What to do at CANCUN, MX?

[jarana81]

Hello, I would like some input on what to do at Cancun, Mx. Im really worried about the whole currency conversion because I never done that before and I'm forgetting about planning my trip there. I want to take a step back and forget about the currence conversion and ask......WHAT IS THERE TO DO THERE BESIDES THE BEACHES AND WARM WEATHER???? Please any help would be appreciate. Any inside tips and tricks on what to do would be great. We are going from March 27th to April 3. And it's going to be just me and hubby (we don't have kids). So, any romantic site seeing would be great too. Thanks again.

[ILv2Shop]

Oh that is one of my favorite places I've been. I absolutely loved it!!! The white sand beaches with the bluest water..so pretty.
A must see is Xcaret. It's 35 miles south of Cancun but worth it. You swim in an underground river to get there and it's so cool. There are animals, ruins and snorkeling to just say a few. You can even swim with a dolphin for a price.
Tulum is also a cool place which is just a few miles from Xcaret. Here is a link to Xcaret which also has a link to Tulum. You are going to have an absolute blast on this trip!!
Xcaret
(in Cancun, check out the downtown market. You'll never look at meat the same way again..lol)

[meems]

We've been a few times, but we've only ever been there for partial day layovers with cruise lines..we've always shopped...

[Poodlemama]

I've been 11 times!! I love Cancun! I agree, do lots of excursions! have fun while you have no kids, I would never take little kids there. the bus trip to chichen itza and see the ruins. it's a great trip, although I think they don't let you inside the big temple anymore. also, the cave tour at Xcaret is excellent! even in the resort or in town, you can rent jet skis for the ocean (don't do the lagoon side, it's the same price.) also, if you like silver jewelry, take the bus in to town and shop at the downtown market. be prepared to haggle over prices, they totally mark up and expect you to ask for a better price. if they refuse it, walk off. either they'll chase you down and agree or you'll find it for that price somewhere else.

as for the conversions- do your homework girl, you'll figure it out. it's your money, learn how it works in every culture. it's a simple equation.. based on the conversion rate. their dollar is way undervalued, so your bill for dinner may be $545 pesos... don't freak out, KNOW what your dollar is worth and what to tip. b/c of their currency value, just remember everything you do is a steal of a deal, so do it!

currently it's $1 us to $12 mex. you can check rates here...
XE - The World's Favorite Currency and Foreign Exchange Site

[jarana81]

OMG the information I'm getting here is excellent. I'm getting more and more excited. I appreciate everyones advise and I repped everyone. Keep the advise coming I still have one month to go. Anything and Everything will help me out!

[meems]

OMG, was that where we took the Chichen Itza excursion from? That was one of the MOST incredible excursions we've ever done, I could have stayed there for a couple of days! For some reason I thought that was out of Progreso.

Just googled, that was out of Progreso..but if it's close enough to Cancun, DANG, DO IT!!!! I soo want to go back, my DD is now going to school for archaeology, while she enjoyed it there, she so wishes we had gone when she was a year or two older.

[meems]

Just checked..3 hour drive from Cancun, worth every second!

Check out some of the photos..

cancun chichen itza - Google Search

[iheartmykiddos]

We went to Playa del Carmen last year and loved it! 5th Avenue was the coolest thing. We picked up some seriously awesome gourd lamps....love them! We took the bus to Tulum and OMG!!!! I could live there on that cliff forever. That was the absolute best part of our vacation. LMK if you want a link to the lamps

Hope you have fun and I'm sooooooo jealous! I wanna go back!!!!

[isis]

DH & I went there for our honeymoon, almost 12 years ago! He's not a beach bum like me, so we did trips during the day and hit the beach or pool in the evening. My absolute favorite was going to Chichen Itza. It was incredible. If you can't get there, there are a few other ruins, like Xcaret or Tulum. Definately worth the visit.

We also did a snorkling tour, where you get to drive your own speed boat to a reef. I completely flipped out when I went in the water and felt something brush my leg, so dh missed out on that b/c he opted to sit with me, even though there was another gal who didn't want to get in the water either!

Another day trip we did was Isla Mujeres. We took a party boat to one side of the isle where you can either snorkle for an hour or hang at the beach (guess what I did!) The beach was white sand and the water was sooo blue it was amazing. After dh came back from snorkling, we ate (usually food is included in the tours) then took a bike trip up to the top of the hill where there's a lighthouse you can walk up. Then you get back on the boat and cruise to the other part of the island where you can shop and walk around the city for about an hour.

