MEXICO
September 2019
We set off on a 4-day adventure and obviously didn't get to see all of Mexico; the country is big and full of things to do.
We focused our stay on the eastern tip of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula region, bordered by the Caribbean Sea. And we've already had time to feast our eyes. Welcome to Mexico!
Not having chosen to visit the capital Mexico City, we took a flight directly to Cancun!
Our goal was not to spend all our time in this city but to enjoy it for a day and make it our base for the first night.
ACCOMMODATION
In Cancun , we were able to enjoy the Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone*** complex.
The outdoor facilities are magnificent: a very large swimming pool, a bar right on the water, a huge garden with facilities like a tree house, large nets stretched between the trees, hammocks, etc. for relaxing. All this with a view of the water, in short, an outdoor paradise.
Another advantage, and not the least, is that the hotel is located in the heart of Cancun, a stone's throw from the street where all the nightclubs and bars, as well as restaurants, are located.
Beach access is also nearby, as is a supermarket, always useful for necessary travel purchases!
Selina Cancun Laguna ***
Hotel Antera ****
For the next two nights, we chose to spend them in Playa Del Carmen, a fairly touristy city as well. From a geographical point of view, it was also easier for us to get around for the rest of the program.
Once again we booked our hotel at the last minute. The day before our stay, we chose the Antera **** hotel on Booking.com , listed among the top 10 hotels in Playa Del Carmen according to the website. And once again, we are not disappointed!
Located one street back from the beach and in the heart of a lively neighborhood, the hotel also offers a peaceful setting. The attentive staff and rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi offer sea views. It's the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing.
Cancun
A short day was enough for us to tour Cancun and see what this city, known to party-goers around the world, has to offer.
Hotel complexes, beaches, dozens of clubs, restaurants... this is where it's all happening!
More restless at night than during the day, we took advantage of the day to take a tour of the city in the afternoon before tasting our first quesadillas in the country, the food Mexican cuisine has become one of our favorites. In Mexico, restaurant meals are a little cheaper than prices in France, for example.
The main street with all the clubs is already busy in the afternoon with locals inviting you to the parties that will take place in a few hours. Cancun is very touristy, so avoid it if it's not your thing.
The city of celebration
We watched the sunset on the beach before seeing the city transform for the entire night . People from all over the streets, three different songs in your ears at once coming from the clubs you pass, the party echoes everywhere.
The city lives up to its reputation, so if you want to spend a week of relaxation, parties and beach time with friends, Cancun is the place to be.
However, plan a dedicated budget, as club admissions can quickly add up. As for alcohol , sales in supermarkets and small shops are stopped around 8-9 p.m. to favor bars and clubs.
Isla Mujeres
The typical island not to be missed
Our favorite part of the day was discovering the true tip of Mexico. Indeed, the tip of Isla Mujeres is the starting point of the country. The place is magnificent, with a few ruins overlooking the point where the sea crashes. Iguanas are kings here.
To get to Isla Mujeres you have to take a ferry, the advantage is that we were able to take our car with us for a small fee. It's very convenient for getting around the island freely .
Fairly unspoiled, the island is perfect for a day trip. The water is very beautiful.
Playa del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is a touristy beach town. For us, it was perfectly located for our next stops. That's why we spent little time in town except for the end of the day and evenings. During these times, we were able to find our happiness in restaurants and shops to buy some souvenirs and also indulge in new swimsuits, we admit.
Time to recharge our batteries at the Anterra Hotel and we were off again for new adventures.
Chichen Itza
I validate my first of the 7 new wonders of the world
This step could indeed be described as wonderful.
We were so happy to finally see this celebrity with our own eyes. Impressed and very small, that's how I would describe my feelings. The history of the place fascinates you and, like us, perhaps you will have fun imagining life at that time.
We leave early in the morning to finally visit the famous pyramid. Since the place is very popular, it is advisable to go there in the morning to make the most of it. This will also allow you to avoid the heatwave, as it is stiflingly hot there.
You can choose to visit the site alone or with a guide. We chose to explore the area freely; explanatory plaques at the foot of the buildings allow you to understand the history of the place.
We paid about £10 for entry. The place is once again very touristy, so many locals are set up in the aisles offering all sorts of souvenirs.
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Chichen Itza sits at the center of the archaeological site, but you can explore a host of other monuments while walking around. So, plan a good half-day to allow enough time to fully enjoy the visit.
Cenotes
Swim in hidden waters, explore the Cenotes.
Mexico is full of cenotes, hundreds of which are spread throughout the country.
These are chasms like small caves, very often filled with fresh water. This makes them real natural swimming pools. There are several characteristics, some have clearer waters, others are more open to the sky, while still others have only a small opening to the sky like a well of light.
It is possible to go diving or simply swim there, armed if you wish with a mask to discover the inhabitants of these cenotes. We were able to swim with a lot of fish but also turtles and even met bats!
Somewhat at random, we chose to discover two cenotes that were very different from each other.
The first one is located at the entrance to Valladolid ''X'Keken'' and the second ' 'Gran Cénote'' in Tulum.
These two cenotes are in the top 10 on the Viago website, so don't hesitate to check it out for more ideas and to help you plan your trip!
https://viago.ca/top-10-of-the-most-beautiful-cenotes-in-mexico/
X'Keken
The first cenote we discovered after our visit to Chichen Itza. It is also called Dzitnup. This cenote is very impressive, with only a light well in the center and stalagmites descending from all sides into the water. This setting contributes to a unique atmosphere and makes the visit something unmissable.
For each cenote we paid an entrance ticket between approximately $8 and $15.
Gran Cenote
Second cenote that we visit on our last day there. Nothing to do with X'Keken, this time the place is much more open to the sky. The translucent water allows you to directly see the turtles and small fish that wander there. The cenote is "organized" into two communicating parts connected by a corridor in which dozens of bats live. Thrills guaranteed... but once again a magical experience.
Tulum & Valladolid
Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to explore these two places in depth, but the quick glimpses we did get were perfect. Add them to your list!
In short, this first trip to Mexico was magical. The country has many secrets to discover, and Mexican food can only help you fall in love! Being a very large territory, I would really like to be able to return in a few years to discover even more things...
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
WHEN TO LEAVE?
LOCAL CURRENCY
MY ADVICE
The best time to go is from November to April . Cyclones are possible between August and October generally. We left at the end of September and had no problems, maybe a stroke of luck..?
The local currency is the Mexican peso.
1 peso = 0.039 €
Renting a car definitely made it easier for us to plan our trip. You 're free to choose the route you want , and the distances were quite reasonable . We rented the car directly upon arrival at the airport with Alamo. It might be better to book in advance for peak season.
Maniway