PDC and C. Itza?

[NudeDiver]

Anyone have a good lead on the cost of ave. quality accommodations over in PDC? How about a day-trip excursion to Chichen Itza (sp?)? Wife is coming up with some high prices - I can't help but think they must be lower than what she is coming up with.

Thanks!
nd

[BDSC]

What's up ND!

Can't help you out on the cost thing but I did want to say a trip over to Chichen Itza or Chitzen Itsa (I've seen it spelled both ways) is well worth it. The place is just amazing and there is still so much that has never been uncovered. A climb to the top of the pyramid must be done. You don't realize how steep it is until you climb up and look down! The time I went the trip was by bus and it took a couple of hours to get there from Cancun but I know you can fly in on small planes also. My trip was included in the price of the place I was staying so I have no idea what a reasonable price should be. Hope you get to go.

[don Francisco]

Unless you're traveling the weeks of Carnival or Spring Break, you can probably wing it for a one or two night stay in PDC. There are lots of decent hotels within 6-7 blocks of the ferry terminal, and while one of you stays with the bags the other can check out a few hotels. We've stayed at a 3 or four different ones over the years. If you go to a site like trip adviser, you'll get lots of suggestions.

For an excursion to Chitzen Itza, I suggest renting a car and driving. It'll give you the freedom to pace the trip to suit your own taste, and do some side trips. Two hints, one pick up your car the night before, so you can get an early start and get there before high noon. Second, where you pay to enter Chitzen Itza try to find other independents and share the cost of a local guide. The guides are very knowledgeable and well worth the cost.

[robint]

driving is definitely cheaper, plus you aren't rushed like the tour groups. Get the map/guide here: Can-Do Travel Guides (http://www.cancunmap.com)
Mayan Adventure map gives everything you need to know, along with restaurants, side excursions, road tolls, etc.

If you are looking at the flight over from Cozumel, yes, it isn't cheap. Most people do the bus trip over which takes all day and you only get 2 hours there at Chichen Itza, but it does cost less.

Playa del Carmen has tons of little hotels that are $50-150 per night. Depends what you are looking for. There is a map available for that area too if you want - same website listed above. Well worth the $10 cost!!!

robin:D

[DandyDon]

Get the maps Robin suggested...!

There is just not much info available on the net for PDC, I know well from my last trip planning for the area. We used a PDC dive op who set us up with a hotel and were pretty disappointed in both - not bad enough that I'm going to try to publish what we didn't like, but enough we wouldn't go back to either. The Cenote op we used was great, and the hotel he suggests for $80US seemed much nicer - but he was a hole-in-wall Op who may not be around and I don't remember the name of the other hotel damnit. The Can-Do maps have a wealth of local info on each.

This really is a mainland oriented thread but I know your feeling: You feel you'll get better coverage and hopefully more replies who have done it from experienced Coz divers. I just posted a mainland thread http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/mexico/272086-anyone-used-any-dentists-around-playa-del-carmen-cancun-area.html and really wonder if I should have asked here...?

Have a great trip! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/grinser/grinning-smiley-033.gif

[NudeDiver]

Thanks all for the responses so far.

Now I'm wondering if we should skip PDC and spend the night in Cancun. Will that make a trip to the ruins much shorter?? We're only talking about two nights - first week of March.

I thought renting a car in Mexico was pretty expensive, due to the insurance and so forth?

I'm a cheap bastard. I'll stay in the cheapest hole I can find. However, now that I'm married, I'm not allowed to do that anymore (:

I really don't know what a reasonable price is. I have it in my head that, "it's Mexico - it should be cheap - but I dunno if that's realistic. We just need a place to sleep really. It would be nice if it had a pool. It would be nice if it were closer to the center of things than far away. It would be really nice if it makes it easy to catch a ride of some sort to the airport in Cancun. It does need to be secure though.

We'll only be there two nights - and one of those days we'll be gone all ay to the ruins. So, we don't need much. I just dunno what's a reasonable rate.

Thanks!
nd

[DandyDon]

Haha, I won't try to answer what I'm not sure about, but...