One suggestion...don't drink the water! Get bottled, and make sure its not local bottled water, but something imported and carry it in your purse. And ask for your drink without ice. The first night, I got diarreah (what a nice way to start the honeymoon LOL!!) Pack some tums and/or immodium-ad just in case!

Oh and tips...save some loose change (even American) for tipping. Seems everytime we turned around, a tour guide or bus driver or mariachi band had their hand or hat out!!

At the time we went, we took $400.00 in travellers checks. Cashed $200 into Pesos. Think when we went, it was around $9 pesos back for every $1 USD. If you plan on using a CC, double check with your cardholder to see if there's any fees for foreign charges. I charged the tours to my Amex and was hit with a conversion fee that I didn't know about. Also let them know you will be out of the country so they don't put a hold on your card. Happened to my brother when he went on his Jamaican cruise a couple summers ago. A phone call straightened it out, but how embarrasing when he went to pay and his card was declined!

Have fun! DH & I are thinking about going back. Maybe for our 15th Anniversary!

[jarana81]

Ok, i decided to do Xcaret Plus.....please read and let me know what you think. I got this from there web site!!!

Looking for an “All Inclusive” that really takes you to the paradise? Are you visiting the Riviera Maya or Cancun and want an unforgettable experience?

Your visit to the heavenly Quintana Roo state will not be as you deserve if you have not booked a day to enjoy Xcaret, one of the most famous attractions of Mexico. Xcaret is the place where you can enjoy the most representative of our culture and nature surrounded by a matchless setting: the jungle and the splendid beaches of the Caribbean!

If you are visiting Cancun or the Riviera Maya, Xcaret is definitely an experience you cannot miss. In its 80 hectares you can enjoy the most colorful Mexican traditions, archaeological sites, natural pools, incredible subterranean rivers, local flora and fauna and a lot of activities to do. Everything you need for a gripping day is here in Xcaret!

Maybe you are wondering which is the best package to enjoy Xcaret. How can you optimize your holiday budget and also get exclusive benefits for your visit to the México’s Sacred Paradise?

Xcaret Plus entrance is designed for those visitors who want to enjoy the Park to the max. Xcaret Plus is a package with which you can forget everything but enjoy and amaze yourself.

What does Xcaret Plus entrance includes?

Access to the Park and all its activities and attractions.
Buffet meal with fruit flavored beverages and coffee
Flora and fauna: Coral Reef Aquarium, Butterfly Pavilion, Regional Wildlife Breeding Farm, Bat Cave, Orchids Greenhouse, Edible Mushroom Farm, Marine Turtles, Jaguar Island, Deer Refuge, Monkey Island…
Aquatic activities: subterranean rivers, inlet, beach, tour by the Paradise River, natural pools.
Cultural Activities: Ball Game, Mexican Cementery, Mayan Village, Hacienda Henequenera, Silver Mine, “Fiesta Charra”, Papantla Flying Men, archaeological sites, Saint Francis of Assisi Chapel...
Services: showers, dress rooms, bathrooms, deckchairs hammocks, floating inner tubes, lifejackets.

Xcaret has so many experiences for you that one day will not be enough to enjoy all of them! How much would you pay for all these activities and attractions joined up at this unbeatable place?

If you had to pay for each of the activities and attractions Xcaret offers to you, your experience would be priced at least $185 USD ($2, 500 MXN). But your entry Xcaret Plus is only $99USD ($1, 316 MXN)!

Besides, if you purchase online today, you will get an additional 10% off. So you will pay only $ 89.9 USD (1,185 MXN)!

Purchase now and get exclusive benefits, such as:

2 Coupons valid for 2 sodas, 2 bottles of water, 2 bags of chips or a beer.
Snorkel equipment, towel and locker in “Plus Area”
10% off in optional activities, such as Snorkel Tour, Snuba Reef, Snuba Family and Temascal.

Our Park offers you a 100% risk free guarantee. Besides all mentioned benefits, if you buy your entrance today, you will get a weather guarantee, and your ticket will be valid for a year. In case of cancelations 24 hours in advance, you will be fully refunded. Amazing, isn’t it?

What are you waiting for? Don’t miss the Mexico’s Sacred Paradise! Come to enjoy the best of Mexico and the Riviera Maya at Xcaret. An online assistant waits for attend you and help in your booking. It is very easy!

P. D. Do not forget it; any holiday at the Riviera Maya will be complete without a day at Xcaret. It so amazing that you cannot miss it!

P. D. 2.Traveling is a way to enjoy life. Do not wait anymore and give yourself the experience you have wished in the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by the green jungle, the Mayan mysticism and the Mexican Traditions intensity. That’s what Xcaret is, come and live it!