Love is in the Air- Romance in Cancun

February 14th, a date which inspires great visions of candle light dinners, dewy red roses and faces lit up with joy in reaction to the perfect romantic gift (diamonds anyone?).  Sadly, the reality is often a rushed dinner with the kids throwing nuggets, wilting convenience store flowers and a forced smile as the stuffed teddy bear holding a heart is pulled from the cellophane with the price tag still on.  Why not shake things up this year, start the new decade off right with a magical, spur of the moment jaunt to Cancun with that special someone?

Finding the right hotel for romance is your top priority.  When I am dreaming of a romantic escape, my thoughts turn to the Bel Air Collection in Cancun.  This hip boutique hotel was made for lovers, with sweet details such as private dinners on the beach, couples spa treatments and jacuzzi-suites.  The staff will go out of their way to make your stay extra-special, decorating your room with rose petals, candles and drawing a heavenly scented bubble bath for two or arranging moonlight couples massages on the beach.  Stroll hand in hand down the gorgeous stretch of sand, enjoy a cool glass of champagne by the pool and simply enjoy being with the one you love on a worry-free romantic getaway.

For couples looking for something a little spicier, Temptation Resort and Spa in Cancun will definitely heat up your Valentine’s.   This unique adults-only hotel offers a sensual concept for open-minded couples, with “risque” pool-side games and wild nights in their onsite night club, “Nice Shoes”.  The all-inclusive resort offers deluxe and jacuzzi suites, a variety of dining options and a white sandy beach on the Bay of Mujeres.  A stay at Temptation is sure to light a spark in your love life, add some sizzle to your romance and will certainly be a couples’ vacation you’ll never forget.

This is a romantic vacation and some may not want to leave the suite (wink wink, nudge nudge), but couples with a sense of adventure will find plenty of activities that are ideal for sharing with the better half.  The Lobster Dinner Cruise Cancun is the only “romance” tour in Cancun.  Enjoy a leisurely sail on a wooden galleon, sun setting over the lagoon, stars above, live jazz and a delicious surf and turf dinner.   Garrafon Park on the small island of Isla Mujeres is a great place for a couples day trip, spectacular views of the Caribbean, relaxing hammock gardens, infinity pool on the sea and zip lines, kayaks and snorkeling for the adventurous soul.  Treat your love to the experience of a lifetime with a swim with dolphin program with Dolphin Discovery (though beware, those dolphins are known to kiss even the married ladies!)  Add an extreme adventure to your trip with the adrenaline-filled fun at Hidden Worlds Park.  Ride horses on the beach, snorkel the reef teeming with sea life, or discover history and culture through the Mayan ruins, or do nothing but gaze into each other’s eyes, the possibilities are endless in the Mexican Caribbean.

The most important thing you’ll do on your romantic Cancun vacation is spend quality time with that special person.  No phones ringing, no kids calling your name, no dishes to wash, no laundry to fold.  The time is yours and honey’s alone, leave your worries at home and the smartphones off, “disconnect to reconnect” and return home refreshed, rejuvenated and more in love than when you left.  Trust me men, a surprise trip to Cancun for Valentine’s Day is going to make up for all those forgotten years and lame last minute purchases, book now (before you forget again) and give her something that you’ll both love!

Xplor Adventure Park Riviera Maya

Xplor adventure park is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, land of lush jungle, hidden underground rivers and ancient mysteries.  Since opening in 2009, Xplor has thrilled thousands of guests with its adrenaline-fueled activities and all inclusive freedom, and I just couldn’t wait to experience it for myself.

I hardly slept the night before our trip, I was like a kid before Christmas morning!  I sprang out of bed at 6 am, made my way to the Xcaret terminal in the hotel zone of Cancun and boarded the jungle bus to make the 45 minute journey to Xplor just south of Playa del Carmen.  The bus dropped us off and we saw the signs pointing towards the entrance, down a ramp and into a cave!  Hanging vines and plants caressed the walls and ceiling as excited travellers checked in, got set up with their helmets and prepared for a day of adventure.

We weaved our way through a maze of caverns and found ourselves in the heart of Xplor.  Quite literally! There was a giant red heart and the beat of  “bom bom…..bom bom….bom bom” echoing through the cave, the center of all the action in the park.   The heart makes navigating the park easy, it’s the beginning and end of each activity.  We stashed our gear in the lockers, got ourselves an energizing smoothie and made our way to our first activity, the zip lines!

