Cancun, Tulum, Coba, Cenote & Playa Del Carmen Review

Planning a trip that hits all the hotspots near Cancun like Tulum, Coba, a picturesque cenote, and even Playa Del Carmen can be super exciting, yet sort of overwhelming. I mean, where do you even begin, right? So, I want to share with you what I learned exploring this captivating slice of the Yucatan Peninsula, to kinda help you prepare and make the most of your own adventure. I hope that what I am about to write helps you out, alright? So, here are my experiences, tips, and just general thoughts after having traipsed all around these locations.

Cancun: More Than Just a Party Spot, really?

Cancun is, that is, a name synonymous with wild spring break parties, but very honestly, there’s so much more going on if you peek just a little further than the Hotel Zone. Anyway, sure, that long stretch of hotels is pretty unreal with its gleaming beaches and, of course, those electric blue waters. Actually, what I think is interesting is how you can experience luxury and a super lively vibe, still, maybe venture downtown to see where the locals actually hang out and eat. I’m thinking there are those delicious, super affordable tacos and some very genuine interactions.

The beaches are undeniably fantastic. What you will very quickly discover, I am guessing, is that there’s a reason people from every place on the planet come here for some tan time and watersports. What I really liked was getting out on a boat trip. Like, there are several spots where you can snorkel in waters so crystal clear that it seems unbelievable, particularly around Isla Mujeres. What is so great about it, is the underwater museum is, I think, really an unforgettable experience—definitely a highlight for me.

As for places to eat, oh my gosh. What I want you to do is eat somewhere, anywhere that is far from the main drag and, honestly, that’s where you’re gonna locate the most delicious and legitimate Yucatecan food. Believe me when I tell you, you have not truly lived till you’ve devoured cochinita pibil from a local vendor. I almost had some once but decided to pass, but I really do hope I can eat that soon! Anyhow, when you’re scheduling your trip, think about carving out moments not just for tanning or maybe drinking by the pool but also for immersing yourself in what it is really like around there.

Tulum: History Hugging the Sea, in a very literal sense

Alright, Tulum is kind of something else. I mean, the Mayan ruins sitting right on those cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea? Actually, it’s quite breathtaking. So, visiting the Tulum ruins is not something you forget. You wander around these ancient structures that have seen, actually, more than a few centuries come and go. But then when you’re done, there’s that gorgeous coastline right there to welcome you to sit down and relax. Oh yeah, what a spot.

What I discovered while I was roaming around there is, if you wish to beat some of the intense heat and masses, very, very, very sincerely think about arriving there super early. Bring a hat. Seriously, okay? And after that, treat yourself to a plunge in the ocean. Tulum does have a bunch of cool cenotes nearby, so, very, very sincerely, don’t miss the chance to explore at least one. They have cool, crystal-clear waters, but they also have something unique in terms of appeal and in their own way. Actually, it’s like taking a dip into a completely other place. A place, incidentally, that I would like to call magical.

Other than the history thing, you’ve got this pretty hip town. What I liked a bunch are all of the eco-chic hotels, but there are yoga retreats, too, so you get relaxation for days and a good eating scene. Oh yes, plenty of healthy cafes and restaurants if you are a vegan or just kinda wanna eat something wholesome. Very good if that’s up your alley. Anyway, spending some days there really offers you, basically, a blend of relaxation, exploring, but also, most notably, learning.

Coba: Climbing Into the Past, it’s as awesome as it sounds

Now, very, very sincerely, for something a bit different, Coba is there to give it to you. So, unlike the ruins located close to the sea at Tulum, Coba, that’s located inland. Actually, Coba presents a super unique experience. I want you to realize it when I say this to you. So, what’s cool is you can rent a bicycle and then you can pedal through these jungle paths that are connecting the various ruin sites. What this can entail is so very cool in that you will uncover different parts and glimpses into Mayan civilization.

What is basically the main highlight for loads of tourists is, I suspect, the Nohoch Mul pyramid. Now, it’s quite a climb to get up there, but it could give you a breathtaking view stretching way out over the jungle. Is that not really quite romantic? What I want you to keep in mind is that it’s much less well-known than Chichen Itza, for instance, which could allow you to get a less tourist-overrun experience. I feel like I was totally immersed in the environment! Oh my goodness! How fun!

Also, remember that in order to get there, think about wearing some very comfortable shoes. This is, arguably, more essential than you expect since you have to be able to traverse those unpaved pathways. Also, basically, pack loads of water and bug spray! As you pedal down all the shadowed areas in the jungle, there will for sure be loads of mosquitoes there that will gladly give you what you may politely consider “free kisses”. Just a fun bit of humor that I am passing along, right now! So, what about combining history, little exercise and natural charm all into one? Basically, that is what Coba’s all about.

Cenotes: Diving Into the Mayan Underworld, it’s so fun, wow!

No trip around this region of Mexico is done quite right until you’ve experienced the magical cenotes, those things that are subterranean sinkholes packed with this incredibly clear freshwater. I feel that diving in them feels a bit, really, like slipping into a completely another place altogether. You will almost notice them because of how cool the water is and how otherworldly they feel.

There are just loads of kinds of cenotes out there to seek. Some, such as Gran Cenote close to Tulum or Ik Kil by Chichen Itza, for instance, are incredibly open and relatively easily reached. Just a hop, skip and jump for many tourists and vacation goers alike. I think that these types are good for, possibly, those individuals who do not want anything overly strenuous to seek them. Others, as an example, such as the ones located inside the Suytun cave close to Valladolid, feature really dramatic underground caverns that I find genuinely intriguing. What this creates is kind of an amazing atmosphere for just about anyone looking to get an unforgettable swim in! Whoa! Amazing! Cool!

Oh my gosh, I need you to listen when I let you know this. I cannot forget to tell you about what the Mayans kinda believed was the use of cenotes as their gateway to another place! Also, Cenotes may actually be amazing sites just to unwind in! Seriously, I can not believe that you wouldn’t! If you ever go to the Yucatan Peninsula, that you’re thinking about doing this and it’s gonna be awesome!

Playa Del Carmen: Beaches with a more Urban Twist, alright?

Finally, there’s Playa Del Carmen, that’s the place that has some stunning beaches but which provides, possibly, a bit more of that kinda city thing than maybe Tulum is able to offer, anyway. What I suggest you do is amble all the way along Fifth Avenue, which is basically this pedestrian walkway which is covered end-to-end with stores, places that provide all kinds of dining, as well as spots where you could easily catch live performances. Playa provides loads of opportunities to have yourself some memorable experiences.

The beaches over here are clearly great. In the north of Playa, things can be slightly less busy compared to the area which is nearby Fifth Avenue, but there can, as I say, remain some fantastic places there to sprawl out and relax for some time. Another thing, though, is very, very honestly you may find some gorgeous beach clubs that kinda feature luxurious amenities or daybeds and umbrellas galore. What else can I say about this?! How can this get better?

As dusk sets, very, very honestly this town genuinely comes completely alive. You could get loads of choices for eating anything coming from local Mexican spots on down to restaurants offering global-inspired meals! So many vacationers will tell you that it’s an outstanding way just to polish off one heck of a fun day’s exploration on down here to that area of the Yucatan. One thing is almost certainly something I am just certain that this’s absolutely an unmissable gem located there on the coast!

#Cancun #Tulum #Coba #Cenote #PlayaDelCarmen #Mexico #TravelReview