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| HOT SPOTS in & around Chemuyil |
Recently voted as one of the new 7 Wonders of the
world, the ruins of Chichen Itza lie about midway
between Cancun and Merida, so that the journey from
each city takes around 2 or 3 hours via the toll
highway. It is possible to see the main structures on a
day trip from Cancun, and many tour buses do just this
resulting in a large influx of visitors around 10-11am.
Chichen Itza is the most visited site in the Yucatán and
it can get very crowded here, so if at all possible try to
arrive soon after the 8am opening. This will give you
time to explore the site before it gets too hot.
Alternatively, leave your visit until later in the day and
stay overnight nearer the site, returning in the early
morning.
world, the ruins of Chichen Itza lie about midway
between Cancun and Merida, so that the journey from
each city takes around 2 or 3 hours via the toll
highway. It is possible to see the main structures on a
day trip from Cancun, and many tour buses do just this
resulting in a large influx of visitors around 10-11am.
Chichen Itza is the most visited site in the Yucatán and
it can get very crowded here, so if at all possible try to
arrive soon after the 8am opening. This will give you
time to explore the site before it gets too hot.
Alternatively, leave your visit until later in the day and
stay overnight nearer the site, returning in the early
morning.
Chichen Itza
Xel-Ha Eco-park's main attractions are without a doubt its aquatic treasures. Aside from the abundant marine life, you can also
explore Xel-Ha's creeks, lagoons and caves fed by subterranean rivers, and have a one of a kind adventure by swimming with
dolphins. No visitor to Xel Há should go without spending a few hours snorkeling or scuba-diving. The enjoyable attractions of the
park include Hammock Island, Mangrove Chaac, Grotto Ixchel and El Dorado, the tree nursery, cenotes and the turtle camp. The
river float in Xel-Ha is also something to rave about. Other notable features include incomparable beaches, the Spa Esalem and
several restaurants serving buffet and a la carte meals.
Xel-Ha Eco-park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
explore Xel-Ha's creeks, lagoons and caves fed by subterranean rivers, and have a one of a kind adventure by swimming with
dolphins. No visitor to Xel Há should go without spending a few hours snorkeling or scuba-diving. The enjoyable attractions of the
park include Hammock Island, Mangrove Chaac, Grotto Ixchel and El Dorado, the tree nursery, cenotes and the turtle camp. The
river float in Xel-Ha is also something to rave about. Other notable features include incomparable beaches, the Spa Esalem and
several restaurants serving buffet and a la carte meals.
Xel-Ha Eco-park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
The Xel-Ha Ecological Park is located about 30 miles south of
Playa del Carmen and is considered to be the largest natural
aquarium in the world. It is famous for its numerous varieties
of brightly-colored tropical fish and its spectacular limestone
formations. The Mayan term “Xel-Ha” means “water
entrance” or “where the waters are born.” Legend states that
this beautiful place was created by the Mayan gods as a gift to
mortals, designating the iguana and lora fish as its guardians.
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, the area was
used by the ancient Mayan civilization as a commercial port
for the trade.
Playa del Carmen and is considered to be the largest natural
aquarium in the world. It is famous for its numerous varieties
of brightly-colored tropical fish and its spectacular limestone
formations. The Mayan term “Xel-Ha” means “water
entrance” or “where the waters are born.” Legend states that
this beautiful place was created by the Mayan gods as a gift to
mortals, designating the iguana and lora fish as its guardians.
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, the area was
used by the ancient Mayan civilization as a commercial port
for the trade.
Xel Ha Ecological Marine Park
Xcacel Beach is the Mayan Riviera's best kept secret.
It is an incredible beach with deep white powder sand, 119 km south of Cancun on the Mayan Riviera.
Xcacel Beach is located on Hwy 307 between Chemuyil and Xel-Ha. Just across the street from Casa
Metamorfosis, it is located at the end of a gravel road. When you arrive at a single-chained gate you will
know you have arrived. Manuel will probably be there to greet you and give you a quick lesson on beach
rules . A donation of 10 pesos (approx. $1.00 U.S.) is greatly appreciated for admittance. During the
months of May - November, turtles will be nesting so please take care not to disturb any sand mounds.
There is a cenote located on Xcacel Beach and it can be accessed by taking a right on the beach and
following the path into the jungle. The walk to the cenote will take approximately 5 minutes. You can
swim, snorkel, and take in many sights at the cenote. More...
Tulum
Tulum is the most important archeological site on Mexico's Caribbean coast. At the end
of the Classic period, 900 AD, the Mayan civilization began to decline. In this Post Classic
period, small rival city states developed, such as Tulum. Tulum is protected on one side
by ocean cliffs, and on the others by a stone wall. It was founded around 1200 as a
commercial trading port, and reached its height of importance in the 1400s. The city was
occupied at the time of the Spanish conquest, and survived for 70 years after the Spanish
arrived. Although the city is not considered as impressive as Chichen Itza or Uxmal, its
seat on a Caribbean coast makes it a beautiful and unique place to visit.
of the Classic period, 900 AD, the Mayan civilization began to decline. In this Post Classic
period, small rival city states developed, such as Tulum. Tulum is protected on one side
by ocean cliffs, and on the others by a stone wall. It was founded around 1200 as a
commercial trading port, and reached its height of importance in the 1400s. The city was
occupied at the time of the Spanish conquest, and survived for 70 years after the Spanish
arrived. Although the city is not considered as impressive as Chichen Itza or Uxmal, its
seat on a Caribbean coast makes it a beautiful and unique place to visit.