I must admit, I am an adrenaline junkie and this was not my first zip line experience but it was certainly one of the best.  With two circuits, 14 zip lines (including the tallest and longest lines in the region!), hanging bridges, a super water slide and several water landings, Xplor does not disappoint.  The gear and equipment is world-class, internationally recognized for safety standards and the automatic brakes were a dream!  I paused for a moment at the top of each tower to take in the incredible views and breathe in the fresh clean air before flying over the jungle again.

The zip lines tired us out, there was a LOT of climbing, but we were ready for the next part of our adventure.  The Riviera Maya is known for its subterranean rivers and cenotes and Xplor is a great way to discover these natural wonders full of stalactites and stalagmites formed millions of years ago.  We got set up with our life jackets (mandatory!), settled on to our rafts and paddled our way through this underground wonderland.  I shared a two person raft with a friend and we laughed and giggled our way through one of the two routes, steering looked easier than it actually was!

By this time we were running low on energy reserves so we headed to the restaurant.  The food was fantastic, far better than your usual buffet fare.  I refueled with a huge salad, the “zarzamora” (blackberry) dressing was delicious, then went back for some delicious pasta primavera, fish and other healthy offerings.  (There was pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs for those who prefer something not quite so healthy, but trust me, you’ll need the energy of good food!)  We refreshed, chatted excitedly about our morning and were ready to get back to the thrills.

The amphibious vehicles were something I had never done before and I was really looking forward to it.  We drove through thick jungle, over hanging bridges, in and out of caves and through rivers, getting dusty and bounced around and squealing at all the twists and turns.  A total riot!

Hot and sweaty, we were ready for a swim in the underground rivers.  The water is “fresh” (COLD) and absolutely crystal clear and a welcome treat on a hot day.  We splashed our way through the stalactites and stalagmites, emerging through a waterfall before finding ourselves at the flying hammocks.  Flying hammocks you say?  Why yes, flying hammocks, zip lines in comfort, and Xplor is the only place with this special treat!  You’ll just have to try it for yourselves, I can’t give away all the secrets!

Exhausted at the end of the day, we packed up our things and said goodbye to Xplor.  It was a completely satisfying day, adrenaline, nature, the warmth of the sun and the refreshing coolness of the waters, delicious food and drinks among great company.  All the anticipation was worth it, I was not disappointed and I cannot wait to return.   After a little rest of course.

For more pictures of our day , check out our Xplor gallery on Flickr!

Swimming with Whale Sharks

In a small boat flying across the turquoise waters off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the sense of excitement builds as the captain reports with a smile that a large group of giant sea creatures has been spotted not too far away.  Just what we’ve been waiting to hear!  Our small group of adventurers are on a quest to find the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, and according to the captain we are just a few short minutes from fulfilling our dreams of swimming with these magnificent creatures.  The sea is calm and crystal clear, the sun is shining and fluffy white clouds fill the sky as we get closer and closer to the “sweet spot”.  We can see a small cluster of boats and as we get approach we get our first sighting of a fin peeking out of the water!  Then another and another and another, we quickly lose track of just how many there are, even the guides and captain are in awe at the numbers, estimating there to be about 150 to 200 whale sharks in the area, we’ve hit the jackpot!!

From mid-May to mid-September each year, the sea off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula becomes home to the migratory whale shark.  The warm waters and currents provide the ideal conditons for plankton to grow, a favourite for the filter-feeding whale shark.  Whale sharks are found in very few places in the world and nowhere are they found in such great numbers as they are around Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox, there have been reports of up to 450 whale sharks feeding in a group in this region.  Whale sharks are technically fish, the largest fish in the sea.  They can reach lengths of 12 meters or more, their mouths spanning up to 1.5 meters wide, and they can weigh up to 36 tonnes!  Their skin is covered with a beautiful “dot” pattern, leading to their nickname of “dominos”.  The spots and dots are distinctive in each animal, biologists use the patterns to identify individual sharks.  Their mouths are full of many rows of tiny teeth, but they do not use them to eat.  They simply open their mouths wide, allowing plankton-rich water to flow in, close their mouth and expel the water through their gills, trapping their lunch on the gill plates and pharynx where they can swallow it easily.  The whale shark is still somewhat of a mystery to biologists, little is known about their breeding habits or migratory patterns, though with scientists tagging and investigating, we’re sure to know more in the years to come.  It is known that they are “ovoviparous”, the eggs remain inside the body of the female and the pups are born live.  In 1996 a pregnant female was captured and found to have 300 pups inside!  Despite their size, whale sharks pose no danger to humans who choose to swim with them or dive with them, they are gentle giants, they mostly ignore the “insignificant” humans beside them, peacefully gliding by or diving into the depths.

