Arriving in Mexico was one of my long time wishes. I adore Mexican food and I knew if I truly wanna enjoy it I have to come here and eat my way thru the country.
Source: memegenerator.net
For you who are not sure where Mexico is; it is the country between the USA and Central America that is known for beautiful beaches both on Pacific side and Gulf of Mexico side of the country. Mexico has a diverse landscape that contains beaches, mountains, desert and the jungle which makes it perfect country for exploring and admiring nature.
Source: therealmexico.com
On the way to the country, you will receive two forms you should fill out in the air plane. A Mexican immigration form that is required to be filled by each person and Mexican custom form that should e filled one per family. Arriving at Cancun airport was pretty easy. Once outside of the airplane signs for exit/ baggage claim/ immigration officers are nicely written and very easy to follow. Once officer checks your papers and stamps your passport you will receive tourist card that you will have to present when leaving Mexico. so keep that card with you in your passport trying not to lose it. After you pass immigration baggage claim is on the right-hand side. We didn't have any problems with officers and baggage claim. Everything went smooth, even the customs scanned our bags very fast and without any delays, we were out of the airport ready to rumble.
Or I thought we were, all till we didn't go to pick up our rent a car. Yes, it was a nightmare. Driving a car in Mexico is easy, renting one is all different story. Be ready, for a fight and lots of hidden costs and unnecessary dollars they wanna take away from you. DO NOT GIVE UP! Online it seemed perfect, $6 per day. Easy right? Just it wasn't. Altho my credit card has international health and car insurance they were making me pay over $800 which I didn't wanna pay. And you shouldn't give them that money either. If you are coming over and you have decided to rent a car check online which car rentals are with car insurance, it would be at around $20 per day. Or if you possess credit card check with them what kind of insurances they are offering, print that statement and take it with you. If you are coming from USA check with your car insurance company if they are covering you in Mexico ( sometimes they do). There is something called Third Party Liability which is mandatory they say ( I'm not sure about it, to be honest) Your credit card WILL NOT provide this coverage. Your personal auto insurance policy back home in the U.S. won't cover it (it will if you drive your own car into Mexico) Plus they will block few $k on your credit card till you don't bring a car back. Yep, it sucks to rent a car in Mexico but without a car, I have no idea how we would do all the things we have done. Once you calm down, and you have decided to kill those people won't do the trick you are ready to explore the great country of Mexico.
We started with Cancun, which is a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea. Cancun is typical Carribean paradise place. Swimming, romantic sunsets, snorkeling, diving Cancun has it all. If you wanna start with some exploring and shopping and being lazy at the beach at the end of your holidays then you are like me. For souvenir shopping, I went to Mercado 28. Mercado 28 is a local street market with all kind of goodies. Mostly they accept $ but not credit cards, plus they are few ATMs in the area in case you need to cash out. Once you get hungry there is a very nice restaurant in Mercado 28 called El Cejas. The food, cooked with local spices is very affordable and delicious. I have to admit I haven't seen any tourist in here, lots of locals eating and chatting with each other. If you wanna have some nice dinner, book captain Hook tour. It was quite interesting to board 18th-century Spanish galleon replica.
Next day we decided to drive to Chichen Itza and to the Cenotes. ( bring your swimming gear with you)
Driving in Mexico is not hard, just be careful there are lots of bumps on the roads, animals, and kids as well.
Once we arrived at Chichen Itza we parked directly at the entrance.
Got our tickets and went to see all the pump about Mayans. If you are not sure what it is all about, take a guide. History here is very interesting and would be a shame to see it and not to see why it is so important and why it is called world wonder.
Chichen Itza, which means "At the edge of the well of the Itzaes" was the center of Mayan culture from AD 700-1200 which got abandoned in the 15th Century. Once again, take a guide. I never took one before but this was very nice experience.
After Chichen Itza, we went to visit Cenote Ik Kil and take a swim in it. It's just next to Chichen Itza. The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 90ft below the ground. Don't worry you don't have to jump in, there is a stairway which leads down to the swimming platform. Mayans use to believe that Cenotes are doors to the Underworld, so it was a very sacred place for them. You can just imagine how remarkable swimming here was.. Amazing experience indeed.
On the way back to Cancun stop in Valladolid and visit Convent de San Bernardino de Siena. It's stunning! It was founded in 1552, and it is considered an architectural treasure.
Once, you decided urban exploring is done and you wanna have some good Caribbean rest its time for Playa! Some of my choices are Playa Delfines, Playa Chac Mool, Playa Las Perlas and Playa Linda. If you decided you are in the mood for a trip please visit Isla Mujeres, it is 20 min ferry ride from Cancun. Awesome snorkeling spots, lots of Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches
When in the area try to visit Xpolr park. Xplor Park is adventure park in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. If you are weak hearted I wouldn't suggest you come here. After all, it is adventure park with lots of thrill and fun for all family. Park is very good laid out around the central hub. There are zip lines, ATV driving, underground rafting, flying hammock and much more. Bit expensive but in my own opinion very worth. Plus there are special promotions and packages so you could save some cash.
I hope you enjoy this read if you have any questions or suggestions feel free to comment.
P.S Does someone knwos how to resize pictures in posts ?? Thank you