Quintana Roo - Love to Travel

Quintana Roo- Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen & Cozumel

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen was in the recent past, just a sleepy fishing village, that served as a gateway to the Island of Cozumel, home to one of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the world.

This once-sleepy town has exploded in size, and is now is major city in Quintana Roo.

Quinta Avenida, the Walking Street – Enjoy a leisurely stroll, browse through local crafts, savor authentic Mexican cuisine, or sip on a refreshing margarita, as the waves ebb and flow beneath your chairs and sandaled feet.

Cozumel

The Island of Cozumel, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life, is just a short half hour ferry boat ride away from Playa del Carmen. Cozumel has earned a well-deserved reputation as a premier destination for both underwater adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts as well. After driving the parameter road of this Island paradise we settled in for a good night‘s sleep.

We wasted no time diving into the crystal-clear waters, and once there, found ourselves in an almost sensuous overload on every side. This underwater world was teeming with colorful coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and so much more. Along the Island’s perimeter road, you can find many beach clubs that offer food and drink all day, while you swim, snorkel, or just spend your time relaxing while losing yourself in the panoramic ‘eye candy’. With numerous dive sites catering to all experience levels, Cozumel offers an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

Tulum

Tulum

Nestled on the stunning coastline of the Caribbean, just a short hour’s drive from Playa del Carmen, Tulum is a captivating destination with its blend of rich Mayan history mingled with breathtaking natural beauty. Tulum attracts travelers from around the world with its awe-inspiring world famous, ancient Mayan ruins, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and laid-back bohemian vibes. Sunrise over the Caribbean was jaw dropping beautiful, as was the star studded night sky from our hotel room balcony, settled in midst of the jungle on the outskirts of town.

Tulum is home to one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Mexico. The Tulum Ruins, perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization.

Tulum was the last great city constructed and inhabited by the Mayans between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was a site of worship to the Great Descending God whose image adorns the temples within the site. Tulum was also of great importance for sea trade, most specifically for the trading of Obsidian. (Note: you can look directly at the sun through the Obsidian stone, which we did at a later date, to view the solar eclipse.)

Akumal

On our way to Tulum, we stopped to visit Akumal to swim with the sea turtles. The name “Akumal” comes from Mayan word for “place of the turtles”. This charming laid-back beach town used to be Mayan trade center and port before the Spanish colonization of the region. Akumal is now one of our favorite places to stop to swim and grab some local food, along the long road that follows the Riviera Maya Coast!

Coba Ruins

Only very recently, we were able to visit the ruins of Coba, an ancient Mayan city located between Quintano Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula. These widely spread out ruins, covered vast grounds hidden within the jungle, and was only discovered in the mid 1800’s. Archeologists were unable to access the site due to the dense jungle as well as the caste war.

We bicycled thru the largely unexcavated Mayan agrarian center that once had a population of 50 thousand inhabitants. The marvelous Nohoch Mul pyramid has 120 steps and reaches 42 meters in height, making it the highest pyramid in the Yucatan peninsula.

After 90 minutes biking through the wide pathways of Coba, we cooled off at the other worldly, deep underground cenote Choo Ha, and swam in these very cool crystal clear waters, surrounded on all sides by beautiful stalagmites. We highly encourage you all to take the plunge into this amazing underground adventure.

Mahahual

On our last morning in Bacalar, we had an amazingly quiet and beautiful sunrise kayak trip exploring the lagoon. Then, after breakfast and coffee, we departed for the port town of Mahahual. Until recently, Mahahual used to be a quaint fishing village before it was mostly destroyed in a hurricane in 2007, and then was built up again, once the Costa Maya port was built nearby. Now the village hosts 4 large cruise ships daily.

Mahahual changed forever when the cruise-ship dock was completed, and it grows larger every year. Despite the (literally) boatloads of tourists, there’s a lovely, relaxed, Caribbean vibe that you won’t find further north, and once the passengers have returned to their ships, a quiet calm settles over the town.

Hurricane Dean hits in 2007:The village was mostly destroyed in 2007, by Hurricane Dean, which hit land near Mahahual on the Quintana Roo coast of the Yucatán Peninsula at 0830 UTC on August 21. Wind gusts of 200 mph (320 km/h) were reported. Communication with the Mayan communities near the landfall location was initially difficult, but the town of Mahahual, which had a population of 200, was “almost flattened” by the storm. Storm surge and high winds severely damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildingsand had the strength to crumple steel girders.