I thought renting a car in Mexico was pretty expensive, due to the insurance and so forth?
Yes, you want full & total insurance, but it's pretty cheap with some providers. I got hot over the delivery service in PDC but I'm a hothead anyway. Try Cancun Car Rental, Rent a car in Cancun, Playa del Carmen Easy Way Car Rental (http://www.easywayrentacar.com/) Be very careful about booking one with automatic if you don't like shifting gears; I don't mind shifting gears, but that little underpowered put-put we booked had to be shifted a few times for each speed bumped and always made a loud noise about the last gear - never did figure that out? Also note that they are not all air conditioned. Then I saw a last minute special on our chosen car close to trip time and tried to get the rate lowered. Nope. Should have booked it in my bud's name and canceled mine, but on well. Our biggest challenge was finding the Cancun station for car return. I finally gave up, phoned them, told them they had to come to the airport to get it. Glad I got away with that. Get the Cancun airport map.

Be careful again about gas. Being American, I presumed all the stations were open Sunday mornings. Ha! Top it off the night before you need it - but watch out for the helpful locals who want to do it for you - be sure the meter is zeroed out. Most locals are pretty nice folks, but one crook can spoil your day.


I really don't know what a reasonable price is. I have it in my head that, "it's Mexico - it should be cheap
Sure, if you wanted to stay in a hotel that a working class local would stay in. You don't, and your wife would divorce you.


We just need a place to sleep really.
May I suggest a safe place would be a good choice. The peninsula is not like Cozumel, and you want to be prudent about some choices at either.


It would be nice if it had a pool.
You plan to spend a lot of time at the pool?


It would be nice if it were closer to the center of things than far away. It would be really nice if it makes it easy to catch a ride of some sort to the airport in Cancun. It does need to be secure though.

We'll only be there two nights - and one of those days we'll be gone all ay to the ruins. So, we don't need much. I just dunno what's a reasonable rate.
You should be able to find a nice, safe place in PDC for less than $100US I think. I don't know about the other areas. Once you decide where you want to stay, get the maps. This page Hotel locator (http://www.cancunmap.com/assist/locator_map.html) shows the toll road from Cancun airport to close the the ruins. Very nice road; loved it - until we couldn't get off to go to Holbox, big mistake! For you, great.

This page Yucatan Peninsula Map : TravelYucatan.com (http://www.travelyucatan.com/yucatan-peninsula-map.php) shows the main roads of the peninsula - the ones you want to try to stick to. If you search the net, you can find reports of cutting thru the country and Mayan villages from PDC to there, but don't try it. If you stay in PDC, go to Cancun and veer left to the toll road.

[driftwood]

Thanks all for the responses so far.

Now I'm wondering if we should skip PDC and spend the night in Cancun. Will that make a trip to the ruins much shorter?? We're only talking about two nights - first week of March.

I thought renting a car in Mexico was pretty expensive, due to the insurance and so forth?

I'm a cheap bastard. I'll stay in the cheapest hole I can find. However, now that I'm married, I'm not allowed to do that anymore (:

I really don't know what a reasonable price is. I have it in my head that, "it's Mexico - it should be cheap - but I dunno if that's realistic. We just need a place to sleep really. It would be nice if it had a pool. It would be nice if it were closer to the center of things than far away. It would be really nice if it makes it easy to catch a ride of some sort to the airport in Cancun. It does need to be secure though.

We'll only be there two nights - and one of those days we'll be gone all ay to the ruins. So, we don't need much. I just dunno what's a reasonable rate.

Thanks!
nd

It costs as much to live a first world life style in Mexico as it does in the States.

For a nice, clean, reasonable place to stay, try Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya Playa del Carmen Mexico Hotel with Beautiful Air Conditioned Hotel Rooms and Suites (http://www.hotelrivieramaya.com/). We have stayed there a couple of times and would go back again. RCM is on the north end of 5th Ave so you are one block from one of the great Mexican vacation streets. They won a 'cleanliness' award a few years ago and if you request a first floor room, you will be pool side. If you splurge and get one of the suites, the price is still around the $110 a night range. Basic rooms will run you less than $80 and the front desk will arrange an airport transfer for you at a reasonable rate. It is much cheaper to get to the airport than from the Cancun airport.

