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I'm going on holiday to Playa del Carmen In Mexico later this year what are the must see's and do's? |
Travel Info I'm going on holiday to Playa del Carmen In Mexico later this year what are the must see's and do's? Travel Tips Try some tours and experience the food in the many great restaurants..... The Yucatan peninsula has the unusual feature of resting on a bed of limestone. Over the centuries, as rainfall was absorbed into the ground, it created subterranean caverns filled with fresh water pools. Sometimes the 鈥渞oof鈥?of these caverns collapses in, leaving the pool open to the sky and creating a fresh water swimming hole in the jungle. Whether enclosed or open, these pools are known as cenotes (say- no-tays). These pools were an important鈥攕ometimes the only鈥攕ource of fresh water for the Mayan people. As such they were regarded as religious sites. Today they remain an important part of the ecosystem of the Yucatan while offering a place of unique natural beauty to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. There are many cenotes which are easily accessible to the public. Most are privately owned and will charge a minimum fee ($2-$10 US per person) for admission. In addition, many 鈥渁dventure鈥?or eco-tours offer cenote trips. The cenotes listed here are some of our own favorites. Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Azul Both are located on Highway 307 directly across from the Barcel贸 Maya Resort, about 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Both have small signs near dirt roads that lead back to the cenotes. An admission fee is charged for each. Both cenotes are very large and can be quite deep. As the water is crystal clear, the snorkeling is very good. However, the sea life is very limited. Cristalino has a rock overhang from which the brave can jump into the waters below. Both places have a beautiful tropical jungle setting and both places are popular with locals as swimming holes. Snacks and restrooms available. In the same general location you will also find three other cenotes: Chikin Ha (Meaning "Water from the West" in Mayan), which is a group of three cenotes; Kantun Chi (Meaning "Snake over There" in Mayan) and Eden. Cenote Angelita This dive site is must do for advanced divers who are looking for something a little different. The name means "little angel" in English and there may not be a better way to describe this magical dive site. The setting is perfect as you walk a short distance through the jungle to the rather large hidden away cenote. To describe it simply this cenote does nothing else but go straight down 200 feet. Fresh water with unlimited visibility makes up the first one hundred feet and salt water the other half is separated by a mystical layer of hydrogen sulfate. This layer in the middle appears as a dense cloud from the top and strange colored hue from the bottom. Bring your dive lights, as you will need them if you are going to penetrate through to the bottom. There are not many dives in the world where you can dive in the clouds at 100 feet and see trees, but this is one. The deepest point of this cenote really is at 200 feet so go with the proper gasses in your tanks but more importantly the right guide showing you the best and safest dive possible. www.cenoteangelita.com Gran Cenote The Gran Cenote is one of the largest open air cenotes in the area. More the size of a small lake, it offers great swimming and snorkeling in clear water plus decks to sit on and of course the beauty of a tropical surrounding. The shallower areas lead through an open cave to a smaller jungle pool. Very pretty. Off Highway 307 on the turnoff to Cob谩 (near Tulum). Admission Fee. Snacks and restrooms. After a hot day or tour at Cob谩, Gran Cenote is a great place to cool off. For information about this cenote, see www.grancenote.com. Aktun Chen A park featuring walking tours of an underground cave system. From walkways, visitors can see spectacular caverns filled with colorful stalactites and stalagmites. The reflections of crystalline pools create amazing optical effects. Easily handled by elderly and children, there are also easy walks through the jungle and supervised interaction with local wildlife (think parrots and monkeys). The guides are informative and the cave pools and rock formations mysteriously beautiful. On 307 just south of Akumal. See www.aktunchen.com for times and admission prices. Hidden Worlds This park offers snorkeling and/or diving through underground caverns. The tour is guided and follows a rope path which is well lit with underwater lighting. They provide all equipment needed, including wet suits and life jackets. This is a spectacular tour in which you feel as if you are snorkeling through the Grand Canyon. This park was featured in an IMAX theater production. We love this place. On 307 north of Tulum. See www.hiddenworlds.com for times and prices http://www.tripadvisor.com Have fun Others - trips to cenotes; - diving from Cozumel; - visit Xcaret check their site; - restaurants and clubs; - visit Tulum ruins (be sure to take beach tools, like towels, swim suit, etc.); - snorkeling at Akumal; - enjoy walks and swimming at beaches. http://www.xcaret.com/ be sure to check out one of the national parks - either Xtapa or Xceret or something like that - awesome way to spend a day. Cozomel may be a little much for a day trip but well worth the effort. Or check out isla mujeres (island of woman) - small island off cancun - very fun lots to do there. To be honest, playa de carmen isn't the most beautiful place on the riveria - but it is by far still better than americanized cancun if your looking for an authentic mexican holiday. Since you will be very close to Puerto Morelos, I would do a snorkel excursion. Snorkel Adventure Tour is a good company. There are two Eco Archaeological Theme Parks to visit Xcaret and Xel-Hal. The Mayan ruins. Here is a website to research http://www.playadelcarmen.com Have a fun vacation. There is alot to do but take some time to just relax and enjoy. s Go to Super Walmart !!! Just kidding . Just depends if you're the outdoors type or the party all night type. if you like the outdoors and the nature atmosphere then definitely go to Xcaret, you can snorkel thru the caves swim with the dolphins go into the exotic bird enclosure etc etc. and of course don't miss the night show which starts at 7pm to 9pm it is the best part of going here. If you're not into this then stroll thru the city and see the sights and buy the items and hit the clubs at night. you can spend all day walking thru 5th avenue where all the shopping happens. One last thing i wasn't kidding about super walmart its there if you feel the need . |
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