Cancun....who has been? what to do and what not to do?

[DaveH]

never been but looks like i am going next month. staying at what supposedly is a very swanky resort. that said......anyone have any recommendations for cool/fun stuff to do outside the resort, and certainely any advise on what to avoid?

 

[pronstar]

We usually go a bit farther south to Playa De Carmen.

Will you be taking kids or no?

 

[Familyties]

1. First thing don't go to or buy a time share
2. Get your transportation form your travel agent.
3. Don't get a Hertz rental car from the Cuncan Airport, see TANGERINE TRAVELS on youtube on Hertz Rental scam
4. See my reviews on Tripadvisor, (RetiredIBEW) for things to do.
5. At your resort you can book excursions for less than Travel agents.
6. Take the bus in the Hotel Zone for a buck a person, safe runs all the time.
7. Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast take the ferry and rent a golf cart a lot of fun.

We have gone to RIU Las Americas seven years in a row (except for covid years)and going back in May. It's an Adults Only & 24 H All Inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas

 

[RiverDave]

I have always gone further south as well. I know Cancun used to be a great spot in the early 2000’s but everyone I know that used to go there doesn’t anymore. They goto play del Carmen and others

 

[checkrdpast]

Been once, never again . another cheap chit hole

 

[Mandelon]

If you go south, it is the small town of Puerto Morelos, then decent sized Playa Del Carmen, then the villages of Akamal, then Tulum. Akamal has an awesome coral reef just offshore. Great snorkeling. A bit south are different cenotes. These are fresh water filled limestone caves. The water is a bit chilly but usually crystal clear.

I just came back from a Riu in Costa Rica. Not my kind of thing. I can sit by a pool at home or go to my own beach. I prefer to get out and about and have some adventures. All you can eat makes me eat too much! LOL

Isla Mujeres boat trip is a good time. Or to Cozumel if you have longer. X-Caret Park was pretty cool. Slides, caves, zip lines, animals etc. Kinda hokey but a good time.

If you need to go shopping don't miss the Súper Chedraui market. It has literally everything you can think of in one store. Limes, mopeds, chicken, tires, food, cigars, appliances, diapers, alcohol. It's pretty hilarious. We had a hoot running around the one in Puerto Aventuras.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Years ago we bought someone's week of their timeshare off of eBay. Only paid $100 more than their price for the week. It was at the "Palace Resorts", There are a handful of them around the area. We stayed at Cozumel Palace since it was close to the dive spots. I must say, we had a great time, the food was excellent and top shelf booze in the room. We thought we wouldn't eat there every night and go out on the town but it was so good and included we just ate at the resort everyday and night. We had no problems at all with buying someone's week and the place was nice a secure. The only dodgy time was when we went into Playa Del Carmen, lots of aggressive street venders there. We dove everyday and went to spa's afterwards then hit the jacuzzi in the room. It was really cheap too, we had a great time but not sure if things have changed in recent years.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

What resort?

I took my wife for her 30th, and it was a great time.

1. https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/joya
2. https://www.xplor.travel/en/xplor-fuego-admission/
3. Rappelling
4. Bike ride through the jungle
5. Climbed Coba
6. Swam with sea turtles
7. Swam in Cenotes

 

[fat rat]

I always recommend RIU….where ever you travel.

 

[H20 Toie]

DON’T GET KILLED

other than that have fun

 

[propcheck]

We liked our stay at the Hard Rock down south I would go again.

 

[RVRKID]

We did a family trip last year about this time with about 25 of us and stayed at Club Med, it was nice and I never left the resort since they had a bunch to offer and all the food and drinks were included.

 

[Activated]

We don’t do a lot of the touristy stuff normally, we just want to relax and do nothing on our vacations to a resort. Our last trip to PDC we did an excursion that included a Mayan ruin, snorkeling with sea turtles and swimming through Cenotes with a flashlight. We actually enjoyed ourselves, even the snorkeling which usually is just ok for us as we normally dive.

 

[Havasu blue label]

Fiesta Americana coral beach it’s the caribbean side the water is perfect they have great daily events and excursions

 

[JENKS]

Eat at Lorenzillos and make sure your seated outside on the deck. They have great seafood. Don't chit your pants when you look down and see crocodiles. Make sure you drive to xcaret park. Its a blast, ziplines, underground rivers etc.