If you KNOW the local 'rules of the road', renting a car is a good option. If you don't know the rules, I wouldn't rent. One tour group that I highly recommend is Yukatreks. You can find them on Playa del Carmen, Mexico's Virtual Guide Book : Playa.Info (http://www.playa.info) . They use vans instead of bus's and break up the day to keep it interesting. The day trip goes for around $110pp. Sit close to the front of the van so that you can talk to Mitch. Super nice guy who used to teach scuba in PDC before he found he had better hours and could make more money doing tours.

Since you sound as cheap as I am, if you don't order the maps you are penny wise and pound foolish. We have been buying them for the past 8 years and always get the latest edition before we plan a trip. Laura and Perry put out a great product that is worth its weight in gold.

BTW, a lot of the cenotes are so shallow that you can do a cavern dive without violating the 24 hour rule regarding flying and it is a great way to wash your gear.

Hope this helps and have a great trip.

[rye_a]

We rented a condo in PDC in November '07 after spending a week in Cozumel and loved it. The town is pretty well Americanized with multiple Starbucks and Haagen Dazs on 5th Ave, but if you get a few streets back you can get a real taste of the local culture. We were with our two small children and never felt unsafe, even walking side streets after dark.

There are nice boutique hotels all over town, and if you browse the reviews on Tripadvisor and/or Expedia I'll bet you can find one that suits your style and budget. One last option is to look for a rental at vrbo.com. there were great places to eat like the Hotel Basic which is on a rooftop overlooking 5th Ave, and good local coffee shops for breakfast.

Finally, if you don't want to rent a car and you want to see the sights, not to worry. Hawkers on almost every block of 5th avenue will try to sell you tours. Just employ your best bargaining skills!

A couple things that should not be missed:

-The churros from the street vendor by the park at the north end of 5th Ave.

-El Fogon Taqueria near 30th and Calle 6 for incredible local fare

[driftwood]

Be careful again about gas. Being American, I presumed all the stations were open Sunday mornings. Ha! Top it off the night before you need it - but watch out for the helpful locals who want to do it for you - be sure the meter is zeroed out. Most locals are pretty nice folks, but one crook can spoil your day.

Three Pemex stations you want to avoid are at the intersection of 307 and Constituyentes in PDC, the first station on 307 after leaving the airport in Cancun and Puerto Morelos. Never give your keys to the attendant. Get out of the car, remove the gas cap yourself and watch every step and ask for a specific amount of gas. BTW, be sure to tip the person filling your car.

[driftwood]

We rented a condo in PDC in November '07 after spending a week in Cozumel and loved it. The town is pretty well Americanized with multiple Starbucks and Haagen Dazs on 5th Ave, but if you get a few streets back you can get a real taste of the local culture. We were with our two small children and never felt unsafe, even walking side streets after dark.

There are nice boutique hotels all over town, and if you browse the reviews on Tripadvisor and/or Expedia I'll bet you can find one that suits your style and budget. One last option is to look for a rental at vrbo.com. there were great places to eat like the Hotel Basic which is on a rooftop overlooking 5th Ave, and good local coffee shops for breakfast.

Finally, if you don't want to rent a car and you want to see the sights, not to worry. Hawkers on almost every block of 5th avenue will try to sell you tours. Just employ your best bargaining skills!

A couple things that should not be missed:

-The churros from the street vendor by the park at the north end of 5th Ave.

-El Fogon Taqueria near 30th and Calle 6 for incredible local fare

Most of the hawkers on 5th are timeshare and that is not a way to spend vacation time.

El Fogon ROCKS!! They have another location across the street from the MEGA on Constituyentes at 30th. BTW, HC Monterrey is next door and you cannot go wrong with either of them.

[rye_a]

I probably shouldn't have even mentioned the hawkers. We spent our week ignoring them.

