USA: Meet Kimberly Anyadike The Youngest African American Pilot

Kimberly Anyadike, who was born in 1994, is a pilot from Compton, California. In 2009, Kimberly Anyadike, an African American teenager of Nigerian descent made history and became the first African American female and the youngest African American to fly an aeroplane across the United States.

Kimberly achieved this great heights and set the record after just two years of pilot training through a special after-school programme she enrolled in .

The programme was ran by the Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum in Compton where she lives with her family.

While on the 13-day flight, Kimberly successfully flew from Compton to Virginia and back. In an interview with CNN, she described the experience as a dream come true and an amazing experience with only a light storm and bad weather as her challenge.

Kimberly fell in love with planes and flying at the age of 12 while learning about the African American pilots who flew in the World War.

The lessons in history school inspired the teenager who had dreams of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon to achieve more and also become a certified pilot breaking records in America and for the black community at large.

Anyadike was accompanied by an adult safety pilot, and by a retired Air Force pilot who had served with the WWII Tuskegee Airmen.

Her plane was autographed by about 50 Tuskegee airmen as she stopped at different cities across the US, and she completed the round-trip journey in a single-engine Cessna 172 in 13 days.

Kimberly enjoyed a lot of fame and recognition for her achievements, thereby, encouraging young girls and black people, in general, to follow their dreams and never stop believing in them.

During her flight, she made stops to speak with several young people and meet many of the Tuskegee Airmen who signed her plane.

In 2015, Anyadike received the first Young Aviator’s Award from the Tuskegee Airmen in recognition of her achievements.

In 2016, she graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree.

Born in 1994, Anyadike grew up in Compton, California. She has an older brother and sister. Her parents are originally from Nigeria, and their surname Anyadike means “eye of the warrior” in the Igbo language.

Anyadike took dance lessons at the Lula Washington Dance Academy, served as a junior lifeguard at Venice Beach for five years, and volunteered as a youth leader at her local church.

At a young age, she showed a strong interest in medical science and anatomy; her mother taught her to identify and name all 206 bones in the body.

Anyadike later attended science classes at the Charles Drew University Saturday Science Academy, an L.A.-based STEM subjects program for youth ranging in age from preschool to grade 12.

Anyadike took her first flying lessons at the age of 12, attending an after-school aviation program offered by Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum for disadvantaged youths.

She was inspired to take lessons after reading about Jonathan Strickland, an earlier participant of the program who became the youngest person to fly a fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter solo in a single day.


Anyadike paid for her flight lessons with “museum dollars” earned by washing airplanes and working odd jobs around the Compton Airport. As part of the program’s requirements, she maintained a strong academic record throughout the period.

Despite having a fear of heights, Anyadike said that being in the cockpit of a plane is an amazing experience.

As Anyadike gradually built up 100 hours of flight time, she conceived the idea of flying across the country. She wanted to inspire other youths, while also honouring the Tuskegee Airmen, an African-American air combat unit that served during World War II.

Departing on June 29, 2009, 15-year-old Anyadike flew a single-engine Cessna 172 from Compton, California to Newport News, Virginia and back, completing the journey in 13 days.

She was accompanied by adult safety pilot Ronnell Norman, and Major Levi H. Thornhill, an 87-year-old retired U.S. Air Force pilot who had served as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Anyadike made at least a dozen scheduled stops along the way, and navigated through thunderstorms as she flew across Texas.

In Washington, D.C., Congresswoman Laura Richardson came to congratulate the young pilot, and in Tuskegee, Alabama, Mayor Omar Neal proclaimed July 2 to be “Kimberly Anyadike Day”.

During stops in different cities, Anyadike’s plane was autographed by about 50 different Tuskegee Airmen. Major Thornhill acted as Anyadike’s representative to make the necessary introductions with regional chapters of the airmen.

Although the record had never been officially tracked before her journey, Anyadike is considered the youngest black American woman and possibly the youngest person of any race or gender to have successfully piloted a plane coast-to-coast across the United States.

Upon her arriving home on July 11, 2009, Anyadike received an award from the County of Los Angeles, and was personally invited by governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to visit the California State Capitol.

In May 2015, Anyadike received the Tuskegee Airmen’s inaugural Young Aviator’s Award in Tuskegee, Alabama, in recognition of her achievements as a pilot.

In 2017, Anyadike was interviewed about her transcontinental flight for a special Disney Channel segment for Black History Month entitled ‘True Heroes Are Timeless’.

Earlier in 2018, Pilot Kimberly Anyadike was invited to speak at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at West Covina Civic Center where she spoke as a 23-year-old full of hope and determination encouraging the youth to be inspired by their history and not let race limit them to achieve their dreams.

For her college education, Anyadike enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in physiological science with minors in African-American studies and Spanish.

During her senior year, she was also working as a registered emergency medical technician, and was volunteering for her local chapter of the Flying Samaritans to bring medical care to Tijuana, Mexico.

She graduated with her undergraduate degree from UCLA in June 2016. When asked about future aspirations, Anyadike has said that she plans to enroll in medical school and become a cardiovascular surgeon.

Anyadike’s elder sister, Kelly, also took aviation lessons at Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum. In 2008, on her sixteenth birthday, Kelly became the youngest African-American woman to pilot four different fixed-wing aircraft in a single day.

In interviews, Anyadike has said that a friendly rivalry with Kelly helped inspire her to complete her own piloting achievements.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Los Cabos Has Most Prized And Protected Resorts, Yet Highest Murder Rate In The World

San Jose del Cabo is a city in Los Cabos.

Los Cabos is a municipality located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, in the state of Baja California Sur. It encompasses the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo the municipal seat linked by a twenty-mile Resort Corridor of beach-front properties and championship golf courses.

The area was remote and rural until the latter 20th century, when the Mexican government began to develop Cabo San Lucas for tourism, which then spread east to the municipal seat.

The main draw is the climate and geography, where desert meets the sea, along with sport fishing, resorts and golf. This tourism is by far the main economic activity with over two million visitors per year. Over 1 million visit from the United States.

The town of San Jose del Cabo is located at the foot of the Sierra de la Laguna, 130 km SSW of La Paz, the state capital of Baja California Sur. Although it is the seat of government for the municipality of Los Cabos, it is smaller than the other city of Cabo San Lucas.

However, because of federal and private investments in tourism, its growth is now rivaling that of the more famous resort area.

This growth has been regulated to outside of the town center, especially to the south where the beaches are, leaving the historic town center quiet and relatively unchanged.

There are still cobblestone streets, adobe houses, jacaranda trees and a central square in front of a church that dates from the 1700s, where people still gather in the evening when it is cooler.

A number of the large houses in the center date from the 19th century, and most of these have been converted into restaurants, art galleries and shops selling everything from fine handcrafts, silver, local gemstones and souvenirs.

The art scene in the town is well-developed because of tourism and people with vacation homes. These shops carry high end paintings, sculptures in from traditional Mexican, Mexican contemporary and international artisans and artists.

During the high season from October to May, these galleries stay open late into the night. The town has resisted the addition of large shopping malls and chain stores.

There is also some colonial era architecture as well, but this style has more in common with colonial towns to the north into the United States rather than the center and south of Mexico.

The main example of colonial architecture here is the town’s parish church. It was part of the Estero de las Palmas de San Jose del Cabo Mission, founded in 1730. The facade is marked with a tile mural depicting the martyrdom of founder Nicolas Tamaral, killed by the local Pericu people.

The patron saint of the town is Saint Joseph, whose feast day is celebrated here on March 19. Another important occasion is the feast of the Our Lady of the Pillar on October 12. Occasions like these are marked with traditional dance in dress styles known as Flor de Pitaya and the La Cuera.

Other important landmarks in the town include the municipal hall or palacio municipal, which dates from 1981 and the cultural center or Casa de Cultura, housed in a 19th-century building.

The tourist area of the town is the area between the town proper and the shoreline. This area has a nine-hole golf course and a line of hotels and resorts facing the ocean, which served over 900,000 hotel guests in 2011.

San Jose del Cabo is the seat and the government for the communities found in a 3,451.51km2 area, located in the extreme south of the state of Baja California Sur. It is connected to the capital of La Paz via the Transpeninsular Highway .

The municipality borders that of La Paz to the north, with the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California surrounding it in the other directions. The municipal government consists of a municipal president, a syndic and fourteen representatives called regidors.

The main areas of the municipality are the seat, Cabo San Lucas, and the tourist corridor along the coast between them. Although San Jose del Cabo is the government, Cabo San Lucas has a higher population and its natural arch at Land’s End is the symbol for the municipality.

Outside of the two main cities, other important communities include Colonia del Sol, Las Veredas, Colonia Los Congrejos, San José Viego and La Ribera.

The municipality is one of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico, for its fishing, beaches, and resorts. Historical landmarks are relatively few but include the municipal hall, the Casa de Cultura in San Jose del Cabo, the Faro Viejo and the San Jose del Cabo and Santiago de las Coras missions.

The city of Cabo San Lucas, about twenty miles to the west of San Jose del Cabo, is far more commercial. Unlike most Mexican towns, Cabo San Lucas has no main plaza or large cathedral. Instead, it is centered around the marina and entertainment district.

Up until the latter 20th century, the area was a small fishing village when tourist infrastructure was begun. Despite its success, high rise construction has been kept limited, focusing on resorts and sand-top restaurants in the beach area.

The main attractions are fishing, nightlife and whale watching. It is a place for vacation, where most visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts. The two main events during the year are Spring Break and Sammy Hagar’s birthday on the first weekend in October.

The latter focuses on his Cabo Wabo bar and restaurant in the city.

The success of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo has created a tourist corridor along the coastal highway between the cities. While there has been some development of resorts, hotels, and golf courses, there are still smaller isolated and undeveloped beaches.

By far the main economic activity for the municipality is tourism, focused on a shoreline corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Most visitors come from the United States especially California and Canada, followed by Mexico, and many visitors return year after year.

Visitors can get by in Cabo San Lucas purely in English and use U.S. dollars. Most of the about two million visitors a year arrive by plane to the Los Cabos airport, but the Cabo San Lucas marina also has facilities for cruise ships.

In 2012, the area has hotel occupancy of just over 60% with 248 cruise ships visiting. The area’s high end resorts have also attracted notable names such as Bruce Willis, Kelly Preston and John Travolta, and San Jose del Cabo also has a notable expatriate population, mostly retirees who have economic influence.

The main draw for most visitors has been the environment, where the desert meets the sea, best symbolized by El Arco, a natural stone arch over the ocean in Cabo San Lucas where the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California meet.

The natural features have led to ecotourism such as boat tours to El Arco, tours of the San Jose Estuary and the coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo, and whale watching from January to March, when the animals are here to breed.

Sports fishing is a major and the longest established draw as there are about 800 species of fish in the waters off the coast. High season for this activity is in the summer, the season for marlin, although fishing for various other species extends all year.

There are certain exotic species that are off limits due to conservation concerns and others are catch-and-release only.

There are four main golf courses in the municipality, designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. Other activities for tourists include snorkeling, diving, dune-buggy rides, camel rides, zip-lining, rides on water-propelled jet packs, surfing especially at the Acapulquito Beach, jet-ski riding, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, ATV riding, hang gliding, mountain biking, camping, tennis and rappelling.

Off the beaten path, there is the town of Miraflores for its leather crafts, the Santiago fossil museum, the traditional towns of Caduano, San Antonio and San Bartolo and a glass blowing factory.

Los Cabos hosts a culinary event called Ritmos, Colores y Sabores, which attracts chefs from the United States and Europe. The gastronomy of the region is based on seafood, which includes clams, marlin, snails, tuna and shark. A locally produced liquor is Damiana, sweet and flavored with a local herb, said to be an aphrodisiac.

The main export of the municipality is the production of salt. There are also limited mineral deposits, especially in the Capuano and Mezquite areas such as limestone and granite.

The small town of Miraflores is known for its leatherwork, especially saddles and other gear for horseback riding. Jewelry and decorations made with shells are produced in San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas and Santa Rosa.

The municipality of Los Cabos is at the southern end of the Baja California peninsula, where desert meets the sea and the Gulf of California meets the Pacific Ocean.

The area was originally underwater, evidenced by the many fossils of marine animals, which are up to 25 million years old. The basement rock underlying Los Cabos formed even earlier, approximately 115 million years ago.

The municipality has an average altitude of forty meters above sea level. There are three main terrain types, mountain terrain, semi flat areas and flat areas.

The mountains consist of the Sierra de la Laguna and the Sierra de San Lázaro, both formed of volcanic rock, covering about fifteen percent of the total territory with peaks between 400 and 1000 meters.

