Falling in Love with Mexico:Colorful Culture, Delicious Cuisine, and Fascinating History

Is Mexico on your bucket list?

Spring breaks for many years was about skiing. Spending time in the mountains as the last leg of the winter. Not this year. I decided to do something different. Thanks to a long and lethargic cold winter, with a lot of snow, and icy wind, I have decided to ditch traditional skiing vacation in favor of an international exotic paradise.

My dream was to be surrounded by white sand, palm trees, crystal clear blue water and relishing in the sun. Additionally, I imagined myself with bare feet in the warm sand while sipping delicious margaritas, getting mesmerized by idyllic views and chowing some nachos with mind blowing fresh guacamole.

The winner place had to offer cultural immersion, activity, adventure, shopping and relaxation time as well. With this purpose in mind, I started to do some search. After some Internet research, with one of my close friend, decided to onboard for Mexico and explore Yucatan peninsula in seven days.

I wish to share my itinerary, experience, and tips with you reader, so in case you are flirting with the idea to travel someday to Mexico, but you do not know where to start, this post might provide you a good base to foster the planning of your trip. If you have questions, happy to help, drop me a note.

Here is our itinerary: Tulum (Riviera Maya) & Archeological site, Chichen Itza with the Mayan ruins, Valladolid, Akumal beach, Cancun, Isla Mujeres.

We booked a car in advance, so when we landed in Cancun we just went to pick it up and drive to Tulum, which is located about an hour and half from Cancun. Airport exit very crowded, however with lot of happy and welcoming faces.

TULUM LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS

A destination, which leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. It’s known for its turquoise crystal-clear water, with welcoming white sugar sand and Cenotes in close vicinity.

Tulum is the owner of well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city, which was settled as early as 300 BC and is located in the archeological site of Tulum, on a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by silhouetting palm trees and guarded by huge sized iguanas. If you’re an Instagrammer, this is definitely an Instagrammer destination with lots of rock formations next to the beach and of course of Mayan ruins itself. The most important piece of advice for independent travelers regarding this area is to arrive early, bring water and apply a lot of sun screen.

Hotel resort area has been designed and developed in a way that Tulum preserved its raw, untouched by the western world, authentic outlook. Narrow roads, people walking barefoot with some minimal beach clothing around the flea markets and art deco. Everywhere music, pleasant atmosphere, with the smell of sea and relaxation.

My recommendation would be to select a place somewhere at Boca Paila Peninsula (Sian Ka’an) which has long stretch of coastline with lots of boutique hotels, restaurants, gelato, art deco market places and night life. Staying close to Zamas, Mia restaurant & beach club or Ahau Tulum due to their close vicinity to market places and restaurants. Most of the hotels have their own beach access and facing the Caribbean. Bars have very creative Swings to sit on the bar and have drinks.

Recommended Restaurants (From the one’s we visited, though there are a lot to explore): Beachfront for addictive Ocean front Views and amazing cocktails– Zamas (Try their Pepe’s Wey or Palangue Cocktails); Mia Restaurant and beach Club, Ziggy’s; I Scream Bar (Not beach facing, however great art deco and live music late hours); Mateo’s Mexican Grill (Not Beach facing, authentic Mexican)

Downtown Tulum – Batey Mojito Bar (with fresh sugarcane juice) and lot of authentic Mexican restaurants. City of Tulum has a lot to offer from shopping, dinning and unique bars.

If you are looking for a grocery store something similar to the USA Walmart or Target than highly recommended Chedraui which is located at: Chedraui, Col. SM2, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Shopping at Tulum: To my surprise (and a wonderful one), Tulum and Chichen Itza is a shopper delight for silver jewelry. There are lot of shops and ocean of designs to choose from! Do not hesitate to negotiate though as there is lot of bargaining. This is in addition to lot of hats, Mayan souvenirs, artifacts and masks!

Acceptable Currency – Most of the places accept International Credit cards, however there are lot of ATM’s and money exchange counters with good exchange rate, hence do not bother to carry Mexican Peso’s.

CHICHEN ITZA

Chichen Itza-One of the Seven Wonders of the World – Keep one full day for this itinerary.

