Yucatan 2017

Category Type Name/Description Notes Cost Origin Destination Kms To Date Total
2017-02-09 : Fly to Cancun, Stay Pl del Carmen
Tip General Info Cancun Airport Bus Station
There are public buses that leave from the airport at scheduled times. Buses go from the Cancun International Airport to the bus stations in Downtown Cancun and Downtown Playa del Carmen. This is a direct non-stop service to the bus stations only.
Buses to the Cancun Downtown Bus Station leave every hour starting at 8:10 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Buses to the Playa Del Carmen Bus Station leave at 10:50, 11:30, 12:30, 13:20, 14:50, 15:35, 16:20, 17:10, 18:00 and 19:00. Buses leave from Terminal 3 and Terminal 2.
$10/USD/ea
$0.00
Travel Bus ADO Bus to Playa del Carmen
Taxi drivers at Cancun airport are highly tuned into the tourism industry and will think nothing of trying to relieve you of $80 or more to get from the airport to Playa del Carmen. If you want to save money, come out of the terminal, turn right and walk straight to the end of the airport building (you have to go through a small barrier that looks prohibitive but just say ADO (ah-day-oh) and you’ll be waved on through).
At the small ADO terminal, you can take the bus for around £7 ($10) one-way per person direct to Playa del Carmen. The buses leave around every 30 minutes and takes just over 1 hour. The bus terminal in Playa del Carmen is located directly in the centre of town and so most accommodation is within walking distance once you get off the bus. Otherwise, a local taxi will be able to take you to most places for under $50MXN (around £2.50/$3). That’s a fair saving on the taxi prices at the airport.
$25.00
Travel Flight YEG to CUN
Reservation VJYXKL
WS 2206 YEG 10:30, CUN 16:03
$1273.00 Edmonton Cancun
Travel Other Walk ADO to BnB
$0.00
Meal Dinner Tacos at El Popeye
$30.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast Cabaña Caribbean Frog
Cabana Caribbean Frog is fantastic. It is quiet, private, clean, spacious and well-equipped. Rene provides a pool table, loaner bicycles, NetFlix, strong WiFi and water.

If you like being off the beaten path, this is the place for you. It is in a quiet area full of locals, 4km from the center of town, and all of the hubbub. If you want to enjoy a beach without pubs and throngs and barkers, you can easily walk to the actual beach nearby. From the house, walk down to Avenida 5 and hang a right. At the corner of Avenida 5 and 88 Norte is a little restaurant, La 88, which is good for coffee and breakfast. From Avenida 5, including opposite La 88, there are beach access trails that you can take down to the beach-ey beach (as opposed to the party beach).

We walked back and forth a few times from our place into downtown. Walking along Avenida 5 is great. As you head toward downtown, there are lots of interesting and beautiful wall murals painted on the buildings. There are walking/cycling paths in both directions.

There are a couple of restaurants nearby with local food and local prices, but no pubs in the immediate vicinity.
$113.00 Playa del Carmen
2017-02-10 : Playa del Carmen
Tip General Info Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has recently undergone extreme rapid development with new luxury residential condominium buildings, restaurants, boutiques and entertainment venues. Tourist activity in Playa del Carmen centers on Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, which stretches from Calle 1 norte to Calle 40. A pedestrian walkway located just one or two blocks inland from the beach, Fifth Avenue is lined with hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants. There are many small boutique hotels on and just off Fifth Avenue and on the beach.
Unlike Cancun, the main beach in Playa del Carmen is skirted by a multitude of bars and restaurants. That, of course, is a good thing if you’re looking for food and drink with a view. However, in recent years the hassle factor has intensified noticeably. And it’s not just the bar owners – masseurs, bracelet and fruit sellers are all getting in on the action. Solution: Head to the far right of the beach, towards where the Cozumel ferry leaves. The bars thin, the number of locals increases, the sunbathers are less prevalent and the hassle is that bit less intense.
So, 5th Avenue is most definitely the most touristy street in Playa del Carmen, but that doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Whether you’re shopping for some Mexican memorabilia, looking for a photo of you donning a gimmicky sombrero, having a drink at a bar while sitting on a swing, watching the local performers or looking for the latest in designer Nike wear, 5th Avenue is the place to be.
When it comes to eating in Playa del Carmen, the best decision you can make is to step off 5th Avenue. For every street you stray from the strip, the prices decrease and the food quality increases exponentially. 10th Avenue (the street one parallel to 5th Avenue) has some of the best tacos and quesadillas I’ve tasted in Mexico. Although most tacos stalls don’t serve alcohol, if you ask nicely and are discrete, most will let you bring your own from the local OXXO (convenience store).Failing that you can probably pick up one of the tasty aquas frescos (flavoured waters).
