Our 2nd time to Tulum Ruins was great! We joined a tour this time and enjoyed it. Our guide was…read moreknowledgeable and very accommodating when questioned. We went on a March weekend and was surprised it was not crowded which was great. I would love to come back during sunset next time - the dramatic scenery, combining ancient ruins with a beautiful beach and the ocean view, will definitely be worth it!

Absolutely worth the visit. The setting is hard to beat, ancient ruins perched above turquoise…read moreCaribbean water with a steady ocean breeze the whole time. The walking paths are easy, the grounds are well kept, and there are plenty of viewpoints where you'll stop every few minutes just to take photos. It does get hot and crowded, especially mid-day, but if you go earlier or later it feels much more relaxed and you can really take in how unique the location is compared to other archaeological sites. The beach access below the cliffs is a huge bonus and makes the experience more than just a history stop. Bring water, sunscreen, and patience, but the views alone make it worth it. You will see plenty of iguanas. :)

We had an amazing time at Cenote Taak Bi Ha, located just north of Tulum. If you haven't been to…read morethis cenote, I highly recommend it. This is a cave / underground cenote. We visited Taak Bi Ha through My Quest Concierge Private Tours, booked through Viator as "VIP Tulum Private Tour." Taak Bi Ha was the last of three stops on our day tour. My wife and I couldn't have been happier with My Quest. For details, including how much we paid, see My Quest's Yelp page here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-quest-concierge-private-tours-playa-del-carmen In regard to Taak Bi Ha, My Quest took care of transportation to and from, parking, tickets, translation with on-site staff, pictures, and a personalized guided tour. We entered the cenote just after 12:15pm on a Monday. We stayed until about 1:30pm. During that time, the cenote wasn't crowded at all. There were other groups, but not many. The cenote opening is narrow and steep (watch your head). As soon as you enter and take a look at the cenote from the first elevated platform, the view is stunning. This cenote is an example of nature at its finest. Cenotes have formed over millions of years. Inside, there are man-made platforms which are great for taking pictures. We put on life vests, provided at the check-in shack, and we had our own snorkeling gear and flashlights from My Quest. We got into the water and our My Quest guide gave us a full tour of the cenote, including a pitch-black section where our flashlights and my phone light were our only sources of light. We also swam through a tiny hole to get there. It was wild: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4_KKkAOYzd/?hl=en The water was cold. Bring water shoes to protect your feet. Snorkeling with flashlights is definitely the way to go as you'll be able to see the amazing caves, flowstones, stalagmites, etc. underwater. There's also beautiful coral and stalactites. Bring a waterproof camera. I used a waterproof phone pouch to take my pictures and videos. The water was so clean, clear, and blue. In addition, we saw bats. My wife absolutely loved the experience. She was incredibly happy and thought the cenote was so cool from a nature and science perspective. For her, this cenote was one of the highlights from our trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. I agree. She described the cenote as "other-worldly" and "like being on another planet." Cenote Taak Bi Ha has an official Instagram page @cenote_taak_bi_ha: https://www.instagram.com/cenote_taak_bi_ha/?hl=en They've even done weddings here! https://www.instagram.com/cenotetaakbiha/?hl=en Funny enough, inside the cave as soon as we entered, there was a sign posted with a QR code to connect to the cenote's Wi-Fi network. Restrooms and changing rooms are available outside.

Taak Bi Ha is a underground/cave ceynote that is privately owned by a Mayan family. It's deep in…read morethe Dos Oros ceynotes area - you'll turn off the main highway and go for several kilometers, past several other (larger, more commercial) ceynotes. When we arrived, we were the only ones there. Like other places, you need to shower off any sunscreen etc before entering. No bug spray either so move quickly because the short walk through the jungle will have you swarmed! The entrance is through a small cave opening with a very steep flight of steps - wear water shoes and watch your head! Once inside, you'll be in a wonderland! Crystal clear blue water, swooping bats (lots of them!!) and beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites everywhere. I understand why these spaces were considered sacred to the Maya - it is truly another world. We didn't swim but you certainly can. This is an especially good place for divers - we were told that the caves here connect to a much larger system (and ultimately the largest underwater cave system in the world). Really happy we had the opportunity to check this place out!!

we had such a great day from start to finish with everyone but mainly Chino. He was the best with…read moreguiding us through the day. thank you for making our experience one of the best ones! highly recommend asking for him!!