Drive to Chichen Itza from Tulum is around 2 hours if you take the new highways, however be aware as some of the road signs or GPS options may take you from older route and eat up additional one hour. Being in Chichen Itza and exploring magnificent Mayan ruins and Pyramid (El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan) is one of the must do’s in lifetime. It is amazing to see how advanced this civilization was with their massive architecture, sports arena, Temples and of course Clap Echo of Quetzal bird, which is marvel in its own. Be prepared to do lot of shopping for silver jewelry, Mayan artifacts and stoneware.

On the way back to Tulum you have option of driving by City of Valladolid, which has it’s old world charm, colorful houses and shops, narrow streets and fascinating architect, Mexican vibes. Do have a lunch at La Casona de Valladolid – its buffet only, however building itself is worth exploring.

VALLADOLID

CANCUN

Cancun is the coastal city of the popular vacation destination of The Mexican Caribbean, Yucatan Peninsula. This is a perfect destination not only for group of friends, couples, but also for families. It has the perfect combination of mesmerizing white sand beaches, never seen turquoise blue sea, water sports, nightlife and opportunity for shopping. Whether luxury brands, local markets, flea market, you get all of them.

Additionally, Cancun does not lack in historical landmarks either. There are a number of historical destinations within and around Cancun. Chichen Itza is in one of the best accessible locations and provides visitors opportunity to explore one of the stunning relics of Mayan period, Pyramid (El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan). In this post I have already elaborated on this magical place. In case you would have missed it, just scroll up. Pictures speaks for themselves.

For shopping souvenirs, silver jewelry, premium stone sculptures highly recommended you to explore Market 28 in Cancun City.

Where to stay? Although there are multiple amazing hotels, definitely stay at any of the Beach Facing hotels at Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), preferably near La Isla Mall or Coco Bongo Club.

Another must visit historic landmark is on Isla Mujeres. This is a full day experience, which I describe in the below paragraph.

ISLA MUJERES

Once in Cancun, definitely must visit Isla Mujeres. A fantastic authentic island off the coast of Cancun, about 4.4 miles (7 km) long and 0.4 miles (635 m) wide, possessing Playa Norte, with its soft white sand, rambling palm trees and water so blue that almost merges with the sky.

To reach this island take the catamaran from Playa Tortugas. On the catamaran you get entertainment, live music, a lot of sun and memorable views, which at the end of the journey shall be honored by the tips placed in the basket provided by the showman. Make sure you carry cash with you.

This tiny island ‘bijou of the Caribbean’ is a perfect place to relax and unwind from the monotonous daily life. As per Travelers Choice (by Trip Advisor) Playa Norte is one of the best beaches in Mexico. Definitely desires full day to discover this splendid natural beauty where visitors find pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, serenity, tranquility, history and slower pace. Isla’s history dates back over 1500 years when it was part of the Maya province, Ekab.

Did you know Isla Mujeres means The Island of Women?

As per the legend this island served as the sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel, the Maya goddess of the moon, fertility, medicine and happiness. Traditionally women used to come to this island when they were ready to become mothers, and prepare themselves spiritually.

Punta Sur, is the most south tip of Isla Mujeres, and is a magical place prevailing the perfect fusion of art and nature, which enriches visitor’s experience. This is the very first place in Mexico to receive the sun’s rays. It’s very hot out there, prepare with sunscreen, hat and water.

This place is famous for its sculpture park, where you have the possibility to admire metal figures which represent the Mayan civilization. At the end of the sculpture garden, you will find the Mayan Temple of the Goddess Ixchel.

Punta Sur gives the home for the old lighthouse, which was used with the purpose to guide fishermen, who went to look for seafood treasures.Definitely, this is a place where you can enjoy history, spiritualism, legend, and amazing views of the turquoise giant sprawled at your feet.

Instagram perfect location to click pictures! Share your pictures with me clicked on this location. Would be great to learn about your personal experience by sharing it in the comment section!tip

Punta Sur, is the most south point of Isla Mujeres, and is a magical place prevailing the perfect fusion of art and nature, which enriches visitor’s experience. This is the very first place in Mexico to receive the sun’s rays. It’s very hot out there, prepare with sunscreen, hat and water.

Instagram perfect location to click pictures! Share your pictures with me clicked on this location. Would be great to learn about your personal experience by sharing it in the comment section!