[ddeborahdelamar]

Other suggestions:

Overnight in Chichen Itza & explore the area. Hotel Dolores Alba has air-conditioned rooms, breakfast included in rate, 2 pools and cenote Ik Kil. http://www.doloresalba.com/indexmain.htm#chtza

Good accommodations in Cancun Centro or PDC - Hotel Alux Alux Hotel (http://www.hotelalux.com/)

Or stay in Valladolid, a small colonial town between Cancun & Chichen. Many hotels there, see Trip Advisor for reviews. The closer to the main plaza the better...

[skeeoos]

Sorry to change the subject, slightly. Someone mentioned that the op must climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza. As of about 4-6 years ago, visitors could no longer climb the pyramid since the steps were deteriorating so much. Is that still the case, or can visitors climb again?

[marcus8]

Sorry to change the subject, slightly. Someone mentioned that the op must climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza. As of about 4-6 years ago, visitors could no longer climb the pyramid since the steps were deteriorating so much. Is that still the case, or can visitors climb again?

That is correct unfortunately. We were allowed to climb the steps in spring of '05, but they were closed shortly thereafter. We were just there again in December and sure enough, the pyramid is closed which really sucked.

Another word of caution about driving from PDC to Chichen Itza. You really have to pay close attention to the signs, other drivers, potholes and ESPECIALLY the speed bumps. We just about launched ourselves into space the last time on one we didn't see til last minute. Most are marked so just pay closer attention that we did.

Best of luck to you in your adventure.

[ddeborahdelamar]

No, climbing the pyramid at Chichen Itza (both inside & out) hasn't been allowed for a while now. It's still OK to climb the pyramid at Coba (closest one to CZM) and those at most other archeological sites.

[ddeborahdelamar]

Another word of caution about driving from PDC to Chichen Itza. You really have to pay close attention to the signs, other drivers, potholes and ESPECIALLY the speed bumps. We just about launched ourselves into space the last time on one we didn't see til last minute. Most are marked so just pay closer attention that we did.

From either Playa or Cancun, it's faster and safer to use the toll road (Cuota) -- it's expensive and less scenic than the free road but high-speed divided highway to Piste -- the town closest to the ruins. There's a toll booth at the Q.Roo/Yucatan state line. To get there from Playa, go north on 307 toward the airport and you'll see the entrance before you enter Cancun.

[vlkr]

i always stay in pdc for a few days before heading home. i ilke the luna blue which i think is about $65 per nt. and includes admission to mamitas beach club. to get a good comparison of hotels there or almost anywhere, go to travel notes trip advisor playa del carmen, they will rank order hotels by reader evals and list current prices. the northern part of playa is now mostly usa and the southern part mostly euro.
if you are not able to sleep with noise until wee morning hours, do not get hotel on 5th av.

[sharky60]

Anyone have a good lead on the cost of ave. quality accommodations over in PDC? How about a day-trip excursion to Chichen Itza (sp?)? Wife is coming up with some high prices - I can't help but think they must be lower than what she is coming up with.

Thanks!
nd

can't speak for PDC lodging, if you are willing to stay a few miles up the road, Puerto Morelos has accommodations with similar prices to Coz, and if you are flying out of Cancun. PM is actually closer to the Cancun airport than Cancun is!!



Mayan archeological sites, now that's something I know about....


there are several options for Chichen Itza....

1.) take the tour bus...buses leave out of PDC daily, a 3-3 1/2 hr ride each way with potty stops along the way at roadside souvenir shops. the trip includes transportation, lunch and a guided tour. there are several operators and tours can be set up at hotel activities desks or booked in advance I believe through websites.

2.) drive yourself...great option to save money. it will take a little time off the drive simply because you are controlling when you stop. The highway to C.I. from Cancun is a toll-way, very nice road, or at least was 5 years ago or so. There are restaurants, snack shops and souvenir shops at the site and you can hire a private tour guide for the day for about $25 plus tip. Or just study up a little before you go and give yourself the tour. A little tip, itÃÔ easy to slip into the crowd of a tour and listen to their tour guide as you walk around the site yourself.

You can also get there by going south to Tulum & turning inland on the road to Coba. Going past Coba the road continues and I think ends up hooking up to the toll highway somewhere around Valladolid. The road is only a 2 lane "farm road", if you will and I have only taken it as far as Coba, so I can't speak much about it.