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
Cabaña Caribbean Frog
$
2017-02-11 : San Miguel, Cozumel
Tip General Info Cozumel
Cozumel is Mexico's largest Caribbean island, and largest permanently inhabited island. The island is covered with mangrove forest which has many endemic animal species.
Tourism, diving and charter fishing comprise the majority of the island’s economy. There are more than 300 restaurants on the island and many hotels, some of which run dive operations, have swimming pools, private docks, and multiple dining facilities.
Other water activities include para-sailing, kitesurfing, and a tourist submarine. There are also two dolphinariums.
$0.00
Tip General Info Cozumel Ferry Info
$0.00
Travel Other Walk ferry to Coz BnB
$0.00
Travel Other Walk Pl BnB to Ferry
$0.00
Meal Breakfast Huevos Tarzan
La 88 in Playa del Carmen (near where we stayed) had a breakfast item called "Huevos Tarzan", which they say is their "hangover remedy" breakfast. I wasn't hung over, but I couldn't resist the Huevos Tarzan, which is just scrambled eggs with peppers in it. It was bitey, but not torturous. Loved it. $0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast Clean & Cozy Apartment in an Amazing Location
Miguel's place is awesome, and so is he. The place is fairly central - within easy walking distance of centro. It is clean and basic, and is a great home base with strong water pressure in the shower, a good kitchenette and strong wifi. Miguel makes it very easy to find the place (pay attention to the cross streets) and to check in. He provides potable water and makes sure you have everything you need. There's a convenience store and grocery store within easy walking distance. Loved everything about our stay there. Great for independent and adventurous travelers! $125.00 Cozumel
2017-02-12 : San Miguel, Cozumel
Tip General Info Mamey Fruit

We ate a red mamey for breakfast this morning. It sort of has the texture of an unripe avocado, the flesh is salmon-colored, and it tastes like almond extract.
$0.00
Activity Other Santa Rosa Reef Dive
Two-tank dive (Brent only) at Santa Rosa Reef and Tormentos. $92.00
Activity Other Tormentos Dive
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
Clean & Cozy Apartment in an Amazing Location
$
2017-02-13 : San Miguel, Cozumel
Tip General Info RUIN: San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site
Although it's a small Mayan archaeological zone, San Gervasio is really worth taking the time to visit. As it's on an island, its setting differs greatly from more famous sites such as Tulum and Chichén, and makes it a convenient cultural stop whilst on the island. $0.00
Tip General Info San Gervasio (Maya site)
San Gervasio is an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located in the northern third of the island of Cozumel off the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. $0.00
Service Rental Cozumel Rent-A-Bike
Rent two bicycles and one toolkit. They drop the bikes and pick them up right where you're staying. Very professional, easy-to-deal-with organization. Love. $55.00
Meal Breakfast Breakfast
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
Clean & Cozy Apartment in an Amazing Location
$
2017-02-14 : Valladolid
Tip General Info Valladolid
It is worth noting that principal sites are very well marked with bi-lingual signage, making this a truly hospitable place for English speakers. The local police are very friendly, speak good English and are happy to give directions. Valladolid is a great city to spend the day exploring the history and culture the Yucatan peninsula has to offer. $0.00
Tip Reminder Pick up Rental Car
Take ALL insurance - traffic accidents are a criminal offense If you rent with all the insurance in Cabo, make absolutely sure that you:
-ask how much coverage you are getting.
-what is the deductable?
-get it in writing.
-get a copy of the policy.
-use your phone or camera to take photos of the entire car when you rent it. Do this right in front of the rental agent.
$0.00
Travel Other Walk ferry to Mex
$0.00
Travel Vehicle Driving Route
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast Bacalar House
Jorge is great to deal with. Great communication, very friendly and helpful. The place is fairly central, within walking distance of the ADO (bus) station and town center. It is quite basic (to be expected, at the price), has a good kitchenette, and has easy access to the highways. It does have some drawbacks, though. There are some challenges with water pressure. There are essentially no windows. The WiFi is unpredictable: it can be strong, it can be weak, or it can be out entirely (when this happens we found that unplugging the router for 30 seconds fixed it). You're on a major thoroughfare and the traffic goes, non-stop, past the place. The mattress doesn't have much padding, so you feel every single spring. But, if you're prepared for these things, it can be a great home base for your adventures in the area, and there's no reason why you can't enjoy your stay. We did. $100.00 Valladolid
2017-02-15 : Valladolid - Izamal, Chichen Itza
Tip General Info RUIN: Chichen Itza (3)
A large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period $0.00
Tip General Info RUIN: Izamal (1)
Mexico has 35 towns that are considered magical and one of them is here in Yucatán… just 45 minutes from Merida. Izamal is one of Yucatan’s two magical towns (the other is Valladolid). Izamal is an important archaeological site of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization. $0.00
Travel Vehicle Driving Route
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
Bacalar House
$
2017-02-16 : Coba, Tulum - Playa del Carmen
Tip General Info RUIN: Coba
An ancient Mayan city on the Yucatán Peninsula, the nexus of the largest network of stone causeways of the ancient Mayan world. $0.00
Tip General Info RUIN: Tulum
The site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city serving as a major port for Cobá.The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya.
