Cancun Mexico

Our first trip to Mexico

Relatives called me a couple days ago to tell me that they’re invited to a destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico.  I’m so excited for them.  

We've visited Cancun, Mexico both during the Christmas Holidays and during Spring break.  Their call got us reminiscing about our trips to  Mexico and going through all our photos.  

What a beautiful country it is!  On all our trips, we chose to stay at All-inclusive Hotels.  All-inclusive means the meals and drinks are included in the price.

There are dozens and dozens of hotels to choose from, with pricing ranging from affordable/moderate to over-the-top expensive.  It’s best to shop around for the best deal.

On our first trip to Mexico, and because we had never visited, we booked the trip with a travel agent. After that, I booked the trips myself online.  To find a good hotel,  make sure to read Hotel reviews from people who have actually stayed there.

Our hotel swimming pool next to the ocean

   

Here are a few suggestions you might want to consider when traveling to Mexico (or other trips too).

Travel Tips:

• The best deal for the money is to book the flight and an All-inclusive hotel together. Food and beverages are safe to consume at your hotel and in the tourist areas but to play it safe it is best not to drink anything except bottled or canned beverages when touring the county side.

• When packing, you may consider only taking carry-on luggage.  If you are someone whose bags have never been lost then by all means check your bags.  I for one just never wanted to take the chance of beginning my vacation with lost luggage.  Packing light and only having a carry-on bag also means no wait lines in baggage claims!

• Also, there is no need to take valuables with you. If they're not essential, they're probably better off left at home. This will not only make for lighter bags but also greater ease of mind when traveling.  It is best not to show any indicators of wealth such as jewelry, watches, or high-end cameras. Stay aware of your surrounding and avoid being isolated or away from your group when touring.

• Speaking of thieves, carry only the cash you need for the moment in your pocket or purse. Carry your passport, credit card, and extra money inside your clothes in a money-belt, or leave them in your hotel's safe. When you need to get something out of your money belt do it in a private place.  Exercise particular caution when in crowds, markets, or on public transportation. You may also want to ask your hotel manager or another knowledgeable person if there are some areas of the city you should avoid.

• Scan your passport and travel documents and then e-mail them to yourself. That way, if your documents are lost or stolen you can easily access copies from your e-mail.

• A bad sunburn early in your trip can make you uncomfortable for the duration. The sun is very strong in Mexico, so use sunscreen on any exposed skin, even if you're not on the beach. Remember, you can get a sunburn even on an overcast day.  I’m am against tanning booths, but because we are from the Midwest and have really light skin during the winter months, we go to tanning 2 to 3 times before traveling to a tropical region.

Beautiful plant and flowers are abundant 

Mexico has beautiful beaches, amazing sunsets, friendly (and beautiful people) and great food.  

What to Do:

Many hotels offer shows right on the property for example on our trips, during the Christmas holiday there was a live re-enacted naivety scene and on spring break, a show of traditional Spanish dancers.  If you prefer not to swim in the ocean, all hotels have swimming pools, and most more than one.

Group sightseeing tours, water sports, day trips and deep-sea fishing, etc., all can be booked right from your hotel. Or just relax, have an adult beverage and enjoy the white sandy beaches right out of your hotel!

 

You may see one of these on your trip!!

Mayan Ruins:  Chichen Itza

We like touring historical sites so have visited two of the major Mayan ruins so far in Mexico.  The first is Chichen Itza (rhymes with chicken pizza).  You can book the group tour from your hotel and the tour bus comes right to the front steps of the hotel to pick you up.  

Chichen Itza was created by people called the Itzles in 445 BC. But 800 years later, the city was empty.  The Maya name "Chichen Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza."

On many tours, lunch is included.  Our first stop was a small village to visit an underground waterfall and pool.  While there a local would dive off the cliff for tips.  There were also local vendors selling clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry. 

Next was a lunch of authentic Mexican food with lots of beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat. 

Chichen Itza, The El Castillo or Kukulkan Pyramid

Finally, we arrived at the ruins, which are absolutely breathtaking.  The El Castillo (or Kukulkan Pyramid) is possibly the best-known construction at the Chichen Itza site.  The pyramid has a square base and is a stepped pyramid that is approximately 75 feet tall. It was built for astronomical purposes and during the vernal equinox (March 20) and the autumnal equinox (September 21) at about 3pm the sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid's main stairway. 