Whale shark tours from Cancun and the islands are strictly controlled.  Tour operators must have permits and they are monitored by authorities to ensure they are respecting the whale sharks and the laws.  A maximum of ten people are allowed per boat, only two swimmers per boat may enter the water at one time, swimmers must keep a distance of 6-9 feet from the animals (though that is sometimes hard to control when they are coming right at you!), no touching is allowed, and life jackets are mandatory.  The captains and guides are experts in maneouvering through the territory, monitoring weather patterns and ensuring the safety of the whale sharks and the people in their care.  When booking your whale shark adventure, be sure that the operator is licensed, this is very important to prevent harm to the animals or to yourself.

Our day with the whale sharks was incredible, it’s actually difficult to express with words the excitement and emotion it stirred in me.  Our captain Cheche and guides Imar and Eduardo were experts, full of knowledge and respect for the sea and the whale sharks.  I lost track of the number of turns I took in the water, all of us on the boat had a seemingly unlimited amount of time with the whale sharks.  I would be gazing in awe at one right in front of me then get the “tap tap” on my shoulder from the guide, showing me another coming up to the right and one more coming up from behind, I was literally surrounded by 10 meter long beauties!  I tried to keep my distance, but on occasion with a wave or a current pushing myself or the whale shark, I was brushed by a tail or by a fin, the oh so soft skin giving me a shivery thrill.  Snorkeling through the water with nothing in sight, then suddenly a giant, wide-open mouth coming right for me, I squealed through my tube thinking I was about to enter the gaping maw only to have him dive under me at the last second, oh oh excitement like I have never felt before.  When the guide said it was time to return to shore, I said a wistful goodbye to my new whale shark friends, leaving fully sated and walking on air.  This is definitely one for your “bucket list’, a must do activity, it’s a unique adventure that you will remember for a lifetime, I still feel like I am walking on air.

For more photos, please see our Whale Shark set on Flickr.  Have you lived this thrilling experience?  Leave a comment, would love to hear from you!  If yo are looking to book this amazing tour, Dtraveller is happy to provide you with the ultimate whale shark adventure.

Beating the Heat in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Cancun and the Riviera Maya in the summer time are HOT, the perfect excuse to spend your days in the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean!  Of course you can hang out all day at the swim up bar of your resort, but we’ve got some more exciting ideas to keep cool on your summer vacation.

1.  Snorkeling-  The Mesoamerican Reef sits just off the coast of the Riviera Maya, the second largest reef in the world!  The snorkeling is divine, from Isla Mujeres to Cozumel to Akumal, you’ll find yourself surrounded by colourful fish and coral formations as you flipper your way through cool waters.  One of the most popular spots for snorkeling is the Yal Ku lagoon in Akumal, this calm ocean inlet is the perfect place for beginners and veteran snorkelers alike.  The Akumal area is famous for the sea turtles that visit, be sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the magic!  “Cenotes” (natural limestone sinkholes), underground rivers and caves common in the Riviera Maya bring you the opportunity to enjoy a unique snorkeling experience.  The ancient stalactite and stalagmite formations create a beautiful underwater landscape amidst the rich green flora of the jungle.  If you’re lucky you’ll spot the “pez ciego” or “blind fish” that live in the caves or a school of fresh water catfish  The water in the cenotes is always fresh and cool, a welcome diversion on a hot summer day!

2.  Boat trips and cruises-  The wind in your  hair, soft breeze on your face and the occasional splash as you hit a wave.  Cruising the waters around Cancun is a great way to beat the heat!  For a whole day of family fun, the Caribbean Funday tour departs from Cancun for the nearby island of Isla Mujeres.  After cruising across the sea you’ll find yourself at a private beach club where you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, bike tours and a delicious lunch buffet (and open bar of course!)  The Pirate Assault tour is great fun on the high seas, a night adventure cruise that will have you dancing and singing all night long as you sail to Isla Mujeres and enjoy the energetic pirate show.  For those looking for romance, the Lobster Dinner Cruise Cancun is ideal for lovers.   Find yourself on a slow cruise of the Nichupte Lagoon as the sun sets over the water. Live jazz music plays, cool wine flows and fresh lobster cooks on the open grill, slow dance with the one you love and leave the cares of the world behind.