The Maya, who ruled these lands long before the Spanish conquest, knew a thing or two about beachfront real estate. Not only do the ruins at Tulum afford a spectacular view of the region's signature green and turquoise waters, but it's also a fascinating 13th-century walled city that stood as one of the last Maya strongholds.
t’s possible to walk to the ruins by the road that run parallel to the beach in Tulum. Just don’t try getting there via the beach: you’ll hit rocks that are dangerously difficult to cross (I know, I tried it). The ruins are perfectly sized meaning you can complete a visit including a swim at the beach in front of the ruins within a couple of hours/morning.
$0.00
Tip Reminder Drop off Rental Car
$0.00
Travel Other Walk Mex to BnB
$0.00
Travel Vehicle Driving Route
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast Spacious Private room for 4
I have stayed in numerous AirBnB places in a variety of countries, and so far this one is my absolute favorite. It's like a hostel (multiple rooms with shared living space), but infinitely more awesome - immaculate and completely beautiful. The shared living space is breathtaking with a high, conical, thatched roof. Our room was spacious and comfortable and included an amazing shower/tub. Alejandra is very friendly, helpful and responsive, and it's very convenient (for check-in and check-out) that she lives at the same property. $60.00 Playa del Carmen
2017-02-17 : Cancun
Travel Bus To Cancun
1. Return rental car to Playa del Carmen
2. Bus to Cancun
3. Don't forget to buy bus ticket to the airport to fly home
$9.00
Travel Other Walk to ADO in Pl d C
$0.00
Travel Other Walk to BnB in Cancun
$0.00
Travel Vehicle Taxi ADO to AirBnB
$6.50 ADO Cancun Centro AirBnB, Puerto Juarez
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
Best Location In Front of the Beach
$
2017-02-18 : Isla Mujeres
Tip General Info Garrafon Reef Park
Garrafon is a gorgeous natural park highlighted by reefs, cliffs and beautiful ocean landscapes that will captivate your senses and free the very essence of your soul. You will enjoy water activities like kayaking and snorkeling, adventure activities like hiking, biking and flying over the turquoise waters on a zip line, and of course live moments or hours of relaxation on hammocks, lounge chairs or our tropical bar. $0.00
Tip General Info Isla Mujeres
The island of Isla Mujeres is located close to one of many coral reefs such as the one located in Garrafon Park, which is an area popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving. The Cancun Underwater Museum, created by English sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, is located off the western coast of Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of sea turtles. Because of the recent endangerment of sea turtles in the area, a facility was set up on the southern end of the island for their rehabilitation and breeding. This facility is open to the public. $0.00
Tip General Info Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm
If you’re coming from the bus stop, bear right at the ‘Y’ just beyond Hacienda Mundaca’s parking lot (the turn is marked by a tiny sign). The farm is easily reached from town by taxi (M$60). $5.00
Tip General Info MUSA
The crystal clear waters surrounding Isla Mujeres is home to the largest underwater museum on the planet.
The best way to visit the sculptures in Salon Manchones is scuba diving, since the sculptures are located 8 meters deep.
There are 3 ways to visit the sculptures in Salon Nizuc and spot different sculptures: you can snorkel, take the tour in the glass bottom or the jungle tour. The depth of this area is 4 meters so no scuba diving is allowed.
$0.00
Tip General Info Punta Sur Cliff and Sculpture Park
Picture an outdoor art exhibit in one of the most breathtaking, tropical settings. Garrafón Reef Park is home to the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden. The Sebastian Foundation, along with 23 artists from Mexico and around the world, created this exhibit for Isla Mujeres in 2001. Famous sculptors such as Jose Luis Cuevas used modern shapes and bright hues to interpret the legendary spirit of the Mayan civilization. A great spot for those who crave culture and creativity. $0.00
Tip General Info Snorkeling Advice
Although a snorkeler can swim out from any beach on Isla Mujeres and have some chance of seeing some marine life, the center for snorkeling on the island is Garrafon Reef Park (garrafon.com), which was built opposite the main stretch of the island's coral reef.
What makes Playa Norte great for swimming--a nice, shallow, sandy bottom--makes it boring for snorkeling. If you go just around the corner toward the Avalon hotel there is an area with some rocks, and the shade of the bridge provides some shelter for fish. You might also venture out along Avalon's peninsula.
You might also try Garrafon de Castillo, which does have a nominal admission fee, at the southern end of the island.
