Our favorite cocktails for your next vacation

If you’ve been to Cancun before, it’s very likely that you’ve already tasted the marvelous Caribbean cocktails. If you haven’t… What are you doing with your life?

All jokes aside, drinks are a very special part of any trip to the Riviera Maya. They’re refreshing, inventive and simply delicious, therefore here we have our top 5 best cocktails to taste on your next vacation.

   1.       Margarita

An obvious first pick for this list! If you’ve heard about cocktails, then you know about Margaritas. What makes this a traditional vacation drink is how refreshing it is, perfect for a hot day at the beach. With a combination of lime juice, orange liquor and tequila, Margaritas are a must whenever you come to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

   2.       El Toro Bravo

This one is an absolute contrast to the Margarita relative softness. El Toro Bravo is a huge kick to light up a party or the cure for a harsh hangover. Tequila and coffee may sound like a punch to the gut, but believe us, it’s good, really, really good.

   3.        Vampiro

Are you ready for some flavor? The Vampiro (vampire) is a next-level Bloody Mary. Combine grapefruit soda with lime, sangrita (a traditional Mexican tomato-based beverage) and, of course, tequila. This one is a great pick for an evening at the Riviera Maya beach.

    4.       Paloma

Now, this drink has summer written all over it. Made with a combination of grapefruit soda, lime juice and, you guessed it, tequila! As soon as you drink the first Paloma, you’ll want to keep them coming.

    5.       Piña colada

Our sweetest pick for this list. This tasty cocktail is crafted by mixing pineapple juice with coconut cream, rum and ice. Some people like to add a little sugar for extra flavor, but the pineapple juice is sweet enough for our tooth. A Piña Colada should give enough energy for a vacation day, and the white rum makes it all much better.

There you go, 5 drinks that will make your trip to Cancun and Riviera Maya much tastier. Of course, you can also make them at home, but they taste a lot better with a little bit of sea breeze on them. Enjoy!

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How to get to your hotel from Cancun's airport?

One of the first problems, when someone arrives at a city, is finding good, safe and cheap transportation to your hotel, and Cancun is not the exception.
Cancun's airport is located far from the Hotel Zone and the Riviera Maya, so it's difficult to get to your hotel from there and then return. But don't worry, here are the best transportation options for you to get to your resort.

ADO BUS

These are public buses that depart from the airport at scheduled times. They take you directly to the bus station in Cancun or Playa del Carmen and leave every 45 minutes, from 8:00 a.m. until midnight.
This is the perfect option if you’re on a budget or if your hotel is in downtown Cancun / Playa del Carmen. However, if your hotel is in the Hotel Zone or somewhere else in the Riviera Maya, maybe this isn't the best choice for you because, once you arrive to the bus station, you'll have to take another bus or a cab to get to your hotel. That can take you, at least, another 20 minutes and carrying your bags all over the place might be uncomfortable.

TAXI

This options is easier and more comfortable. You can take it any moment you want and it will take you directly to where you need to be. However, it only applies for going from your hotel to the airport. Why? Because a special permit is required to pick up people at the airport, and most of the cabs do not have it.
Also, the prices are established by the driver at the moment he picks you up, and sometimes they can try to take advantage and charge you a very high price. So, be careful and agree on the price before you get in a cab.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

Last but not least, the safest, most comfortable, and easiest transportation option is a private transfer. This way, you get a vehicle exclusively for you and your companions that takes you directly to your hotel. You don’t have to wait on other people, carry your bags around or walk a long distance. If you're traveling with several people, this is definitely your best option.
You can find several companies in Cancun and the Riviera Maya that offer this service, but we recommend USA Transfers. They are the best choice. With over 10 years of experience, bilingual professional drivers, vehicles in perfect conditions, the best customer service and some of the lowest prices in town, it’s easy to see why USA Transfers is one of the most recommended companies and is so highly ranked on TripAdvisor.

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I'm at the Riviera Maya, now what?

Vacation time is just around the corner and you've decided to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya because... well, why wouldn’t you? Anyway, you've got your plane ticket, booked your hotel and are on your way to have the time of your life!

But… where to begin?

Well, my dear Addict, keep reading and you’ll find a high number of activities that’ll make your trip an exciting adventure.

1. - Cenotes

Yeah, those cave-things with water that you've probably heard of before. They’re called cenotes and more than 300 of them are just in the Riviera Maya.

Some of them are free while others have a cheap entrance fee. Depending on which one you visit the experience will be different, but most of them have clean facilities you can use, such as bathrooms and changing rooms.

For instance, the Grand Cenote in Tulum is great for an underwater adventure to satisfy your inner Indiana Jones.

On the other hand, cenotes like Zacil-Ha look more like a natural pool where you can relax and play.