3.  Swimming with dolphins-  This is not only a great way to refresh, it’s truly the experience of a lifetime!  Dolphin Discovery has three locations in the Mexican Caribbean- Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras and Isla Mujeres.  Enjoy a dolphin kiss, feel the adrenaline rush of the famous “foot push” and learn all about these incredible creatures.  In Cozumel you can even scuba dive with dolphins and enjoy a day in Chankanaab Park as part of your package!  In Puerto Aventuras you can swim with manatees and sea lions as well as dolphins and spend some time in this quaint little village.  If you are visiting the Isla Mujeres location, be sure to take a trip to Garrafon Park for some of the most amazing views and snorkeling in the region!

Summertime is the perfect time to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya, bring the whole family and take advantage of the great deals for the season.  Be sure to get out and enjoy the local attractions, don’t get stuck in a pool bar rut, find an adventure and refresh your soul in the paradise of the Mexican Caribbean!

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Imagine yourself in the open sea, surrounded by deep blue water on all sides, the wind in your hair, salty water splashing your face, a sense of excitement mounting.  Suddenly you hear a cry from the guide to look off the starboard bow, there she is, a mountain of a creature, bigger than the boat, calmly swimming with its beautiful spotted body skimming the surface.  The guide says “Go!” and you hit the water with your partner, snorkel and mask in place, waterproof camera at the ready.  You get your bearings underwater and then you see it, the gentle giant cruising beside you, gigantic mouth open to capture its plankton lunch, seemingly oblivous to the human activity beside it.  You are experiencing one of the most exciting moments you may ever have in your life, swimming with a whale shark.

The whale shark is a member of the fish family, the largest fish in the ocean in fact.  There have been reports of whale sharks measuring more than 12 meters in length and weighing up to 21 tonnes, that’s a whole lot of fish!  They are “filter feeders”, using their huge mouths to pass water through the gills, trapping algae, plankton and tiny fish for their lunch and expelling anything too large with a “cough”.  Whale sharks tend to congregate in warm waters, though their migration patterns are still somewhat of a mystery. While their size and name may be intimidating, the whale sharks are not considered dangerous to humans and peacefully allow us to join them in their home in the sea.

Visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico are very fortunate indeed, the whale sharks annually congregate in the waters near Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy between the months of May and September.  Thousands of tourists from Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres and the state of Yucatan take advantage of this unique opportunity, enjoying a once in a lifetime thrill.  During the season, it is almost guaranteed that you will spot not just one, but many whale sharks gathered together where the plankton lives in abundance.  Your adventure begins with a ride on a small boat (Gravol is recommended for anyone who might suffer seasickness!), travelling to the open sea in search of the whale sharks.  The length of the boat ride varies depending on where the sharks have decided to play that day, usually from one to two hours out to sea, somewhere near the islands of Contoy and Holbox.  Group sizes are limited, maximum ten guests per boat, allowing plenty of time in the water with the whale sharks.  Guests are paired up with a “jump” partner (each time you enter the water it is called a “jump”) and pairs rotate their time in the water.  With your masks, snorkels and fins you will glide beside the whale sharks, taking in their immense beauty, watching them feed as they watch you swim.  Underwater cameras are vital items to bring, you will want to capture these moments for eternity!  After everyone has swum with the whale sharks, the boat will take you to a nearby reef to snorkel with the colorful fishy cousins of the whale shark, perhaps you’ll even spot a turtle, a ray or a wild dolphin in your journeys!

This is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss.  If you will be visiting Cancun or the region between May 20th and September 15th, this is a “must do” tour.  Dtraveller is thrilled to offer the Whale Shark Adventure, contact us today to reserve your spot!  See you in the water!

Xplor!

Eco-parks are definitely a highlight of any trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, Xel-Ha and Xcaret are tops of most “must do” travel lists.  Now the people that brought you Xel-Ha and Xcaret invite you to take a step up the adventure ladder with the newest, most adrenaline filled eco-adventure park in the Riviera Maya, Xplor!

