It's no news that México has paradisiac beaches.
In this guide you'll find our #GuestTravelTips for several top destinations in this amazing country:
MEXICO CITY:
Visit: Polanco (you'll find all brands for shopping and lots of restaurants in Masaryk Avenue), Roma Norte, Condesa
To escape the city: Valle de Bravo (here we recommend lunch at Avándaro and El Lugar Del Que Te Hablé)
RESTAURANTS:
-Lampuga: fish -Lardo: lunch / brunch
-Rosa Negra
-Isola
-Manaw (thai)
-Cuerno Masaryk
-Blanco Colima
-Niich
DRINKS:
-Mandolina
-Rosa Negra
COFFEE
-Niddo -Constela
-Madre
-Ladurée
ATTRACTIONS:
-Chapultepec Castle
-Bellas Artes Museum
DANCING:
-Tequila
If you want a tour bus to go around the city we recommend: TURIBUS
BEACHES/HOTELS
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
It is approximately 70 km distance from Cancun, therefore, when landing with the plane you can go by transfer or taxi to Playa del Carmen.
HOTELS: In this type of destination it is best to go to an all-inclusive and forget about everything. Staying here you can then go to explore the surroundings. As we know that everything depends on the budget, we leave you several options:
-ALL INCLUSIVES: Riu hotels, Royal Haciendas.
-HOTEL/APARTMENTS: Beachfront Penthouse at El Faro Reef 401. It has a penthouse with a pool and terrace overlooking the divine sea! You can go as a group because it includes 3 rooms, but you can find other smaller ones with less rooms. It has direct access to the beach, a pool and is well located. Calle 1ª Lote 8 MZ 31, Num 211, 401 Reef, Playa del Carmen.
-HOSTEL for those who want a cheaper option: Hostel México, is on 5th Avenue, very nice and good service.
SHOPPING: You can find everything on 5th Avenue. From more local stores (we recommend La Bikineria for swimwear) to big brands like H&M, F21, Victoria's Secret, etc. In any case, the places that are outside this avenue are usually a little cheaper, the best thing to do is to walk around!
NIGHT: On 5th avenue you have tons of bars and restaurants. The night here is a little quieter than Cancun, but there are very good options.
SR. FROGS: original cheerful bar where the waitress dance around.
COCOBONGO: a discoteque located 1 block away from 5th Avenue. They make live shows. Nightlife happens here.
RESTAURANTS: There's a place on the 5th Avenue called FAH, great place for lunch and breakfast. You can also go at night and have some drinks.
Another nice place for lunch on the beach: ÍNDIGO. Very good service and food! It's also opened at night to enjoy a dinner under the moon light.
EATALY: If you need a break from mexican food, there's always Italian food!
TRANSPORTATION: There is a bus service that goes to different places in the Riviera Maya such as Cancun, Tulum and intermediate places such as XCaret and others; it is called: “Foreign collective services or shuttle bus” and they leave every 10 minutes. Safe and very cheap!
To drive around Playa del Carmen you don't need a car, you walk everywhere.
CANCÚN
It is much larger than Playa del Carmen and has much more night life; therefore, its the best option when traveling with friends. In March it is "spring break" in the US so at this time the night is on fire.
HOTELS: You have everything from all-inclusive to smaller hotels, apartments, hostels… If you go to an all-inclusive, we recommend big hotels like Ritz, Riu, Barceló, Live Acqua. But there is a huge offer. The best area to stay is the "Zona Hotelera" (Hotel Zone). Some recommended hotels here are: Hotel Presidente and Kin Ha Villas & Suites.
It has several BEACHES: Playa Delfines, Chac Mool, Marlin. If you have time, try to get to know different ones.
SHOPPING TIPS: Remember that Mercado 23 is much cheaper than 28! But they are quite small markets, only if you need to grab some food and fruit. You also have La Isla Shopping, that's outdoors. It has several restaurants and a cinema.
RESTAURANTS: Rosa Negra is one of the fashionable places that offers a different experience.
Other options: La Habichuela, Harry's. Illios Greek Estiatorio, Tora.
Healthy spot: Almaverde.
ACTIVITIES: If you like diving and have a certificate, there are Navy ships 85-90 feet off the coast. There is even a museum under the sea!
Being in Cancun you can go to Chichen Itza which is a few hours away. You can also visit Xcaret, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.
Below you'll find several places and activities to take into considerations:
PUERTO AVENTURA
An ALL-INCLUSIVE recommendation: Hard Rock. It has a private beach, several restaurantes, a huge pool and a very nice view.
ACTIVITIES: Near Puerto Aventura there is an activity to swim with dolphins! Check with your hotel if they offer this visit.
You can also go to Xlpor; down below under the heading "Activities" you have all the info.
NIGHT: In the Hard Rock Hotel there is a bowling alley called HEAVEN, upstairs it has a bar with a pool and drinks and downstairs a disco with other amazing pools!
TULÚM
It is one of the paradisiacal beaches of Mexico... and the world!
