"Mexico Trip" Estado de Quintana Roo by tommyathome

Resorts are not my bag. I am used to camping and exploring but somehow I decided this might me a good trip for the family. The Xpu Ha palace was awesome. It is located about an hour south of Cancun in an area that appears to be several acres of wetlands/forest. The staff was friendly, helpful and encouraged my crappy attempt at Spanish. We stayed in souped up thatch apartments equipped with a hot tub and a hammock. Food and drinks were included. Although the buffets were good they do get tiresome after a while. There was snorkeling and animals on site with lots to do. A beautiful beach. There were shows each night for the kids.

Animals especially iguanas were everywhere. Near where the lagoon meets the estuary, marine iguanas were roaming around the rocks.

Xel Ha Lagoon

Just up the road from Xpu Ha is an eco-park called Xel Ha. I highly recommend going there. One can take a tube and float down the river until it meets the saltwater. Lots of snorkeling opportunities. If you are used to vibrant coral reefs with a large variety of colorful fish you might be in for a disappointment. This area is mostly estuary, with large schools of fish. It is fun exploring the cutaway rocks and caves. There are rope swings and mini cliffs to jump off. One can spend a full day there, no problem.

Tulum

See my write-up on Coba' under tips. Both Coba and Tulum are unique. Tulum is a coastal ruin. Although beautiful to visit it doesn't have the castilles like Coba'. In retrospect I would have liked to have planned Tulum as a beach trip and alternated swimming and visiting the ruins.

Coba is about 30 miles inland from Tulum in the deep jungle. A great place to visit. One can do both Tulum and Coba in one day with a fairly early start.