Immerse yourself in nature in this park located just south of Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  Set on 145 acres of jungle land filled with cenotes and underground rivers, Xplor offers “extreme” sports in a setting focused on safety and high-octane fun.  Find yourself on top of the world as you fly over the jungle on the zip line circuit, almost 2 miles of lines, with the tallest tower at 131 ft!  The zip line circuit has three water landings, two suspension bridges, one slide and a shot of adrenaline.  Safety comes first at Xplor, helmets are provided, the harnesses are top quality and the guides are attentive and well-trained.  The park utilizes “double lines” for extra safety, distributing your weight more evenly on the line. This is a rush like no other!

Going from high in the sky to the depths below, you’ll find the Stalactite river, created 65 million years ago!  Swim 437 yards in this subterranean river and discover the beauty of the caves with their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.  The water has an average temperature of 77 F, refreshing indeed, hot chocolate awaits you at the end of the journey.  You can further explore the subterranean world on the underground river rafts, a path of 1000 yards through grottoes and between rock formations, paddle your rafts with your hands and soak up the ancient history, this is a world like you’ve never seen!  Feel the need for some speed?  Climb aboard the amphibious vehicles and take a spin on the 3 mile track through lush jungle, rocky caverns, water crossings and over the suspension bridge.

Take a break from the adrenaline and enjoy the natural food and drinks offered at the light buffet.  The refreshments are geared towards health, recharge yourself with a fresh, natural fruit juice or enjoy a light lunch before embarking on the next stage of your adventure.  No soda or alcohol is available and the meals are 70% vegetarian, Xplor is all about energy!

Safety and suggestions

Please note that there is a maximum weight of 300 lbs/136 kgs and children must be over 6 years old, some activities are not recommended for pregnant women, persons with heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension and claustrophobia.  The zip lines have a minimum weight of 88 lbs/40 kgs and minimum height of 55 inches/1.4 m.  The park provides helmets, they are mandatory as are lifejackets for the water activities.  Bring your bathing suit, comfortable shorts and tees, water shoes are recommended and the use of biodegradable sunscreens is mandatory.  Waterproof cameras are a must, capture every moment!  Guests wishing to drive the amphibious vehicles must 18 years old with valid identification.  Lockers are available for your belongings, the dressing rooms and bathrooms are modern and clean.  Guests are asked to NOT TOUCH the stalactities and stalagmites, the fat in human skin can cause serious damage, we want people to be able to enjoy the park for years to come.  Guides are available at all times for assistance, they are trained in first aid and doctors and nurses are on site in case of emergency.  Your health and safety is the number one priority, come, relax and enjoy!

Dtraveller is thrilled to bring you this fantastic day trip.  Guests can book Xplor tour from Cancun including transportation, Xplor from Riviera Maya hotels including tranportation or Xplor entrance only if you’ll be renting a car. However you get there, you’ll be sure to enjoy a day full of fun, sun, refreshing dips, speed, history, nature and healthy food and drink.  This is a “must do” in the Riviera Maya, book now!

Xel-Ha Eco-Park: History, Nature and Ecology

First time travellers to Cancun and the Riviera Maya often ask “What are the must-do’s on our vacation?”.  Seasoned travellers will respond with their list of favourite Riviera Maya activities and on most of those lists you’ll find “Xel-Ha” (pronounced “shell-hah”).  So, what is Xel-Ha and why should you visit?

Xel-Ha (a combination of the Maya words “Xel” for “spring” and “Ha” for water) is an eco-park located south of Playa del Carmen, close to the village of Tulum.  Originally Xel-Ha was a port town for the Maya city of Coba, thought to have been an active point of marine exchange between the 7th and 12th centuries.  The Mayan ruins of Xel-Ha are located across the highway from the main park, you’ll find platforms and stairways used for residences and shrines, with most of the architecture thought to be from the Classic and Post Classic eras.  The ruins are seldom busy and they are a great way to get a taste of history in a beautiful jungle setting.  In 1527 and 1528, Xel-Ha was used as a base for the Spanish forces led by Francisco Montejo in his ultimately unsuccessful attempt to conquer the Yucatan Peninsula.  Montejo’s ill fated conquest led to the loss of almost all of his men and the Xel-Ha camp was abandoned after 18 months.

