Post SXSW Mexico Travel Advise | February 5, 2006
After SXSWi 20006, I’ll be heading down to Mexico for a well deserved break. The flights only cost a little bit more, so it seemed like an opportunity not to be missed. I’ve never been to Mexico before, but it’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit. As such, I’m looking for a bit of travel advice from anybody who has spent time in the area.
I’m flying into Cancun, and have been told that Playa Del Carmen is a good place to base yourself. However if you have any other recommendation, please let me know. I’m looking to stay somewhere nice, relaxed and not too touristy, preferably in a pleasant but not to expensive hotel. I’m looking forward to seeing the Maya ruins, as well as getting in a few days diving. I’m particularly interested in checking out some of the cenotes as I’ve not done much cave diving, and these places look out of this world. I’m also keen to do a significant amount of chilling, away from the laptop and mobile phone, with the only interruption being the occasional margarita.
So if you’ve been to this part of Mexico, I’d love to hear your top travel tips. Where is a good place to stay, a good place to eat and a good place to chill? What are the best Maya sites, the top tourist highlights and what do I absolutely, positively, have to see? Oh, and if you’re into your diving, what are the best dive sites and cenotes to visit?
I look forward to your advice and suggestions.
Posted at February 5, 2006 11:14 PM
goodwitch said on February 6, 2006 2:07 AM
Brilliant idea Andy! I adore Playa del Carmen…but will admit that my experience was very much of the romantic tourist. I stayed at the Riu Palace with my husband to celebrate our 40th birthdays. My favorite moment of the whole trip? The couples massage on the beach under the stars (worth every damn penny in my book).
Not to be missed was the great pyramid Chichen Itza and the nearby cenote. We signed up for a bus trip (which let us relax and let someone else drive) but it was a hell of a long day. When you schedule tours…ask how big the bus is and how many stops will be made (at different hotels) before you start to head to your destination.
Other tip, do consider a travel agent and have them book a charter flight. They are actually cheaper and non-stop. Can’t beat that. I can give you the name of my travel agent if you are interested.
I’d stay in the Palace again in an instant. I loved it. But it may be too americanized for your taste.
(A year later, I went to Cancun with my best friend from college. We had a good time, but I’ll tell you, I much prefer Playa del Carmen over Cancun.)
Great idea I picked up from a friend…make sure to take a picture that will put you “right back on the beach”. Here is mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glsims99/7394677/