See. Now Today was more how we like things. The difference being that we’re on vacation – but really, we’re used to traveling – and there IS a difference. Even though I’ve really only traveled abroad once so far (China) -most of my domestic trips have been closer to traveling than vacationing. That whole relaxing and doing nothing is difficult… especially when it’s the main goal… I understand resting and hanging out – so that you have enough energy to make the next leg of your trip, but hanging out and sitting around as the trip itself? Weird. But other people like it I suppose.
Today? Today we went to Chichen Itza (one of the main Mayan ruin sites here), swam in a cenote (undergound river/cave) and then had lunch in the small town of Valladolid – 2.5 hours away from the main tourists/resort towns of Playa del Carmen and Cancun… a little closer to whatever you’d call real Mexico here on the Yucatan (since so much is based on tourism – which isn’t a bad thing.)
We signed up for a tour through YucaTreks.com – they’re a little bit more but really, the value is worth every bit. Most tour operators charge your around $100 just to get Chichen Itza and back – ours took us there in a van (10 people) – we swam in a Cenote, and then had lunch from a small stall just off the main square in the town of Valladolid. Also, since business has been slow for everyone down here – I’m pretty sure we got the main tour guide, Mitch.
I could go on, and I will later when I do a proper write up – but for now, just understand that I would steer anyone towards going with them and taking one of their tours instead of going with another company. It’s that good, especially if you want to get away from your resort for a bit and not feel like you’re doing a generic resort activity.
A nice, simple cheese empanada.
We got back just in time for a late dinner before Leah went to sleep and I posted this blog entry. Goodnight friends.
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*Update
Made this video of our Chichen Itza tour with Yucatreks:
Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza w/Yucatreks.com from LeahAndMark.com on Vimeo.
Chichen Itza. Yucatreks. Review. Tours. Playa Del Carmen. Best. Info. Cenotes. About.
2 Comments
Mitch is a terrific guide and one of the nicest people in Playa. You were lucky to have him although all of the Yucatreks guides are very good. Valladolid is one of our favorite places to bring new visitors to Playa. It is such a different (more authentic) experience and everyone comes away feeling like they really saw MEXICO. Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Hi Mark and Leah!
Love your website, it’s awesome! So glad you guys enjoyed your tour to Chichen Itza and thanks so much for all the kind words. We hope to see you here again soon and hope we can take you on another day of fun and adventure in the Yucatan! Take care of yourselves!
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