Today Xel-Ha is a natural reserve, with its jungle setting, large lagoons teeming with sea life, cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes) and wildlife, it’s the perfect way to experience the best of the Riviera Maya.  Xel-Ha prides itself on being dedicated to sustainable tourism, carefully protecting the land and water and the wide variety of plant and animal life.  The area is home to more than 100 species of birds, 350 species of plants and 99 species of marine life making it a rich, natural zoo, botanical garden and aquarium.  Xel-Ha is very proud to have achieved the prestigious “Green Globe Certified Silver” status, which recognizes the park’s commitment to operating at the world’s highest environmental standards.

Snorkeling is certainly the highlight of Xel-Ha.  High-quality snorkel gear is included in the entrance fee, several platforms are located throughout the park for easy access in and out of the water, and lifeguards are on duty to protect swimmers.  The water is calm, perfect for snorkelers of all levels.  First-timers will have no problem navigating the lagoon and guests with more snorkeling experience will be delighted by the variety of locations and marine life.  There are beautiful spots around the park with lounge chairs ideal for taking a little breather and catching some sun before hitting the water again.  The hammock garden is a peaceful retreat, perfect for a little afternoon siesta in the shade.

With the all-inclusive package offered by Xel-Ha, guests are invited to enjoy the Xel-Ha restaurants and bars with unlimited food and beverages.  The buffets offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, with international and Mexican dishes, salads, and desserts.  Charge up for your day and go back again to refuel for your next foray into the lagoon.  The service is excellent and you just cannot beat the open air setting.

For those looking for something a little different, Xel-Ha offers snuba (lagoon or cenote), a manatee encounter and a swim with dolphins experience (extra charges apply).  Be sure to visit the apiary, Xel-Ha’s bee farm with the honey-producing, stingless bees called “Meliponini”.  The bees are revered by the Mayans and often treated as family pets.  Xel-Ha celebrates a honey harvest twice a year, cleaning the hives and collecting the honey under the full moon in June and December.  The beautiful ritual is conducted by a Mayan priest with music, altars and a huge feast.  The plant nursery in Xel-Ha is a beautiful botanical garden full of incredible flowers and plants.  Once the plants reach maturity, they are replanted in the wilds of the jungle to replenish and maintain nature’s beauty.  The dedication to ecology is evident in every corner of this beautiful reserve.

Xel-Ha is definitely a “must-do” when visiting Cancun or the Riviera Maya.  The park is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, 365 days a year.  Transportation can be included in your tour, with pick-ups in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  Bring your bathing suit, comfortable walking shoes, hats and biodegradable sunscreen.  With the park’s dedication to the environment, they will check your sunscreen at the entrance, if it does not meet the eco-standards, they will ask you to leave it at the desk in exchange for a sample package of biodegradable sun block.  (Appropriate sunblock is available for purchase at the park as well).  Towels, lockers and snorkel gear are included in the price, though you will have to leave a cash deposit or a credit card imprint.  Wet suits, baby strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent at an extra charge.  Travellers often book the Tulum/Xel-Ha day tour, adding a trip to the nearby ruins, the perfect combination of nature, history and ecology.  Bring the whole family for an unforgettable day in paradise, book with Dtraveller now and ask about our promotions and discounts.

Visit our Flickr page for more photos of Xel-Ha and Tulum.  Join us on Facebook at the “I Love Cancun and the Riviera Maya” page for great information, photos, videos, we’d love to have you share your experiences with us!

Chichen Itza Field Trip

This week a group of us from the Dtraveller office were delighted to take a little trip to Chichen Itza in order to be able to offer our clients the best possible service.  Who better to provide information about a tour than someone who has actually been to the site and had the tourist experience?

Monday morning we were picked up by the friendly Grayline driver Felipe and whisked off to the highway in our comfortable, modern van.  We each received a little bag of breakfast treats and were ready for the drive to Chichen Itza.  We took one taco pit stop in Vallodolid along the way, a cute little Colonial town, kind of a “mini Merida”, then proceeded to the site of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

For a couple of us, this was our first trip to Chichen Itza and we were filled with anticipation.  We arrived at the Mayaland Hotel, had a good stretch and found our tour guide Delio.  We received our wrist bands and tickets and made our way inside the archaelogical zone of Chichen Itza. Entering the grounds you can actually feel the power of the site, something in the way that you breathe changes, the energy is incredible.  Delio was a top notch guide, he was very knowledgeable and provided us with an educational and entertaining dialogue. The mysteries of the Chichen Itza Maya are fascinating, how they were able to build their structures with such accuracy, placed so carefully to align with the stars and the sun with such precise calculations, all starting around 900 A.D., a long, long time ago. No matter how much one reads about the place, it’s nothing compared to being there and seeing for yourself exactly what the history and guide books talk about.  A magical place of history under your feet and in front of your eyes.