I have snorkeled near the lighthouse a few times and I think it is a great experience! I have always seen lots of fish and the corals are amazing too. Beware of jellyfish
$0.00
Tip General Info Swimming with Dolphins
Its a place in isla de las mujeres where you can swimming with the Dolphins but there is much more in same place, restaurants, bars, pools and other activities . The place is not cheap, for a one hour with dolphins the complete package that includes the photos is 120 dollars you can not take photos by yourself it's not allowed and they will pursue you if you try.
For a vip entrance that it's a kind of day use with lunch the price is 30 dollars. I strongly recommend you to buy when you arrives, on the Internet the same package costs 50% more. México is not good to indicate where the places are so to find this place in the island here is the address: Camino Sac Bajo Lote 26,.
$0.00
Tip General Info Water Fun
Playa Norte (North Beach) is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and it deserves the honor. The soft white sand, palm trees and water so blue the sky looks pale, make it the perfect place to relax and unwind from the rigors of life. There is almost no current and you can wade out very far with the water still only coming to your waist.
Playa Posada, which runs along west side of town, is usually less crowed than Playa Norte but the water is not as shallow and clear.
Playa Paraiso, Playa Lancheros and Playa Indios: These more secluded beaches are located on the west side of Isla Mujeres facing Cancun, mid-island near Hacienda Mundaca. There are open air palapa restaurants, gift shops, bathrooms, chairs and umbrellas. You can also rent kayaks, canoes and even beach toys for the kids.
Scuba Diving: The diving around Isla Mujeres is unforgettable. The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla's shore and the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are close by. The waters are calm and clear - perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced diver. For advanced divers there are wreck dives, drift dives, and night dives.
$0.00
Travel Ferry Ultramar
The newest ferry service to Isla Mujeres, Ultramar leaves from Gran Puerto, just two blocks before Puerto Juarez. Actually, that entire area is considered Puerto Juarez, but here we are referring to the actual dock. The new catamarans they operate provide a comfortable ride with individual seats rather than benches. For this service you buy the tickets from the desk as you arrive and show your ticket before even boarding.
$39.00 round-trip for two people The time to Isla is about the same, possibly a little faster, but nothing major. The facilities at Gran Puerto are very comfotable with nice bathrooms, a few shops and an Oxxo (convience store). The price to cross is $70 Pesos each way. Here you can buy a round trip ticket, but it actually costs the same and you need to make sure you don't loose the second half of the ticket. The Ultramar boats offer icey cold AC in the lower level or open air and amazing views on the upper level!
$39.00 Gran Puerto Isla Mujeres
Travel Other Walk from BnB to Gran Puerto
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast Apartament "Marina Bonita"
Erik is a fantastic host - very friendly, helpful and communicative. His property is clean and basic, with a well-equipped kitchenette, and the bed is quite comfortable. We loved being on the second floor with nice big windows we could open. We were on Isla at a breezy time so we got good breezes through at night to cool us down for a great sleep. The WiFi is strong and reliable, but doesn't require a password, so be cautious about using it for financial things. The apartment is above Erik's home, so it is very convenient to reach him. If he's not home, his wife often is. $176.00 Isla Mujeres
2017-02-19 : Isla Mujeres
Tip General Info Ice Bar
$0.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
Apartament "Marina Bonita"
$
2017-02-20 : Isla Mujeres
Activity Sight See Mayan Ruins at Punta Sur
$4.00
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
Apartament "Marina Bonita"
$
2017-02-21 : Cancun
Travel Ferry Isla Mujeres to Gran Puerto
The Ultramar ferry drops us off almost right at the door of the BnB. $0.00 To BnB
Service Other Printing
Adrian's saved my bacon today. I booked us a shuttle to the airport for tomorrow, and after I paid they mentioned that I needed to print and sign a form they'd send via e-mail. I found Adrian's on Isla and he was able to print the form for me. Yay! $0.80
Accommodation Bed and Breakfast Best Location In Front of the Beach
There seem to be a few units here, at the side of Hotel del Sol. We think they were probably meant to be time-shares or something as they are bi-level, very spacious and well-equipped. There are no dishes, cutlery or coffee-maker, but breakfast is available at Hotel del Sol itself. The location is extremely convenient for the ferries to Isla Mujeres, and the neighborhood is bustling, although it is not crowded and frenetic like downtown Cancun. It was a great launching point for us for our visit to Isla Mujeres. We didn't meet Daniel - we just dealt with the front desk staff at Hotel del Sol. $124.00 Cancun
2017-02-22 : Fly to Edmonton
Travel Bus Cancun to Airport
$0.00
Travel Bus Shuttle to CUN airport
Gar! Their web site didn't tell me until after I'd booked and paid that I have to print and sign the boarding pass. $29.00
Travel Flight CUN to YEG
Reservation VJYXKL
WS 2213 CUN 12:25, YEG 16:44
$0.00 Cancun Edmonton
Travel Other Walk BnB to ADO
$0.00