It has several little beaches, a very nice one is the one that extends under the ruins of Tulúm and Playa Paraíso, a beach with calm waters with coral reefs where you can snorkel / dive.
You can go by taxi or combi to spend the day. Others choose it as a stay. It has so many options that it is ideal both for those who prefer a hyper-quiet and romantic destination and for those who need movement.
If you are going to spend the day and have lunch at a hotel on the beach, they give you a drink to use the amenities of the hotel of your choice!
Other recommended BEACHES:
-Bedouin Life Concept
-Neek Tulum: Gastronomy, music, cocktails. Please try the shrimps, the hamburger and the guacamole. They do not charge minimum consumption, only 10 usd for the day to use lounge chairs, kayak, paddle surf. Ideal to see the sunset.
-Umi
-Diamante K
-Vagalume
-Casa Gitano
ACCOMMODATION: There is a Hotel&Spa called Ana y José that has several divine cabins and if you are not staying you can still go and eat by the beach. It's expensive to stay! But if you are going to spend the day eating there is delicious, they have great customer service and the beach down there is amazing. We recommend it more for couples or those who seek calm because it is very quiet.
The best areas to stay are the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) or La Veleta.
Here the hotels are quite expensive, perhaps it is best to spend the day and stay somewhere else like Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Puerto Aventura. But if you need other options to sleep:
-Ahau Tulum
-Coyote House
-Nomade Tulum
-Nativus, glamping -Umi -Azulik
-Diamante K
-Dreams
-Casa Gitano
-Trece Lunas
RESTAURANTS
The popular
Taboo
Kanan
Black Rose Nicoletta Alma Verde: lunch & healthy options.
Loco: Mediterranean
Boccanera: best pizza
Fit A Licious: gluten-free, healthy, veggie
Vagalume
Casa Gitano
PUBS
Gypsy
Jaguar House
Papaya Beach Club
Vagalume
To rent bikes: Tigre de Mar.
And to rent cars: Sky Blue Car Rental.
COZUMEL
It is located to the east of the Yucatan Peninsula and is an island with very beautiful beaches, archaeological sites and the second largest reef in the world. Its name means "land of the swallows" in Mayan. It is one of the typical islands to visit.
You can arrive through Punta Langosta or Puerta Maya. If your case is the first option, you only need to cross the street and you are in the heart of the island with shops, restaurants, bars... Rafael Melgar avenue is the main one.
If you arrived through Puerta Maya, a tourist attraction per excellence, you can find whatever you can imagine but there are 2 bars that are highly recommended: Los 3 amigos and Fast Tuesday.
A good season to visit Cozumel is during the Carnival, this takes place on different dates according to the dates of Holy Week but it is usually in the month of February.
If you want to have a good, rich and cheap breakfast or lunch, you have the Cozumel market, a few blocks from downtown. There is a good restaurant called COCONUTS that is the best!
TRANSPORTATION: Getting around by taxi is fast and comfortable, but expensive (always ask for the rate before getting in). If you plan to spend a few days in Cozumel, we suggest you rent a cheap motorcycle or car. You will save a lot.
If you are staying here and not in Playa del Carmen, we recommend going to the pier and cross to spend the day there (see schedules). It is a good opportunity to also get to know the famous 5th Avenue of Playa del Carmen, the town and its beaches; getting there takes around 1 hour.
Most of the stores in the center of Cozumel close by 4PM, because most of the cruises leave the island. But restaurants and bars remain open.
You can see the best sunsets from the pier or Malecón de Cozumel.
There are divine and calm beaches on the eastern side of the island. Note: There are no stores there so take what you need so you can have a good time (water and food).
There is an archaeological highly recommended zone called San Gervasio.
If you're on a tight budget, shop after the cruise ship tourists have left.
If you are going to snorkel there are several options, do not marry the first one, and see if it offers a lunch package that is sometimes convenient.
ISLA MUJERES
Beach + tropical jungle, an exceptional landscape. It is also a nice place to snorkel/dive and swim with dolphins/turtles.
If you go by car, we recommend parking right in front of the ferry departure, which is much cheaper than the Port car park. And from there you take the Ultramar ferry to the island.
If you are in Cancun, at 4km from the hotel zone you have a bridge known as Calinda where a boat leaves early for the island and is not expensive at all.
As soon as you arrive, if you walk to the left you have North Beach that goes to the Mía hotel. A semi-nudist beach.
RESTAURANT: Tikinxik, in Playa Lancheros, is a beautiful beach and this restaurant has a famous fish with a very good recipe in its name.
NIGHT: you have Fayne's, a bar with live music, usually a chosen place by tourists. Other options are: La Terraza (on weekends it has live salsa) and there are both tourists and locals, Koko Nuts, Euforica and MySpace. You also have a smaller option called VIP.
Two well-known tequilerias are: La Adelita and Tiny's Bar.
El Patio, the most romantic restaurant with live music.
Very close to the temple of the goddess Ixchel, is the sea turtle farm, dedicated to caring for and protecting different species of this turtle and then releasing them into the sea.
While they have them you can visit them!
