Yahoo Lifestyle Mexico’s East Coast: Choose Your Own Adventure
From the small country pueblos, to the manic Mexico City streets, the craziness of Cancun and the tranquility of the Rivera Maya, Mexico is a truly diverse destination. We chose Mexico’s east coast to ring in the New Year and discovered there’s a place in the sun to meet the needs of every traveller.
The Partygoer
Cancun is like that friend-of-a-friend everyone has warned you about; you know they like to party, you’re not sure if you’ll get along but you just can’t resist the urge to meet them. Well, that’s what lured us to the Yucatán Peninsula’s party central.
Driving along Kukulcan Boulevard, iconic hotels the like of the Westin, The Ritz-Carlton and the flashy Le Blanc Spa Resort spread out side-by-side, taking prime position on the sand. We settled into our hotel, and made a beeline for dinner after a ten hour journey from Cuernavaca. Thankfully, we got the tip off that The Surfin’ Burrito was the answer we were looking for. A handful of high wooden tables were overflowing with diners sipping on 1 litre frozen margaritas and buckets of beers while waiting for their food. We ordered the fish tacos and one of their legendary burritos and quickly learned why this place was buzzing day and night.
We spent our afternoons lizard-like on sun chairs in the sand at Mandala Beach Club. We enjoyed collecting rays and watching the parade of bronzed limbs strolling past. It wasn’t until the sun began to soften each night that the infamous Cancun twinkle was obvious. Bars on the strip began to fill up, bikini-clad girls took to the tables at La Vaquita to entice partygoers into the club, as promoters worked the footpath, stalking us with drinks flyers. One night, we took a seat at the famous Fat Tuesday. A tall, plastic neon glass filled to the brim with a very sweet and strong alcoholic daiquiri appeared at the table, followed by a girl holding a bottle, a whistle and a money bag, encouraging us to take a shot. A choreographed dance and a conga line later and we said hasta la vista to the swelling crowd. Our New Years Eve began with cocktails by the pool bar at the Grand Fiesta Americana hotel. Afterwards we strolled up to a local restaurant for a Mexican feast and retired back to our hotel, leaving the clubbers to prepare for a big night at Coco Bongo, just up the block.
Driving out of Cancun, I had the same feeling as when I was leaving Las Vegas. It was almost a sense of relief and surprise that we made it out alive. Maybe all those stories just aren’t true? Maybe I’ll have to investigate further on the next visit. Yes, I may be back.
The Peace Seeker
We fled about 30 minutes down the coast in search of a little peace and quiet. Checking into the all-inclusive Valentin Imperial Maya (www.valentinmaya.com), could not have been a bigger change of pace. On the northern part of the Riviera Maya between Puerto Morelos and Playa Del Carmen, the adults-only resort is designed so guests don’t have to leave the property. It is huge. After check in on our first day, we made our way to the pool to cool off. The scene was as I would imagine an adults version of Disneyland to be. Groups of friends, honeymooners and evidently new acquaintances were doing slow laps around the pool, making their way back and forth from the swim up bar. Thankfully, the pool is very shallow and floating mats are provided. All-inclusive resorts really are a paradise for people looking to leave their wallets in the safe and indulge in never ending margaritas and buffets spreads. Puerto Morelos itself is a sleepy fishing village. This is a part of the coast ideal for those who are seeking rest, relaxation and luxury in the one spot. By the end of our four-day stay, we were ready to eat less and explore a little more.
The Hipster
An hour further south and you come to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. In recent years, Tulum has evolved from a hippie haven to become a hipster hub. Tulum (meaning ‘wall’ in Yucatan Mayan) refers not only to the town, but the ruins sitting atop the cliffs overlooking a stunning stretch of white sand. 5-star eco-resorts like Be Tulum (betulum.com) and Jashita Hotel (jashitahotel.com) continue to pop up to meet the demand of the 2 million visitors the area now welcomes annually. Escape the crowds by taking a nature tour around 86 thousand acre Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an or head from a swim in one of the nearby cenotes (natural sinkhole); Cenote Dos Ojos or Aktun Chen.
The Intrepid Traveller
Looking for the next Tulum? Well, Isla Holbox is the destination to watch. Holbox (pronounced Hole-bosh), is located off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. A 65 kilometre drive and a 20 minute ferry ride and you will arrive just in time to kick off your sandals and sink your toes into the sand. The 46 kilometre long island is car free and only has a handful of hotel and restaurant offerings. It’s a marine life lovers paradise with pelicans, turtles and whale sharks off shore. But with a couple of 5-star hotels and a luxury wellness retreat now open on the sleepy stretch, a change may soon come. So pack your snorkels and flippers now!
Travel Tips for Mexico’s East Coast
Pre book airport transfers. There is an unwritten rule at the arrival hall in Cancun that whichever desk you talk to about a shuttle or private car, they get your business. If you have to book one on arrival, The Green Line shuttle (‘collectivo') may be the best. They have a car and a shuttle and you may not have to wait as long. The traffic along Kukulcan Boulevard can be bumper-to-bumper so if you can afford a private car, you will get to that beach chair much faster!
Unlike other parts of Mexico, there is no Uber on the east coast. Essentially, they have cornered the market and taxi prices are inflated. Make sure you budget for those longer transfers. A trip from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen will set you back about $AUD80 each way for a ‘small car’. More to Tulum or even further down the coast.
The Tulum ruins open at 8am in the morning. It is about a 15 minute walk from the drop off point to the site. The entry fee is 65 pesos ticket (about $AUD5 per person) plus parking if you are using a driver. There will soon be an additional 45 pesos ($AUD3.50) charge to take photos at the site. Get there on opening to beat the crowds and the midday sun, there is little shelter available.
Read more from The Fit Traveller:
About The Fit Traveller
Skye is a journalist and wellness wanderer -- Travelling the globe to discover the best in health, wellness, food and luxury travel.
Website: The Fit Traveller
Twitter: @thefittravellr
Instagram: @thefittraveller