The tour lasted about two hours and we returned to the Mayaland Hotel famished and ready for lunch.  The buffet was perfect, food to satisfy everyone’s taste, cold drinks and traditional “Jarana” dancers in their beautiful Yucatecan dress entertaining us.  The handmade tortillas were by far the best I have ever tasted and the local specialty “cochinita pibil” was delicious. After stuffing ourselves with great food, we were ready to see more of the area.  Our driver Felipe offered to take us just about anywhere we wanted to go and the majority ruled, we wanted to see the cenote Il Kil!  It’s a quick five minute drive from the Mayaland hotel so we were there in no time.  We found ourselves in a hole in the ground, but a hole in the ground that looks like the garden of Eden!  We splashed around in the cool waters for a while then headed back to the hotel.

Our day was not over yet!  We gathered together at 7:30 at the entrance to the ruins and made our way to the grounds for the Light and Sound show.  It was a starry night, with cool breezes on the skin and fireflies dancing in the sky, the fresh air carrying the aroma of the jungle.  We settled in and were treated to a display of colored lights on ancient ruins accompanied by a tale of the history of Chichen Itza.  Everyone was entranced, it was a powerful experience.  We returned to the hotel for a late dinner and promptly fell asleep, after a full day, a full stomach and with our minds and hearts filled with the energy of Chichen Itza.

For anyone coming to Cancun, Quintana Roo or the Yucatan, I highly recommend taking a Chichen Itza tour.  Being here and not seeing Mayan ruins is like visiting Egypt and not seeing the pyramids!  You can see our full set of photos in our Chichen Itza flickr set and be sure to join our Chichen Itza Facebook page to share your own experiences and photos.

Set Sail with Caribbean Carnaval Cancun Cruises

Looking for adventure on the high seas?  Join Caribbean Carnaval for a fantastic Cancun cruise!

Bring the whole family to enjoy the Caribbean Funday day trip to the beautiful island escape of Isla Mujeres.  Board the double decker boat in Cancun and set sail for Isla Mujeres while enjoying the ocean breezes and the energetic entertainers.  You’ll land on Isla Mujeres at a private beach club, “El Pescador” where you can enjoy a delicious lunch buffet, open bar and a variety of island activities including kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle tours and shopping (extra charge for some activities).  Not the adventurous sort?  Settle yourself in a hammock with a cold drink in hand and soak up the relaxing tropical vibes.  The party continues on the return trip to Cancun with high energy music and dancing to celebrate your day in paradise.

If you’re looking for an evening party cruise, check out the Pirate Assault or the Caribbean Carnaval.  Start the night off on a double decker boat ride to Isla Mujeres.  Enjoy the open bar with tropical fruit juices or your favourite alcoholic beverage while dancing and enjoying the antics of the entertainers on board.  Those aboard the Pirate Assault be warned, there´s pirates in them thar seas, you may just find yourself whisked away!  The party continues at the private beach club on Isla Mujeres with a fantastic dinner buffet, continuing open bar and a great show just for you with interactive activities and games.  This is not your typical “booze cruise”, it’s so much more with professional shows, exciting stunts and the friendliest staff in town.

On a personal note, (this is a real blog written by a real person after al!) I´ve done these tours a number of times and have laughed and danced and enjoyed myself immensely.  The buffet food is the highlight for me, you should not miss the fresh fish and the spread of desserts!  I always walk away eating far more than I should, but isn´t that what party cruises are for?  I can’t sing at all but find myself running to the stage for the karaoke contest every time. You’ve got to let your hair down, embrace the silly games and allow yourself to relax and enjoy this unique experience.  Let it all hang out!

Limited time discounts on Caribbean Carnaval cruises!  Book in October 2009 for tours up to December 20, 2009  and enjoy 20% discounts on all three cruises, Caribbean Funday for only $52 USD per adult (regular price $65 USD), and Caribbean Carnaval or Pirate Assault for only $63.20 USD (regular price $79 USD).  Three great tours at great discounts, contact Dtraveller’s bilingual customer service representatives to reserve now!