My son and daughter descending the pyramid

The sophisticated Mayan calendar is incorporated in the architecture of this pyramid. The number of steps on each of the four sides is 91, adding up to 364, which together with the top platform equals the number of days in a year.

At the time we visited, tourists could climb to the top, without railings or any safety features I might add.  It was a little scary, (very) but I did make it on the second attempt.  The view from the top was stunning and well worth the climb.  Coming down was even scarier as it’s a very steep incline.  I used the “scoot-on-the-butt” method of climbing down!  I have heard that recently tourists are no longer permitted to climb the Pyramid.

Once I got to the top of the Pyramid I took this shot of The Temple of Warriors

Ring in the Great Ball Court, Chichen Itza

The Mayans were great sportsmen and built huge ballcourts to play their games. The Great Ball Court of Chichén Itzá is 545 feet long and 225 feet wide overall. 

After walking around the ruin, you can walk down to the pool where human sacrifices were held!

Tulum:

Another Tour we have taken while in Mexico is a Mayan ruins called Tulum.

Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited and built by the Mayas. It was, at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have been the cause of its demise. 

Ruins at Tulum

The Mayan ruins tower over the sea in Tulum. The formerly walled city's archaeological sites are incredibly well preserved.

Just north of the Castillo is a pathway that leads down to a sandy beach and the multi-hued Caribbean. For visual drama, a walk along the beach provides ample opportunity for photographs. 

My daughter headed to the beach at Tulum

Walking and swimming on the beach at Tulum

The walk is an adventure into, around, and under nooks and crannies carved out of the cliffs. Each turn you take brings a new, secluded stretch of the Caribbean. Swimming around Mayan ruins is just an amazing experience.

Birdman at Tulum

Tulum is also situated right next to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with great hiking for those who want to experience jungle wildlife living amidst pristine rain-forests and Mayan ruins.

Scuba Diving:

The waters around Cancun are crystal clear and great for scuba diving.  My husband and daughter are the divers in the family and usually go on a dive whenever we’re on vacation. The dive they did in Cancun is one of their favorites.

Leaving for Scuba Diving

Isla Mujeres (Island Touring):

A great day trip is to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women)

Isla Mujeres is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, located eight miles off of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, near Cancun Mexico.  A ferry takes you to the island and once there you can rent a golf cart and spend the day exploring the island, swimming and enjoying a beautiful sunset before heading back to the mainland.

Isla Mujeres (Island of Women)

My daughter swimming, at Isla Mujeres in a private cove

Shopping:

There are many shops (and restaurants) in the Cancun area to pick up souvenirs or purchase local art work within walking distance of the hotels.

Bargaining and bartering are common activities in Mexico, especially at markets and craft shops.  Never accept the first price you're offered, but be realistic with your counteroffers so as to not offend the shop owner or artist. If you offend them, they may just refuse to sell to you.

Bull Fights:

We also spent an evening at the Bullfights!  It was a huge well-performed show with Spanish dancers, horseback riders doing rodeo and rope tricks, more Spanish dancers, and even chicken fights. 

Of course, the show ended with a bullfighter and a bull.

 

Spanish dancers at the Bull Fights

Show performers at the Bull Fight

Speed Boats:

If you need more adventure, try a speed boat tour around the coastline.  We had two speed boats between the four of us.  A lead boat and guide took us at top speeds through the water, around and through a mangrove forest, and ended with snorkeling while anchored out in the ocean.

My son and husband in the boat in front of us!  Take a speed boat out for fun!

  

Other:

You can also go on a horseback riding trip on the beach, ride ATV’s through the jungle, golf, get a massage, water ski, visit a volcano and many other adventures.

Learn a Little Spanish:

Thank goodness my daughter Alexis is a good linguist.  She picks up different languages easily and does much of our translating. A little bit of Spanish goes a long way! Try your hardest to speak as much Spanish as you can with the locals and it will get you a lot further than simply trying to get them to understand our English.  Remember, you’re in their country now.

Sunset and white sandy beaches

Mexico is a beautiful country with lots of culture, friendly people, beautiful architecture and interesting things to see and do.  For a great trip to Mexico, you just need a little understanding of Spanish, be able to keep an open mind, be willing to try new things, and meet new people.   

Have fun and enjoy your vacation!

Elizabeth  

 Walking on the beach