Going this way you can spend a little time in the charming town of Chichen Itza or make a stop at one of several swimming cenotes or one of the colonial towns like Valladlid along the way, if you get an early enough start.

3.) the plane tour©Ïot the cheapest, but by far the least hassle. For a little over $100/person, you can fly to C.I. from Cozumel on a tour. You fly into C.I. ÅÂirport? more of an ÅÂir strip? get in a taxi for a short 5 min. ride to the site where a tour guide is waiting for you. I think the trip includes lunch, but not sure. We set it up through a Lomas rep. at our hotel.

We have done both the plane tour and driven it ourselves. The first time we went, we did the plane tour which was great considering I was only armed with grade school knowledge of the site.

The second time we went, we drove it, this was after a couple of years of Mayan studies and I gave us a tour on that trip.

Every thing at the site is well marked so a guided tour is not necessarily needed.

[NudeDiver]

ALL:

Thanks bunches for your advice. VERY helpful. Based on your input, our own research and scheduling dictates, here is what we have decided to do (subject to change, based on developments):

a). March 4th: Get ferry from Coz to PDC soon enough that we can get a car rented before the rental places close (which seems to be about 4PM).

b). March 4th: Drive rental car from PDC to Cancun and stay the night at a hotel (wife will pick out - she wants to be "downtown"). Can spend evening walking around and doing whatever.

c). March 5th: Next day, drive to C.I. and do whatever there is to do, drive back to Cancun and spend the night in the same hotel.

d). March 6th: Next day, have a leisurely morning - drop rental car off at noon or so, catch 3pm(ish) flight home.

This puts us in control of our own destiny, at the risk of potential rental car issues. It also means we don't have to drive all the way back from C.I. to PDC, just to go to sleep and then go to the Cancun airport. It also gives the dive gear a chance to dry out, sitting in the Cancun hotel room while we're in C.I.

Definitely want to avoid driving in dark if possible. What time is sun up/down the first week of March down there? Considered staying in C.I., but hotels there seem to be expensive, plus it means dive gear is sitting in the car all day since we would get to C.I. too early to check in, PLUS it means we would drive back from C.I. to Cancun the morning of our flight home - which doesn't strike me as a very good idea.

So anyway - we'll be in PDC just long enough to get a rental car and get out of town. We have two nights in Cancun, and a day driving to C.I. and back. It's possible we might take some kind of bulk transport from PDC to Cancun, in the event we're unable to rent a car there for one reason or another (for example, by the time we get there, everything is closed, or it's going to be dark, or whatever). That means we'd have to rent a car in Cancun the morning of our drive to CI, which of course, is something I'd like to avoid.


For an excursion to Chitzen Itza, I suggest renting a car and driving. It'll give you the freedom to pace the trip to suit your own taste, and do some side trips. Two hints, one pick up your car the night before, so you can get an early start and get there before high noon. Second, where you pay to enter Chitzen Itza try to find other independents and share the cost of a local guide. The guides are very knowledgeable and well worth the cost.Thanks (:


driving is definitely cheaper, plus you aren't rushed like the tour groups. Get the map/guide here: Can-Do Travel Guides. Mayan Adventure map gives everything you need to know, along with restaurants, side excursions, road tolls, etc.Thanks (:


Yes, you want full & total insurance, but it's pretty cheap with some providers. I got hot over the delivery service in PDC but I'm a hothead anyway. Try Cancun Car Rental, Rent a car in Cancun, Playa del Carmen Easy Way Car Rental I'm getting conflicting advice. Seems to be a 50/50 split between depend on the credit card coverage, or buy the mexican policy.


Be careful again about gas. Being American, I presumed all the stations were open Sunday mornings. Ha! Top it off the night before you need it - but watch out for the helpful locals who want to do it for you - be sure the meter is zeroed out. Most locals are pretty nice folks, but one crook can spoil your day.Thanks (:


May I suggest a safe place would be a good choice. The peninsula is not like Cozumel, and you want to be prudent about some choices at either.Ah, OK.


