traveljunkiedad-blog

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Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula

I was having lunch with some co-workers today and I shared about an amazing trip I had a year ago. They asked for a lot of the details, and I figured if both of them wanted it.. then someone else may appreciate the research and effort it took to pull the family trip together. My only ask if you leverage any of my research is that that you share your experiences. If there is one thing I have learned in all of my travelers.. we are a self-selecting population, that have personally experienced that people are good, and that we love to share the that good with others. 

So first.. to give you some context.. we are a family of 5.. Mom, Dad (me), three girls 12, 11 and 8. They have been on roadtrips and have traveled to fairly extensively since they were little kids. 

Logistics/Basics

Flights- I typically fly into Cancun.. however depending on your airline points you can fly into Cozumel, Merida. As long as you are renting a car.. and planning on exploring the Peninsula for at least a week.. it almost doesn’t matter where you fly and out of. I usually fly in and out of Cancun because the volume of flights usually equals lower prices. 

Rental Cars- Ever hear of a $1 Rental Car? Ever hear that saying “too good to be true” It is..  Rental Insurance is MANDATORY in Mexico and costs roughly 15-25 dollars per day on top when booking with Expedia. I have booked directly with some of the rental car companies like Avis and found insurance had already been included. But Expedia does NOT include it. Also your credit card sufficient. Expect to pay the 15-25 for basic and you may still need the credit card insurance that your Amex or Chase Sapphire reserve may offer. Is it worth it? If you are staying in the hotel zone the whole time? no.. but it’s EXTREMLY helpful if you want to explore the Yucatan peninsula. I would even do it for a day rental to go to Talum or Chitzen Itza. 

Tourist Police and Bribes- Mexico is still an emerging country and the police will occasionally stop you for a bribe. It’s fairly common. For me.. the tourist police stopped me in the Hotel Zone of Cancun.. he pulled me over for speeding (which I was).. he said that he need to take the family, car and I into the police station.. he used the scare tactic.. then he mentioned that he is willing to “help me out” since i have a family and all.. and that I could pay the fine there.. and he would take care of the paperwork.. I gave him 40 bucks and he was super happy.. told me i could speed there anytime and he would “cover me”.. don’t let this ruin your vacation.. lots of emerging countries have things like this.. just chalk it up to a “cultural experience”

So finally here is our family itinerary:

Day 1- 3- Cancun Hotel Zone

Hotel- We stayed at the Marriott Casa Magna to de-tank from the travel, work stress, etc. It’s not the cheapest.. but I have Marriott points that make the hotel stay free for me. 

Great Eats- 

Cheap Eats near the hotel- 

Tacun- Hole in the wall Mexican Food in the middle of the Hotel Zone- https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacun-canc%C3%BAn

Taco Factory- In the middle of a clubbing zone (my clubbing days are over).. but I have always enjoyed their Al Pastor Taco’s con/Pina (with pineapple) with the green sauce (watch out.. the green sauce is habanero here). 

La Parrilla- There are now three of these... one even in the hotel zone that I have not been to.. but I go to this one.. https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-parrilla-canc%C3%BAn-2 It has a great lunch buffet (I think on Sunday’s).. you know you are in the right place.. when you are surrounded by locals in their sunday best after church.. also this is close to the Mercado’s where you can do some cool souvenir shopping. 

Mr. Pamaps- Why go to a Brazillian BBQ in Cancun? Cause it’s a bargain. soemthing like 25 bucks per person for a meal.. make sure to try some mexican wine.. long before Napa Valley.. the Spanish Missionary’s were making wine in Mexico.  https://www.yelp.com/biz/mr-pampas-canc%C3%BAn

Activities- 

Aquaworld- For the timid or newbies.. you can pay a professional group to take you on a power boat out to some battered reefs and do some snorkeling ~50-60 bucks per person, includes drinks and lunch. 

Puerto Morelos- We like to go here to snorkel.. the reefs are fairly untouched.. there are a couple booths where people will take you out.. depending on the season.. and how much they like you.. i have gotten my family of 5 out for 120 bucks.. for roughly a couple hours.. i tipped the boat captain (small dingy type boat) and the swim guide 20 bucks each.. and we just had lunch there. These are the types of experiences a car unlocks. 

Talum- you can read up on that.. it is a must do.. 

Coba- Cool place to climb to the top of the mayan ruin.. but be careful.. its un-managed.. btw.. I would pay the guys who will ride their bikes to get you to the ruin.. walking there is a pain.. and may be the difference in stamina of climbing to the top. 

Playa Carmen- Awesome Euro-Vib in Cancun. 

Day 3-9 - Valladolid, Merida and Uxmal 

Merida Hotel- Luz En Yucatan-  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150811-d305571-Reviews-Luz_En_Yucatan-Merida_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

There is simply no better place you can stay in.. I may consider them my favorite place to stay in the world! And I travel a TON. This hotel is ideally located in the old town area of Merida. Some of the best restaurants in the Yucatan peninsula can be found near the hotel as well as the main Plaza. 

It’s 12:30am.. Ed/Bernarda will write more later.