Tag: mexico

Visiting Mexico

 

In my travels to Mexico, I visited the 2 Mexican states Yucatán and the Quintana Roo. Though I’m not done as I have plenty more of the Yucatan and Roo to explore, I’m happy to start where I did. 

 

For starters, you can either rent a car or travel the reliable option that is ADO

 

ADO: https://www.ado.com.mx/ado2/#/

 

Car rentals are really cheap, it’s insuring them that becomes expensive. It’s also not the more environment-friendly alternative. When traveling alone on the ride be mindful of gas scams. Always pay attention to the bills given and received, also make sure before getting gas the pump reads 0.00. Of course, an Eco-friendly car is slightly more expensive. 

 

 

Yucatán, the Mexican state, is known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches and Mayan ruins. Famed Chichén Itzá encompasses a massive pyramid, ball court, and stone temples. Other Mayan sites include Ek Balam, noted for well-preserved sculptures, and Uxmal, with its intricate carved facades. Yucatán’s capital and largest city, Mérida, has a Spanish colonial history reflected in buildings such as 16th-century Mérida Cathedral.

 

 

Quintana Roo is a Mexican state on the Yucatán Peninsula. On its Caribbean coast, the town of Tulum offers seaside Mayan ruins, sandy beaches, and undersea caverns. To the northeast, the resort city of Cancún is known for its nightlife, Nichupté Lagoon nature reserve and long beaches with coral reefs. Off Cancún’s coast, the reef-fringed island of Isla Mujeres has nature trails and beachfront restaurants. The area is pretty safe for the most part, police are always patrolling though during my trip they had some issues with a known female cartel. 

 

 

I traveled in through the popular Cancan airport. 

(Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún) (IATA: CUN, ICAO: MMUN

Cancún International Airport is located in Cancún, Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is Mexico’s second busiest airport, after Mexico City International Airport, but the biggest for international passengers. 

 

(USD) $1.00 = (Pesos) $20.00

 

Housing Recommendations:

 

Mezcal Hostel  Rating 7 out of 10 

 

What they offer: 

Pool 

Towel

Sheet

Free Breakfast

Free Dinner

Free Wifi (In Common Area)

 

I give this location a 7 out of 10 because though it is the best Hostel in the area of Downtown Cancun, the staff has a very prideful, and cocky demeanor to them. They don’t have the best customer service, and their not too helpful when it comes to spending $$, especially if your native language isn’t Spanish. They don’t really offer cost effective advice when you want to travel independently, they prefer you take taxis instead of giving you bus options as well.

 

 

At night they try to pressure you into going to Hotel Zone with few options. The average club starts at 25 – $65. Everything is based on all you can drink which isn’t ideal for a light drinker. Why would I pay $65 if I can only consume two drinks? Besides the amazing and helpful volunteers that work long hours in trade for a free bunk Lucas was the only full-time male staff member that seemed to win everyone over. The female staff outside of the maintenance are pretty friendly, and they all have great smiles.

 

 

The cleaning and cooking staff is really a hit or miss, better if you speak Spanish. The cook is very tight with the food rationing and isn’t too friendly unless you’re staying there more than four days. The food overall is a 4 out of 10. If you really on a budget it’s better than eating nothing. The area has great dine-in, take out options, as well as shops to purchase groceries.  While I was staying there the pool and kitchen were under renovation. That made for an uncomfortable visit because the pool is a huge reason why people flock there. Waking up to morning construction every day didn’t feel like much of a vacation either. SO though this place is a great value for the money you spend. It’s a great value mainly because it’s in Mexico. There’s no reason for the staff to treat you like they are doing you a favor. I have to assume that’s because the average person doesn’t stay past 3 days and therefore doesn’t have time to catch on. 

 

 

 

Day 1 (Cancun)

 

 

Hung around the Hostel, met other travelers, got food, and took an Uber to and from Hooters. Uber is super CHEAP, But you must catch it on the main roads.