 

[Howardflat]

Go talk to Terry. He and the fam just got back about a week ago.

 

[sirbob]

Over 500 Americans are missing in Mexico right now…

https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-alert-spring-break-2023/

What not to do in Mexico… travel to Mexico.

 

[Boat 405]

never been but looks like i am going next month. staying at what supposedly is a very swanky resort. that said......anyone have any recommendations for cool/fun stuff to do outside the resort, and certainely any advise on what to avoid?

Stay at your hotel and drink and party. Go to the beach/pool. Go home...

 

[Deckin Around]

don’t let the hooker steal your wallet.

don’t drink the water.

Run away from the guy with the whistle and the tequila bottle.

 

[Sandlord]

Back to the airport;
get to the baggage claim where your bags are coming out. Get your own bag quickly. If you stand too far away, a group of men will pull off every bag and then hold their hand out for a tip before releasing your bag.
As you exit the terminal, there will be lots of men claiming to be the person you are supposed to be meeting. They are all just trying to get referral fees from timeshare, tours, and transportation companies. Walk past them and go to the transport company you prearranged.
remember that travel to/from Tulum from the hotel zone will take most of the day. And its usually on an overcrowded van with broken AC and smelly people. Its worth skipping.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

We just back from Rivera Maya which is South of Tulum and Hardrock. Nice place, food was fair, watching that Falconer kill seagulls with the falcon was fkn rad! Weather was great!

1- Its a long drive from the airport that far South, and they are doing road construction right at the airport......... 3 FKN HOURS to get to airport in the bus was about enough for me to freak out!

2- I'd go back tomorrow! LOL

What resort are you going to?

 

[DaveH]

We just back from Rivera Maya which is South of Tulum and Hardrock. Nice place, food was fair, watching that Falconer kill seagulls with the falcon was fkn rad! Weather was great!

1- Its a long drive from the airport that far South, and they are doing road construction right at the airport......... 3 FKN HOURS to get to airport in the bus was about enough for me to freak out!

2- I'd go back tomorrow! LOL

What resort are you going to?

moon palace. no kids.

 

[samsah33]

Been there a bunch of times, did all the touristy stuff... Xcaret and Xel-Ha were awesome and good for families, went to Chichen Itza when you could climb the pyramids (can't do that today and bus ride is loooong), scuba at Cozumel. Resort food is good, but don't be afraid to hit up some local restaurants, yes, you have to pay but you'll find some really good local gems. If it's your first time, then you'll have to plan out your calendar on day one. All the events that the resorts host are not 24/7, they're like 1x per week & some require reservations. If you're into activities, at least make sure you plan some "nothing" time, first time I went I came home needing a vacation...!

 

[Good Stuff]

1. First thing don't go to or buy a time share
2. Get your transportation form your travel agent.
3. Don't get a Hertz rental car from the Cuncan Airport, see TANGERINE TRAVELS on youtube on Hertz Rental scam
4. See my reviews on Tripadvisor, (RetiredIBEW) for things to do.
5. At your resort you can book excursions for less than Travel agents.
6. Take the bus in the Hotel Zone for a buck a person, safe runs all the time.
7. Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast take the ferry and rent a golf cart a lot of fun.

We have gone to RIU Las Americas seven years in a row (except for covid years)and going back in May. It's an Adults Only & 24 H All Inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas

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Can’t emphasize the point enough: DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE INSIDE THE AIRPORT ON THE WAY OUT FOR ANY REASON. Dirty little scammers tell you that you have to talk to them or you can’t get a shuttle etc. Also when walking around outside of your resort in town they will pretend they know you from your hotel except they just know by your wrist band what hotel you are staying at.

 

[Member: 71]

1. Make sure you Book your round trip hotel/airport transportation.
1B. Check off all the touristy shit.
2. Once you get passed customs DONT STOP until outside.
3. Day trip to Isla Mujeres - rent a golf cart tour the island, stop and have coconut and rum. There’s a cool brewery Isla Brewing Co..end the day at playa Norte.
4. Day trip to Chichen-Itzá - check a box and visit the Mayan ruins, then stop over at Valladolid and jump in a cenote.
5. If time permits day trip to Cozumel
6. Don’t buy coke or weed in a dark alley, if you’re feening, ask pool bartender to hook it up - the fentanyl.
7. On your return trip - as Mandelon said, visit down south Puerto Morelos/Akumal.
8. Carry some $1s and tips along the way. You’ll be okay. Take some $2 bills and you’ll be a rockstar ($2 bill considered good luck)
9. Enjoy your time off. Cheers!