The semi flat areas are located between the coast and the mountain ranges, mostly of sedimentary rock and account for sixty percent of the territory. The flat areas are along the coast, beaches and alluvial plains, which account for twenty five percent of the territory.

One of the main natural resources is the beaches. Major beaches include Los Frailes, Buena Vista, Agua Caliente, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Chileno and Punta Colorada, often promoted together as the Costa de Oro or Golden Coast.

One very popular beach in Cabo San Lucas is Lover’s Beach, which is surrounded by dramatic rock shapes. The sea experiences lows of 72–73 °F (22–23 °C) in winter, and highs of 77–84 °F (25–29 °C) during the summer months.

As it is on the edge of the desert that covers most of the Baja California peninsula, it is one of the sunniest locations in the world, with an average of 320 days of sunshine per year.

The climate is characterized as hot and dry to the north of the town of San Jose del Cabo, hot and semi moist in San Jose and along the southern coast and temperate and dry in the highest elevations, because of cyclones that hit this area.

Average annual temperature is 24C with the coolest month being January. There is a rainy season in the summer, with most rain in September. The rain and terrain make for a variety of micro climates, including areas with a climate similar to the Mediterranean.

Areas between 0 and 400 meters are desert and semi-desert, with many areas having deep sand deposits. Higher elevations get more water and can have pine forests.

The main surface water of the municipality is the Rio San Jose or San Jose River, which runs north to south, mostly during the rainy season.

Other streams run only during rains and include Santiago, Miraflores, Caduano and Las Palmas. There are subterranean deposits of water such as the Santiago and San Jose del Cabo, but the lack of water is the main impediment to human development in the area.

The Río San José stops just shy of the ocean, with a one km long sand bar creating an estuary, the third largest in Mexico. This pooling of brackish water has created an oasis in the surrounding Sarcocaule desert.

The Rio San Jose flows largely underground for 40 miles (64 km) from its origin in the Sierra de la Laguna or Laguna Mountains, although its Miramonte River tributary adds almost an additional 10 miles (16 km).

Its tributaries flow down the eastern side of the sierra and include Santa Rosa, Santa Lazaro, San Miguel, San Ignacio at La Palma, Caduano, Miraflores and San Bernard. The river used to flow above ground until the beginning of the 20th century due to anthropogenic causes.

For more than 250 years the Rio San Jose has furnished drinking and irrigation water for the town of San Jose del Cabo, beginning as a source of fresh water for Spanish galleons traveling back from the Philippines.

Over the sand bar from the estuary is a bay referred to by early Spanish explorers, including Sebastian Vizcaino, as the Bahia de San Bernabe or Bay of San Bernabe, and now as the Bay of San Jose del Cabo.

The estuary is home to both native and migratory birds and aquatic species, 250 species of tropical birds alone. Most of the migratory species use the area as a stopover on their way to southern Mexico, Central American and South America.

It also acts as a nursery to many juvenile and larval stage species. It was declared a state environmental reserve, but pollution and excessive water extraction has caused it to degenerate, leading to a complaint by Greenpeace. One effort to improve the water situation is the creation of new water treatment plants in the 2000s.

Vegetation varies mostly by altitude and soil type and how much moisture the area receives. However almost all species are those adapted to desert and semi-desert zones. The highest elevations have pine forests.

Wildlife is varied and includes mammals such as badgers, skunks, coyotes, foxes, pumas and other wild cats, deer, raccoons, rabbits, bats and various rodents. Bird species include quail, doves, cardinals, woodpeckers, swallows and marine species such as pelicans and seagulls.

There are over 850 species of aquatic animals off the coast such as marlin, sailfish, swordfish, tuna, dorado and whales. Many species and subspecies of both plants and animals are endemic only to Baja California.

Los Cabos has the highest murder rate of any city in the world. Reports of increased violence in the Los Cabos municipality are connected to the 2016 arrest of drug kingpin Joaquin Guzman, nicknamed "El Chapo," following an interview with US actor Sean Penn for Rolling Stone Magazine.

Instability that eluded Los Cabos, Mexico's most prized and protected tourist resorts according to the Los Angeles Times, stemmed from the void in the drug cartel. Generally the violence from fragmented, warring factions, seeking to gain control in the region, has not targeted tourists.

The vast majority of the violence is playing out in the poor desert hillside communities that house resort workers, far from the beaches that have made this region a magnet for business moguls and Hollywood stars.

The lucrative drug-smuggling corridor of the twin cities of Los Cabos has led to bloodshed among rival gangs contributing to the fastest-rising homicide rate in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur from 2015 to 2017.

Warring gangs often use intimidation tactics to announce their presence such as hanging victims in public spaces next to banners called narcomantas.

In December 2017, rival gangs hanged six bodies from bridges near major resorts one with a public banner that was translated as: This is what will happen to anyone who does not fall into line with us. It has been made more than clear that we hold all the power and that Baja north and south are ours.

Such signs are used to threaten government officials and serve as warnings or intentions of cleansing the drug-smuggling corridor. The city since then has considerably lowered the crime rate after the local government cracked down on violent cartels in early 2018.

The Los Cabos airport is located in San Jose del Cabo. When you get out of the terminal, you first reach customs. Here you need to have your disembark/embark card filled out, but you do not give them your declaration card here.

After you clear customs, you cross through baggage claim. At the end of baggage claim there are several rental car companies. If you made a rental, stop by and tell them you are there so they can call a shuttle driver to pick you up.

You then go through declarations. This is the point where they may pull you over for secondary agriculture inspection if applicable. When you walk out of custom declarations, you are in this room full of people.

This room actually is just people who are trying to sell you time shares and tours. Just walk straight out and you will be near the terminal exit.

If you have rented a car, the people in the room after customs declarations may lie to you to keep you in the room. In reality, your shuttle driver is already waiting outside if you talked to them before so just walk out. The rental car shuttle will take you to a brief couple minute drive to your rental car company.

When in the arrivals terminal at the airport, there is a wifi password posted on the corner of the Starbucks in Terminal 2.

If you plan arrive at the international airport of San Jose, a pre-booked transfer van is the cheapest method to get to your hotel or resort. For last minute travelers shuttle vans that charge per person and stop at various resorts can be found and booked at the airport paid with or without prior reservation.

To pre-book a private transportation from the airport in San Jose there are a couple of re-known companies providing these services.

If you rent a car in Mexico, you do need third party liability. Be sure to book this online before you arrive at the rental car company as they will charge you a higher rate. To get to downtown, you can take the main road, or a toll road which is a $2.50 USD charge or 31 pesos per auto.

Los Cabos can de reached by the Transpeninsular Highway.

The road connecting San Jose del Cabo and Cabo Pulmo along the east road cape has some beautiful views and beaches with nice surfing spots. It's possible to take a day trip or even spend a few nights on the road exploring a different side of Cabo far from the touristy resorts

Los Claros, Calle Boulevard Antonio , Cabo San Lucas. A local taco place with good fish. Get fish grilled or a la plancha and try the smoked marlin fish. They accept cash only.

Taqueria Rossy, Carret Transport Km 33, San Jose Del Cabo. A good fish place with air conditioning, good prices, and accepts credit cards.

You can choose to visit - Todos Santos a small town about an hour and a half north.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Visit Isla Mujeres, But If Caught With Marijuana Or Drunkenness Police Intimidate You To Get A Bribe

Isla Mujeres which in spanish means Island of Women, is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, located eight miles off of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, near Cancun Mexico.

Isla Mujeres was a Mayan sanctuary to goddess Ixchel for about a thousand years. In around 1850 the first modern inhabitants moved to the island and established the village of Dolores.

The climate is tropical, with year-round hot, humid weather. Peak season is during the winter months when temperatures are cooler.

Summer temperatures are sweltering, with blazing sun and highs well over 32 °C (90 °F), although summer visitors from mid-May through September have the opportunity to see whale sharks which gather in nearby waters in groups that can contain up to 400 sharks.

Isla Mujeres is an island in the Gulf of Mexico, about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) off the Yucatan Peninsula coast. The island is some 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) long and 650 metres (2,130 ft) wide.

To the east is the Caribbean Sea with a strong surf and rocky coast, and to the west the skyline of Cancun can be seen across the clear waters. In the 2010 census, the namesake town on the island had a population of 12,642 inhabitants.

The island is part of the Isla Mujeres Municipality in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

In Pre-Columbian times the island was sacred to the Maya goddess of childbirth and medicine, Ixchel. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it "Isla Mujeres" because of the many images of goddesses.

The first information available about Isla Mujeres is from the period between 564–1516 AD, when it was part of the Maya province called Ekab. There were 4 Maya provinces in what is today the State of Quintana Roo.

The Maya also exploited the salt that the island produced in the salinas or small interior lagoons. The salt was used not only for the preservation of food and medicine but also as a generally accepted currency for commerce of goods along the whole Maya region.

The Maya goddess Ixchel had a temple in what is today the Hacienda Mundaca or Mundaca's Plantation House.

A small Maya temple was once located on the southern tip of the island. However, in 1988, Hurricane Gilbert caused extensive damage, leaving most of the foundation but only a very small portion of the temple.

Since the 1970s, along with nearby Cancun, there has been substantial tourist development in Isla Mujeres.

Transportation on the island of Isla Mujeres consists primarily of taxis or golf carts and moped scooters. As of 2005 there were 121 taxis, 500 golf carts, and 1500 moped scooters.

There is also a bus service that runs from the downtown to the different neighborhoods, called colonias in Spanish where most locals live.

Unfortunately the island used to be served by Isla Mujeres National Airport but the airport and landing strip is no longer used for more than a place to get exercise, as many locals, military personnel, and/or tourist can be seen jogging up and down the runway at various times throughout the day.

There are two main ferry boat companies namely UltraMar and Marinesa that run to the island from Puerto Juárez, Cancun, or Gran Puerto on the mainland. There are also party boats of all sorts that make day trips to Isla Mujeres.

The island is popular with day trippers, but activity quiets down in the evening after the tour groups leave.

There are numerous places to eat fresh seafood cooked with local and traditional recipes, and other restaurants offer Mexican, Yucatecan, Italian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Israeli, French, Thai, Cuban, and Maya cuisine.

Hotel prices vary from cheap to very expensive at the resorts on the southwest end such as Hotel Villa Rolandi, and Playa Norte.

In the north is El Centro or downtown, whose central axis, Hidalgo Street, is the main dining and entertainment area. Also located on the north end is a famous beach called Playa Norte, which has recovered quickly since Hurricane Wilma hit the area in 2005.

Besides these attractions, swimming with dolphins can also be experienced at the Island.

The island of Isla Mujeres is located close to one of many coral reefs such as the one located in Garrafon Park, which is an area popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Cancun Underwater Museum, created by English sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, is located off the western coast of Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of sea turtles. Because of the recent endangerment of sea turtles in the area, a facility was set up on the southern end of the island for their rehabilitation and breeding. This facility is open to the public.

The island's relative proximity to Cuba has made it one of the favorite stepping stones of Cubans trying to reach the United States in recent years.

There are various boats that will take you there. From Cancun you can get a boat. Ferries leave from 4 different locations in Cancun:

Puerto Juarez: located in Av. Jose Lopez Portillo MZ 84 M 5 L 6 Puerto Juárez, Cancun. Operated by UltraMar has departures every half hour from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM and then hourly till 11:30 pm, for 300$MXN round trip with open return.

Playa Tortugas: located in the hotel zone of Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcan. Km 6.5. It has only 8 departures per day, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every hour.

Playa Caracol: located in the hotel zone of Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcan. Km 9.5. It has only 6 departures per day, from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM every 1 hour 15 minutes.

El Embarcadero: located in the hotel zone of Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcan Km 4. It has 6 departures per day, from 9:15 AM to 4:30 PM every 1 hour 15 minutes.

Be advised that ferry tickets price may vary a little from each of the departure spots available.

If you are staying in Cancun, Puerto Juarez is quite close to downtown Cancun, but not within a walking distance. From ADO Bus Station: Cross the road, close to the Mc Donald’s you may get in the public bus Ruta 6 (R6) that goes to Pto Juarez.

When you see the bus coming just flag the conductor - 10 pesos. Get off at UltraMar, pay 300 pesos return. departures every 30 mins.

Puerto Juarez can be reached by small yellow colectivo vans with Ultramar ferry advertisements. In January 2018 we found these colectivos queuing up about 4 blocks north and 1 block east of the downtown Cancun ADO bus station. I.e., leave ADO station and go north on Av. Tulum and then turn right on Av. Chichen-Itza or Carr.


If you are just arriving to Cancun Airport and staying in Isla Mujeres, you need to be taken to the chosen departure spot. You can either prebook private transportation or make the line to hire it once you are there. Be aware that no regular cabs are available at Cancun Airport.

