A Journey to Mexico, between Wonder of the World and insecurity

Have you ever traveled with 20 people ? It is so much fun until you have to wait for everyone to be ready the morning.

During the spring break in the USA, I went with my friends to Mexico and more precisely to the Yucatan peninsula. We decided to start our journey in Tulum for 3 days. Then, to go to Playa del Carmen for 2 days by making a small detour to see the famous temple Chichén Itza. And, to finish with Cancun for 5 days. It was a big organization because we were a group of 20 people from different nationalities : French, Italian, Columbian, Portuguese, and Spanish. So, in order to please everyone and not lose too much time, we had to plan it seriously in advance. However, it was a pleasure for me to do it as I love to prepare my holidays.

This article is to give you tips and recommendations to enjoy your trip in each city.

#1 Tulum

Tulum is a beautiful city with sunny beaches stretching for miles and natural parks formed by mangroves and cenotes. It is the perfect destination to enjoy the vacations with a coconut on the beach or to practice activities outdoors. I recommend:

For unforgattable activities: swim with turtles at the Akumal bay, visit Tulum Archaeological Site and dip into a cenote (ex: Azul Cenote).

For a very charming and price-attractive stay: Mayan Monkey Tulum hostel

For a great night: party on the rooftop of the hostel Straw Hat (it close at 2 am but it is very worthy, and barkeepers are kinds)

Negative part: Tulum is very expensive, even for foreign travelers. If you have a small budget, I will not recommend this city. Also, there is a lot of corruption happening in the area. We had to pay fines twice to cops just so they would let us go. It is not very safe to be alone in this city as well.

#2 Playa del Carmen

With its palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs, Playa del Carmen is a very popular destination today. This city offers lively bars, trendy boutiques, local taquerias and luxury hotels, all with a lot of authenticity. I recommend:

For a pleasant afternoon: walk around the city, do some shopping on the 5th street, and enjoy some music in lively bars

For a lovely and affordable place: Che Playa Hostel

For a yummy brunch: La Vagabunda restaurant

Negative part: Tourists are an easy prey for the locals. We have to be very careful with our belongings because they are professionals. Some clothes in one of our cars were stolen in 2 minutes. Also, a one night stay in Playa del Carmen is enough to see the city and the night life.

#3 Cancun

Cancun, main seaside resort of Mexico, is beautiful and has a lot of soft sands and crystal clear waters to offer. The Hotel Zone is safe and if you are looking for a place to relax, organise excursions and party, this is the place for you. Cancun has a thriving nightlife and for someone who travelled quite a lot, I was astonished. I recommend:

For great adventures:

An expedition to Isla Mujeres: a ferry passes every hour to get there. Once there, rent a golf cart for a few hours and drive through the small streets. Don't forget to stop at the different spots, the view is exceptional. Then enjoy the beautiful beaches with the turquoise sea.
A trip to Xcaret Park: a great natural water park with underground rivers, a lagoon, natural pools of seawater. (around 100US$, It is a bit expensive for a park)
Try the different beaches of Cancun: playa delfines (my favorite), playa Langosta, Caracol beach.

For a beautiful and well-located stay: Selina Cancun Laguna Hostel (large pool and only 16US$ per night with a breakfast included)

For a memorable party : choose Coco Bongo Show (entrance at 90$ but all inclusive and definitely worthy!)

For a fun dinner: eat at the restaurant Mextrem (a touristic but atypical place with good Mexican food, a music band and a show from the Wauters)

Negative part: If you are looking for a very local and authentic place in Mexico, don't go to Cancun. Also, you will need a car and organise some excursions if you want to see something else than hotels. However, I felt more safe in Cancun as it is a very touristic place.

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