Cancún Things to Do Tips by gipper84 Top 5 Page for this destination

Chichen Itza Chichen Itza Review

If you have to pick a one day trip during your Cancun vacation then Chichen Itza has to be it. David's dad who managed all of our tours made sure we went to this place. It is three hour journey, but worth every minute. It takes you to the most breathtaking ruins in the Mayan world. A most do is the climb up El Castillo which will give you the most magnificent views over the surrounding miles of lush jungle. David's dad and mom really liked this destination of all the places we went. Anyways, inside the Mayan pyramid is the famous Chac Mool sculpture and the Jaguar Throne. However, El Castillo isn't the only interesting feature to be found at Chichen Itza. The Mayan Ballpark, the Temple of the Warriors, the Cenote of Sacrifice and the Observatory provide other spectacular scenes from a world long forgotten. Chichen Itza just offers so much for you to do that you can't leave Cancun without going here. I promise you that you will really regret not visiting Chichen Itza if you get the oppurtunity. Me and David thought it would be a boring trip and didn't want to get up so early, but it was worth every second of it. Just the Mayan ruins up close and personal give you a real understanding and appreciation of the history. The only problem with Chichen Itza is that it is far inland and you will find the temperature considerably hotter than normal. I would recommend you take plenty of water and sturdy footwear. Pay attention to the warning signs. The climb inside of the pyramid to see the statue of Chac Mool and the Temple of the Jaguars is also extremely steep and very hot . Outside of the main Chichen Itza complex you will find a typical Mayan village a short walk away. Here you will find some very cheap restaurants and I would recommend you stop off for an authentic Yucatan meal. Beware the mass of street sellers. A simple No will be enough for them to leave you alone, but the handicrafts they sell are authentic and cost next to nothing. I bought a few while I was there.

"Where the water is born" is what Xel Ha means Xel-Ha Review

Xel Ha was the second destination on our trip to Tulum and it was one of the nicest eco parks I have ever visited. It just reminds me of being trapped in the Washington Zoo, with a sense of security and amazement. It is so unique to see the animals in their daily habitat and be part of the experience. Xel Ha is approximately 75 miles south of Cancun and within 8 miles of the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. Xel Ha is a natural aquarium with lots to see and do. David and I went snorkeling here and had a blast. It was the first time I had been snorkeling but with David as my teacher I caught on fast. I loved looking down in the water at all the fish and seeing the real pretty reef. I had an undescribeable sensation snorkeling here. I also got a chance to swim with the dolphins. David's mom was hilarious because when the dolphins picked her up out of the water she screamed really loud and we all laughed so hard. She was okay though. After snorkeling and swimming I would recommend taking a walk along the myriad of paths through the mangrove forests or maybe take a trip along the underground river. This was a really fun experience because the forest is just so overwhelming. Other fun things to do is to feed the fish from the floating bridge. This was just an overall great experience that was fun for all of us. We got this as a deal through the Moon Palace. I would definetly recommend that to save some money.

A world class beach Tulum Review

Tulum is the ancient Mayan city overlooking the fabulous blue waters of the Caribbean, with a fantastic beach, beautiful views and fascinating history. Tulum is an easy half day trip that you must see. It is also probably a good idea to join this trip with a stop at Xel Ha. David's dad rented a car for the week so we did a day trip to Tulum and Xel Ha. Tulum was built in the Early Classic period (AD250-600) and developed into an important city in the years AD1200-1530. Tulum is quite a small site and unlike Chichen Itza has a beach that is just an amazing sight. The beach is also good for a dip to cool yourself down in the heat. Tulum is one of the most visited of all Mayan ruins, and it's also the only major Mayan ruin to be found along Mexico's Caribbean coastline on the "Riviera Maya". It would be a shame to miss it. Tulum is surrounded by three walls and with the ocean forming the fourth boundary the city was designed to be defensive. A warning and danger tip would have to be the many Iguanas found all over the place. The best part about Tulum is that it is never too crowded. One of the big spectacles at Tulum is the voladores, or flyers located close to the entrance. They dress in brilliantly colored traditional costumes, climb up a 150 foot pole, tie their ankles to ropes wound around the pole and then jump off. They fly gracefully around and around as the ropes unwind until they reach the ground. As the voladores "fly," another performer balances at the top of the pole and plays haunting tunes on his wooden flute. Overall we all loved Tulum and would recommend it to anyone who visits Cancun.