Some well known companies on the area are:

- Discovery Mundo

- Best Day

You can also take the ADO Bus that departs from Cancun Airport and goes Downtown, and take one of the previously mentioned colectivos to Puerto Juarez Ferry, or just a public cab.

Ultramar Ferry. For more information on departure schedules. The journey takes about 25 minutes. Luggage is being stored at the back of the feery. You may sit upstairs and enjoy the beautiful view with live music or take a spot inside the ferry which is air conditioned. 300 pesos both-way open ticket.

If you're in a hurry and have cash to spare, you can charter a Cessna from Aerobanana or, if you are the adventurous type, try hitching a ride with a local in their plane.

The island is about 7km (4.3 mi) in length. The north end sees the most tourist action with the main town area which is extremely compact and walkable and the ferry while the south end is host to mostly private homes and guest houses.

Many locals live in the central part of the island. Taxis from the ferry terminal will take you anywhere in town for 30 pesos, but for multiple excursions to the south end of the island, the best option is to rent a scooter or golf cart.

Like everything in Mexico, you should be able to haggle a decent price - assume $25 USD a day as a starting price for a moped rental. The roads are all paved and the main road makes a loop the whole way around the island.

Be aware that when driving on the Caribbean side of the island, there are occasional strong gusts of wind that can really take you by surprise on a scooter, as can the many topes, or speed bumps.

Turtle Farm (Tortugranja), Sac Bajo, North of Playa Paraiso. 9-17. Government-sponsored hatchery for endangered sea turtles. See young turtles in tanks. 30 Pessos for a person.

Hacienda Mundaca, Located on the road to Garrafon, 3.5 kilometers before Playa Lancheros and Playa Paraiso. 19th century hacienda built by Caribbean pirate Fermin Mundaca. The hacienda includes walls, arches, exotic plants, gardens, birds breeding place, cattle and orchard.

North Beach (Playa Norte). The stretch of beach that runs along the northern end of the island. It has shallow waters and stunning white sand.

The beach is full of fun restaurants and bars as well as several hotels. This is where the majority of travelers will spend their beach time so it can get crowded during peak season. As of November 2016, Playa Norte has been badly eroded with much of the beach missing.

Playa Sol. At the northwestern tip of the island and is the neighboring beach to Playa Norte. Playa Sol is the best location to watch the sunset and is usually a little less crowded than the neighboring beach.

Although it is less crowded, the water is not as shallow and clear as Playa Norte. One other advantage is that drinks are less expensive along Playa Sol.

Punta Sur, at the southern tip of the island. A small ruin that was once a lighthouse and temple to Ixchel, goddess of fertility. There's a modern art sculpture park in the area as well. Free after 5 o'clock. 30 Pessos per person.

Whale Shark Tours. From mid-May through September hundreds of whale sharks gather in the waters near Isla Mujeres, with peak season in July and August.

Trips can be booked anywhere on the island, but official operators who have agreed to uphold certain standards and implement safety measures to protect the sharks operate mostly out of dive shops and charge a set price of $125 (2011) with possible discounts available for multiple trips.

Street vendors will charge as little as $80 per trip, but be aware that these are not official tours.

Tours will generally include breakfast, snorkeling gear, 8-10 people per boat, a 45-60 minute trip out to the whale shark area, and then 3-4 trips in the water with the sharks for 2-15 minutes each time, depending on the number of sharks, more sharks, more time in the water.

The return trip includes lunch, ceviche, and a snorkel at a local reef. All passengers must wear life-jackets in the water unless you have your own wet suit, a useful tip since it is much easier to swim with the sharks in a wet suit than it is in a bulky life jacket. $0-$125.

Garrafon Park. The southern side of the island lacks a sandy beach but offers snorkeling where fish abound and the crystal clear water makes for an enjoyable swim.

The reef that lies within the protective buoys has been severely damaged by storms and years of careless treatment by snorkelers, but a revamp of the park several years ago has created a healthier environment for the coral, and it thrives more with each passing year. Entrance to the park is expensive.

Tour boats from Cancun bring hordes of day-trippers who mostly stay within the park, so it can become quite crowded during the peak of the day.

A useful tip for those staying on the island is that you can snorkel in the waters adjacent to the Garrafon park for about 60 pesos, and the sea life is still very impressive.

Dolphin Discovery. Located on the northwest side of the island on the Peninsula of Sac Bajo is Dolphin Discovery. It is a small amusement park with cahins in other pasts of the Caribbean including Cozumel well known for allowing visitors to interact and swim with dolphins in an enclosed area.

The park has a list of activities ranging from dolphins to other marine mammals. If traveling from Cancun, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Playa Langosta which is located at Boulevard Kukulcan Km. 5. It is between the Casa Maya Hotel and Vacation Club International.

There, Dolphin Discovery representatives can check visitors in and direct them to a ferry which takes 40 minutes to get to the docking area of Dolphin Discovery.

Scuba diving and snorkeling. around Isla Mujeres is unforgettable. The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla's shore and the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are close by.

The waters are calm and clear, perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced diver. With 50 accessible sites, Isla Mujeres is a great option and a little unknown with all the hype that Cozumel,its large neighboring island.

Those staying in Playa Norte may enjoying snorkeling in the lagoon next to the Avalon Hotel which has a respectable number of fish in an easily-accessible location.

Aqua Adventures, Booking office on Calle Hidalgo, actual dive center at Marina Paraiso. Nice and relaxed dive shop that advertises itself as the only PADI-certified shop on the island.

Snorkel tour in Isla Mujeres, Boulevard Kukulcan km 15.3, Zona Hotelera. Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 7.00 am to 8.00 pm. An all-inclusive day trip to isla mujeres: snorkeling, lunch and fun in the sun on the island. A great option for families and sun lovers.

Squalo Adventures, Smaz 001 Mza 018 Lote 0160, Av. Hidalgo #27, Col. Centro, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico. in front of Rooster Cafe. 08:00 - 20:00. PADI Dive Resort on Isla Mujeres, offering Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and PADI Courses

Mexico Divers PADI Dive Resort, Av Francisco I Madero # 10, Centro, Hidalgo y Guerrero, Isla Mujeres, Q roo, Mexico. Next to OXXO Store. 08:00 - 20:00.

Mexico Divers PADI Dive Resort #22901 is a family-owned Dive Center with the knowledge, quality and professionalism that a diving operation requires to make your vacation in Isla Mujeres a safe and memorable experience.

Go Fishing. One does not need to shell out the large sums of money to go sport fishing on Isla. Just talk to the local hotel/guesthouse employee and they can set you up with a local fisherman who will take you out fishing. Prices are about $40/person for 3-4 hours of fishing.

Whatever fish you catch, you can take to a local restaurant and they will prepare the fish however you like.

Wreck diving, Boulevard Kukulcan km 15.3, Zona Hotelera. Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 7.00 am to 8.00 pm. One of the best dive sites in Cancun is to explore the C-58 sweeper immersed with eagle rays, turtles and schools of snappers.

Beach Volleyball. Isla Mujeres has several fine stretches of beach. The northern end of the island is Playa Norte which has a wide swatch of sand that is lined with palm trees and also a few beachfront restaurants and bars. The soft white sand and level beach area make for an ideal beach volleyball court.

The main volleyball-playing area on Playa Norte in front of Buho's swing bar is now gone, a victim of changing tides and a diminishing beach which locals attribute to the moving of sand from the surrounding ocean floor to build back Wilma-damaged Cancun's beaches.

The big, beautiful pre-Wilma Playa Norte is no longer, though there is hope that it will eventually come back.

The town and townsfolk. Do not stay on Isla Mujeres if you insist on a corporate, highly structured vacation. The tourists are the visitors on the townsfolk's turf, and it truly helps to have a little Spanish language ability. Do not be afraid to eat the food, even from the very small and humble-looking restaurants.

For instance, for 5 bucks American you can get a half roasted chicken skin crispy and marinated in Achiote, beans, rice, home pickled peppers and carrots, pickled onions, and a stack of tortillas, more than 3 or 4 people can eat.

If you go in late spring through summer, stay on the northeast coast. Even though it's rocky and not swimable, the refreshing and constant breezes off the ocean keep that side of the island nice and balmy. The town has a fair-sized population of dogs and cats running loose.

If you eat on Hildalgo St. the main drag closed from traffic, you will find many restaurants, and most folks sit outside in warm weather, and the puppies and kitties discreetly position themselves for the occasional dropped morsel.

Don't let them upset you. The whole town is very laid back, and if one goes with the flow, it works well. If you treat the local folks with respect, you will be treated in kind.

Rent a golf cart/bike/etc. Although Isla is a relatively small island, it is fun to rent a golf cart for the day and explore. Because most folks don't venture outside the tourist area they don't find the eastern or southern coasts with their own tucked away private beaches or the other villages on the island that have great food and activities.

You can rent a golf cart for $45 for 24 hours, and official prices for mopeds are $25 for a day.

You have the typical items available for purchase such as blankets, jewelery, stone carvings, pipes. Silver is the item to look for and good prices can be found, especially if buying in quantity. The majority of shops and restaurants accept the US dollar but may give you your change in pesos.

Hidalgo Street is full of restaurants catering to the tourist crowd and tends to be the most lively and also the priciest, while the central portion of the island is where the locals tend to eat and has slightly lower prices.

Beach restaurants are also plentiful, with options near the ferry terminal being more lively while those on Playa Norte and other beaches featuring a more relaxed atmosphere.

Fish is fresh and bountiful, and dishes like ceviche are popular and delicious. A signature island dish is Tik-n-chik, which is a whole fish marinated in achiote and grilled. Dining options include everything from an exquisite lobster dinner to a slice of pizza.

Some of the best food on the island comes from carts: taco stands and vendors selling corn on the cob and tamales in the town square. Be aware that eggs, corn, or milk is rarely refrigerated here because of local tradition.

Amigos, Av. Hidalgo. Amigos' menu specializes in Mexican dishes. There are a few vegetarian dishes, like most places on the island.

Asia Caribe, Avenida Hidalgo, SM1, Sma. 18, Plaza Los Almendros, Centro Isla Mujeres Mexico. 4-11PM. Chef Peter Krinsky uses fresh Mexican ingredients - chili, lime, coconut, pineapple, fresh fish, jicama, cilantro and more - to create delicious Asian cuisine.

Thai-style fresh and fried spring rolls, Tom Yum and Tom Khaa Kai soups, Drunken Noodles, Coconut Shrimp, Fish a la Bangkok, and Sticky Pork Ribs are just a few of the menu options. Vegetarians have a whole page of dishes to choose from that can be served with or without tofu.

Fish is purchased almost daily from the local fisherman. $10-20 US.

Bahia Tortuga (Restaurant/Bar), Prol Aepto M88 Lt11 Isla Mujeres, QRoo, Mexico 77400 On the bayside mid-way down the airstrip. Water front palapa bar and pool. Serving daily 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm.

American and Mexican dishes including fresh local Grouper, USDA Top Sirloin Burgers ground on-site, Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Enchiladas and Fajitas, Hand-cut French Fries, and much more. Signature drinks: Habanero and Mango Margaritas and Mojitos. $5 - $20 US.

Bally Hoo. Located on a dock a few hundred yards north of the ferry dock. The open air restaurant serves fresh seafood and some of the best margaritas on Isla Mujeres.

BoBo's Fish & Chips (Bobo's), Avenida Matamoros. Between Cafe Cito and Hotel Vistal Mar, across the street from Restaurant Olivia. Great Fish & Chips, Burgers, Chicken Wings and Caeser Salads. Small takeout restaurant with a few places to sit.

Amazing food, cooked when you order it, in front of you. Owned by a couple of friendly Canadian guys. Under $100 Pesos.

El Poc-Chuc, corner of calle Abasolo and av. Chuarez. Cocina economica, serves good food for a nice prices.

Freddie's, on north end of Hidalgo Ave. Doesn't look like much, but they know how to cook a fish and do up shrimp. They make an excellent garlic-butter catch of the day.

La Lomita, av Juarez - Ascend the av. Juarez from Allende. It is at the top on the small hill. Family restaurant for locals. Cheap and excellent food.

Miguels Moonlight. Located on Madero just off Hildalgo Ave, Miguel's serves up great food and drinks. The Seafood special includes lobster, shrimp and fillet of fish for $15USD.

The owner, Miguel, makes excellent drinks. Miguel is also the nicest owner on the island; he talks personally with his guests and will remember you if you ever return!

Minino's, north of the ferry terminal on the beach. Located right next to the docks, this restaurant features huge drinks, an extensive seafood menu, and what locals described as the best ceviche on the island. Tables are right on the sand, service is prompt, and the patrons include a mix of locals and tourists. $10-$15 per person.

