Adventuring in Mexico

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Mexico is an absolutely beautiful country with vast culture, which is probably why it's a favorite vacation spot for many Americans. We've been to Mexico a few times, and each time we visit, we experience something new. In this article, I'll share my favorite things to do while staying in Quintana Roo, how to get around, and the best ways to adventure in this beautiful country.

The Vibe

We've been up and down the easternmost coast of Mexico, and the vibe here is fun. Not only do the local people love to share stories and entertain, but there's a high probability that you'll encounter a lot of vacationers who just want to have a good time as well. If you travel to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, you'll find that the local people rely heavily on tourism and are very eager to share their culture. Mexico has something for everyone, whether you like to relax, party or explore.

Getting Around

If you're planning a trip on the eastern coast of Mexico, you'll probably fly into Cancun. Most people stop there - and could you blame them? All-inclusive resorts, ferries out to Isla Mujeres, and posh shopping districts pepper this area with plenty of tourist attractions. But for the true explorers out there, keep going south! If you've read some of my other blog posts, you know that we usually prefer to drive ourselves around and Mexico is no exception! You'll see shuttles that take you to rental car centers as you exit the airport if you choose to rent a car. We rented a little Chevy Spark and cruised through Quintana Roo for pretty cheap on our second trip to Mexico. Something thing to note is that there are police and military checkpoints along the highway and it can be pretty intimidating if you're stopped. If you don't speak Spanish, it's likely easier to arrange shuttle routes for transportation while in Quintana Roo, which are readily available. There are buses that run from the airport to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. You'll see a booth to purchase shuttle fares as you exit the airport. The tricky part is remembering to buy your bus passes back to the airport the day before your departure flight, because it is possible that they sell out of seats for the shuttle that you need. Shuttles usually run every 30 minutes from the ADO bus stations and can also take you from Playa del Carmen to Tulum to explore the Mayan ruins. Another option is using a travel agency, which you'll see a lot of on the main streets if you're staying in Playa del Carmen. These agencies can help you arrange activities and transportation for each day of your trip, and usually have a good discount rate for bundling the attractions. It's important to carry some cash with you while you're out, because a lot of street vendors only take cash and you'll usually be far from where you're staying depending on which excursions you choose to do.

What to Do

My favorite things to do in Mexico are listed below. We usually stay in Playa del Carmen as a central point and then shuttle or drive from there!

Take the Ferry to Cozumel - Cozumel is a picturesque island off the coast of Mexico, and it can be pretty pricey to fly into and stay there. Traveling to Cozumel for the day via ferry is a much more budget-friendly way to experience the island and its beautiful beaches. The island itself is pretty small, so you can really see most of it in a day trip depending on what you like to do. We rented a motorcycle and rode the full highway loop around the island, stopping along the way to swim and eat. For the laid-back traveler, there are also restaurants, bars, and shopping near the port where you can watch the ships dock and depart. Don't forget to snap a photo with the Cozumel sign!

Cenote Tours - Cenotes are naturally-forming caverns that fill with freshwater to make for absolutely surreal natural swimming pools. Cenotes range 8-15 meters deep on average, but can be as deep as 119 meters (nearly 400 feet) deep! For this reason, it's imperative to take safety precautions when swimming in cenotes. If you're taking a cenote tour, they will provide life jackets and I would recommend that even experienced swimmers use them until you're accustomed to the water. Cenotes fill with freshwater, meaning that the salt content is much lower than the ocean nearby and can take some getting used to. You can find commercial cenote tours with a traditional travel agent. These excursions usually include your safety equipment and lunch, and most also include transportation. You can normally find a cenote tour with 3 or 4 different stops so you can see the variety in how these phenomena occur and feel how different depths change the temperature and swimming experience.

Ecotourism Parks - There is absolutely nothing like ecotourism in Mexico. A series of ecotourism parks with various themes encapsulate the natural wonders of Mexico while highlighting its unique culture. My favorite park is Xcaret, which has natural lazy rivers, cenotes, wildlife exhibits, cultural exhibits, and a spectacular show detailing Mexican history and customs at the end of the night. Other ecotourism parks include Xelha, a water park with snorkeling, water slides, biking, a lazy river, and obstacle courses, and Xplore, a park with expansive zip-lining courses, underground rivers, rafting, and amphibious vehicle tours. Another ecotourism park is Extreme Adventure Cancun, which offers four-wheeling through the jungle, cenotes to swim in, zip lining, and horseback riding. These attractions show you the natural adventure that Mexico embodies while embracing the culture. For each of these ecotourism parks, be sure to pack or wear bathing suits and bring a change of clothes. I would recommend bringing a pair of water shoes that you've worn before so you can go from water attractions to the next attraction without needing to change your shoes all day. It's a lot of walking through all of these parks, so a pair of water shoes that are broken in will ensure you don't end up with blisters on your feet. Be sure to bring sunscreen. You can't bring in outside food or drinks into the majority of these parks, so upgrading for their all-inclusive option usually makes more sense. We like to drive while in Mexico so that we can come and go as we please, which was helpful when we visited the ecotourism parks because at the end of the day it can be stressful trying to get back to the bus in time. Lastly, you will normally pay less for admission with the ability to bundle different activities and ecotourism parks with the local travel agencies, so it makes sense to arrange your trip activities when you arrive. Otherwise, you can still buy your tickets online in advance if you prefer.

