Considering a Mexico vacation? Don't know what to expect? Then you should read our travel guide. We will give you our tips on where to stay and what to do for a wonderful 6-day/7-night Mexico getaway.
Like the US, Mexico is very large and has many beautiful regions. Our favorite area is the Yucatan. In particular, we like to stay in Playa del Carmen, which is only a 1-hour drive south of Cancun. Playa offers a great central location for touring the entire Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel. Playa is one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico, but it is still easy to get around in. There are many hotels, resorts and restaurants to choose from. Fifth Avenue, which is conveniently located near the ferry dock to Cozumel, has everything from shopping, nightclubs and small spas and salons. There is even a Wal-Mart on the main highway if you cannot help yourself. There is so much to do in Playa and the beaches are some of the best in Mexico.
So let's get started. Which hotel or resort should we choose? While there are a lot of very good options, we recommend the Riu Palace Mexico. The Riu provides a great all inclusive experience and you cannot beat the combination of quality and value that this resort offers. This property has 6 restaurants, 5 bars, nightly entertainment and Riu theme shows. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, sip a drink by the pool or try one of the many daily activities available, the Riu has something for everyone. There is also a spa and non-motorized watersports available for guests to enjoy.
We always like to split our time evenly between enjoying all of the resort amenities and touring areas outside of the resort. There are many touring options easily accessible from Playa, which can be arranged through the Riu or you can book activities in advance through our site. The Yucatan is a day-trippers paradise. You can tour the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum. A must for everyone is snorkeling at Xel-Ha or Xcaret. These ecoparks are all-natural and where underground rivers meet the Caribbean Sea. Xcaret also offers one of the best Mexican theme shows in all of Mexico. You can swim into cenotes, and then relax in lush jungle surroundings. You can combine some of these activities, such as Tulum/Xel-Ha, which will take about 8-hours to complete. Of course, the real adventure is on the reef. It is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world, named the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. One of the most beautiful parts of the reef is named Palancar Reef, 10-minutes off of Cozumel. Whether you want to snorkel or scuba dive, you will have plenty of opportunities to go to the reef. If you are already scuba certified you can reserve through our site. Just click activities in the search tool. Don't worry, if you are not certified, you can still go on a resort dive after a short course in the pool. Another fun activity is to rent a jeep and drive around the island of Cozumel. It is safe and you never know what you will find. For golfing, try the Playacar Golf Club. It is less than a mile from the Riu.
We did not forget about the shopping! As we mentioned, Fifth Avenue (Avida Quinta) is an outdoor pedestrian mall lined with bars, restaurants and little shops. Bargaining is expected. You should also cross the ferry to Cozumel and shop at Plaza del Sol. You can find good bargains there and the atmosphere is relaxed.
These suggestions should keep you busy for a week, but don't forget to relax and enjoy all of your resort amenities.
Happy Travels from VacationsandTravelDeals.com!