Picus. This small restaurant is on the beach next to the ferry dock serves fresh seafood that is brought in by the fisherman right in front of your eyes. Main entree $4-12USD.

Rolandi's, Av. Hidalgo. Offers pizza, calzone, veal, and other Italian food. They actually deliver to the hotels - call the desk, and a man with a long gray ponytail will hop on a scooter and zip the pizza over to you. Prices are a tiny bit more than the Mexican joints, but sometimes, you just need a pizza.

Sunset Grill, (Playa Norte). This upscale option is great for a sunset dinner. It's right on the beach, and one can either eat in the open/bar-restaurant area on in the sand with torches to light your meal.

Two romantic tables are set right along the water with torches and can be reserved for 200 pesos. Seafood dishes are high-quality and well-prepared, service is excellent, and the ambiance is unbeatable. $20-$25 per person for dinner.

Tacos Campos. A small taqueria located in the La Gloria community at mid-island. Serves many different varieties of tacos for about $0.75USD each and includes a salsa bar with many different types of salsa and mexican condiments. It is open late, sometimes up to 4AM.

Qubanos, Av. Hidalgo. Authentic Cuban cuisine. Consistently ranked one of the island's best. Lunch and dinner only.

Isla's nightlife is a lot more laid back than Cancun's but there are still good options. The livelier nightlife seems to be found on Hidalgo Street, while the beach bars are more relaxed.

Also, like all beach towns in Mexico, it is usually Happy Hour someplace, and beer is 2 for about $3, mixed drinks, 2 for $5. The beach bars on the north end have rotating happy hours.

Try a michelada, which is a beer mixed with fresh lime juice and a variety of other sauces, the perfect delicious island drink. If you want a dosage of Cancun nightlife, jump on an express ferry heading to Cancun in the evening, party the night away and take the first ferry back to Isla at 5AM.


Bahia Tortuga (Restaurant/Bar), Prol Aepto M88 Lt11 Isla Mujeres, QRoo, Mexico 77400 On the bayside mid-way down the airstrip. Water front palapa bar and pool. Serving daily 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm. Signature drinks: Habanero and Mango Margaritas and Mojitos.

Menu: American and Mexican dishes including fresh local Grouper, USDA Top Sirloin Burgers ground on-site, Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Enchiladas and Fajitas, Hand-cut French Fries, and much more. $5 - $20 US.

La Adelita, Av. Hidalgo. Isla's only tequila bar with over 150 different tequilas.

Buho's, Av. Carlos Laza. Located right on Playa Norte, this laid-back bar has swings, hammocks, and an impressive wooden canopy. Those looking for a good place to enjoy the sunset may particularly enjoy this bar. Snacks are served until 5PM, with the bar staying open much later.

Chi-Chi & Charlies, Playa Norte. A perfect spot to watch sunset and share a drink with Tomas, the coolest toothless bastard you've ever met. Make sure you try the high octane jet fuel and learn about the two basics.

Chuuk Kay Restaurant Bar and Grill, Cancun side, on the canal water, south of the Junior High School. 11-11. Located mid-island next door to Gym Tonic in Colonia Electricistas. Featuring live music on the weekends and a variety of delicious meals. Try the ceviche! Open 11AM - 11PM

Nitrox Club, Av. Vicente Guerrero esq. Matamoros. W-Su, 9PM to 3AM.

OM Bar and Chill Lounge. A unique new bar with beer on the tap at each table, wines and jazz.

Pocna Hostel Bar. Bar within the Pocna Hostel. A cool palapa bar that is on the beach. Open late and serves cheap beer/drink specials. Great international crowd.

Romi's Bar. Romi, and Isla legend and owner, serves up fantastic drinks. Located at the Posada Del Mar Hotel.

She Bar. A popular night time spot for both tourist and locals.

Barlito, bakery & market cafe, SW Corner of Hidalgo & Abasolo. 8am to 3pm. A little breakfast & lunch spot on a busy corner on Hidalgo. All bagels, breads, cinnamon rolls & cupcakes made fresh daily.

The menu includes breakfast items, huge fresh salads, paninis & sandwiches with daily specials. Take out available too. Closed on Sunday & Monday. $25 pesos & up.

The Soggy Peso (Bar). Great friendly bartenders! Great food and drinks too.

Miguels Moonlight., Av Francisco Madero. Best drinks! Happy hour (6pm - 10pm) - two same drinks for 70 pessos.

Hotel La Joya. Great hidden place to relax and get away from the busy tourist side of the island.

Pocna Hostel. Dormitory style rooms, a few singles and a campsite right on the beach. Great bar on the beach and has cafe that serves simple meals and complimentary toast and coffee breakfast.

They also offer dance lessons, Spanish classes, magic shows, and volleyball tournaments for free throughout the day and evening. There are nightly parties at the bar. $9-15 per night, singles are $30, camping is $6 per night per person.

XS Hostel, Plaza Isla Mujeres Segundo Piso, entre la Av. Hidalgo y Av. Juarez. Offers six private/semi-private rooms each equiped with bathroom, air conditioning, four beds and bed linens and a blanket are included.

Beds are bunk bed style and they have a safe and storage area - safe, locker, storage area. Access to the recreation room and patio equipped with games and cable TV. $17-20.

Hotel Sueno Maya, Av. Madero Lt. 12 At the north end of Madero street. checkout: 12:00. Nice and clean and cheap hotel, close to the city centre. Some rooms may not have windows. Room no. 9 has a chromebook at your disposal. Safety box may be hired for refundable $500 MXN.

More expensive rooms (900 MXN) have much more space and even a kitchenette. Reservations can be made through hotel website. $600-900 MXN for doubleroom.

Bahia Tortuga (Restaurant/Bar - Hotel - Marina), Prol Aepto M88 Lt11 On the bayside mid-way down the airstrip. Bahia Tortuga is a unique 5-room boutique hotel with onsite Palapa bar serving a large assortment of American and Mexican dishes including fresh Grouper.

USDA Top Sirloin Burgers, Philly Cheese Steak, Conch Fritters, Chicken Enchiladas & Fajitas. Restaurant is open 12:00 noon-10:00 pm.

Bucaneros Hotel & Suites (Hotel), Miguel Hidalgo Ave. Lt08, M14, SM01. On downtown main pedestrian street that goes from the main square to famous North Beach.

Hotel & Suites Bucaneros is a small family run 17-room hotel with on-site terrace, Restaurant Bar "Compadres" serving a large choice of Mexican Food, Sea Food, Steaks, Pasta & Pizza, also, the hotel is equipped with a small meetings room available upon request.

A continental breakfast included for two people in your room rate. In order to reserve contact them directly at their website. If you prefer that they call you just send them your phone number and they will gladly contact you.

Their room rates range from $72 usd/night for a small standard single rooms with A/C to $93 usd/night for a large double room with a King Size bed with balcony, four rooms categories in total. Restaurant is open from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm.

Belmar, Av. Hidalgo. Nice and clean rooms, but could not store bags after check-out. $46 US per night.

Ixchel Beach hotel, Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres. Located playa norte, on the beach. Depending on the season, from 55 US to over a hundred for a double room.

Rocamar Hotel Panoramico, Calle Nicolas Bravo y Entre Abasolo, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, 77400 Mexico. At Rocamar Hotel Panoramico in Quintana Roo, Mexico, you will enjoy the expansive vista of the sparkling aquamarine water and sandy coastline from your balcony.

Hotel Las Palmas, #20 Av. Guerrero. Canadian owned and operated. Located one block from North Beach, but far enough away not to hear it. Clean, comfortable rooms with either two double beds, one king bed or king with kitchenette studios available.

All pillow-top beds, fast working AC, hot water and pressure. Some rooms with mini fridge. Free, powerful, wide-bandwidth WiFi! Owners live on site. Rooftop terrace also includes a dipping style pool, sun lounges, hammocks, beach bed and many areas to sit and relax. US$60-90 taxes included, depending on time of year.

Playa la Media Luna Hotel. Small hotel on the northeast side of the island, near the Avalon Reef Club. The Hotel is quite charming. It has only 18 rooms, and it was designed so that each room feels as though you are isolated from your neighbors.

Each floor has a sitting room, with books all over the place. It is owned and run by a local family. Also, the famous fishing Captain Anthony Mendillo has his Keen M Deep Sea Fishing office there.

Seahawk Rooms. Low-priced rooms starting at US$40 are in an older building while the newer building has more luxurious rooms and suites, at prices up to US$225.

Casa el Pío Hotel, Av Miguel Hidalgo SM01 Mz23 Lote09 South of the main square. Hotel Casa el Pío is a tiny property of only 5 rooms. Situated just south of the main square on Isla Mujeres the hotel features large, quiet guest rooms and a communal roof top terrace for gazing at the Caribbean Sea.

It feels as if you are staying at your friend's beach house. Rooms feature AC, fridges, coffee makers, private bathrooms, clean drinking water, wi-fi, beach towels, beach bags, room safes, daily housekeeping. Reserve online at the website. USD80-USD95.

The private homes on Punta Sur make great options if your budget is greater. Located on the most sought after location, these incredible homes overlook the bay towards Cancun.

Hotel Cabañas María del Mar, Av. Arq. Carlos Lazo . All rooms are equipped with balcony/lanai/terrace, minibar, internet access, room safe, private toilet and bath. They also offer facilities like parking, restaurant/cafe/bar, spa and swimming pool.

Casa Vaya Vida,. This 3 bedroom home has a piano shaped infinity pool overlooking the bay. The master suite has ocean view. The palapa on the roof provides 360 ocean views. It is one of the top rated casa's on the island.

Casa Sirena Hotel, Av. Hidalgo, Centro 5 minute walk from ferry dock. checkin: 1:00 pm; checkout: 11:00 am. Six room Bed & Breakfast hotel located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Complimentary breakfast and happy hour (Mon-Sat). $105-$155 + tax.
Casa Vista Allegre Del Sur.

Casa Amarilla.

The police patrol the beaches looking for tourists to exploit. If you are caught with marijuana or public drunkenness, the police will intimidate you and try to get a bribe out of you. Stay calm and use a video camera to protect yourself. There are also fake police who do the same thing.

If they are not in full uniform, they are not real police! They are simply trying to scam you.

In addition to the above, some places work in cahoots with these "police" to try and sell you something you have no interest in and then claim you owe them money and therefore mobilize these "police" to pull out handcuffs and threaten you with arrest. Muelleazul on the left after you get off the ferry is such a place.

There are not too many ATMs on the island. One is located right across the port, and the next one in a supermarket just a few meters north. The Xpress Supermarket by the town square also has an ATM. By 2013, this is less true.

There are ATM's in the 7-11, the Chedraui, Banamex, HSBC and both the super markets and more are popping up regularly. Cash shortage was a problem as little as 2-3 years ago, but now seldom is.

The Cancun airport can be reached from the island for US $15-$20 with shuttle operators. For small groups of individuals it is cheaper to take the ferry to Puerto Juarez and then take taxi to the airport for 300 pessos for a whole taxi.

They tend to offer the taxi for about 700 pesos, but just tell them you want to go for 300. The whole journey from the island to the airport takes about an hour, but it may vary depending on traffic.


Tourism Observer

INDONESIA: 100 Tourist Destinations Will Be Digitally Available

The management of at least 100 tourist destinations in Indonesia is set to be digitized to support sustainable tourism.

We are targeting to have 100 digital destinations across Indonesia by 2018, said the Tourism Ministry's information technology and digital department special staff, Samsriyono Nugroho, during the Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia (MIKTA) Forum in Yogyakarta on Wednesday as quoted by tempo.co.

Sustainable tourism comprises three management aspects, said Samsriyono, which are economy, environment and community developments.

Established in 2013, MIKTA is a cross-country communication platform that involves Indonesia, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey and Australia. This year Indonesia serves as the country coordinator for the forum.

Samsriyono says there are things to consider in order to boost tourism digitization, such as how to encourage tourism exchange, which involves ensuring all small and big tourism businesses have gone digital to open the market.

This tourism database is crucial to be able to be globally accessible.

Once connected, Samsriyono said the next step would be exposing in detail the richness of each destination, such as batik crafting spots, traditional cooking classes, mountain trekking and other localities that highlight tourist villages' characteristics sought after by foreign travelers.

Exposing these locality details also encourages the residents of the destination to love their environment, local values and nature; hence we'll be able to reach the target of sustainable tourism, he added.

In addition to benefiting the market, Samsriyono said digital tourism could also help preserve the destination in collaboration with the locals.

For instance, using social media, the downside of a destination could be immediately noticed and handled. For example, a dirty tourist attraction could be found quickly and reported to the management.