Adventure in the Mayan Ruins & Experience Chichen Itza - Visiting the ruins is easily a full day of activities! The most notable thing to experience is the Temple of Kukulcan in Chichen Itza, a massive temple built by the Mayans somewhere between the 8th and 12th centuries AD in the Yucatan Peninsula. This area is full of other structures that have maintained their integrity through centuries and reveal details about both Mayan culture and early civilization. Another impressive attraction is the ruins of Tulum, located back in Quintana Roo. Here you can explore the structures a bit more interactively than some of the other protected sites of Chichen Itza and also see some beachfront nearby. For the most adventure possible, I'd recommend visiting Cobá, one of the few temples that you can actually climb. After a difficult upward hike, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views and an amazing sense of accomplishment. The trek is long and steep at some points, and the air begins to thin out near the top. This climb is definitely not for the faint of heart, but is such a unique experience to look back on.

Check out Quinta Avenida - Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue is renowned for its restaurants, shopping, and clubs. With nearly 50 restaurants to choose from within walking distance and no shortage of bars, clubs, and shops, this area of Playa del Carmen is the hub for experiencing the nightlife. Walking down Quinta Avenida, you'll encounter live music, street performers, and vendors, along with the local businesses. If you can find a stand for Marquesitas, get one! These are essentially sweet waffle cone dough prepared in front of you with the toppings of your choice - fruits, Nutella, peanut butter, condensed milk, nuts, chocolate chips - endless combinations!

Best Beaches

In my opinion, Ixpalbarco Beach in Cozumel is the best beach to visit, with white sand and beautiful blue water. It's on the quieter side of the island, so it's not normally as busy, and the view here is spectacular. You can swim, but there aren't any lifeguards on duty so be sure to pay attention to the currents and wave patterns.

Playacar Beach in Playa del Carmen is one of the best in the area but also the most popular. The beaches in Playa del Carmen have suffered from an increase in sargassum in recent years due to the warming of the ocean. The best season to visit beaches in Playa del Carmen is in the winter months for this reason in order to avoid the debris.

You'll find beach options all along the easternmost coast of the country, but there are aquatic activities nearly anywhere you go, from beaches to cenotes to ecotourism parks!

Notable Stops

For those of you who like to adventure off the beaten path, I would recommend a stop in Puerto Morelos. Not only will you find less popular beaches, but you'll also trade in the high-rise resorts for local AirBnBs and more authentic experiences. We stopped over in this little town one night and got to know so much about the culture by talking with the locals in Puerto Morelos. While it may be harder to navigate here without speaking Spanish, it's definitely still a worthwhile stop to get a feel for an authentic town in Quintana Roo.

Coming In/Going Out

The customs process in Mexico is fairly easy, but there are some quirks to keep in mind. When you fly into Mexico, you'll be given a customs declaration form to fill out on the plane. Remember to bring a pen, because there never seem to be enough to get the forms filled out in time. You'll fill out one declarations form per household and it is imperative that you do not lose this form during your stay in Mexico. When you arrive at the airport for your departure flight, they will ask for the declarations form in order to leave the country. Other than managing the form, customs is a pretty easy process traveling to and from Mexico. I would plan for the customs process to take up to two hours, especially if your flight is full. It can be a bit of a long line sometimes, so I would recommend having snacks and water handy as well.

Overall Impressions

The Quintana Roo region of Mexico is so much fun to experience between the culture, cuisine, ecotourism, and beautiful beaches. I would recommend Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, or Tulum to anyone taking an international trip for the first time, since many of the locals speak English in these areas and they are safe to visit. Whether you're into non-stop action or prefer a relaxing week in the ocean, Mexico offers a unique experience for everyone and there's something new to try or see each time you visit.

Questions about booking activities with a travel agency or getting around? Leave them in the comments below!