Off to Cancun Tomorrow

March 14, 2009

Tomorrow, we’re up bright and early to be at the airport for 0500 to queue for an 0800 flight to Cancun, with a 1 hr 10 min stopover/transfer in Montreal via AC. Touchdown in Cancun is 1315 local or 1515 Toronto. I imagine it will be 1 hour before we hit the hotel lobby and maybe another 3 hrs to queue for a room. We’ll be staying at the Riu Caribe. We return a week Sunday, leaving at 1415 local, scheduled TO arrival 2348 after a 2 hr Mtl stopover/transfer via AC.

Here are some stock photos of the Riu Caribe. Although not reproducing with much clarity, you'll see Cancun located in the top right (NE) corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, on a latitude that is roughly that of Mexico City and the middle of Cuba. To its right is a map of the Cancun Hotel Zone. The mainland is to its left (W). Our hotel, the Riu Caribe, is located in about the middle of the "7" that is described by the map.

This is the Hotel Riu Caribe, facing the NE, where sister hotels, the Riu Cancun and the Riu Palace Las Americas, are located and where we can have identical AI privileges, except for supper, I believe.



See the following for innumerable photos of the hotel and area:

http://cancun-hotels.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g150807-d185322-Riu_Caribe-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html#19229759

To see a map of our Cancun hotel, the Riu Caribe, in the northern section of the Hotel Zone and in relation to Isla Mujeres (directly to its North), see the following map link:

http://www.cancunhotelsmap.com/

Here are links to some useful photos that match map locations:

Cancun:

http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=21.138947&ln=-86.766071&z=4&k=2&a=1&tab=2

Isla Mujeres:

http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=21.233122&ln=-86.739893&z=4&k=2

Chichén Itzá:

http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=20.682900&ln=-88.568650&z=0&k=2&a=1&tab=2

At this time of year, daily highs and lows are generally 90F and 70F, with no rain (or snow). Unfortunately, March Break is a crush period, so packages are at peaks and rowdy students and others are abundant, although I understand that our end of the beach strip is separated by a couple of miles from much of the student activity.

While there, beyond trying to get chairs at the pool or beach, which I understand are tied up by people who rouse at 0700 to throw a towel over “saved” chairs before returning to bed, we’ll likely make a day trip by return ferry to Isla Mujeres, which is directly north of our hotel. A former fishing village, it’s more laid back and tranquil than Cancun. Isla Mujeres, the Island of Women, is located eight miles across the Bahia de Mujeres from Cancun. It is only 5 miles long and half a mile wide, with a downtown area of just four by six blocks. It has crystal clear turquoise waters, a tortoise farm, and swimming with Dolphins and Sharks for those who are so inclined. There is also shopping at more modest prices and without the haggling of the mainland, and we should be able to find some nice places to snack and refresh.

The aerial photo below is a reverse image of Isla Mujeres, taken from the south, contrasted with the map beside it. Our hotel is south of it, and the adjacent photo shows Cancun across the water, photo taken from the south shore of Isla Mujeres. I believe that most of the beach activity is in the north end. The south end has a reconstructed ancient Mayan temple. Garrafon Beach is a good spot for snorkeling - the beach has a coral reef that is perfect for beginner snorkeling and children.

I’m sure that we’ll be able to walk in stages most of the 23 km length of beach that constitutes Cancun’s. The bus system runs every 30 seconds, is speedy and inexpensive. At the southern end are the Ruinas del Ray. Cribbed from the web, it was first sighted in the 16th century, rediscovered in 1842, and finally excavated in 1954. Ruinas del Rey (Ruins of the King) dates back to 200 BC and is thought to have been an astronomy lookout. Skeletons found on site also suggest it may have been a royal burial ground. While Del Rey is not as impressive as some of the other larger sites it is still worth a visit to see it unusual architecture. It has two main plazas flanked by two main streets (most ruins have only one) and a small pyramid topped with a vault. Inside are fresco paintings in fairly good condition. Today, its only residents are the large iguanas who like to bask on the walls and stones in the mid-afternoon heat. They add to the general tranquility amidst the modern bustle surrounding Del Rey. The convenient location and iguana photo op make a visit attractive.

I also cribbed the following from the web. Chichén Itzá is among a list of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan temple city, served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Its various structures - the pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, and the Playing Field of the Prisoners - can still be seen today and are demonstrative of an extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and arguably the greatest, of all Mayan temples. It’s about a 2 hr shot each way. We’ll probably either elect to take a bus that is loaded with guides and food and drink or arrange a taxi and on site guide, relying on the local advice.

While there, we’ll probably combine a visit to a cenoté, a deep water-filled sinkhole in limestone that is created when the roof of an underground cavern collapses. They are prevalent in the Yucatan Peninsula, where there are over 2000, and they are the area's main source of water. Cenotés were ritually significant to the ancient Maya because they were considered passages to the underworld.

Were we located further to the south along the Mayan Riviera, I suspect we’d have considered the ruins at Coba and Tulum, as well as the Xcaret Water Park, an eco park:

http://www.xcaret.com/Water_activities/Sea_Trek.html

We may still go if the transit makes sense, as I think it’s a pretty special experience - particularly floating through caverns and underwater rivers, even if it is a Disney experience.

I have to check on Delphinus Dreams Cancun, where one can swim with the dolphins - at the 7.5 km marker, I think that puts it just a couple of km from the Riu. All look pretty pricey.

http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drecu/

Market 28 (Mercado 28) in Cancun Mainland is another place we’ll probably visit, so that Lynda can slake her shopping bloodlust, provided she can conquer her fear of violent criminal attacks. The value is that this area escapes the touristy pricing in the tourist zone and is likely to offer more choice of local goods. On the strip, there is a very pricey La Isla Shopping Mall, with all the latest high end fashion, etc. - just the place to walk but not buy.

There is night life, and the 2 spots that seem to leap out are Coco Bongo and Señor Frog's.

http://www.cocobongo.com.mx

http://www.senorfrogs.com/

They’re probably good for a single night or two’s experience, as they seem to be an all out event. Coco Bongo, in particular, reportedly has a number of high quality stage entertainment.

That’s about it. If I get some time, I may blog and upload photos while away - otherwise, upon our return.

No le digo adiós, sino hasta luego.