Meanwhile, for tourism business people and the government, digital tourism can serve as a big source of data to map the tourism market based on destination interest, which will help put a focus on marketing plans.

For example, European and Japanese tourists are known to prefer heritage destinations like Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

Meanwhile, tourist markets like China are more interested in exploring the south part of Indonesia, which has many beaches.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Mexico’s Cultural Tourism Grows, Quintana Roo Leads

Cultural tourism is on the rise in Mexico, with nearly 80 percent of visitors booking a cultural tour while on holidays.

Cultural tourism in the country is gaining ground, says the undersecretary of tourism, adding that Mexico is seen as a multicultural country.

The country possesses enormous archaeological, gastronomic and cultural wealth adding that culture doubles the average spending of visitors.

It is the highest average expense segment, doubling sun and beach tourism, with gastronomy being a decisive factor for a trip.

Almost 80 percent of leisure travelers book activities linked to culture during their stays.

He explained that the cultural tourism offer of Mexico is composed of 34 sites declared as World Heritage with 189 archaeological zones open to the public.

The country also offers 111 Magical Towns, towns noted for their natural beauty, 174 religious shrines, 1,120 museums and a diverse range of gastronomy options.

Mexico is recognized as a multicultural country with traits that encompass the arts, traditions and gastronomy, as well as our ethnic groups, popular religious festivals and all those other traits that leave a mark from each generation.

During 2017, Mexico received 39.3 million international tourists.

The tourism trend is increasing and the wealth that represents the great cultural heritage of our country should be used responsibly, sustainably and inclusively, used to improve the quality of life of the communities, he said.

Quintana Roo state Secretariat of Tourism, Marisol Vanega, reports that the 13 archaeological zones of the state captures 65 percent of the total international tourists that visit archaeological sites in the country.

He adds that during 2017, more than 3.4 million tourists visited archaeological zones in the state, 20 percent more than in 2016.

The official said that cultural tourism is the future of world tourism, this segment is growing faster than any other sector of tourism.


Tourism Observer

PANAMA: Copa Airlines To Commence Puerto Vallarta Flights From December 16th

Copa Airlines has announced that it will start flying to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico from its Panama City hub on December 16, 2018.

This addition becomes the fifth destination in Mexico to be served by the carrier.

As of today, Copa operates approximately 350 daily flights through the Hub of the Americas at PTY, connecting 78 cities in 32 countries of the continent with 89 aircraft: 77 Boeing 737 Next-Generation and 12 Embraer-190.

Copa Airlines continues to reaffirm its confidence in Mexico and support the development of its commercial and tourism sectors by inaugurating a fifth local destination,said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.

This region of the Mexican Pacific will benefit from Copa’s connectivity throughout the continent, with its extensive network of destinations that joins 79 cities in 32 countries.

This twice-weekly service, which will be served with the airline’s Boeing 737-700, with a capacity of 124 passengers.

Copa Airlines will operate the new flight on Thursdays and Sundays, taking off at 9:48 a.m. from PTY and landing at 1:40 p.m. local time at PVR.

The return flight departs on the same days, departing PVR at 2:43 p.m., and arriving in PTY at 8:07 p.m. local time.

After several years of joint promotional work in Central and South America by Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to generate a greater knowledge of the Banderas Bay area and its various attractions and world-class tourism services.

the region has finally been rewarded with this direct flight from Panama to the Puerto Vallarta airport, stated Javier Aranda, general manager of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, regarding the successful collaboration with Copa Airlines

Additionally, the Panamanian carrier will resume tomorrow its twice-weekly operations to and from St. Maarten, after being suspended due to Hurricane Irma last Summer.

The Panamanian airline has also agreements and codeshares with other international carriers, such as Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM, allowing its customers to reach over 1,300 airports in 191 countries, with more than 18,400 daily flights.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: 95 Room Avid Hotel Fresnillo To Open 2019

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Mexico-based Operadora MBA today announce the signing of the first avid hotels property in Mexico located in Fresnillo, Zacatecas.

Executives from both companies celebrated the signing in a private ceremony in Mexico City.

Jorge Apaez, Chief Operating Officer, Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean, IHG, said: The first signing in Mexico of IHG’s new high-quality midscale brand, demonstrates further momentum for avid hotels.

New hotel signings continue to exceed expectations, and total more than 100 avid hotels across the U.S., Canada and now Mexico, almost one every other day since launch last year.

This latest development demonstrates that owners believe in the strength of the avid hotels brand and the power of IHG.

German Ongay, Vice President, Development, Mexico, IHG, added: The avid hotels brand was developed to meet the needs of everyday travelers who are looking for a high-quality, consistent experience from their hotel stay.

We were confident this offering would resonate with owners in Mexico, and Operadora MBA has signed the first franchise agreement for an avid hotels location in the market just three months after launching the brand.

The avid hotels brand was thoughtfully designed for travelers who want a hotel experience that meets their expectations for the type of hospitality they value most—the basics done exceptionally well at a great value.

The first avid hotels location in Mexico will be strategically located at the Paseo del Mineral Avenue at the city’s main entrance in an area known for its commercial and business activity.

The hotel will be a four story, new-build hotel with 95 guest rooms and is expected to open in mid-2019. The avid hotel Fresnillo will offer all of the brand’s signature hallmarks:

The modern exterior hotel design will include an open and airy retail-like entry, a canopy, and will use the stairwell as an eye catching red architectural feature.

On the inside, guests will find vibrant, open public and work areas and inviting communal spaces that allow guests to relax, work, connect or eat.

Guest rooms will include sound reducing features for a superior night’s sleep; a dedicated workspace; open, easy-to-use storage. The guest bathroom experience will re-energize guests with a fresh and bright design.

The hotel will offer a high-quality, complimentary grab-and-go breakfast and marketplace options made for guests on the go.

The hotel will be equipped with IHG® Connect Wi-Fi with the fastest speed in the industry and the ability for loyalty members to be automatically connected for all future visits, and will also leverage IHG’s state-of-the-art, cloud-based next generation reservation system.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Heineken Opens US $500-million Brewery In Meoqui, Chihuahua

Heineken opened its new brewery and bottling plant in Feb 2018 in Meoqui, Chihuahua, where it will produce 600 million liters of beer a year for the domestic and United States markets.

Spread over 70 hectares, the US $500-million brewery will create 300 direct jobs, said Heineken México CEO Dolf van den Brink.

Jean-François van Boxmeer, head of parent company Heineken International, said the Mexican market is one of the brewer’s most important, and that 20% of its work force is located here.

By 2019, van Boxmeer said, Heineken will have invested $2 billion in Mexico since 2016 on enlarging its warehousing and distribution centers and production facilities.

Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral Jurado said such projects created the foundation for the region’s socioeconomic expansion.

Van den Brink added that Mexico’s economy has proved to be dynamic and vigorous, despite international turbulence the beer industry has reported growth for 16 consecutive quarters.

Federal Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal said that over the last five years that beer and related industries from farming to glass production have attracted close to $20 billion in foreign direct investment.

Since 1990, he said, beer exports have grown from $190 million to $3 billion annually.

Guajardo also touched on the prospect of a scenario without the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The beer industry, he said, would be one of the least affected given the international treaties Mexico has signed.

Mexico will continue to be a strong country in the dynamics of integrated trade, he said.

New technology will reduce water consumption at the new plant by 30%, meaning that one liter of beer will be obtained from every two liters of water, rather less than The company’s global average of 3.6 liters.

The facility obtains 12% of its electrical power from solar systems and the plan is to obtain the rest of the plant’s electrical needs with the installation of a wind farm.

A wastewater treatment plant allows the use of biogas in boilers and the reuse of treated water for washing and irrigation.

The Meoqui brewery is the company’s seventh Mexican facility.

It will brew brands such as Tecate, Dos Equis and Heineken.

HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands.

Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and speciality beers and ciders.

They are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management.

Through Brewing a Better World, sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all stakeholders.

HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets.

They employ over 80,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries.

Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam.


Tourism Observer

USA: United Airlines Drops Some Mexico Flights Because Of Declining Demand

United Airlines will cut service to a few destinations in Mexico this year due to a decline in demand, but will beef up a few flights too.

The airline announced yesterday it will eliminate its Mexico City-Los Angeles service on October 4.

It will also cut flights this summer to the Pacific coast resort towns of Huatulco, Oaxaca, and Mazatlán, Sinaloa, and to Villahermosa, Tabasco.

In addition, a Saturday flight between Mexico City and Denver will end June 23, and service between Mexico City and Houston will be cut by one frequency.

The airline will drop two daily flights between León, Guanajuato, and Los Angeles in October.

However, United will increase flights on two other routes and add one new one.

Starting October 4, it will fly three times daily between Newark, New Jersey, and Mexico City, up from twice a day, and open a route connecting Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport with Leon.

The airline will increase service to four times a day between Queretaro and Houston, and on December 19 will begin flying a larger, 76-seat aircraft between the Texas city and San Luis Potosi.

While our Mexico network remains strong, customer demand on certain routes has declined and service to some markets is unsustainable, United said.

We continue to closely monitor demand for travel in the region and look for new flying opportunities for our customers.

The airline said it has doubled its passenger capacity between the two nations over the last decade, and remains committed to Mexico.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Cancun Has Become Very Dangerous But Travel Operators Still Sell Tours To Cancun

Canadians still flock Mexico more than any other country apart from the United States.

Visitors may not be conversant with the growing violence in Cancun.

Cancun was once hailed as one of the country’s safest.

This week, five people were found dead near the public prosecutor’s office in the city on the Yucatan Peninsula, bringing the death toll by violence in the beach city to more than 100 since the beginning of the year.

Drug cartels are operating in the region more openly.

While tourists have not been the targets of violence so far, killings are starting to take place closer to destinations popular with visitors.

The Government of Canada has a general travel advisory for Mexico but has not advised Canadians against planning travel to Cancun or the surrounding areas, including Playa del Carmen, another popular beach location.

A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said the department recommends that Canadian travelers exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico.

The spokesperson acknowledged that although the violence does not target tourists, violence related to organized crime increased throughout the country in 2017.

In 2013, Diego Hernandez a man from Vancouver and an American man were believed to have been abducted by police officers in another popular vacation destination, Puerto Vallarta.

The two men have never been found.

Nancy and Domenic Ianiero of Vaughan, Ont., were staying with family members at the Barcelo Maya Resort in Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo, the same state as Cancun.

They were found slashed to death on Feb. 20, 2006 in their hotel rooms. Their killer has not been found.

Cancun, a popular sun and beach destination among Canadians, Americans and Europeans, had been regarded as safe until 2017.

Despite the killings, Canadian tour and travel operators continue selling tours to Cancun without informing their clients of the dangers in the place.

If you talked to these operators, they will tell you Cancun is safe!

The operators will show no concerns about the murders that have taken place, probably they do not want to alarm tourists, hence killing their tourism business.

While Canada has not listed a specific, higher-level caution for Cancun the way it has for other destinations in Mexico, the U.S. government recently instituted a Level 2 advisory for Quintana Roo state, which includes Cancun.

While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens, says part of the advisory from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders do happen.

I remember asking a friend who travels a lot allover the world if he has been to Mexico.

His answer: Why would i visit such a dangerous country.



Tourism Observer

UNITED KINGDOM: Rossiya Airbus Wheel Traps Worker's Foot

Rossiya Airbus A319-100, performing flight from London Gatwick to Saint Petersburg, was being pushed back for departure when the aircraft was stopped.

Emergency services staff responded to attend to a ground worker, who became trapped with his foot under one of the aircraft’s wheels.

Emergency services released the man and airlifted the ground worker with serious injuries to a hospital.

The aircraft was subsequently returned to the gate, the passengers disembarked.

The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Gatwick about 6 hours later.

The airport reported an incident took place in which a ground worker received injuries.

Meanwhile, LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 787-800, performing flight from Mexico to Poland, was enroute over the Atlantic Ocean when the crew needed to shut one of the engines down.

The aircraft diverted to New York JFK and landed safely on New York’s runway 04L about 2:15 hours later.

The crew advised no further assistance was needed and taxied to the apron.

A replacement Boeing 787-800 registration SP-LRB departed about 3 hours after landing of SP-LRF and reached Warsaw with a delay of about 5 hours.

The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in New York about 91 hours after landing.



Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Tulum Cabanas Are Eco-friendly, No Electricity Past Midnight, Toilet Paper Can Not Be Flushed, You Are Advised To Use Water Sparingly.

Tulum was the site of a Mayan port which was supported by up to 1000 residents before the arrival of the Spanish.

The ruin's tropical beach backdrop is the main attraction of this picturesque, much-visited small ruin on the shore of the Caribbean Sea.

Tulum is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city serving as a major port for Coba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico.

Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned.

One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.

