Cancun and Chichen Itza

We stayed in an all-inclusive timeshare resort. A friend's mother traded her Williamsburg timeshare for Cancun as a graduation present.

Highlights of the trip definitely include our trip to Chichen Itza, and snorkeling in the Gulf!

Quick Tips:

I'm a huge fan of crafts. Cancun's local markets have an awesome selection of handmade/painted pottery and jewelry. Haggling is really easy, as most of the people (including vendors) know at least bare-minimum English.

Driving down the main road running through Cancun, you'll see tons of markets on either side.

Best Way To Get Around:

Hands down the best way to get around Cancun is the bus. Its 7 pesos each trip (about US.70). There is really only one main road through Cancun--all the eateries (touristy or otherwise) are along the main road. In addition, all the buses have marked clearly on the front windshield where they are headed. All you have to look for are ones that say "downtown" or "hotels" to find what you need.

Best Things Nearby:
We stayed at the Royal Islander. Royal resort guests can rent kayaks and snorkeling gear for free across the street

Best Things About the Resort:
Swim up bars!

Resort Experience:
This place is heaven! Really intelligently designed so that everyone has a spectacular view of the ocean. Staff is amazing, and extremely helpful and courteous.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Very Good

We were well aware that Senor Frog's is kind of a touristy place, but it was the middle of the day--and about to rain--so we decided to seek refuge (and margaritas).

First of all, drinks are way way way overpriced, ranging from $15 to $20 for just one! If you really want to go here, be sure to ask for the "house" margarita or whatever drink you are getting--much less expensive.

Also, some guy comes around and makes balloon hats. Personally I find this irritating, and he will blatantly ask for a large tip if he gives you one.

The waitstaff knows English very well. But as a group we really felt like they were mocking us with their goofy tourist targeted antics.

I definitely don't suggest you go here unless you have to.

Incredible! The speedboat part was awesome. Great price for a fun day out ($50). You see lots of different fish. We were literally swimming with the schools. Unfortunately--we noticed a lot of damage to the mangroves and reefs themselves due to Hurricane Katrina.

Wow. Incredible. We booked this trip through the resort. A little on the expensive side ($75). It was a half-day trip that included the bus ride (3 hours), English-speaking tour guide, and breakfast.

This was really fun. Because none of us were familiar with Cancun, we chose to book through the hotel.

I think this trip can be done on your own, however, with the right planning you could probably save a lot more money.

Our guide was excellent, and very knowledgeable about Mayan culture (being Mayan himself).

Incredible ruins, and local craftsman/women have some really incredible things to offer. Personally, I bought a jewelry box, and two dishes, as well as a carved mask. I probably spent about $30.

Make sure while you are there you check out the natural sinkholes. The area is mostly limestone, so over time nature has carved out some gorgeous and breathtaking natural swimming holes. Some of them have no way out, however, and Mayans used them for sacrifices!