 

[jet496]

Tons to do. There's something for everyone.

1. Rio Secreto
2. Chichen Iza (one of the 7 Wonders of the World)
3. Check out some Cenotes
4. Talum
5. XCaret is cool to float & drink
6. Hanging out at Playa Del Carmen for a day
7. We spend most of our time on Cozumel where there's some of the best diving in the world. Love that island!
8. Tequila factory tour on Cozumel
9. The Money Bar on Cozumel
10. Parasailing
11. Snorkel with the whale sharks if they are around
12. I could go on & on.

 

[Tremor Therapy]

1. Make sure you Book your round trip hotel/airport transportation.
1B. Check off all the touristy shit.
2. Once you get passed customs DONT STOP until outside.
3. Day trip to Isla Mujeres - rent a golf cart tour the island, stop and have coconut and rum. There’s a cool brewery Isla Brewing Co..end the day at playa Norte.
4. Day trip to Chichen-Itzá - check a box and visit the Mayan ruins, then stop over at Valladolid and jump in a cenote.
5. If time permits day trip to Cozumel
6. Don’t buy coke or weed in a dark alley, if you’re feening, ask pool bartender to hook it up - the fentanyl.
7. On your return trip - as Mandelon said, visit down south Puerto Morelos/Akumal.
8. Carry some $1s and tips along the way. You’ll be okay. Take some $2 bills and you’ll be a rockstar ($2 bill considered good luck)
9. Enjoy your time off. Cheers!

This....been a number of times since '76. To be honest, it was way better in the 80's and 90's, more of a Cabo vibe back then. Stick to the populated areas, and you will be fine.

 

[That Guy]

If you go south, it is the small town of Puerto Morelos, then decent sized Playa Del Carmen, then the villages of Akamal, then Tulum. Akamal has an awesome coral reef just offshore. Great snorkeling. A bit south are different cenotes. These are fresh water filled limestone caves. The water is a bit chilly but usually crystal clear.

I just came back from a Riu in Costa Rica. Not my kind of thing. I can sit by a pool at home or go to my own beach. I prefer to get out and about and have some adventures. All you can eat makes me eat too much! LOL

Isla Mujeres boat trip is a good time. Or to Cozumel if you have longer. X-Caret Park was pretty cool. Slides, caves, zip lines, animals etc. Kinda hokey but a good time.

If you need to go shopping don't miss the Súper Chedraui market. It has literally everything you can think of in one store. Limes, mopeds, chicken, tires, food, cigars, appliances, diapers, alcohol. It's pretty hilarious. We had a hoot running around the one in Puerto Aventuras.

I can attest he ate too much in Costa Rica....

 

[whiteworks]

I spent about 6 months exploring the yucatan peninsula in the late 90’s. I was fortunate to have some Mexican buddies from the yucatan and I really got to experience the culture, traditional foods, hell I slept on a hammock. I’d go down for 6 weeks or so at a time and it was off an on over about an 18 month period, come home make some money, go back and live 10X style LOL

Back then Cancun reminded me of Newport Beach and Las Vegas colliding at 100 mph. The club life in Cancun is pretty epic if that’s your jam, depending on the season the chicks are different flavors from around the world, this time of year expect Texas and Florida spring breakers to be shitting them selves in public. Playa del Carmen was still a sleepy beach town with only the main downtown area having paved streets, that was the spot to be for a good time, but the secret was out globally and it was the fastest growing town in Mexico, each time I went there more streets were paved and the sprawl was under way. When the cruise ship would pull on all the drink prices would go up for several blocks from where they unloaded, tourists from the boats can only make it so far on their shore leave. Not sure I would recognize it today, it wasn’t organized narco back then, just shady Mexican shit LOL

My advice is to get out of the resort areas and visit areas of cultural and geographical significance, Mayan ruins, cenotes, jungle villages, etc… Tulum is a trek from Cancun, but it’s pretty rad, crossing into Belize even more so.

If you’re looking for the all inclusive resort experience, they have that mastered all up and down the coast, enjoy your trip.