       2. -  Mayan Ruins

This one’s a bit tricky because, just as cenotes, there isn’t just one place where you can see these ancient ruins.

You’ve probably heard about Chichen Itza, the most famous and representative Mayan site in the world. However, this isn’t the only one you can find in the Riviera Maya.

One good place you can visit is the God of Winds Temple in Tulum. It’s not as big as Chichen Itza, but the magic of this site is that it’s the only one in the world located next to the sea.

There’s also Coba, another archaeological site that is a great complementary visit for any trip. This is one of the few places where you can still climb the pyramids. Don't miss that chance!

The Mayan ruins are all about walking. You will get tired, but it’s worth every step. Prepare yourself!

3. - Beaches

There’s not much to say about this, beaches are colorful, relaxing and most of all, completely free.

Something important to add is that they’re popular, REALLY popular. So, be ready to walk among crowds of people (especially during vacations and weekends) because they will be packed.

If your hotel has beach access, you may not have to face this problem, but it is still a good idea to go as early as 8 am to get a good spot.

4. – Nightclubs

Relaxing and learning are good, but one of the greatest attractions in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is its nightlife. Here, nightclubs, party centers and bars are among the best in the world and you shouldn’t miss them.

Even though there are a lot of party places, you have to know where to look at, for example, Cancun and Playa del Carmen are your best options to find a good rave.

Places like Tulum and Puerto Morelos are much more relaxed. So, instead of nightclubs, you'll find small bars with live music and high-quality drinks. Plan ahead so you are at the right place at the right time.

5. – Lagoons

Sounds a bit odd, but trust us, lagoons are amazing alternatives to beaches. They’re usually quieter and less crowded than the beaches, perfect if you need to rest from all the other things you did on your trip.

One example of this is Kaan Lum Lagoon, a little place unknown to many visitors that makes an ideal destiny to escape from everything and everyone. And it’s just about 20 minutes from Tulum!

Also, if you’re more into swimming, you can visit Yal-Ku Lagoon. With fresh water and a beautiful natural environment, this place is perfect for swimming and relaxing.

There you go, now you're ready to enjoy your trip to the Riviera Maya! Remember that there are more things to do during your vacations, but don’t worry, most of them are free. So take your bags and experience this destination for yourself!

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Relax And Have a Great Time in Playa del Carmen

When you think about going on vacations a lot of options come to mind, but the desire of visiting a pleasant place with sand and shining blue water is always in our heart and soul. Well, it’s time to relax and think of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With lots of things to do, unwind, feel free and let your worries melt away in the come and go of the turquoise waves.

The first thing you need to know is how to get there. Playa is 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of the Cancun airport. It is easy to get here on a bus or a shared shuttle. However, I recommend a private transfer because it is more comfortable, you don’t have to wait on other people and it takes you directly to the place you want to go.

Out of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, which of course there are plenty of, these are my favs:

1. Hit the beach!

As soon as you arrive at the hotel, unpack your swimsuit, flip flops, camera and that awesome hat that makes you look wonderful. Now, you are ready for the beach! You have waited a long time for this moment. Enjoy the view and take lots of selfies to share with friends.

2. Hungry?

Then it is time to go to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Here is a list of recommendations depending on what you’re looking for.

Mexican food: Puerto Cocina Urbana, Keel Resturant, Lido Beach Club, La Senda, El Fogon and La Casa del Agua. Also, these places are great if you are vegan or vegetarian.

Budget Friendly: Kaxapa Factory; El Tenedor, which serves Italian and Mediterranean food; La Brocherie offers delicious French food; and Falafel Nessya.

3. Go Shopping!

Take a walk through the famous Fifth Avenue, where you will find art galleries, handcrafts, clothing boutiques, spas, cigar shops, jewelry stores and much more!
Don’t forget to buy some tequila to take back home and souvenirs for the people you love.

4. Get ready for the night party!

There are many excellent places to go at night, but in the Riviera Maya, the party begins earlier. Why not start with a walk on the beach? Then you can go to Mamita’s Beach Club, Coralina Daylight Club or Kool Beach Club. After the sun has set, hit some of the best nightclubs in Playa del Carmen such as Palazzo, Coco Bongo, Mandala or La Santanera. I’m sure you will find them terrific!

5. Go snorkeling and scuba diving!

You will be surprised of all the marine creatures that you will see underwater. You can even find sharks, rays, and whales!

6. Visit a cenote!

There are plenty of them in the area! Their clear water is always at a pleasant temperature and there you will feel like Mayan royalty swimming in an amazing natural pool.