Ideally, you will need two days for a good understanding of the site, which covers 4 square miles.
A large Mayan community thrived here between 700AD and 900AD
Admission charge to the ruins is around 10 US dollars. The evening sound and light show costs around 4 dollars (add another 3
dollars for headphones if you want to listen to the commentary in English). The show usually starts at around 7.00pm, but we'd
suggest you re-confirm the time when you arrive. Your ticket permits re-entry on the same day only. More...
At the entrance to the site is a large visitors’ complex, with cafeterias, restrooms, bookshops and a small museum. There are also
models of the layout of the site. It's useful to remember that there is a second refreshment shop with toilet facilities by the cenote.
A large Mayan community thrived here between 700AD and 900AD
Admission charge to the ruins is around 10 US dollars. The evening sound and light show costs around 4 dollars (add another 3
dollars for headphones if you want to listen to the commentary in English). The show usually starts at around 7.00pm, but we'd
suggest you re-confirm the time when you arrive. Your ticket permits re-entry on the same day only. More...
At the entrance to the site is a large visitors’ complex, with cafeterias, restrooms, bookshops and a small museum. There are also
models of the layout of the site. It's useful to remember that there is a second refreshment shop with toilet facilities by the cenote.
| Xcacel Beach attendant, Manuel |
Photo by Tracy Payne copyright 2009
Photo by Tracy Payne copyright 2009
Deep Sea Fishing Puerto Aventuras
- Trolling- This is what made us famous. Catch Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi
or Dorado,) Tuna and Barracuda. With our expert captains and mates you are virtually
guaranteed to catch fish. The world famous fishing grounds are literally 5 minutes from the
dock, extending your fishing time. - Bottom Fishing- Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Caribbean, drift fishing for dinner.
You will be taken to some of the reefs in the area where you can catch Grouper, Yellowtail
Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and Cubera Snapper. All excellent fighters and superb on the
dinner table. Ask the mate to clean your catch take it to restaurant and complete the
perfect day. - Snorkeling and Exploring- Explore some of the many beaches off the Yucatan Coast only
accessible by boat. Every beach and cove is so different that we will tell you about them
and you choose.
Snorkel, swim, explore Mayan Ruins, we make it is all possible for you.
- Combination- Troll, bottom fish, snorkel and explore you plan your trip. On a half day trip
(Departures 9 AM and 1:30 PM) you can combine two of the above activities, on the full
day (Departures at 9 AM) you may combine all the options. Enjoy the Mexican Caribbean
to the max.
| *Click Here to brush up on your Spanish before you get to the Mayan Riviera! It will make your trip much more enjoyable! |
Be sure to get a good rate on your rental cars as great deals abound. We usually use hotwire, our rates with insurance average around
$35-40.00 per day.
Many people wave the insurance, believing they are covered by the credit card company on the card they use.
Also, if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time and would like to rent a car for occasional excursions, we recommend
Hotel Chilam Balam car rental on the main street in downtown Tulum.
We rent a small car there for $35.00 per day-soup to nuts, if you would like to waive insurance, no problem.
http://www.hotwire.com/seo/car
"Cuide su Vida: no se distraiga" - Take care for your life, don't get distracted
Driving precautions:
* watch out for the "topes" (toe-pays): or "sleeping policemen". Bumps in the road to slow us down.
* at some major intersections, you can mistakenly be diverted onto a parallel side road which can be hazardous after dark: watch out
for people on bikes, or people walking with farm animals.
*when slowing to make a left hand turn off of the highway you must move over to the right lane, or shoulder and allow traffic to
safely pass on your left (both ways) before making your turn
$35-40.00 per day.
Many people wave the insurance, believing they are covered by the credit card company on the card they use.
Also, if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time and would like to rent a car for occasional excursions, we recommend
Hotel Chilam Balam car rental on the main street in downtown Tulum.
We rent a small car there for $35.00 per day-soup to nuts, if you would like to waive insurance, no problem.
http://www.hotwire.com/seo/car
"Cuide su Vida: no se distraiga" - Take care for your life, don't get distracted
Driving precautions:
* watch out for the "topes" (toe-pays): or "sleeping policemen". Bumps in the road to slow us down.
* at some major intersections, you can mistakenly be diverted onto a parallel side road which can be hazardous after dark: watch out
for people on bikes, or people walking with farm animals.
*when slowing to make a left hand turn off of the highway you must move over to the right lane, or shoulder and allow traffic to
safely pass on your left (both ways) before making your turn
| Casa Metamorfosis on the Mayan Riviera, Mexico |
| Copyright © 2008-2009 Casa Metamorfosis Vacation Rentals |
photo by Tracy Payne copyright © 2009
__________________________________________________________________________________
Visit Valladolid: A Spanish Colonial city with great cenotes and restaurants
Visit Valladolid: A Spanish Colonial city with great cenotes and restaurants