Av Tulum

 

 

That night was a bust because this is when we first found out about the clubbing and open bar situation. We were promised a $35 club that changed to a $65 when a vote of hands was taken. Upon further investigation, I found that we could of went to the $35 club still, it happened to be across the street from the $65 club and right next to the hooters. We ended up playing UNO and dining at Hooters

 

Day 1 (Cancun Beach Day)

 

Every day the Hostel organizes a group trip to the airport on public transportation. it’s about $.50 and the bus line is R1

 

 

Just went beaching hung around the area of the Hostel. The Hostel offers an escorted beach trip daily around 12 – 1 pm. So if your solo, it’s a little better to go with the Hostel. (BRING A TOWEL) The easiest way to get to the beach is to take the R1 bus, you can catch it closer to the Hostel, but an easier point of reference would be the ADO Bus station. You want to take the R1 ($0.50) bus to the “almost” the last stop. You should get off at the next stop past the “CANCUN” sign. The beach is beautiful, refreshing, and a great place just to relax. I had a lot of fun spending the day here with the girls. There are food and drink options provided by locals. They are pretty cheap and worth supporting their pockets.  The beach was great, met more friends, had a geat time. This day was pretty relaxed as well. 

 

Here I am solo having the time of my life. !!!

 

The only plans were to head back to the hostel for dinner, and whatever games were on the schedule for evening activities. 

 

 

The evening turned out a lot of fun, and we all turned out pretty drunk.  I do remember buying 7 shots for like $20.00 which was pretty sweet, by the end of the night two I had even more friends.

 

 

Day 3 (Brunch and Isla Majures)

 

Day 4 (Tulum & Playa De Carmen)

 

Day 5 (Valladolid & Checken-Itzu)

 

Day 6 (Playa De Carmen)

Visiting Caye Caulker

Hands down one of the best locations I've been to thus far. This is an island off the coast of Belize, it's a backpackers Carribean paradise, about an hour off the coast heading north towards the Mexican Belize border Cehtumal. I haven't been here in a while so I'll assume it has greatly expanded. You can also get here through Mexico. Just take the Ado bus from Cancun to Chetumal. 

 

ADO: https://www.ado.com.mx/ado2/#/

 

Depending on the time the price can range from $217 - $400 Pesos and the ride takes about 5 - 6 hours. From there you can get the Ferry from Chetumal to Caye Caulker for $55 USD One Way 

 

 

When you arrive in Belize at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport you'll have to catch a Taxi (USD $40) to the Belize Water Taxi . If you can, try to find someone in the airport headed to the ferry terminal that can split the cost with you. 

 

San Pedro Belize Express

Brown Sugar Market Place
#111 North Front Street
info@belizewatertaxi.com
011-501-223-2225

There are many budget friendly places to stay on this Island. I'd like to offer a few that I recommend because I stayed here. One was through Airbnb, and the other, through suggestions by Tripadvisor. I'm happy I moved over to the Tripadvisor suggestion because not only was it cheaper but i met more people, as opposed to my Airbnb that made me feel alone. 

 

Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36690

 

This place was adorable. Small but with everything you need. Goes for about $35 USD a night. I believe they have other cabanas on site to choose from. 

 

My second half of the Trip was at The Ocean Pearl : http://oceanpearlhotelbelize.com/

Since i've visited the price has gone up unfortunately, though I still recommend this place. Hotel rooms for one night with double or single occupancy is $35 US per night for rooms with a ceiling fan. $47.50 US per night for rooms with air conditioning. If you stay one week you get the 7th night free!

 

Island Magic is a bit of a more expensive option, But better then Airbnb when it comes to Luxury stayshttp://www.islandmagicbelize.com/

 

 

Get Interactive Map Here

I'm hanging out at The Split (Beach) The Split in Caye Caulker is just that it was split by a hurricane and the the caye is now two. Some people state that the Split was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 which devastated Belize City, however, that is a myth. Villagers who actually hand dredged it maintain that it is largely a man-made feature. The Village Council Chairman at the time, Ramon Reyes, recounts that he and others dredged the waterway by hand after Hurricane Hattie opened a passage a few inches deep.

