Good base for exploring Mayan ruins?

[starchild]

We're toying with the idea of a RM vacation. We mainly want to spend our time visiting ruins so we don't need to be near clubs or other hot spots. There are tons of resorts that look great. Can anyone recommend a resort that is close to a good number of archaeological sites? AI is preferred but not necessary.

[MelissaH]

I would pick somewhere between Playa Del Carmen & Cancun....maybe something in Playa Del Secreto or Puerto Morelos.

 

There are some really really nice beachfront condos in Playa Del Secreto that are reasonably priced for a week and in Puerto Morelos there is Azul Hotel & Beach resort which is supposed to be really nice (I think it's a 4.5 star) and Paradisus Riviera Cancun (5 star) which looks absolutely gorgeous.

 

Then you probably wouldn't be more than a 2 hour drive from any of the big ruin sites (Tulum, Coba, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, etc.)

[PaulaV]

I think Chitchen Itza is a must if you are looking for impressive Mayan ruins in that area. Valladolid is near there, nice little colonial town. Matt Adcock just did that nice last minute wedding there.

 

Playa del Carmen would be nice and quiant, you could get to CI and to Tulum, Isla Mujeres.

 

Yucatan Today - Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico

[lambert13]

If you want to stay in the Riviera Maya, being as far south as you can be would be the best bet. From the Tulum area there are a lot of ruins sites that would be within day trip limits.

 

Tulum- right there

Chichen Itza- About 2 hours away

Muyil- Half hour away

Coba- 45 minutes away

 

Staying closer to the northern end of the Riviera Maya will add extra driving time to just about any of the ruins sites you might want to visit

 

If staying at a beach resort is not a big priority there are a bunch of other options for staying inland that would get you closer to quite a few more ruins sites. Along with the ruins there are a bunch of Haciendas and colonial towns and cities that would be lovely to visit.

[royfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulaV I think Chitchen Itza is a must if you are looking for impressive Mayan ruins in that area.

I have to agree with you! Chitchen Itza is a really nice site! It's worth it!

[starchild]

Thank all of you for your useful info! Chichen Itza is definitely on the list. Thanks for the distances Jason. The more we look into it we are thinking maybe somewhere between Tulum and Xcalak. If time allows, maybe we can venture into Belize and see some of the ruins in the northern part of the country. And thanks for the link Paula, I do remember Matt's photos...a very cool historical town and I'm a history nerd so that's right up my alley!

[lambert13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by starchild Thank all of you for your useful info! Chichen Itza is definitely on the list. Thanks for the distances Jason. The more we look into it we are thinking maybe somewhere between Tulum and Xcalak. If time allows, maybe we can venture into Belize and see some of the ruins in the northern part of the country. And thanks for the link Paula, I do remember Matt's photos...a very cool historical town and I'm a history nerd so that's right up my alley!

That sounds like an awesome trip. Just keep in mind that the Xcalak and Mahahual areas were the ones hit the hardest by Hurricane Dean. They are still very much in recover and rebuild mode right now. From what I have read, Northern Belize is still in pretty good shape after the storm and very ready for tourists. That may be a good idea for a base camp. If you wanted to check out some of the Yucatan ruins you could split your time between the two areas.

[starchild]

Does anyone know about the border crossing between Belize and Mexico? I'm wondering if it is similar to the U.S./Mexico border where you just drive in, or if there is paperwork you need, etc.

 

Also, if we were to start out in Valladolid or somewhere near there, and wanted to go from there to a resort in Tulum (without renting a car) are there shuttles or transfers available? I can ask my TA but you all know so much I figure I would start here.

 

As you see I'm all over the map but just exploring many options, thanks )

[lambert13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by starchild Does anyone know about the border crossing between Belize and Mexico? I'm wondering if it is similar to the U.S./Mexico border where you just drive in, or if there is paperwork you need, etc. Also, if we were to start out in Valladolid or somewhere near there, and wanted to go from there to a resort in Tulum (without renting a car) are there shuttles or transfers available? I can ask my TA but you all know so much I figure I would start here. As you see I'm all over the map but just exploring many options, thanks )

I found some info that there are ADO buses from Valladolid to Tulum. I cannot seem to find a schedule right now, but they do exist. ADO buses are nice charter style buses with a/c and all that jazz. Very cheap too. I would guess that the fare would be less than $10 per person one way.

Let me know if you need schedules or anything once you firm up your plans. I know some people down there that can get them for me.

[starchild]

You kick ass Jason! I forgot all about this thread, just found it again today. I was hoping you'd be back...lol I'll look into ADO, thanks!