Ann7544

Hi guys,
We are planning a week long beach getaway at the end of May. We have been to Riviera Maya a couple of times before but not in recent years. With all the violence we hear about in Mexico, how safe is it to travel there? I know that once we are in a resort, it's probably not an issue, but we would not like to stay in Cancun and I remember that in the past we always arrived in the evening and had at least an hour drive down to our resort at night with resorts on one side of the road and wilderness on the other. Is that trip still OK to take? Are there any precautions we should take?

Also, last time we stayed at one of Barcelo Maya (I think Beach) all-inclusive places and it was fine, nice balance of cost and comfort. Is there a nicer all inclusive resort that you can recommend within the same price range or perhaps just a little more expensive but not much more?

Any information on either subject would be much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance!

Katzgar

you have seen little to nothing about violence against tourists in the Yucatan, there is no state department advisory re: the yucatan. i have to wonder why you are bringing this up.

Birdie

Katzgar, I think it is a reasonable question given the news coming in to the US. It is one that is asked here a lot and one my friends asked me when I traveled there.

Ann7544, I felt perfectly safe and I did not stay in an AI but in a condo complex in Playa del Carmen. We walked into town everynight for dinner. You can search here and find many discussions about the safety in Riviera Maya.

We took a van from the airport to our condo so we didn't have any concerns on the drive down.

Katzgar

Birdie. My friends dont ask about safety as they watch the news, different crowds I guess. no need to be afraid of Mexico, driving a car or taking a taxi is perfectly safe

schmerl

Look into the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo or Maya. That complex is closer to the airport than the Barcelo. Only about a 25 minute ride. Great resort with lots of food choices and activities.
BTW KATZGAR...if you are the same katzgar who posts on TA, people have been looking for you on the Playa forum!!

suze

It's fine, it's safe, no worries about that. Sorry don't know the AI resorts.

Katzgar

Thanks Schmerl but I can only hope enough people remain trained in the fine art of weather forecast reading to carry on without me.

schmerl

Oh Katzgar....I love your sense of humor...LOL!

pharaon

Hi,

We stayed at El Dorado Royal Casitas with my wife last year for our 1 year anniversary. It was awesome!!! Food is delicious, drinks are not limited only to house wine/beer, night entertainment was the best. Room service was awesome too. We took a trip to pyramids and our driver said that his primary responsibility to keep us safe. We were safe! Nothing to worry about. We were met at the airport by a private car (big Lincoln car), got to the place in 15 mins, passed security and check points, and then we were in heaven. I really thankfull to the agent I booked with. She actually gave some extra credit to use (spa, dinner on the beach, bottle of wine (like nice nice one) and was really nice. If you want to contact her, here is her email [email protected]

I've heard that Riu, Sandals and Dreams are very good resort too. My sister stayed at Oasis Viva and liked the affordability of the resort.

Ann7544

Thank you all so much for your prompt and detailed responses, they are very much appreciated!!

KVR

There are literally hundreds of AI's in the Maya Riveria, Playa del Carmen and Playa Planacar area. Many are pretty far from 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen if that makes a difference to you.

The RIU's are family friendly budget resorts. Their Palace resorts are nicer and have more amenities, but cost more.

The Dreams resorts are in Cancun.

There is no Sandals resorts in Mexico.

I've stayed at the Oasis Viva, which is in Cancun, before it turned adults only and hated it. It might be better now. The location and beach was good.

If you like the Barcelo, look at the Iberostars. Do you want an adult only or family friendly hotel? My favorite AI in Playa del Carmenis the Royal Playa del Carmen. Within walking distance to 5th Avenue and better food than anything we ever found on 5th Avenue.

We've been going to that area nearly once a year since 2000 with no issues. We went to Cabo San Lucas this past December and had a great time. The food there was wonderful compared to anything we ever got in Playa or the surrounding areas. We will have a hard time ever going back to Playa now.

MaryJaneThomas

My family will be traveling to Catalonia Riviera Maya next month. I have to admit from hearing of the drug wars, I'm concerned if there may be a safety issue, as our resort is a 50 mile commute.

lilleyjb

KVR, where did you stay in cabo?

MyMexicotravels

I traveled once from Mexico City to Cancun by car as a single woman, i've done several road trips like that to Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Vera Cruz ....even traveling by night and i've never experienced anything weird and never was bothered by anyone except vendors...In Cancun I stayed at the Krystal, right on the beach, could almost literally jump off my balcony onto the sand.I loved the sit in bars , the bridges and the waterfall by the pools. Beach is not crowded at all, NO VENDORS I was there just 3 weeks ago.Had a lot of rain though and I did not like the hotel zone area that much, walking around everyone offers you something to buy. Playa Del Carmen was a lot more mellow and I got hassled less by vendors unless you go to 5th Avenue, although a lovely place to visit I try to avoid the main touristic areas cause I do not like the vendors hahaha. I loved the performances done by the beach. I also went to Cabo and I stayed at the Pueblo Bonito resorts,had a great time but too many vendors on Medano beach...I loved Cabo, not as pretty as Riviera Maya , more expensive than Riviera Maya but it has it's charm and the food is great ! And you do not get hassled downtown for walking around.

Many greetings to all of you travelers,
I love Mexico so much I relocated there and recently started a blog,if you are interested. There is also a section about safety.

Nat
www.mymexicotravels.com

Katzgar

"My family will be traveling to Catalonia Riviera Maya next month. I have to admit from hearing of the drug wars, I'm concerned if there may be a safety issue, as our resort is a 50 mile commute."

There is no safety concern in the Yucatan RE: drug wars.

Katzgar

this drug war thread is starting to look like a troll thingy. why would maryjane ask a question already well answered?

suze

Brand new poster, has a question. What's wrong with that?

Katzgar

not a thing except like I said its been answered.

november_moon

Let's give people the benefit of the doubt, shall we?

But as others have said, drug violence is not much of a problem in the Yucatan. There aren't shootouts in the streets or bandidos who jump out and attack tour buses. You will be fine. And you should feel free to leave your resort and explore the area. The Yucatan is a wonderful area with a lot of great places to see. It would be a shame to go all that way and then stick to your resort out of an unfounded fear.

KVR

"lilleyjb on Jul 25, 13 at 1:40am


KVR, where did you stay in cabo?


Hi! Sorry, I just saw this as we have been away on summer vacation. We stayed at the Marina Fiesta. We loved it. It's right on the Marina boardwalk within walking distance to most everything including Medano Beach. The AI's restaurants included are actual restaurants on the boardwalk that are open to the public also. We found very good food there.

I have our trip report posted on this site as well as our picture link. Just click my user name.