AKUMAL
Another jewel of the Riviera Maya, a small town known for its paradisiacal white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Also known for its spectacle of hundreds of sea turtles, which choose this corner of the Caribbean.
As soon as you arrive, millions of vendors appear to offer you snorkeling equipment and more. It can be very annoying but having so much offer helps to fight for better prices. Find out the best days and times to go because if you go in the middle of the season this place loses that peace and tranquility a bit and is full of people wanting to see the turtles, so you can end up not seeing any!
CENOTES
A cenote (from the Mayan ts'ono'ot: cave with water) is a flooded geological depression found in some deep caverns, it is formed as a result of the collapse of the roof of one or more caves. There the underground waters come together, forming a more or less deep pond.
The Mexican cenotes are the best known and are considered by many to be the best in the world.
COBÁ
It is a Mayan city that has residential complexes and other buildings that used to have ceremonial and funeral functions. The visit begins in the Cobá group where you can admire a temple almost 25 meters high known as La Iglesia.
You can also see the "ball game" and other buildings that are in the middle of a great jungle, you can go on foot or bicycle.
When you get to the pyramid, the view of the jungle is impressive.
There is a very nice GREAT CENOTE nearby if you have time to spend.
CABO SAN LUCAS
One of the best beaches in Mexico bathed by the turquoise waters of the Mar de Cortés (Sea of Cortez). A combination of landscapes between mountains and desert, it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco due to its natural wealth.
Among its beaches, the romantic Playa del Amor stands out, accessible only by sea, an impressive place that has as its background the immense rock formation known as El Arco and other minor ones such as Neptune's Finger. You can also snorkel / dive.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Port city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, bordered by large rock formations and amazing beaches. Good destination to go with friends and for surf lovers.
Zicatela is considered one of the best beaches in Mexico for surfing, with waves that reach 6 meters. There are others with calmer waters to snorkel and rest, such as Manzanillo, Angelito and Carrizalillo, the latter is possibly the most beautiful, known by its high cliffs and its peace.
To eat and have some drinks you can go to Mombasa.
And for great sushi: Sommo La Punta.
At 11pm everything closes and everyone goes to Zicatela.
OTHER SPOTS AND BEACHES
Mazunte, small town.
Punta Cometa and Playa Mermejita, where you can see amazing sunsets.
ACTIVITIES
XPLOR
Adventure park to enjoy zip lines, rafts, underground swimming, cars through the jungle... You can go at day or night. Super fun.
#GuestTravelTips: Take "pescadines" (swimming shoes), otherwise they won't let you pass! Also comfortable clothes that can get wet. Also leave some dry clothes in the lockers and a towel for later.
It is not necessary to bring food because it is included in the ticket, it has a huge dining room where you can help yourself freely and you have lots of options: salads, appetizers, soups, main courses, desserts, drinks.
CHICHEN ITZÁ
Highly recommended. A very nice place full of energy. One of the 7 wonders of the world.
Be careful when buying jewelry that claims to be silver/gold, many are fake. Nearby you have the IK KIL cenote full of fish, it is something impressive and a must go.
ACUATIC PARKS: XEL-HA Y XCARET
Both recommended and managed by the same company. Many recommend Xel-Ha more, although Xcaret has an impressive night show. If you have time you can go at day to one and at night to the other.
Always bring "pescadines" (swimming shoes), comfortable clothes, and something dry for later. We do not recommend going with a tour, do it better on your own!
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Weather/When to travel: Thanks to its privileged tropical climate, it is always a good time to travel. The sunny days go practically throughout the year. The average temperatures remain without great variations with 35ºC in summer and 27ºC in winter. What you have to take into account is the rainfall.
From June to November (summer-autumn), it is a very rainy season, with a greater possibility of tropical storms and cyclones, with September and October being the most affected months. In this period of the year, prices drop due to lower demand, except for the months of June and July, which are holidays in the northern hemisphere. From December to May (winter-spring), it is a drier season with a more favorable climate, where rainfall is usually only occasional. Therefore, as it is the season with the best weather, the prices of accommodation and other tourist services increase, especially from mid-December to March.
New Year is a beautiful time, perhaps more expensive but the streets and beaches dress up for a good party!
In all restaurants check that the bill does not include a tip before leaving one.
If you need a calm vacation, try to escape SPRING BREAK season!
Do not accept broken or damaged money. Mexico has very strict laws for defacement of currency and if you accept it, you will most likely not be able to use it anywhere.
It is best to always drink bottled water. Tap water is fine for bathing or brushing your teeth, but it is not the best for drinking. The ice is safe as it is produced in ice factories with purified water.
Electricity: The standard electrical service in Mexico is 110 volts. Hotels often offer 220 volt converters. Some electrical outlets do not accept three-prong or polarized plugs. It is recommended that you bring your own adapter (sometimes they can be purchased at the hotel shop).
Transportation: @viajescaribemaya or @skybluecarrental
Others: Unfortunately there are a lot of police who stop you when driving just to receive a bribe, always have some cash for this.