You plan to spend a lot of time at the pool?If it has one, probably, yeah. I can't stand the heat (hey, I'm from Alaska, OK?). Seems like a pool would be the coolest place to hide out from it.


It costs as much to live a first world life style in Mexico as it does in the States.Well, that sucks. But it also varies dramatically. I've paid everything from $500/night to $40/night in the U.S. It really depends on where you are. But, for example, in Egypt, it is dirt cheap to stay in a very nice place (that would cost hundreds in America). I was hoping the same would be true in Mexico, but I guess not.


Since you sound as cheap as I am, if you don't order the maps you are penny wise and pound foolish. We have been buying them for the past 8 years and always get the latest edition before we plan a trip. Laura and Perry put out a great product that is worth its weight in gold.Well, I guess I should clarify. Perhaps it is not so much that I am cheap, as much as it is that I don't value certain things as highly as others - while I overvalue other things, according to most people. For example - although I could have easily gone out and bought a brand new vehicle - I was driving a 14 year old beater of a truck with 200,000+ miles on it - but had a $1000 pool cue. Neither one bothered me very much at all, but other people didn't understand it. When it comes to hotels - I just see them as a place to put my stuff and sleep. I don't put much value on niceties. I'd happily sleep in a storage unit for $10/night, as long as it were clean, air conditioned and secure. I don't need much for a hotel. As for map - I see a lot of value in good information, so it's something I'll pay for (:


Three Pemex stations you want to avoid are at the intersection of 307 and Constituyentes in PDC, the first station on 307 after leaving the airport in Cancun and Puerto Morelos. Never give your keys to the attendant. Get out of the car, remove the gas cap yourself and watch every step and ask for a specific amount of gas. BTW, be sure to tip the person filling your car.Thanks (:


Another word of caution about driving from PDC to Chichen Itza. You really have to pay close attention to the signs, other drivers, potholes and ESPECIALLY the speed bumps. We just about launched ourselves into space the last time on one we didn't see til last minute. Most are marked so just pay closer attention that we did.Thanks (:


From either Playa or Cancun, it's faster and safer to use the toll road (Cuota) -- it's expensive and less scenic than the free road but high-speed divided highway to Piste -- the town closest to the ruins. There's a toll booth at the Q.Roo/Yucatan state line. To get there from Playa, go north on 307 toward the airport and you'll see the entrance before you enter Cancun.Thanks (:


2.) drive yourself...great option to save money. it will take a little time off the drive simply because you are controlling when you stop. The highway to C.I. from Cancun is a toll-way, very nice road, or at least was 5 years ago or so. There are restaurants, snack shops and souvenir shops at the site and you can hire a private tour guide for the day for about $25 plus tip. Or just study up a little before you go and give yourself the tour. A little tip, itÃÔ easy to slip into the crowd of a tour and listen to their tour guide as you walk around the site yourself.Thanks (:

And thanks to all for your feedback too (:

Cheers!
nd

[NudeDiver]

I just ordered $50 worth of maps from Can-Do.

See? I'm not COMPLETELY cheap (:

[DandyDon]

I just ordered $50 worth of maps from Can-Do.

See? I'm not COMPLETELY cheap (:
If you get the Cancun map, I think you get the Airport map with it free.

You might want to book a car with Cancun Car Rental, Rent a car in Cancun, Playa del Carmen Easy Way Car Rental (http://www.easywayrentacar.com/) specifying that you'll pickup at their PDC office and drop off at their Airport office. I think they're on Ave 10 or 15 near the ferry dock (you can phone to ask of course), but make sure they mark their Airport location on your map if they're not on it. THEN, if you find a better deal on arrival - you're not obligated to the rental.

click thumnail pics for larger view...

55509

From: Cancún, Mexico - Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk times for the whole year - Gaisma (http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/cancun.html) In 2 weeks 6:10am Sunrise 5:51pm Sunset, only 6 minutes later a month from now, so pretty close.