TheMaya site may formerly have been known by the name Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise.

Tulum stands on a bluff facing east toward the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is also the Yucatan Mayan word for fence, wall or trench. The walls surrounding the site allowed the Tulum fort to be defended against invasions.

Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub, especially for obsidian.

From numerous depictions in murals and other works around the site, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending god.

Tulum has architecture typical of Maya sites on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. This architecture is recognized by a step running around the base of the building which sits on a low substructure.

Doorways of this type are usually narrow with columns used as support if the building is big enough. As the walls flare out there are usually two sets of molding near the top.

The room usually contains one or two small windows with an altar at the back wall, roofed by either a beam-and-rubble ceiling or being vaulted.

This type of architecture resembles what can be found in the nearby Chichen Itza, just on a much smaller scale.

Tulum was protected on one side by steep sea cliffs and on the landward side by a wall that averaged about 3–5 meters (9.8–16.4 ft) in height. The wall also was about 8 m (26 ft) thick and 400 m (1,300 ft) long on the side parallel to the sea.

The part of the wall that ran the width of the site was slightly shorter and only about 170 meters (560 ft) on both sides.

Constructing this massive wall would have taken an enormous amount of energy and time, which shows how important defense was to the Maya when they chose this site.

On the southwest and northwest corners there are small structures that have been identified as watch towers, showing again how well defended the city was.

There are five narrow gateways in the wall with two each on the north and south sides and one on the west. Near the northern side of the wall a small cenote provided the city with fresh water.

It is this impressive wall that makes Tulum one of the most well-known fortified sites of the Maya.

There are three major structures of interest at the Tulum site. El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God are the three most famous buildings.

Among the more spectacular buildings here is the Temple of the Frescoes that included a lower gallery and a smaller second story gallery. The Temple of the Frescoes was used as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun.

Niched figurines of the Maya or diving god or Venus deity decorate the facade of the temple. This diving god is also depicted in the Temple of the Diving God in the central precinct of the site.

Above the entrance in the western wall a stucco figure of the diving god is still preserved, giving the temple its name.

A mural can still be seen on the eastern wall that resembles that of a style that originated in highland Mexico, called the Mixteca-Puebla style, though visitors are no longer permitted to enter.

Also in the central precinct is the Castillo, which is 7.5 m (25 ft) tall. The Castillo was built on a previous building that was colonnaded and had a beam and mortar roof.

The lintels in the upper rooms have serpent motifs carved into them. The construction of the Castillo appears to have taken place in stages. A small shrine appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes.

This shrine marks a break in the barrier reef that is opposite the site. Here there is a cove and landing beach in a break in the sea cliffs that would have been perfect for trading canoes coming in.

This characteristic of the site may be one of the reasons the Maya founded the city of Tulum exactly here, as Tulum later became a prominent trading port during the late Postclassic.

Both coastal and land routes converged at Tulum. A number of artifacts found in or near the site show contacts with areas all over Central Mexico and Central America.

Copper artifacts from the Mexican highlands have been found near the site, as have flint artifacts, ceramics, incense burners, and gold objects from all over the Yucatan.

Salt and textiles were among some of the goods brought by traders to Tulum by sea that would be dispersed inland. Typical exported goods included feathers and copper objects that came from inland sources.

These goods could be transported by sea to rivers such as the Rio Motagua and the Rio Usumacincta/Pasion system, which could be traveled inland, giving seafaring canoes access to both the highlands and the lowlands.

The Rio Motagua starts from the highlands of Guatemala and empties into the Caribbean. The Rio Pasion/Ucamacincta river system also originates in the Guatemalan highlands and empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

It may have been one of these seafaring canoes that Christopher Columbus first encountered off the shores of the Bay Islands of Honduras. Jade and obsidian appear to be some of the more valuable found here.

The obsidian would have been brought from Ixtepeque in northern Guatemala, which was nearly 700 kilometers (430 mi) away from Tulum.

This huge distance, coupled with the density of obsidian found at the site, show that Tulum was a major center for the trading of obsidian.

Tulum archaeological site is relatively compact compared with many other Maya sites in the vicinity, and is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites.

Its proximity to the modern tourism developments along the Mexican Caribbean coastline and its short distance from Cancun and the surrounding Riviera Maya has made it a popular Maya tourist site in the Yucatan.

Daily tour buses bring a constant stream of visitors to the site. The Tulum ruins are the third most-visited archaeological site in Mexico, after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza.

It is popular for the picturesque view of the Caribbean and a location just 128 km (80 mi) south of the popular beach resort of Cancun.

A large number of cenotes are located in the Tulum area such as Maya Blue, Naharon, Temple of Doom, Tortuga, Vacaha, Grand Cenote, Abejas, Nohoch Kiin and Carwash cenotes and cave systems.

The tourist destination is now divided into four main areas, the archaeological site, the pueblo or town, the zona hotelera or hotel zone and the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an.

In 1995, tourism came to a brief halt as the powerful Hurricane Roxanne pounded into Tulum, packing 115 mph winds. Damage was moderate.

Considered a tropical savanna climate typically with a pronounced dry season.

Be prepared for LOTS of people and tour groups at the archaeological site. To avoid the crowds, it is best to stay overnight and visit the ruins early in the morning before the buses arrive, or later in the afternoon.

Morning is recommended since you can catch spectacular views when the sun is rising over the Caribbean. Tulum has three areas, Downtown, Ruins and the Hotel Zone.

The hotel zone is some miles ahead of the ruins on the same way and there are multiple eco cabanas, restaurants, spas and more. Downtown has local establishments and is not as touristic as the hotel zone.

You can find more detailed info below in Three Tulums Area. It is also important to consider that many establishments do not accept credit cards and there are not many ATM's walking distance from cabanas, so make sure to have enough cash available.

Wifi access and telephone signal is restricted.

To get to Tulum, you will be landing at Cancun International Airport. The ride from there is about 1 hr 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the chosen transportation method, weather and traffic.

From the Cancun International Airport you can take the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen with departures every :30min to 1 hour for around $156 MXN about $12 USD.

Once in Playa del Carmen you transfer to a second bus ADO, AU or Mayab to Tulum for an additional $74 MXN about $5 USD.

Buses from Cancun run quite regularly. There is also an ADO bus direct from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.

Buses from Playa del Carmen run hourly or so. Bus station is at southern end of Fifth Avenue near Playacar. ADO Bus $74 MXN stops at Xcaret and Xel-ha enroute to Tulum.

Mayab bus $42 MXN stops more frequently enroute to Tulum from Playa del Carmen. Both have a/c.

To visit the ruins, get off the bus at the first Tulum stop at the intersection with the access road to the ruins. It's an easy one mile or so flat walk to the ruins from the intersection.

An alternative to the buses is to catch a collectivo van. In Playa del Carmen you can find these on Calle 2 towards Avenida 20. A one-way trip costs $40 MXN p.p. Buses leave when full in a matter of minutes.

Make sure to ask specifically for the ruins, as the town of Tulum is another stop. You will be dropped off and picked up at the side of the Federal Highway 307, the same intersection where the buses stop, from where you can walk the last 850 meters to the ruins.

Rental cars are priced reasonably and are the easiest way to get around the Tulum area. Shop around rates upon arrival, and feel free to haggle.

Check with your credit card company to see if they automatically insure you, most do so you don't have to pay the additional insurance that the rental agency often tries to insist you purchase.

If you check prices on internet, make sure to confirm that the price you are seeing if the final, as some companies apply surcharges at the very last minute when you are already signing the contract.

It is a very easy drive to Tulum. To get there you take the only highway south from Cancun Airport straight down past Playa del Carmen, Akumal, etc. About 90 minutes from the airport you will arrive in Tulum.

If staying on the Hotel Zone, you will see a sign that says Boca Paila and you need to follow it and turn left. From there, you just need to look for your hotel.

If you don't want to drive or suffer the hassle of going up and down the buses with your luggage, you can pre-book a transfer from the airport to your hotel or destination.

There are many companies offering this service that are reliable, safe and professional as:

- Discovery Mundo

- Olympus Tours

- Best Day

- Amstar DMC

- Cancun Transportations Private Transportation

- Paradise Transfers - Airport Transfers fron Cancun to Tulum

- Transfers USA

Many of the Hotels in Tulum offer a pick-up service from the Cancun International Airport for an additional price depending on the hotel. Check with your hotel and compare rates.

If you drive yourself to the ruins before opening time, it may be a bit confusing as to where to go and what to do. As soon as you park, a man on a bicycle should find you and charge you for parking ($50 MXN).

You must go through a sort of half open-air mall which is empty before 8AM. From there you can either sign up with a tour guide ($20 USD per person?), pay for a shuttle ride to the ruins ($20 MXN), or walk a mile along a road to the ruins.

The guides are reported to be better story tellers than actual experts on Mayan culture. The walk is on level ground and passes quickly as you admire the jungle and abandoned shops along the way.

If you can walk it, do it and save a few bucks. As you approach a stone wall, to the left will be a brown wooden building where you can purchase your ticket into the ruins 57 MXN, an additional 35 pesos if they see that you have a video camera.

From there, head along a stone path through the jungle and into the ruins.

What most folks really need to know, and only manage to figure out once there, is the fact that there are really three different areas all referred to as Tulum only minutes away from each other, not close enough though to walk to and from.

Tulum Pueblo sits split by highway 307 running South-North. El Pueblo, as referred to by locals, is home to most workers of the tourist industry and where many of the stores, supermarkets, two bus stations, inns, hostels and small hotels are found.

This section of town has a definite feel of existing mostly to cater to the Tulum ruins.

Tulum pueblo is indeed a destination for shopping, great restaurants, a modest night life, studying the language at Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School, booking tours, banking, shopping for food, local vegetables, fruits, cafes, and local flavor.

Tulum Playa nests along the coastline that leads into the Sian Ka'an Biosphere or Ecological Reserve, the Caribbean white sandy beaches to the east, an impressive mangrove & wetland reserve to the south.

Tulum Playa embraces many of the fancier, ecological, boutique and spa hotels, and it has a decent selection of restaurants and night spots. There are also a number of affordable beach front cabana-type lodging locations.

Walk the beach and simply step in and inquire about accommodations and rates. Always ask to see the available rooms before committing: cabanas generally look better from outside than inside; bathrooms in particular are often in sad disrepair.

It should be noted most of these establishments are Eco-friendly and do not provide electricity past midnight.

Toilet paper can not be flushed and it is asked that water and other resources be used sparingly. The hotels in Tulum aim to keep Tulum as it is and stop the ecological problems that have already taken hold in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

If you are staying on the beach and trying to save money, it is wise to stock up on food and drinks in the pueblo.

There are not too many restaurant options on the beach, and the ones that are operational are comparatively quite expensive.

Taxis have a near monopoly on transport to and from the playa. Buses come from time to time, but hitchhiking can also get you where you need to go.

The beach area hotel zone sees considerable trade in and use of illicit substances. Keep in mind that for some visitors this is the area's main attraction, so if you choose to attend a bonfire or rumba party use common sense.

The street running parallel to the coast where most of the cabanas are is unlit and curvy. Exercise extra caution after dark. There are no sidewalks.

Tulum Ruinas is the archaeological site where the Maya ruins of Tulum stand. It is conformed by a-mile-long road leading into the ruins from highway 307.

The road is flanked by several restaurants, a commercial area geared to one-day visitors, a huge parking lot, a small bus station that operates part-time and a handful of middle range hotels.

Tulum is mostly known for its ruins, which strike an impressive image next to the sea, but were constructed during a time period of Maya culture that was waning.

The site is notable for a small cenote, beautiful beach below the ruin laden cliffs and some well preserved stellae in only one of its structures.

After visiting other ruins in the area such as Coba, Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, Tulum's main claim is the sea-side setting. It is best visited on a clear, bright day or at sunrise.

Bring your swimming suit.

A standard to telephoto zoom lens does well if you must photograph during times of peak tourism. This strategy will keep people out of your shots of the ruins.

Tripods are allowed only with a permit that is exclusively available in Mexico City for a $500 fee. A monopod may be a possibility.

Taxis are an inexpensive way to get around but for the most part, Tulum Pueblo is so small that walking is a simple, though often dusty, option. Taxis from Pueblo to the coast is ~$110 MXN.

It is advisable to either take a taxi or rent a bike when traveling between the Pueblo and the beach, as the walk is rather long, dusty and unattractive. Taxis within pueblo is $25 MXN - this is particularly useful when you go to the supermarket.

Bikes are a convenient way to get around town and to/from cenotes and the beach. Please be careful when riding a bike on the highway. Bring a headlamp/flashlight if biking at night.

You can rent them from many places for about 50MXN / day. Many hostels also rent their own bikes.