Book this tour!! I went with my husband and we both cannot stop raving about this excursion. We…read morewere debating between this, and xplor- very happy with our decision. Transportation was right on time, no transfer to another bus, or another stop, or (like other excursions we've been on). Also it took less than an hour from the hotel zone. The guys working at Selvatica went above and beyond. What a nice group of people working. Every single person working was non stop going, and still were so happy and nice. They made us feel comfortable, and made our day so enjoyable. It is a guided, organized experience so you're guaranteed to do everything that you signed up for. Barely any wait, and you're basically with the same group the whole time. The light 'snack', is a turkey sandwich, and then you get lunch (tacos/fajitas) at the end. There's a very cool bar, the place itself is picture worthy, you feel like you're in a tree house! Highly recommend doing this. There are lockers there, but can't bring phones on most of the activities. There are photographers (hanging from zip lines!), and photos for purchase at the end. $100, however they came with nearly 150 photos, worth the purchase. Recommend - wearing comfy clothes, bring a swim suit, and if you have crocs id wear those.

Beautiful park with delicious food in the cafe! The cafe kitchen is open 9-4, except Mondays when…read morethe park is closed.

Beautiful and very well maintained park. Cute play area for children, and lots of seating if you'd…read morelike to read or just relax. Clean bathroom free to use. There is a cafe, yoga days, and movie nights. The only negative aspect that I could think of is the mosquitos, but easy problem to fix with bug spray.

I enjoyed sitting at this park to watch street performers and to see the Portal Maya - a 52 foot…read moretall sculpture that commemorates the end of the Mayan calendar cycle and symbolizes unity between humanity and nature. You are likely to see many locals as well as tourists in this park. You may be approached by street sellers but I did not find them overly pushy. I found the street performers to be outstanding and well deserving of a good tip.

On a trip to Playa del Carmen, I stopped by Parque Fundadores for a bit after checking out La…read moreQuinta. La Quinta is basically Playa's downtown area where you'll find a bunch of shops, restaurants, and bars. At the end of the avenue is Parque Fundadores. While it's a cool spot, I wouldn't really describe it as a park. It's moreso just an area by the beach where you have a large sculpture that they're known for. Plus a water fountain, some seating, some street art that spells "Playa Del Carmen" and that's about it. You can check it out in 15 minutes tops. And you have restaurants and bars close by if you'd like to check that out after.

While staying in Playcar Phase I, we'd often pass these ruins while walking to the popular tourist…read morearea. I was curious to learn what the history was behind them but without any formal placard, I had to do some internet research. Turns out, these ruins are a small part of many building groups between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen that were used for Maya women to honor the Goddess Ixchel, a pilgrimage necessary for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Three remain - two in Playacar Phase II and one in Playacar Phase I, which is the one I visited. A short walk through the jungle connects all three. It's the only free Mayan rural site in Mexico, and the only Mayan ruins maintained in a contemporary residential communities; therefore, if you're interested in getting a taste of ancient culture while on your beach trip to Playa del Carmen, it might just be worth checking out!

The Xaman-Ha Ruins is the only free Mayan ruin site in Mexico - no entrance fees! Maintained by the…read morenearby community, it's still standing tall and proud today. It's very beautiful, super peaceful, we learned some wonderful facts for sure. I also learned from a previous Yelp Commentator of the Goddess Ixchel who was often praised and worshiped by the Mayan women for good health and childbirth. Super interesting to know. Apparently it's so expanded, that you have to pass "phases," which are sections, so in Playacar Phase I and Phase II, you can definitely see it and there are shortcuts through a small jungle to the actual Xaman-Ha Ruins. It's very beautiful!!

It's a square in the main town of Valladolid. Close to many hotels and pretty much next to the…read moreshopping blocks, it's a good place to relax. We went here as a part of the tour. Many tour buses are parked here. In 15 minutes we didn't get much time but the park is good. There are many benches to sit. The two-person seats are very interesting - very much photo-worthy. We got some locally made chips from a vendor which was good - quality and quantity - for 15 pesos. The shops around are good to purchase gifts and souvenirs. I suppose they'd bargain too if you can. Other than that, there are many restaurants, eateries, and hotels around to roam. The park is heavily patrolled for some reason as we saw heavy police deployment with automatic weapons even on a seemingly regular day. Overall, very much recommended.

This is the main public square of the city of Valladolid. All tour buses that go to Chichen Itza…read morewill drop you off here to have a look around. The square itself is just a park with some benches and water fountains and statues. There are also some street performers and women selling souvenirs spread throughout the square. This is overall a good location to have a quick glimpse of the city with the famous San Servacio church located adjacent to the square. There are lots of restaurants and stores that line all sides of the square as well.