 

[Spudsbud]

Any "Tour" like Apple or ????? will take all day.... because the f'n bus stops at 15 hotels to load up before heading where ever.
I'd skip Chicen Iza. OR take a cab there. Not the tour bus.
Stay in Playa Del.Carmen ?
5th Ave is close and well worth it. Go an hour before sunset. Cool& Safe.
Xhel- Haa (Shell Ha) very cool day trip natural waterpark. Well worth it. Close. Take a cab, if youre in PDC.
Sunscreen amigo !
Avoid Carlos & Charlies at all cost......

 

[Orange Juice]

never been but looks like i am going next month. staying at what supposedly is a very swanky resort. that said......anyone have any recommendations for cool/fun stuff to do outside the resort, and certainely any advise on what to avoid?

I suggest an all inclusive adult resort.

 

[Warlock1]

We stayed at Secrets Maroma. It was a fantastic place.
Grab some bug spray, mosquitos are ruthless
Do the excursions through the resort
Do not be in Cancun when the sun sets
Don't get kidnapped. We were about 30 seconds from becoming "missing"

 

[Brian]

moon palace. no kids.

If you play golf be sure to play a round. The course is amazing there. Been to Moon Palace twice. Great time!

 

[DaveH]

4 dead found there just this week. Im OUT.

 

[Drew]

Not a good time to go. The weather calls for a ton of bullets

 

[Dalton]

4 dead found there just this week. Im OUT.

How many dead in Chicago?

The Mexico argument is an age-old one lol

 

[DaveH]

How many dead in Chicago?

The Mexico argument is an age-old one lol

I aint vacationing there either.

 

[TPC]

We took the boat to from Cabo to Cuba.
They didn't stamp passports then, that may have changed and if boat is still running.
Wanted to see Cuba while it was still raw. Bay of pigs, Hemmingway spots and Communism at it's best.

 

[boatpi]

Reasons NOT to go;

 

[hman442]

That'd ruin your whole trip for sure. I'm not excited about going back to Mexico, but, I just read that in 2019, before the numbers went down due to covid, that 40 million Americans per year visited Mexico, and apparently 39.999999999 million returned safely. Those odds look pretty good, unless you're one of the .0000001%.

 

[Dalton]

Reasons NOT to go;

Sometimes you just gotta say fck the fear, fck the masks, fck the media, and go to Mexico and have some fun

 

[boatpi]

You can fly to Hawaii for $375 RT, I’ll play safe in Hawaii.

 

[Sandlord]

 

[relaxalot]

I think that travel to Cabo and Cancun are still quite safe if you stay at the resort and don't go to bars at night/use hotel transportation are still very safe. Travel to other areas are not as safe as people think. Most have murder rates 50 to 100 times greater than U.S. areas. It is sad to say but Mexico is getting more and more dangerous. Good thing they don't allow guns there! I was recently in the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende and it is considered a "safe" city. Murder rate is one out of every 517 citizens per year. If there were 517 M&Ms in a bowl and one would kill you... Most cities are much worse than that. I think the main problem in Mexico is that you have no ability to protect yourself. You are at the mercy of any person who has no morals and needs $$. Sadly a rapidly growing population both here and there.

 

[Dalton]

I think that travel to Cabo and Cancun are still quite safe if you stay at the resort and don't go to bars at night/use hotel transportation are still very safe. Travel to other areas are not as safe as people think. Most have murder rates 50 to 100 times greater than U.S. areas. It is sad to say but Mexico is getting more and more dangerous. Good thing they don't allow guns there! I was recently in the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende and it is considered a "safe" city. Murder rate is one out of every 517 citizens per year. If there were 517 M&Ms in a bowl and one would kill you... Most cities are much worse than that. I think the main problem in Mexico is that you have no ability to protect yourself. You are at the mercy of any person who has no morals and needs $$. Sadly a rapidly growing population both here and there.

For years Cabo was rated most dangerous….in the world I think? I think the same people that came up with Covid statistics came up with those

 

[Warparty36]

I can’t believe no one has said to go to Coco Bongos. Very fun and entertaining, but a late night so don’t plan on being up early the next morning. Definitely worth the upgrade to pay for VIP. The concierge at your hotel will book tickets and transportation.

 

[carrera202]

My wife and I just spent five days in Cancun. First time being out of the country for the both of us, and nervous as all hell from recent events. But followed the advise from previous post and everything was all good!

Had a few of these on the flight to calm the nerves!