Center Bikes - Main Street / Saturno Norte near Subway - 85MXN / 24 hours, 80MXN if return in the same day.

Kelly Bike Rental - Calle Acuario at Cancun - Chetumal, Tulum - 100MXN / 24 hours.

Iguana Bikes in Tulum Pueblo - $150 to 250 MXN for 24 hours

Many collectivos or shared vans leave Tulum Pueblo:

To Playa del Carmen and all cenotes / beaches / resorts in between, they leave every 5 minutes from the main street, near the ADO bus station price depends on where you stop: $20 MSN for the ruins and some cenotes, $25 MSN for Akumal, etc.

To the beach, they leave about once per hour from Venus Ote / Orion Sur - $10 MXN you can actually see the timetable in Google streetview. They might refuse to take you in at around 3pm because it's for workers first.

To Coba in the main street near the ADO bus station, but they only leave when there's enough people to fill the van/car, so you might wait for hours.

Tulum Ruins is the biggest ancient building that is standing on the Riviera Maya shore. If you want to avoid the big tour crowds, go before 9:30.

The park opens at 8:00 and closes at 17:00 costs 70MXN, however they also have special hours from 6:30 to 8:00 and 17:00 to 19:00 costs 225MXN.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere, the reserve features acres upon acres of pristine mangrove swamp and wetlands. Just past the information center pull into the dirt lot on the left and walk out to the beach.

There are a few fishermen that dock here and are willing to take you on a tour that is much cheaper than the organized tours offered in the area. The fishermen will take you on an hour to two hour boat tour of the reserve any time of day.

Near sunset is a great option. They will often work for hire for $100 to 200 MXN about $10 to 20 USD.

Coba ruins, be sure to visit the Coba ruins. They are not in as pristine shape as the Tulum Ruins, however they feature El Castillo the tallest of the Mayan ruins that juts up above the treetops in the jungle.

You can still climb el castillo in Coba and the sight from the top is spectacular. A fun and efficient way of exploring the ruins is renting a bike $40 MXN, just go to the rental place inside the ruins.

You can also rent bikes to get around Coba. Coba is only a 30 minute drive west of tulum on the main road off 307. Just follow the signs to Coba.

Muyil archaeological site, smaller and less developed than the Tulum ruins, but also quieter. Entry is 50MXN. At the opposite side of the site is a board walk, another 50MXN through the jungle, with a rickety and steep tower that provides a great view.

The walk leads you to a lagoon, where for 600MXN you are taken by boat through a tour of part of the Sian Ka'an biosphere, a couple of lagoons, and a couple of canals one natural and one Mayan-made.

Then you get to put on a life jacket as a sort of diaper if a good swimmer, and float along a canal well worth bringing a snorkel or at least a mask.

To get there from Tulum either take a taxi 250MXN, Mayab bus 26MXN, from ADO station, or collectivo 20MXN. To get back, just wait at the bus stop by the ruins and hail a passing collectivo or bus.

Tulum Sports Festival, a sports event held annually at Tulum Beach and is open registration. Fun and sports for everyone with live music, beach volleyball, paddle boards, kayaks, swimming, kite boarding and more.

A great weekend of fun activities to celebrate the beauty of the beach and wind. There's something for everyone.

Extreme Control The original Kiteboarding school of Tulum, teaching since 2005 with bilingual IKO certified instructors to all levels. Also offering Diving courses and fun dives, Paddleboarding rentals and tours.

Extreme Control headquarters are located on the main Tulum public beach in front of Hotel Playa Esperanza and beside El Paraiso Beach Club.

Ocean Pro Kite, kiteboarding school located on Tulum beach. It provides kitesurf lessons following the most professional and safest method of teaching, known as IKO or International Kitesurfing Organisation.

From a one-hour lesson to ready to go packages.

Snorkeling, there are great guided snorkel tours from the public beach near the ruins, which cost 200 pesos each and lasts about two hours.

Scuba diving in the Cenotes around Tulum is an experience not to be missed. There are multiple dive operators based in Tulum that to both Cenote and ocean dives.

La Calypso Dive Center, Professional, family size dive center, PADI certified instructors and dive masters, highly enthusiastic and with great knowledge of the various cenotes.

Snorkeling tours, Cavern diving or cenote diving, PADI courses, Discover Scuba Diving, reef diving. As they almost only manage private groups, they don't have a dive shop open to the public so bookings and information have to be done early.

You can also take your own self guided tour of the reefs right off the beach from the Hotel Zone. Tulum sits on the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Be sure to take a tour yourself, or a guided tour of this fantastic reef system. You will be sure to see over 30 species of fish and some spectacular Coral as well.

If you must take a guided tour, the cheapest in the area is located at Zamas Hotel. Zamas is located about 10 establishments in from the beginning of the hotel zone.

Hidden Worlds Cenotes Park, offering unique jungle adventures to suit everyone, Hidden Worlds is situated on the most extensive system of underwater caves and caverns on Earth.

The park is home to some of the most incredible cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula, as featured in the critically acclaimed 2001 IMAX movie Journey Into Amazing Caves and the 2007 BBC Planet Earth series.

Maya Spa, holistic spa specializing in Mayan treatments.

Aguaclara project, Diving, Snorkeling & Eco tours, Calle Luna poniente MZa 2 lot 1 loc 2 two blocks back from Cancha maya. Outstanding tours to the natural surrounding of Tulum in very small groups with great personal service.

Koox Diving and Tours Various adventures in the company of skilled, fully certified guides and instructors. Scuba diving in cenotes, PADI and cave diving courses available. Free GoPro to record the adventure.

Tours planned thoroughly to let visitors fully admire the local wildlife and nature.

Kite surfing and paddle boarding lessons, day trips to Sian Ka'an and Isla Blanca are also on offer 3 hours of kitesurf or paddle board practice, all gear and equipment provided, even lunch and drinks.

Ground tours to Punta Laguna and Coba, Sian Ka'an, Muyil and Tulum Ruins are also available upon reservation.

Instructors are: PADI certified Dive Masters, senior level 2 (IKO, KISS, PASA, IBO) kitesurfing instructors and local guides speaking English, Spanish and Italian.

Tours start every day, at 8 and 11 o'clock for diving; 9am-4pm for private kite surfing and paddle boarding trips. All gear, equipment, transportation are provided.

Prices: $85-$250, vary by trip, duration and location. Address: Avenida Tulum, manzana 2, Lote 4, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Open hours: 8-21.

In much of the Yucatan, rainwater collects in a system of underground caves and tunnels. Where these tunnels reach the surface is known as a cenote. Cenotes usually allow swimming and diving, and at some you can rent related equipment.

They contain fresh water, which is often cool since they are shaded in most cases. Cenotes allow close-up access to fauna such as fish, turtles, and in some cases, bats.

Some cenotes are mainly enclosed with only small openings on the surface and a larger above-water cavernous area that extends under the rock covering. Others are more open and allow more natural light.

El Gran Cenote. Admission: $150 MXN. This is the most popular cenote and therefore the most crowded in Tulum.

A good combination of a deep, cavernous portion, a couple of shallow open-air portions and ample wooden decking with stairs down to the water at several entrance points. This is recommended for first-time cenote-goers.

Snorkelling gear is available for rent although prices are a bit steep. Prices are $80 MXN for snorkel and mask rental snorkels appeard to be non-valved, $30 MXN to rent a locker to store your bags, $50 MXN to rent a life vest and $250 MXN to buy a waterproof camera.

Casa Cenote, in TanKah III Bay is a magic spot. Here the Cenote goes underground some 100 yards before the beach, only to emerge as an underwater water spring about 20 yards of the beach, right in the ocean.

Tanka III Bay is just over 7 kilometers (5 miles) north of the intersection to the ruins. Take a cab. Great places to eat and stay or scuba too. Admission: about 25 pesos. Extra charge to rent a snorkel or kayak.

Cenote Calavera. Admission: $100 MXN. This is named calavera or skull because the entrance has one circular opening of about 9 meters in diameter into which one can jump or descend down a ladder, plus two smaller openings of about 1 meter in diameter.

The cenote is mostly enclosed and only partially lit by daylight - there is a large cavernous area that is home to many bats.

Cenotes Cristal and Escondido. $120 MXN buys admission to both 200MXN if you have diving equipment. These two cenotes are across the highway from each other, 3km south of the beginning of the Pueblo.

Both are open-air, relatively shallow water, and unlikely to be crowded. Cristal has a diving platform about 3 meters above the surface of the water.

The shape of the cenote is semi-round. Escondido is longer and contains an interesting floor of algae-covered rock and wood.

Many fish eat the algae off the surfaces. There are small islands around which one can swim, and flexible straw-like tree roots jut into the water.

Escondido is a 10-minute walk or a 2-minute bicycle ride down a bumpy dirt road from the entrance gate to the highway.

Dos Ojos Cenote. $350 MXN for entrance only, good if you bring your own equipment and are ready to walk 3km to the cenote, or $600 MXN for the entrance plus a guide, ride to the cenote, snorkel equipment, lamp, and wetsuit if you want. Set aside around 2 or 3 hours total.

Zacil-Ha. Admission: $60 MXN. Beautiful open-air cenote. It looks like a natural swimming-pool, but there are also underwater caves that go very far away.

There's a zip-line for $10 MXN, snorkeling gear and life vests rental, deck chairs, tables for picnic, a bar and restaurant. Mostly Mexicans go there.

If staying for more than just a couple of days, you may want to experience taking some Spanish lessons at the beach or at the Spanish school.

Tulum Spanish Language SchoolTulum Spanish School is part of a chain of language schools and has a branch in Tulum, offering Spanish courses for foreigners.

El Camino Tulum, spanish lessons in one, and two week intensive sessions, six week - three days a week classes and private instruction.

Meztli Spanish Language School Tulum - Meztli features morning yoga classes before their Spanish lessons begin. Fresh air classrooms and emphasis on learning through interactive lessons.

Pink Iguana, offers lessons to corporate clients only.

SAAMAL Spanish Language School in Tulum SAAMAL is a language school offering Spanish courses and activities in Tulum and the area for all levels of Spanish from beginners to intermediate and advanced in a relaxed setting.

Instituto Chac-Mool Tulum, in Tulum is Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School offering Spanish immersion classes year round. Classes may be as private lessons or studying with a peer group that the school arranges based on your starting level of Spanish.

Markets catering mainly to the bus loads of tourists are situated on the road leading to the entrance of the archaeological site.

There are also markets in town on 307 in the main stretch of town. Many cater to tourists however be sure to give them a look anyway. There are a lot of beautiful hand crafted Mexican pottery and fabrics.

If you turn off of 307 and vere into town away from the main strip you can discover tons of tiny establishments and get a feel for the truly sleepy town of Tulum.

Dining

For the budget minded, try Pollo Bronco and Pollo Asada which both offer chicken that is roasted to perfection that can be ordered by the 1/4, 1/2, and whole.

Don Cafetos features authentic mexican and is one of the most popular restaurants on the strip

El Camello, On the main road in the southern outskirts of the pueblo and El Camello Jr or The Camel has great and cheap seafood the ceviche is excellent. Unpretentious but packed with locals as well as tourists.

Take a cab to get there unless you are in the southern part of town.

Cetli, Polar at Orion. 5-10pm. Probably the best food in town. Somewhat expensive but well worth it. The young chef-owner Claudia has been trained at Mexico City's premier culinary academy.

Unfortunately few tourists ever notice this place since it's not on the main strip.

La Picadita Veracruzana, Very nice and cheap place located on the opposite of the ADO busstation, corner jupiter street. Local food, cheap and delicious.The service is warmly and friendly.

Probably the best and cheapest enchiladas in town.

Co.Conamor Restaurante a Vegetarian Healthy Restaurant, Road to the Beach In front of Chedraui. 10:00-19:00. Healthy Vegetarian and Vegan Meals in an open chill environment.

Super Foods, Home Made Bread, Germinated Seeds, Aloe Vera, Slow Food, Smoothies, Cold Press Juices and a Biodegradable Bulk Food Store. 12usd.

Pizzeria Manglar , Calle Asuncion, Manzana 38, Lote 2. No. 6. Wed-Mon 5pm-11pm. One of the best pizza in town. They have delivery. The menu is in one of the photos on the Facebook page. $100 MXN.

Antojitos La Chiapaneca, Main Street / Beta Norte. Best tacos al pastor! And very cheap $7 MXN. Try also the sopes. $7 MXN.

Tamales, Main Street / Centauro Norte. Tamales stand on the street. Very tasty and cheap. $12 MXN.

Hartwood, Wood-fired sustainably sourced local ingredients, Located on the jungle side of Tulum Beach Road 7.6 km. Featured in many publications, this is high quality food served in a rustic atmosphere fitting to the region, and a great place for a romantic meal.