7. Discover Tulum!

It is one of the most beautiful sceneries in Mexico. You can’t miss it! The sea in Tulum has an extraordinary scale of colors that, mix with the blue, purple and orange skies, will make you feel so lucky to see them.

8. Take a ferry to Cozumel!

It is only 20 minutes away from Playa. This wonderful island has some of the most beautiful underwater views in the world. While diving in Cozumel, you will find coral formations taller than 30 meters (90 feet) in some parts. You have to see them!

One final recommendation… don´t worry about the weather! Playa del Carmen is warm, sunny and nice almost all the time. So make sure you protect your body with plenty of biodegradable sunscreen because that’s the only kind you can use when you want to swim in a cenote and reefs. Also, around 6:00 p.m. the mosquito hour starts. Be sure to have your insect repellent (biodegradable as well) with you.

Don’t worry if it happens to be one of those rainy days. This Riviera Maya destination has many activities you can do! Visit the incredible 3D Museum, the Aquarium or go to the Frida Kahlo Museum. Remember that Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor are all-weather tours and they are up and running even during those unusual days.

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What To Do In Izamal

Built in the fifth century, Izamal is one of the oldest cities of the Mayan culture and it's located 72 km from Merida and 255 km from Cancun, on the Yucatan peninsula. Its name comes from the Mayan word Itzmal which means dew from the sky. This city is also referred to as the Three Culture City due to the presence of buildings and remainings from the pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary Mexico.

One of the most recognized features of Izamal is that all its houses and buildings are painted in yellow, giving this beautiful city such a unique look. As you walk safely through its cobblestoned streets, you'll see why people call Izamal an open museum. In fact, his city is considered the most important cultural destination of the Mayan World and was designated Pueblo Mágico in 2001 by the Mexican Tourism Board.

Where to stay?

There are many beautiful hotels here. Some of the best hotels are the Hotel San Miguel Arcángel, which is lovely and it is very close to the main plaza, Hotel Hacienda San José Cholul, Hotel Green River, and Hotel Macanche.

Hotel San Miguel Arcangel

Hotel San Miguel Arcangel

Where to eat?

Kinich restaurant is one of my favorites, and it serves delicious Mayan dishes with an elegant touch. Other great restaurant options are Tumben Lol, El Toro and Los Mestizos. If you want something more casual, you can walk through the market and find many little places serving traditional dishes and snacks.

How to move around Izamal?

You can rent a Calesa which is a cart pulled by a horse. For me, it is the best way to move because you can see all the city meanwhile the guide explains everything to you, and you can stop to sightsee wherever you want. Izamal is a small town, so you can also rent a bike or even walk through it with no problem.

Beautiful Calesas

What to do?

1. Discover the ruins of Kinich Kakmo

This pyramid was built between 250 and 600 d.C. and its name means sun-faced macaw. It is the highest pre-Hispanic structure in Yucatan with 35 meters, and it’s the third most important pyramid in Mexico. You cannot miss it!

As it is little known, it is not as visited as Chichen Itza, and some days you can be alone up there taking lots of photos of the wonderful landscapes.

Ruins of Kinich Kakmo

2. Visit the Itzamatul Pyramid
The name of this pyramid translates to the one that receives the grace of the sky, and it was dedicated to the Mayan god Zamná. This pyramid is 22 meters tall and from its top, you can see the magnificent Kinich Kakmó Pyramid and the Franciscan Convent.

Pyramid of Itzamatul

3. Explore the Franciscan Convent

This great construction was erected at the center of the city, and for its development, builders decided to use the pre-Hispanic materials available, such as rocks that used to be part of pyramids and Mayan buildings. In this building, you will find the largest atrium in America.

Franciscan Convent

4. Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal
This cultural center in Izamal was created in 2006 with the purpose of supporting the diffusion and commercialization of the products elaborated by 16 Mayan communities. It exhibits various crafts and has a store where you can purchase these crafts. So if you buy something there, you will be helping the artisans.

Mayan Crafts

5. Walk through the Museo
In this museum, you can enjoy the work of great masters of Popular Art. Pieces of great beauty and traditional technique.

Musem

6. Visit one of the many small factories around the town such as mache paper factory, cross stitch factory, henequen jewelry factory, wood carving factory, metal factory.

Mayan Crafts

7. Go to Kimbilá

This town is well known for its embroidery. There you can find guayaberas, beautiful dresses and blouses made with fine materials.

How to get to Izamal

You can take a bus from Cancun to Merida or Valladolid and then another one to Izamal. However, the best way for me is to book private transportation because you can relax and enjoy the ride without having to worry about not knowing the way. Also, since you get a vehicle exclusively for you and your companions, you manage your schedule and can choose how long you want to stay before going back to Cancun. This is the safest and nicest way to get everywhere in Cancun and Riviera Maya.

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