 

The Lazy Lizard is the watering hole at the end of the land here, The beer is cold and water is warm what could be better than that?  The island is basically a sand bar over a limestone shelf. Underwater caves are found in the limestone (which have claimed the lives of several scuba divers exploring them).

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5 Green Hotels in Mexico

Who says hospitality and eco-consciousness have to be mutually exclusive? Below, we’ve compiled a short list of some of the top eco-friendly hotels in Mexico. Check out the list, and let us know in the comments which ones pique your interest.

 

Villa del Faro

http://www.villadelfaro.net/

https://www.facebook.com/villa.d.faro

East Cape, Baja, Mexico

 

 

Villa del Faro is a hidden oasis nestled on the Sea of Cortez with acres of private beach. The villa was created as a labor of love by artisans and architects and is an American family enterprise. It is one of the most beautiful hideaways on the East Cape of Baja Sur and is now offering exclusive and exquisite accommodations and cuisine.

  • Air
  • Fresh Air
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Education
  • Educate Guests to “green”
  • Educate Staff to “green”
  • Participate in Green Program(s)
  • Promote “greenness” in PR
  • Donating to Charity
  • Energy
  • Alternative Energy
  • Maintenance for Conservation
  • Energy Conservation
  • Food
  • Organic Food Served
  • Eco-friendly Food Served
  • Solid Waste
  • Compostable Disposables
  • Composting
  • Durable Service Items
  • Guestroom Recycling Bins
  • Hotel Recycling Bins
  • Newspaper Program
  • Recyclable Disposables
  • Towels and Sheets
  • Cotton Towels/Sheets
  • Sheet Program
  • Towel Program
  • Water
  • Water Conservation
  • Xeric Garden
  • Gray-Water Recycling

 

 

Balamku Inn on the Beach

http://www.balamku.com/

Mahahual, Quitana Roo, Mexico

 

Balamku is a new concept of hotel in the Costa Maya region, one of Mexico’s hidden treasures. They are in the southern area of the Yucatan Peninsula, just south of a little fishing village, Mahahual in a natural, unspoiled environment with a community of friendly people. At Balamku, they have created a beautiful setting that respects the natural surroundings. They are committed to providing comfort and quality services using the resources of nature without abusing the environment. Their respect for the environment, focus on ecotourism and intimate surroundings, will suit travelers who want a change from the large resorts.

  • Air
  • Fresh Air
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Education
  • Educate Guests to “green”
  • Educate Staff to “green”
  • Promote “greenness” in PR
  • Donating to Charity
  • Energy
  • Alternative Energy
  • Maintenance for Conservation
  • Energy Conservation
  • Food
  • Organic Food Served
  • Eco-friendly Food Served
  • Solid Waste
  • Bulk Soap & Amenities
  • Compostable Disposables
  • Composting
  • Durable Service Items
  • Guestroom Recycling Bins
  • Hotel Recycling Bins
  • Newspaper Program
  • Recyclable Disposables
  • Towels and Sheets
  • Sheet Program
  • Towel Program
  • Water
  • Water Conservation
  • Xeric Garden
  • Gray-Water Recycling

 

Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico

https://www.clubmed.us/r/Ixtapa-Pacific/y

Playa Quieta, Mexico

 

Ixtapa Pacific Club Med’s elegant 1940s hacienda-style architecture boasts beautifully renovated arches, colonnades and pergolas. It’s a great setting for families and couples. After exploring the indoor garden and the Salon des Astres (stargazing lounge), parents can indulge in their favorite sports or visit the nearby fishing village of Zihuatanejo, while children make the most of the dedicated areas and facilities devised especially for them.