It's still permanently closed. It's hard to verify that online, the area is locked and doesn't seem…read moreto be attended to in many years

Lots of fun and a great educational experience. The farm is as developed to protect the turtles and…read moreto ensure their progeny. The farm is on the other side of the island so you have to drive a golf cart there. You won't regret it.

Just go! This is a gem. Yes, you might be a little apprehensive about leaving the Hotel Zone and…read moreventuring out, but this is worth it. We ended up here twice during our trip. Our first trip was during an evening where things were quite lively. Live music was playing from the stage. There was dancing, families everywhere and many street vendors. There are also a number of food court restaurants near the palapas. The ones we visited, all were outstanding and the food was extremely reasonable (ok, cheap), but bring your pesos. My daughter got three huge empanadas for 95 pesos (less than $5.50 US). I got 4 street style pastor tacos for roughly $4.50 US. We also bought esquites both times for $2 for a small cup. Well worth it. On the second visit, it was late afternoon/early evening. The vibe wasn't as festive, but still busy and lively. The HZ buses drop you off nearby and the walk is very short and extremely safe. On our second visit, we walked from Mercado 28 and it was still very safe.

Hot! Bring ya hand fan!!! Tons of locals and their families flock to here on Sunday nights!!!! This…read moreis their go to spot! You want to find good local food, desserts, arts and crafts, vendors with local goods, local bars, and best prices in town, go here! Arrange uber in and out or taxi! It gets busy we rode the bus like some crazies, it was fun but packed and had ac but no private ride. Tacos, tortas, pizza, turkey legs, marquisette, crepes SnoCones, bags, clothes, art, massage stands. It's a one stop shop- socks, jewelry, kitchen dishes, souvenirs yes! I don't know if you would find a parking spot so I say uber. It starts around sundown and their out there until 11pm at least. It was so hot no winds and lots of people packed in there. Not much seating or benches, tables they had were occupied and people wasn't moving anytime soon. It depends time of year I'm sure as well, but like I said it's more locals here you will see O tourists unless they did their research hahaha

Isla de Pasion is a secluded island off of Cozumel and is such a beautiful beach that is not to be…read moremissed. There are many ways to get there -- by ferry, by private boat/catamaran, or car. On Thursday, my husband and I rented a jeep and drove to the fishing pier at Laguna Ciega. Note: You will need a jeep to get to Laguna Ciega. I would not recommend walking. Once you leave downtown and start driving for a while, you will end up in front of a dirt road, where the road becomes bumpy and requires off-road driving. A regular car will not be able to handle the dips, which are pretty major. Depending on the weather there could also be muddy water. The dirt road is wide enough for one car, so be mindful of cars that could come from the opposite direction. Despite the off-road driving, we still arrived within 30 minutes. Cozumel is not a large island. We parked our rental car and got on a boat with a local who offered to take us across to la Isla de Pasion for 100 pesos per person each way. We agreed that we would pay him half of total when he gets us to la Isla de Pasion, and then the other half when he takes us back to Laguna Ciega. The boat ride was quick and took about 5-10 minutes. Isla de Pasion was incredible. The water was clear and the waves were super gentle. There is a beach club on site; however, my husband and I settled down in our own little section of the beach. We stayed for about 3 hours, swimming, and having a picnic with food and beers that we brought. As we were leaving around 1:30pm, we noticed there were a lot more people on Isla de Pasion. Definitely get to the island EARLY so you can enjoy it when it is less crowded.

We visited this beautiful island on a Carnival excursion with the Twister speedboat as our mode of…read moretransportation. The good: Eduardo y Eduardo were our captains on the boat and it was an amazing time. Aida was our go to person on the island and she was very kind and accommodating. The island is GORGEOUS- clear water, surprisingly no fish, white sand, nice chairs, hammocks, and swings at the cash bar. The drinks from the cash bar were fabulous- I had fresh coconut water and a delicious mojito. The not-so-good: the food was just plain bad and there was very little selection. The included drinks were either a rum punch, tequila punch, or beer. The punches were heavy on sugar but had very little alcohol. The inflatable was in need of much repair. Snorkeling is listed in the description but when we asked we were told there are no reefs on the island and they don't have snorkeling. The worst part for me was the timing- we knew we were only scheduled to be there until 1:30 but we were only at the island from about 9:30-11:45 before we were corralled back to the boats. I'd do it again- but would have liked to know these details going in.