Everything is top notch. It's not cheap, but lives up to the price.

Suculenta, Just off the main road in the center of town on Calle Orion Sur. Small vegan restuarant that sells various different premade tamales, carrot cake, green juice as well as smoothies, smoothie bowls, ice cream and popsicle bags all with frozen bananas as a base.

It should be noted that most of the restaurants in town are infinitely cheaper than those at the resorts.

Most places, with the exception of the italian and japanese restaurants feature entrees for well under 100 pesos, or 10USD. There are countless little cafes and establishments to get a great bite to eat for cheap.

You can also go to one of the two big supermarket at the entrance of Tulum to stock up on food and drinks: Chedraui and San Francisco. You can also buy a cooler here which is great for having cold drinks on the beach each day.

The mini-vans and taxis will get you there. Chedraui is more English-friendly than San Francisco and it's also closer to the beach.

Check out Mezzanine on the cliffs only 40 feet high but nice overlooking Playa Paraiso. Superb Thai food and great ambiance and a super view. They even make decent drinks too and have good shows on Friday and Saturday nights.

El Tabano, Carretera Tulum, Boca Paila Km.7. Family warmth, exquisite taste, fresh and creative food prepared right in front of you.

Canopia, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila KM 7.5 By the Yogashala hotel on the road to Punta Alen. 8AM-10PM. Great juices, their organic, every day brunch menu is to die for.

Lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options to choose from along with the nest eggs benedict you have ever tasted. Friendly service along with a relaxed atmosphere makes this restaurant true gem. They also serve lunch and dinner with an amazing and diverse menu.

Hechizo Restaurant, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila KM 10. Featured in Food and Wine magazine. Only open during the high season. Reservations must be made prior.

Oscar & Lalo Restaurant, Bar & Grill or Oscar y Lalo, Carretera Federal 307 Playa Del Carmen-Tulum KM. 241, Oscar & Lalo Restaurant - Bar - Grill Welcomes you. We have been serving excellent Specialty Seafood, Mexican and Yucatecan Cuisine since 1984.

Discover that Oscar & Lalos is your dining destination in the Riviera Maya. Come and enjoy our beautiful tropical Jungle Garden, have a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail, and taste the delicious fresh Seafood, Mexican and Yucatecan Cuisine that has made us the pride of the Riviera Maya.

Habana Cafe, if you're craving a taste of Latin life with a touch of Cuban spice, the atmosphere at Habana Cafe in Tulum Pueblo will satisfy. Habana’s Cuban inspired design is permeated with beats from Latin-infused reggae, Son, Latin house and Merengue.

The street level bar brings a style reminiscent of the elegance and opulence of The Havana 50s to Tulum. Upstairs in the Sky Bar The scene is even more impressive on the massive, rooftop bar.

With its elaborate rooftop garden, 10 foot palm trees, a huge palapa bar, lanterns, and attractive bartenders, the Sky Bar may be the swankest place in Tulum for imbibing outdoors.

Also try a few other cool spots in Tulum that offer fun drink specials with a hip tropical flair:

Acabar offers live music and djs in a trendy atmosphere.

Teetotum offers weekend rooftop movies, a cool lounge and drink specials, try the Razzleberry Daiquiri.

Ak'iin offers weekend parties with live music or djs, no cover and drink specials on a beautiful stretch of beach.

Divino Paraiso, Ave Tulum. On a Wednessday evening they have Salsa Lessons from 9 PM and DJ playing assorted mix of Reggae, Reggaeton, Bachata, Salsa, Merenge and Cumbia.

Accomodation

Casa del Sol, 3 blocks south of the ADO bus station, off the main avenue. Rustic hostel with huge rooftop terrace and common areas with shared kitchen.

Breakfast is provided. Dorm rooms, doubles, and singles. Most of the double rooms are in Mayan style palapas. Garden atmosphere. Great for rainy season. Rooms can be loud at night. $120 MXN.

Hotel Casa Rosa, 1 block west of ado bus terminal. King size bed, a/c, wifi, wifi is best in the center rooms. Recently renovated rooms looks brand new inside, very clean, worth every peso. 3 story pink hotel. Friendly staff but don't speak English. $400 MXN.

Hostal La Cigana, Beta Sur / Venus Oriente. Hostal La Cigana is an adorable hostel with a maze of nicely kept gardens. The caretaker is a chilled out middle aged hippie who has lived in the area for more than 20 years.

He has great suggestions and knows the area really well. Also, he has a knack for initiating philosophical conversations when the beer flows which it usually does after 8 oclock or so.

There are hot showers, and guests are allowed to use the expresso bar including free freshly ground coffee all day. Also one of the cheapest hostels around, you can get him down to 125 on low season. $125 MXN.

Day Tripper Hostel, Calle 4 Pte between Satelite and Centauro Nte. Semi-private dorms with curtains / personal light / outlet / locker, A/C. Full kitchen, hammocks, outdoor terrace, rooftop lounge, free purified water. Clean, cool staff, chilled-out vibes! 11 USD.

El Jardin de Frida, Main Street / Chemuyil, in front of El Camello. El Jardin de Frida offers shared rooms with communal bathrooms for 200 Pesos a night. You can also get private rooms and/or studios.

Quiet, relaxed place to hang out. with a fantastic large central garden area with hammocks, chairs, etc. perfect for relaxing. In house Bar/Restaurant that serves excellent, healthy food and makes the best Mojitos in town.

Simply the best showers hot water, awesome water pressure of any hostel in this author's experience. $200 MXN.

Lobo Inn. Recommended only if you are in a real budget (they offer beds for 130 pesos; private double 450.

Otherwise look for different options; they offer cramped, smelly dorms with equally smelly and cramped bathrooms with cockroaches. However, they offer free use of rather old bikes. $130 MXN.

Una noche mas en Tulum, From the ADO bus station, across the street, then half a block in the Jupiter street. Nice staff, free water, rooftop terrace, kitchen. $150 MXN.

The Weary Traveler Hostel. Now in new location 10 mins walk from the ADO bus station. Relaxed hostel with outdoor communal area and kitchen. Breakfast (DIY), water, cooking facilities, beach shuttle bus and internet provided.

A nice place for young people that wants to party. All rooms are facing out to the common area, so lots of noise at night until 11pm. There have been complaints about cleanliness and bedbugs in the past, unsure if this applies to new premises.

Dorm room single beds: 150 pesos with Fan and 175 with A/C. Dorm room double beds: 325 pesos. 200 pesos deposit for blankets, or give your ID as a deposit. Discounts available for stays longer than one night, up to 20% off a 5 night stay. $150 MXN.

iTour Mexico, Avenida Coba Crucero Avenida Tulum, Col. Centro C.P. iTour Mexico is located at Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It offers 6 air-conditioned rooms with cable television, Internet, and shower with bath.

Some of its offered activities include kiteboarding school and rental, car and bike rental, and massage service. Best rates on official website start at USD 35.00.

Teetotum Hotel. Teetotum is a boutique hotel situated between Tulum town and the beach offering: king sized beds, a/c, ipod docks, continental breakfast, free bicycle use, free high speed wi-fi and a restaurant open from 8AM-11PM daily.

The sleeping options have a poor price-performance ratio. In the zona hotelera at the beach really simple rundown cabanas with shared bath and without seaview are sold for $50 USD.

If the place doesn't have a proper reception desk, don't stay there or, at least, don't trust the anonymous gatekeeper with your credit card.

Playa Condesa. Playa Condesa offers private cabanas on the waterfront. Located near Diamante K, but considerably cheaper. About 3 kilometers from the ruins. $200 MXN.

Diamante K. The Diamante K features cabañas ranging in quality from 2 all the way up to 5 stars on a private beach front. An interesting feature of the Diamante K is the hanging beds in the cabañas.

A restaurant is on site, and you can relax in a hammock and just soak up the tranquility. Electricity is supplied by a generator and hence is switched off after around midnight. Candles are supplied in the cabanas.

EcoTrotters Tulum Page. Check out eco hotels, spas resorts and lodges. Share your reviews.

Hemingway Eco Resort. Hemingway Eco Resort Features 8 rooms on a secluded section of beach about a mile down the road from EcoTulum Resorts.

The beach is pristine and the sea is a bit calmer here offering snorkeling right off the beach. Stop by the restaurant for some of the best Italian food out there.

Cabanas La Luna. Cabanas La Luna is a magical collection of romantic eco boutique ocean front cabañas, hidden away on the beach near Tulum. Just sit back, unwind and enjoy the Caribbean experience at Cabanas La luna.

Mayab Center. Mayab Center offers unique yurt palapa accommodations right on a secluded beach just half a km inside of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, located at the far end of the Tulum beach area.

They have built the small retreat center with high eco-standards- composting toilets, grey water treatment system and low impact structures. Breakfast is included in nightly yurt rental, which is as low as $70 US double occupancy in the summer months. $70 USD.

Om Tulum Hotel Cabanas & Beach Club, Carretera Tulum-Punta Alen, KM. 9.5. Minimalist in design, the private cabanas are quiet, beach-inspired, and furnished with the following common features; Deck/ balcony – opens up to a garden panorama a Private toilet and bath.

Playa Azul Tulum. Playa Azul Tulum Hotel is a group of cabanas located between the jungle and the Caribbean sea in one of the most wonderful beaches of Tulum Mexico.

Retiro Maya Tulum, Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen, KM 5. A sacred space for couples & families, conscious people and fellow seekers, Retiro Maya is a grassroot Eco-haven for the nature loving traveler.

Private cabanas with terrace, hammocks and private bathroom, free wi-fi, delicious restaurant, daily yoga classes and charming attention.

Tankah Inn Bead and Breakfast. Offers 5 neatly furnished rooms, all with ultra silent A/C and ocean view, a great upstairs airy restaurant and terrace, free breakfast, wireless internet, great ambiance, quiet and quaint.

Situated on beautiful Tankah III Bay, only seven minutes from the ruins and just 200 yards from world famous Casa Cenote or sink-hole.

Zamas Hotel. ZAMAS' thatch roof bungalows are right next to the beach. The hotel is 10 minutes from Mayan Ruins, Cenotes or fresh water pools, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and deep-water sportfishing. Snorkeling is available in the ZAMAS cove.

Azulik Villas is a series of beachside villas sea-fronting, rustique built specially designed for honeymooners and couple seeking a romantic retreat in the wilderness.

It has many relaxation alternatives like different types of massages, esthetic treatments body and facial scrubs, reiki, the temazcal copal sweat lodge- is based on traditional healing methods used by indigenous Mexicans to purify the soul and body and the chamber of flotation. It is clothing optional.

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa. Dreams Tulum is on one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Maya surrounded by lush tropical acres, sugary white sand, two beach-adjacent pools, and magnificent colonial architecture.

Five minutes from Tulum, it is one of the only resorts in the Riviera Maya where you can view several miles away the ancient ruins of Tulum from the beach.

Services offered all-inclusive include the Explorer's Club, a top notch kids activity center with mini climbing wall, mini stage, games room and more.

Luxury Spa. 5 Star PADI Dive Center on site offering daily Tulum area diving and snorkeling excursions to local reefs and cenotes as well as all levels of scuba diving courses. Access to off-site golf.

Suenos Tulum. You truly cannot experience Tulum staying in an all inclusive. Try staying at a hotel along the beach or even in the pueblo. Upscale resorts with rustic but elegant rooms.

Posada los Mapaches Hostel, Located on the main highway in front the entrance to Tulum Archaeological site. Bed and Breakfast hostel with new deals for groups, shared bathrooms, delicious breakfast, nice bikes to get around, cozy cabins for maximum 4 or 5 people. Nice place with garden and hammocks.

Catalonia Royal Tulum. It is just 25km from Playa del Carmen and Tulums archaeological site, and 85 km south of Cancun International airport, in Quintana Roo State, Mexico. All guest rooms and suites offer brand premium amenities.

At the entrance of Tulum. State of the art internet technology at $14 pesos por hora.

You may encounter problems if you try to make phone calls from the beach. Payphones are sparse and often broken, and they are all owned by one company.

These phones require you to purchase a special proprietary card of at least 100 pesos, and the cards cannot be used at regular payphones.

A better alternative is to use a normal payphone in the pueblo, or use a Mexican cellphone, There is reception on the beach, but make sure to recharge in the pueblo beforehand.

Other good places to visit:

- Playa del Carmen

- Cancun

- Chetumal

- Costa Maya

- Mahahual

- Sian-Kahn Ecological Reserve vast and empty, find a sea kayak and explore the lagoon side

- Xcaret Eco-archaeological park in the Riviera MayaCreate category.



Tourism Observer