MEXICO – CANCUN – PLAYA DEL CARMEN – TULUM – MERIDA
Mexico is a diverse place with so much to offer, crystal blue oceans and white sandy beaches, vibrant cities with exciting eating experiences, cultural abundance and historic icons. We are going to focus on the coastal part of the Yucatan peninsular that lines the Caribbean Sea, and include the historic city of Merida.
Cancun
Starting with Canun, this is a beach holiday destination, popular for large all-inclusive 4-5 star resorts lining the stunning coastline. Here you can expect to enjoy the comforts of a heavily tourist driven area, with local western restaurants and western prices. A few points to remember, depending on what you are after, Cancun is very commercial, and on the Hotel Zone, unless you are staying in one of the hotels that line the beach, you will need to rely on the public beach sections for a swim and sunbathing, these can be few and far between. However, if you would like to escape the Hotel Zone and swim on more relaxed low-key, uncrowded beach destination go to Playa Delfines, a gorgeous public beach just south of the Hotel Zone.
There are several luxury fashion malls in which to shop. La Isla a Venetian style shopping centre with many western brands, Plaza La Americas and Puerto Cancun Marina Town Centre. An easy 20minute ferry trip across the water is the beautiful island destination Isla Mujeres, a quiet island paradise where you can enjoy the beach, restaurants and many walks around the island. There is also accommodation available to stay on the island if you wish. Chichen Itza a very popular historic Mayan site, said to be the centre of the Mayan civilisation, this UNESCO site is open for touring and is about a 2.5 hour bus trip from Cancun. Personally I prefer the quieter more southern coastal locations, such a Playa Del Carmen.
Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is a smaller quieter beachside town consisting of a long tourist strip lined with Mexican restaurants and shops Quinta Avenida. At Playa you will find smaller scale boutique hotels and condos that line beautiful beach, for a Mexican inspired boutique bungalow experience I would recommend Mahekel Beach Resort. Just off the coast is the beautiful island of Cozumel, you can take one of the regular scheduled ferries from the dock. It takes about 30 minutes to get across to the island. Playa Del Carmen is a family friendly place to relax and enjoy the comforts of home with a stunning ocean backdrop and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Tulum
I call Tulum the Byron Bay of Mexico. It is far smaller than the two previously mentioned destinations and is overall a very relaxed sleepy place. Not overly populated or commercialised, the main beach strip consists of luxury beach bungalows and relaxed beachside bars. There is a very small town strip with a few Mexican restaurants and bars and of course the hotels have restaurant facilities. There are many of natural beauties to visit here, the beach of course, the surrounding jungles and of course the famous underwater caves and pools a must see, Cenotes Sac Actun, Grand Cenote, Cenotes Casa Tortuga Tulum and many more. A must to visit is the spectacular Mayan Tulum Ruins, this incredible Archaeological site is nestled on top of a coastal cliff that peers down to a stunning beach below. If weather conditions permit, once you have bought a ticket to tour the ruins you can swim at the beach beneath. Meandering through the ruins looking at the monolithic structures feels like a step back in time, and the many prehistoric looking lizards in the park add to that feel.
Merida
Is a beautiful and somewhat safe historic city filled with colonial Spanish Architecture. Once a centre of wealth and trade, this city has much to offer. Merida is filled with historic buildings, traditional restaurants and bustling town square. Check out the Lucas de Galvez Market Merida a hive of activity open from 6am-5pm this market contains traditional arts and craft, animals, local food options and more. Walk through the Paseo de Montejo, a long street lined with cafes and restaurants. Go for a walk and a rest at the Plaza Grande. Casa de Montejo Merida, is a public building that showcases the wealth that once existed in Merida. The free Zoo is filled with beautiful animals but possibly not in the best conditions. You can also take a day trip to Progresso a sleepy beachside town with local food and quite beaches. Along the way you can drive through the wetlands and see native flamingos feasting on the shellfish they eat which produce the pinkish hue in their feathers.
Transport
It is about a 45minute drive from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen and 35 minutes to Tulum, buses are available and easy to catch to each destination, or you can drive. It takes about 3.5 hours drive to arrive from Tulum to Merida, you can catch a bus or taxi from either destination.