You're not going to have time for the pool on that schedule, but prove me wrong. Have fun. :eyebrow:



Yes, you want full & total insurance, but it's pretty cheap with some providers. I got hot over the delivery service in PDC but I'm a hothead anyway. Try Cancun Car Rental, Rent a car in Cancun, Playa del Carmen Easy Way Car Rental
I'm getting conflicting advice. Seems to be a 50/50 split between depend on the credit card coverage, or buy the mexican policy.
There are plenty of threads about what can happen if you have a wreck without 100% coverage. You're a tourist so you're in the wrong. You don't want to have to pay whatever they demand so you can leave the country, or call the American consulate from jail. Yeah, the CC company can refund losses that you have to pay, but they won't get you out of trouble at the time - and you may run into trouble with the amount refunded. When you leave American court systems, you play with local rules.

The freeway to Valladolid I think it was is a dream. We were on it by mistake, but for driving - super, no speed bumps or anything. I think it's #180, and we were suppose to be on #180D with speed bumps, villages, etc, but your map will clarify that. There are restrooms and a snack wagon at the toll point about halfway on the border. Beyound Valladolid, I don't know as we circled back on our correct road there.


55510

You'll need the same mosquito repellent & sun block there in March as you do in Alaska in the summer. Take plenty of liquids and have a great trip...!

[driftwood]

I just ordered $50 worth of maps from Can-Do.

See? I'm not COMPLETELY cheap (:

You will love the maps! There is so much on them and the restaurant reviews seem to be pretty good on the food and quality but prices seem a bit low.

Yes, you are cheap because those maps will save you a lot of money. If you and your wife have dinner at El Fogon instead of on 5th Ave, you just saved around $30 and will probably eat better.

I have also rented from CRAC and didn't have any problems but I have heard that they tried to run the flat spare scam on a guy. (slightly loosen the valve stem on the spare so that by the time you return the car the spare is flat) BTW, I THINK that the CRAC office in PDC is located at 10 Ave and Constituyentes in Plaza Mariachis. Take a cab rather than carry your bags, when you see the map you will understand.

Going to CI from Cancun, take the toll road. Nothing is more important than vacation time. Get to CI EARLY and bring plenty of water. There is no shade and the sun is brutal by the time most of the tour bus's get there late morning. On your way back take the time to spend a hour or two at Ek Balam, Mayan ruin north of Valladolid. I promise you that you will have more photos of Ek Balam than CI. The site literally rewrote the book on Mayan art. CI is all about the majesty of the buildings and Ek Balam is about the details. If I had to choose, Ek Balam hands down for a second visit.

Just to complicate things for you, consider staying the first night in Valladolid. Nice colonial town that is not over run with tourists. We like http://www.mesondelmarques.com . Nice hotel right on the main square with an excellent restaurant. Also, staying in Valladolid will get you to CI earlier. Talk to the front desk about leaving your gear there while you visit CI, they should accommodate you.



Have a great trip, and be sure to stand at one end of the ball court in CI and clap your hands. One of the amazing things about CI are the acoustics.

[DandyDon]

I THINK that the CRAC office in PDC is located at 10 Ave and Constituyentes in Plaza Mariachis. Take a cab rather than carry your bags, when you see the map you will understand
Yeah, I think it was on 10th Ave, between 2nd & 4th Calle. I bet he could get one of the tricycle porters to go that far for less than the cab, you think? We used one, well loaded, to a hotel around the corner form that office - gave him $6 I think. $10 would be nicer.

[driftwood]

Yeah, I think it was on 10th Ave, between 2nd & 4th Calle. I bet he could get one of the tricycle porters to go that far for less than the cab, you think? We used one, well loaded, to a hotel around the corner form that office - gave him $6 I think. $10 would be nicer.

Hi Don,

Great to see you posting again. We are on the same page about the office being on 10th Ave. Calle 2 and 10th is the northwest corner of the old bus terminal. Constituyentes and 10th is 9 blocks to the north.

In theory, all the cabs rides we are talking about are in Zone 1 and should be about 30p. But we always get the visitor rate from the local mafia.

