playaguya
15th April 2006, 06:40 AM
5 nights in Akumal followed by 3 in Tulum. This will be the Tulum portion. Really happy with the whole week. It’s been 10 years or more since we’ve been to the Yucatan. So glad we decided to go back. Stayed away from the crowds at Cancun and PDC, but lots of space and great beaches further south.
Flew into Cancun, met by the Easyway Car rep, in and out of their office in about 10 minutes. Took even less time when we returned the car. Great service and I’d use them again. Smooth ride down to Akumal, then to Tulum. I’ve read a little about driving problems, Pemex ploys, but didn’t see or experience any of that. Very easy to navigate the roads and get around the towns. In Tulum we stayed at Retiro Maya, one of the many cabana properties well south of the ruins. Nice beach, sand-over-concrete floors, private bath, very romantic, candle-lighting, restaurant on-site, friendly owner and staff, about $120 a night in high season. Anytime walks on the beach, starry night skies, ocean breezes all gave it a really good vibe. Home 6 nights now and still miss that feel of powder sand when I get up out of my own bed.
Lots of beach time this trip, with books, beer, rum, tequila, and an occasional Cuban cigar. That’s one of the nice features of a return trip. We’d already done Chichen Itza, the Tulum ruins, Xcaret, XelHa in the past, so we didn’t feel the need to do as much sightseeing this time. Picked “Hidden World” - I think that’s the name – for our cenote, and it was a great choice. Incredible snorkel with stalactites, -mites, bats, and lots of other cool things. Plus it was actually 2 different cenotes – a wide, circular one and another that was narrow, twisty and has been open to the public less than 2 years. $40 a person and worth it. Also included a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Took a drive a little ways into Sian Kaan, as far as the observation tower. Great views from there, but what a rough road! We decided we didn’t want to drive it past the bridge, where it’s ungraded and even rougher. I think if we really wanted to get the full biosphere experience, we’d need to book a tour…but that would’ve meant giving up beach time. Maybe manana.
Ate all our meals in Tulum City because we like to go where we think the locals might go. El Mariachi, Don Karonte, and the local bakery were 3 of our favorites. Fillet of fish in garlic sauce one night, in cilantro sauce another, Arranchada (thin beef), the El Mariachi special for 2, fresh lobster tails, lots of guacamole and cervezas. The most expensive was about $40 for 2, and that was the night one of us got the lobster. Otherwise it was in the $20-$30 range. Lunches were about $10 because we’d have a beer, split an appetizer, and save room for dinner.
Like I said at the start, great trip. We won’t wait another 10 years to go back. Thanks to all whose info I used in planning this one.
Flew into Cancun, met by the Easyway Car rep, in and out of their office in about 10 minutes. Took even less time when we returned the car. Great service and I’d use them again. Smooth ride down to Akumal, then to Tulum. I’ve read a little about driving problems, Pemex ploys, but didn’t see or experience any of that. Very easy to navigate the roads and get around the towns. In Tulum we stayed at Retiro Maya, one of the many cabana properties well south of the ruins. Nice beach, sand-over-concrete floors, private bath, very romantic, candle-lighting, restaurant on-site, friendly owner and staff, about $120 a night in high season. Anytime walks on the beach, starry night skies, ocean breezes all gave it a really good vibe. Home 6 nights now and still miss that feel of powder sand when I get up out of my own bed.
Lots of beach time this trip, with books, beer, rum, tequila, and an occasional Cuban cigar. That’s one of the nice features of a return trip. We’d already done Chichen Itza, the Tulum ruins, Xcaret, XelHa in the past, so we didn’t feel the need to do as much sightseeing this time. Picked “Hidden World” - I think that’s the name – for our cenote, and it was a great choice. Incredible snorkel with stalactites, -mites, bats, and lots of other cool things. Plus it was actually 2 different cenotes – a wide, circular one and another that was narrow, twisty and has been open to the public less than 2 years. $40 a person and worth it. Also included a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Took a drive a little ways into Sian Kaan, as far as the observation tower. Great views from there, but what a rough road! We decided we didn’t want to drive it past the bridge, where it’s ungraded and even rougher. I think if we really wanted to get the full biosphere experience, we’d need to book a tour…but that would’ve meant giving up beach time. Maybe manana.
Ate all our meals in Tulum City because we like to go where we think the locals might go. El Mariachi, Don Karonte, and the local bakery were 3 of our favorites. Fillet of fish in garlic sauce one night, in cilantro sauce another, Arranchada (thin beef), the El Mariachi special for 2, fresh lobster tails, lots of guacamole and cervezas. The most expensive was about $40 for 2, and that was the night one of us got the lobster. Otherwise it was in the $20-$30 range. Lunches were about $10 because we’d have a beer, split an appetizer, and save room for dinner.
Like I said at the start, great trip. We won’t wait another 10 years to go back. Thanks to all whose info I used in planning this one.