in the off season) and also condo rentals. Tulum is very close by. Hope this helps.
Mar 3rd, 2002, 07:01 PM
#5
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Kathy, from your self-description, I don't think you'd like Cancun. It's like one giant American mall plastered on a very nice beach. No soul at all. And it's expensive.<BR>However, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Isla mujeres all have quite a bit of charm still, great beaches. Playa or Akumal are also good bases for getting to the ruines (chichen itza, tulum and Coba are all interesting, for different reasons) Personally I'd vote for Playa, even though it's getting more developed, because it has the best selection of hotels and restaurants but you can still find a stretch of quiet beach nearby, if not really in town anymore.
Mar 4th, 2002, 09:22 AM
#6
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Kathy, here are a few sites for you to visit for the Akumal/Tankah/Tulum area. Seems like Cancun and Coz might not fit your bill for ideal vacation.<BR><BR>http://CasaTropical.com<BR>Casa Tropical Tankah... Romantic, beachfront villa, located on privately owned,1/2 acre, Tankah, Mexico, a 1 hour drive south of Cancun airport, 3 miles north of the Tulum ruins, with other major archaeological sites within driving distance. Great views with barrier reef just offshore, and a cenote up the beach for diving, snorkeling or swimming, jungle style. Two guests quarters with kitchenettes, private patios, maid, gardener,manager. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve just south of Tankah and Tulum.<BR><BR>Weather http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/76590.html <BR><BR>Hidden Worlds snorkel & dive tours of cenotes<BR>http://hiddenworlds.com.mx/<BR><BR>Aktun Chen <BR>www.aktunchen.com<BR><BR>Maps of Riviera Maya Can-do Maps <BR>http://WWW.cancunmap.com/<BR><BR> Check out this web site for tours lead by the Friends of Sian Ka'an group. It is a non-profit organization and tour guides are usually biologists. Very informative tours lead by a very worthwhile organization. <BR>Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve<BR>http://www.cancun.com/siankaan/<BR><BR>photo of tankah's cenote'<BR>http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian/issues98/apr98/diver_jpg.html<BR>
