Playa Del Carmen, Mayan Riviera, Mexico - Anyone been?

[Flames89]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I have been there, and to be honest, it wasn't my favourite part of Mexico. I much prefer the west coast of the country. The water is warmer, it's less windy, and less busy.

If you're around the university age though and like to party, than the Cancun area will be your thing.

I basically disagree with everything FA said here.

The Mayan Riveria has the nice blues of the Carribbean, and less wind, than say Peurto Vallarta. I haven't been up to Cancun much, but the resorts I have stayed at down there are usually a blast, and have had very little problems hooking up.

Damn. My jealousy is making me angry.

[Mike Oxlong]

http://www.chillywillys.com.mx/
Enjoy!

Don't go alone....

[Flames89]

- Definitely go scuba diving. Get your intro PADI in Calgary ... it will save money.
- I rarely venture away from an open bar otherwise, but the ruins are great - though they are a tourist mecca.
- Swimming with Dolphins is usually rated as a good trip
- ATVing trip are also good times
- There are BOOZEAHOLIC pirate boat tours. They will be packed with fat americans, but it was a good time once you shed your shame and join in.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Flames89

I basically disagree with everything FA said here.

The Mayan Riveria has the nice blues of the Carribbean, and less wind, than say Peurto Vallarta. I haven't been up to Cancun much, but the resorts I have stayed at down there are usually a blast, and have had very little problems hooking up.

Damn. My jealousy is making me angry.

Maybe I was there at a bad time, but last April i was there for 2 weeks and it was so windy that it didn't even feel hot outside. The low temperatures at night also dipped below 20C.

Compare that to when I went to Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast (on the southern tip of Mexico close to the Guatemala border), where it was never cooler than 28C (highs of 37C). Not much to do there unless you are into eco and cultural tourism though. Also, not many English speakers and most tourists were from South America. There are ruins though. I have never been to Puerto Vallarta, so I can't comment on there.

If you do a Google search for Cancun + wind, you will see that the area is quite known for being windy.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

I will spend at least one day checking out the ruins.. I am a little nervous about renting a car down there and driving. Any issues over insurance or.. say corrupt local officials?

You should have no problems - Yucatan is set-up for tourists. You can probably rent a car right from your hotel lobby. Go with some other people from the resort and save $. Passengers can drink beer in the car.

[GreenLantern]

How is the English-Spanish speaking ratio down there? From what I have read online they say on the 5th ave and most of the tourist spots are fluent English, but as you get off the beaten path you need more Spanish? I guess that is common sense.. so far I have learned the most important words.


Donde prostituta y soplar?

Cuanto?

and

Tomar tu los pantalones apagado.

[OBCT]

Yeah, fishman is right. We were a little shocked at how easy/safe renting and driving a car down there actually was.

Car rental has it's advantages and disadvantages, and will inevitably create a different experience for a vacation opposed to going the shuttles/taxis/buses/tours/collectivos/walking route, but if you're into it, I wouldn't really worry about the driving aspect or the parking aspect. The price didn't seem unreasonable, either.