This is a guest post from Gemma Stone.
Stepping outside the Cancun Airport, I am met with an immense wave of hot – strike that – really hot air. Humid, yet breezy, the warmth is exactly what I’ve been craving throughout the extended British winter. Such a remarkable shock to the system, I’m happy enough to just stand on the pavement outside the airport doors, basking in the sunshine for hours. But no, this is my big Mexican adventure! It is time to start exploring.
Cancun, Day 1
My research has convinced me that the only way to experience the true magic of the Mayan Riviera is to travel it by car. Though the thought of renting a car and navigating the busy Hwy. 307 is a bit daunting, it’s simply the only way I will realistically see everything on my list.
I’ve decided to explore Cancun first, before heading south along the famous coastline. First stop: the award-winning Playa Delfines beach. With deep turquoise waters and soft, fine sand, it’s easy to see how this famous public beach was chosen by TripAdvisor users as one of the top 10 beaches in all of Mexico. The beach, my fully-stocked eReader and a few umbrella-adorned cocktails are keeping me busy during my first day in Mexico.
It’s Day Two now, but before setting off, I’m stopping by the Museo Mayo de Cancun to learn more about the fascinating history of the ancient civilization. Wow. In addition to the amazing artifacts within it, the newly-opened museum is also stunning from the outside. Visiting the museum is the perfect way to end my time in Cancun.
Cancun, Mexico
Tulum & Soliman Bay, Days 3 & 4
Behind the wheel, and putting my ‘right-side’ driving skills to the ultimate test, I am heading south toward Playa del Carmen. I stopped briefly in this mexican restaurant for a lunch of mexican food on the beach and a lovely walk in the warm sand. I didn’t stay too long, since I planned to explore Playa del Carmen more on my way back up the coast.
Back on the road, I’m heading straight to Tulum to view the famous Pre-Columbian Mayan walled city. The ruins of Tulum promise to provide a brilliant peak into how the Mayans lived so many generations ago.
As I write this, I can’t stop smiling. My favourite part of this leg of the journey has to be exploring the nearby caves of Cenote Chaak Tun. I’ve just returned from this extensive underground river system, but I could have spent the entire day swimming around the caves in these incredible natural swimming pools.
Near both Tulum and Akumal (where I stopped to swim with the sea turtles!!) I am spending my second and third nights in the peaceful Soliman Bay. Close enough to all the nearby attractions, yet away from the tourist path, this secluded seaside spot is giving me the best of both worlds: busy action-packed days with serene, relaxing evenings.
Tulum, Mexico
Xcalak, Day 5 & 6
My last stop along the eastern Yucatan coast, before heading back north, is the village of Xcalak. Under 10 miles north of the Belize border, it’s about as south on the Yucatan as I can go.
When planning holidays to Mexico, it’s easy for Xcalak to fall under the radar. With such an emphasis on larger tourist cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, tiny Xcalak often goes unnoticed – but that’s why it’s so amazing. Unspoilt by over-development and busy crowds, it is officially my favourite spot along the coast.
As Lonely Planet astutely points out, kayaking around its mangrove swamps and spending all afternoon cradled by a hammock is what Xcalak is all about. Do I really have to leave?
How did the second half of my grande Mexican adventure turn out? To be continued…
Xcalak, Mexico
Tagged as:
Cancun,
Mexico,
Riviera,
Xcalak