Mahahual is approximately halfway between Bacalar and Tulum, on the main highway, but it’s about a one hour drive, off the main road, heading towards the coast. The drive to Mahahual is a rather, lonely drive, with nothing but mangroves and jungle on both sides of the 2-lane road. One feels the isolation of this town, as it is truly, a land locked ‘island’ surrounded by jungle, with only one road in/or out.

On our way back to Puerto Morelos, we stopped in a small Mayan town (literally a drive by, and located in the middle of highway) by the name of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. We went there specifically to visit the Sanctuary of the Talking Cross, that we had learned about just the day before, while visiting the Fortress/Museum in Bacalar. The town used to be called Chan Santa Cruz, and was a crucial center during the Mayan Caste War conflict.

The Sanctuary of the Talking Cross, houses one of the talking crosses that dates back from the caste war. The Talking Cross travels around among the various villages in the region.

For the people of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the well-known national holiday of Cinco de Mayo is overshadowed by the far more important Festival of the Holy Cross (Fiesta de la Santa Cruz) which culminates on the 3rd of May. This week-long celebration is deeply rooted in the city’s historical position as both the epicenter of the Maya independence movement and the spiritual home of the Maya Cruzoob or the Cult of the Talking Cross. The focal point of this festival is a collection of three talking crosses known as Las Cruces Parlantes which hold a unique place in the history of the region.

Puerto Morelos

Tucked halfway between the bustling cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is a charming coastal town, a former fishing village, that exudes tranquility. With its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere, (there aren’t any traffic lights) Puerto Morelos offers a refreshing escape for those seeking a quieter and more intimate Mexican getaway. This is the town we chose to begin our ‘Life in Mexico’ Adventure!

Puerto Morelos boasts some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches on the Riviera Maya. Dotted with many Beach Clubs, where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content, while sitting just a few short meters from the aqua-blue waters of the Caribbean.

Charming Town Center:

The main square, known as the Zocalo, is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Many fiestas are held here, with music galore! Take a leisurely stroll around the square, browse the local boutiques and shops, dine at local or choose any number of ethnic restaurants, and just ‘chill’ and enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere.

Puerto Morelos, offers a tranquil and authentic retreat for travelers seeking a coastal escape, or a place to just unwind. From its unspoiled beaches and vibrant coral reefs or a peaceful walk through the botanical gardens, Puerto Morelos presents a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Cancun & Isla Mujeres

Cancun

Miles of 5 Star hotels, kissing the Caribbean coastline, with its pristine sandy beaches alongside miles and miles of aqua-blue Caribbean shores, with endless diving, fishing and snorkeling to choose from, plus exquisite cuisine, are all part of why Cancun is one of the most sought out destinations for holidays, events and more. In 2022, Cancun International airport welcomed over 8.5 million visitors.

Isla Mujeres

Just a 30-minute ferry boat ride from the Port of Juarez, in Cancun lies Isla Mujeres. Just a tiny strip of land, where one can completely walk around in just an afternoon, or, if you prefer, travel by rental golf cart. You can also walk quite a distance into the water, and still hold your refreshing drinks while enjoying the placid and cool waters of Isla Mujeres… Isla’s history dates back over 1500 years, when it was part of the Mayan province Ekab. The Island served as the sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel, the Maya Goddess of the moon, fertility, medicine, and happiness.

Bacalar

Bacalar also happened to be on our bucket list, so traveling with 2 of our neighbors, and after a 4 hour road trip, of miles and miles of flat paved roads, we were welcomed by this very quaint town. We were mesmerized by Laguna Bacalar, “La Laguna de Los Siete Colores” (The Lagoon of 7 Colors…or 7 shades of blue)

Bacalar is a town steeped in history dating back to the Mayans in pre-Columbian times. The name Bacalar comes from the Mayan word meaning “the place of reeds”.

We spent 3 amazing days in Bacalar by sailing in the lagoon, kayaking at sunrise, visiting nearby cenotes, and walking around this magical town, with its various ‘local flavored’ places to dine. Our sailing experience was just awesome. We joined with our neighbors on a 4 hour sail boat ride, with a crew of two very sea worthy women. We toured such interesting places as the ‘black Cenote’, the Pirates Channel, and Bird Island all within the eco system of the multi colored lagoon. The crew served freshly made guacamole, served with ice cold drink to top off a perfect 3 hour sailing experience, and one that we shall not easily forget.

In the heart of the town sits, the Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar, which was built in 1729 by the Spanish to protect the pueblo from pirates. During the Caste War, the Fort was used by the Spanish as a point of defense against the Mayans who fought to win back the village, and won the war but left the fort in ruins.