  • Air
  • Allergies
  • Fresh Air
  • Environmental Cleaning
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Education
  • Educate Guests to “green”
  • Educate Staff to “green”
  • Participate in Green Program(s)
  • Donating to Charity
  • Energy
  • Maintenance for Conservation
  • Energy Conservation
  • Food
  • Eco-friendly Food Served
  • Solid Waste
  • Compostable Disposables
  • Composting
  • Durable Service Items
  • Hotel Recycling Bins
  • Newspaper Program
  • Recyclable Disposables
  • Towels and Sheets
  • Cotton Towels/Sheets
  • Sheet Program
  • Towel Program
  • Water
  • Water Conservation
  • Xeric Garden
  • Gray-Water Recycling
  • Extras
  • Fitness Center

 

 

Prana del Mar

Baja, Mexico

https://pranadelmar.com/index.html

 

Prana del Mar, is a beautiful oceanfront yoga retreat & wellness center located at the southern tip of Baja, Mexico. Renew and refresh with a deep, healing massage, a restorative aromatherapy treatment, a soak in the hot tub, or a nap in a hammock. Watch the sun sink into the Pacific as you dine on fresh, delicious – often organic – Mexican and international cuisine, sip the best margaritas of your life, laugh with friends new and old, and then admire the star-filled sky as you wander the path back to your suite to sink into a plush pillow-top bed, lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves breaking on the beach.

  • Air
  • Allergies
  • Fresh Air
  • Environmental Cleaning
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Education
  • Educate Guests to “green”
  • Educate Staff to “green”
  • Promote “greenness” in PR
  • Energy
  • Alternative Energy
  • Maintenance for Conservation
  • Energy Conservation
  • Food
  • Organic Food Served
  • Eco-friendly Food Served
  • Solid Waste
  • Bulk Soap & Amenities
  • Compostable Disposables
  • Composting
  • Durable Service Items
  • Guestroom Recycling Bins
  • Hotel Recycling Bins
  • Recyclable Disposables
  • Towels and Sheets
  • Cotton Towels/Sheets
  • Sheet Program
  • Towel Program
  • Water
  • Water Conservation
  • Xeric Garden
  • Gray-Water Recycling
  • Extras
  • Conference Center/Rooms
  • Internet

 

 

The Fairmont Mayakoba

http://www.fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya/

Riviera, Mexico

 

The luxury Fairmont Mayakoba resort is situated within 240 acres of tropical forest intersected by crystal clear waterways and surrounded by a pristine Caribbean shoreline, 40 miles south of Cancun, near the town of Playa del Carmen, on the Riviera Maya.

Known as the “Venice of the Caribbean”, the majority of the 401 exquisite rooms and suites at our exclusive AAA 5 Diamond resort feature private entrances, spa style bathrooms and furnished balconies or terraces with views over the tropical forest, beautifully maintained gardens, or the azure Caribbean sea.

The stunning white sand beach at the Fairmont Mayakoba is reached via a pathway across the mangrove and gentle dunes. There are five swimming pools throughout the resort including a 10,000 sq ft. free-form pool and waterslide, a children’s play pool, and an adults-only infinity edge pool overlooking the lagoon.

 

  • Air
  • Allergies
  • Fresh Air
  • Environmental Cleaning
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Education
  • Educate Guests to “green”
  • Educate Staff to “green”
  • Participate in Green Program(s)
  • Promote “greenness” in PR
  • Donating to Charity
  • Energy
  • Maintenance for Conservation
  • Energy Conservation
  • Food
  • Organic Food Served
  • Eco-friendly Food Served
  • Solid Waste
  • Compostable Disposables
  • Composting
  • Durable Service Items
  • Guestroom Recycling Bins
  • Hotel Recycling Bins
  • Newspaper Program
  • Recyclable Disposables
  • Supplemental
  • Additional Green Features
  • Towels and Sheets
  • Cotton Towels/Sheets
  • Sheet Program
  • Towel Program
  • Water
  • Water Conservation
  • Xeric Garden
  • Gray-Water Recycling
  • Extras
  • Conference Center/Rooms
  • Transportation
  • Fitness Center
  • Interne