[akbpilot]

I agree Valladolid would be worth spending some time in, but when we drove to the ruins over Christmas (we took the Coba route) we discovered most of the downtown streets torn up and traffic a nightmare. Took us most of an hour to drive through from east to west. The trip back that evening on the west to east was maybe a half hour. In addition construction at Puerto Aventuras took over an hour to travel about 3 miles. I would suggest using the toll road to travel to the ruins until both these projects get closer to completed.

Nude, what flight do you have back to AK on the 6th? CUN-SEA, or CUN-LAX?

[DandyDon]

We are on the same page about the office being on 10th Ave. Calle 2 and 10th is the northwest corner of the old bus terminal. Constituyentes and 10th is 9 blocks to the north.
Hmmmm. Maybe they have more than one office? The tiny one we went to was just around the corner from our hotel, which was on 4th St between 5&10th Aves. Ah well, he'll have the Can-Do maps soon, and yeah - humping luggage 15 blocks would ruin my day, but then I carry way too much.

[rye_a]

Yeah, I think it was on 10th Ave, between 2nd & 4th Calle. I bet he could get one of the tricycle porters to go that far for less than the cab, you think? We used one, well loaded, to a hotel around the corner form that office - gave him $6 I think. $10 would be nicer.

Where were you before we went to PDC? When we got off the ferry from COZ my wife, two kids, my sister and I along with all of our corresponding luggage lugged everything 8 blocks to our condo. I was pulling a HUGE rolling bag and wearing an internal frame mountaineering backpack that our 3 year old was sitting on top of. We must have looked like refugees.

On the way back to the ferry port to go home my wife (who is much smarter than I am) got a bicycle porter to take our luggage for $1/bag (plus a nice tip) to the terminal, which was much more pleasant (and less sweaty) and worth every penny.

[DandyDon]

Where were you before we went to PDC? When we got off the ferry from COZ my wife, two kids, my sister and I along with all of our corresponding luggage lugged everything 8 blocks to our condo. I was pulling a HUGE rolling bag and wearing an internal frame mountaineering backpack that our 3 year old was sitting on top of. We must have looked like refugees.

On the way back to the ferry port to go home my wife (who is much smarter than I am) got a bicycle porter to take our luggage for $1/bag (plus a nice tip) to the terminal, which was much more pleasant (and less sweaty) and worth every penny.
Oh, I'm sure I was here somewhere - spouting off my opinions, and I would have suggested the tricycle porters for your motley crew for sure - especially when I saw the word "kids." My bud & I may have had as much as all of y'all tho? I still get to check 2 bags under 70# free as does a travel companion so we had 4 big bags, 2 roll-ons, and 2 backpacks. I was surprised that he could get all but my backpack on his trike; I never let anyone else handle it - with my laptop, cameras, valuables, essentials, etc.

In August 2007, I left Coz on the first morning ferry headed for Cancun to depart in the Hurricane Dean evacuation - and the porters weren't there that early. One of my huge bags doesn't have wheels :mad: so I had hell getting all my junk to the ferry. Walk 50 ft in the darkness, drop bags, go back and get the other, repeat. I was delighted to see trike porters at PDC when we arrived. We noticed some working in the Mayan villages on the was to Holbox, too; I guess they serve as the local taxi service around those towns where many locals don't own vehicles.

Hehe, in Holbox we got a golf cart from the dock to the hotel and he was actually able to haul our 300+ pounds of luggage and two large Texans all at once, altho he had to peek high over some bags. We both dive with large BCs, large fins, etc - and I pack a pony bottle and 3 regs, 2 computers, 3 cameras, a 12 cup coffee maker, etc. Pretty ridiculous.

[rye_a]

we had 4 big bags, 2 roll-ons, and 2 backpacks. I was surprised that he could get all but my backpack on his trike; I never let anyone else handle it - with my laptop, cameras, valuables, essentials, etc.

I'll see you and raise you two strollers (one was used for a wheel-less bag) and two kids 3 and under ;)

[DandyDon]

I'll see you and raise you two strollers (one was used for a wheel-less bag) and two kids 3 and under ;)
Gawd! Did you not see the trike porters? You win.

We have a trail stroller that has been invaluable with my grand daugther on hikes, doubles as a water transport. She's nearly 6 now, but still not into hiking.