Setting the Scene: Our Arrival at the Hilton Playa del Carmen Resort
Are you ready for part two of our adventure?? This is where the fun happens! So, if you read my previous post, you already know we stayed at the Hilton Playa del Carmen Resort, and it was ahhh-mazing! If you missed it, you can read it here later!
For this post, I want to focus on the fun things we did during our stay and maybe give a few tips along the way that I wish I knew beforehand.
Booking the Excursion
We booked our first excursion for our second day in Mexico, and we booked right at the resort. Doing this alleviated some of the anxiety of booking elsewhere and possibly having to travel to another resort for pickup.
Booking the excursion at the resort was super easy. They had a desk in the lobby where we could browse different options and ask questions. The staff was knowledgeable and helped us choose the perfect adventure for us. Plus, we liked knowing that the resort had vetted the tour company, so we felt confident in our choice.
The pickup was early – a little too early for being on vacation – but then again, it was an all-day trip.
ATV Adventures: Bumpy Trails and Breathtaking Views
Our first stop was ATV riding. This was probably my husband’s favorite, and while I loved it, I loved it more when I was the one driving. It had been a very long time since I had ridden an ATV, and even then, I was the driver. It’s different when you are sitting in the back holding on to handles and praying you do not fall right off. I am sure he was praying for the same when it was my turn to drive he was just more silent about it.
The terrain was pretty rough, as it was literally dirt roads in the middle of the jungle (or what looked like the jungle). But it was also very beautiful. Some people claimed that they saw wildlife; I wish I could say the same, but I was busy looking at the holes in the ground and warning my husband, who has 20/20 vision and could clearly see them for himself. To his credit, he was extremely patient with me and didn’t knock me off on purpose (lol).
The ride was about 45 minutes, and it was fun regardless of my nerves. However, I think the preparation for the ride took longer than the actual ride. Of course, they had a lot of rules and regulations and had to show us how to handle the machine, a Can-Am 450cc, which was massive.
Despite my initial jitters and the extensive safety briefing, we had a great time tearing through the jungle trails. The thrill of the ride and the breathtaking scenery made it an unforgettable experience.
Tips:
Bug spray, bug spray, bug spray! Trust me, the mosquitos are relentless, and you won’t find any relief at the little shop on-site. Come prepared with your own arsenal of insect repellent.
Slather on the sunscreen. Even for a sun-loving Floridian like me, the Mexican sun was a whole new level of intense. Don’t underestimate its power – protect your skin!
Invest in a waterproof phone pouch. This handy accessory kept our phones safe and secure during the bumpy ride, allowing us to capture all the jungle action without worry.
Underwater Wonderland: Discovering the Magic of Cenotes
Our next adventure took us to a cenote, which is basically a natural sinkhole filled with the most crystal-clear, refreshing water you can imagine. These incredible geological formations are unique to the Yucatán Peninsula, and Mexico boasts thousands of them, each with its own unique charm and beauty.
And it was beautiful. I love the water, and this water was unbelievably clear and refreshing—and by refreshing, I mean cold! They said the temperature was 75 degrees, but it felt more like 60 degrees. Once you get in, though, you get used to it pretty quickly.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, no worries! The tour guide provides you with a life vest, which is mandatory, as well as a snorkel mask. Even my husband, who isn’t the strongest swimmer, felt completely at ease and ended up loving the cenote experience!
We loved that when we got there, it wasn’t very crowded, and we were able to take some amazing pictures—our waterproof phone pouches definitely came in handy.
Now, if you’re afraid of bats, you might want to skip this one. There were quite a few fruit bats sleeping above us, and some letting us know they were there. They didn’t bother us or get too close, so they weren’t a problem. I’m sure they were more annoyed with us interrupting their slumber! (lol)
Tips: Don’t forget to pack towels and water shoes! Even though you’ll be floating in the cenote, there are rocky areas you can climb onto for pictures, and those rocks can be pretty rough on bare feet.
Swimming in a cenote is definitely another experience we would do again in a heartbeat!
Tulum Time Travel: Exploring Ancient Mayan Ruins
To cap off our adventurous day, we headed to the iconic Tulum ruins, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. And let me tell you, the views did not disappoint!
I was overly excited for this one. One of my passions is architecture photography, so obviously, I love taking pictures of structures…I was in picture-taking heaven mode.
This was actually one of the most physically demanding excursions, and I’ll tell you why: it was HOT, and our driver knew it. He insisted we drink water before going in and asked us numerous times if we wanted umbrellas—most declined. Luckily, my husband has the foresight and accepted one for us. I, of course, rolled my eyes at the time, thinking, “Who needs an umbrella in this heat?” Boy, was I wrong! That umbrella became my lifeline, shielding me from the relentless sun.
Once inside, we got a new tour guide who was great in helping us navigate the ruins and sharing fascinating historical tidbits.
Walking through the Tulum ruins felt like stepping back in time. This ancient Mayan city, once a bustling port and religious center, is full of history and mystery. I loved imagining the people who lived here centuries ago, going about their daily lives against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
The Temple of the Frescoes, with its intricate carvings and vibrant colors, was a particular highlight for me. I spent what felt like hours photographing every detail, trying to capture the essence of this ancient masterpiece. El Castillo, perched on the cliff’s edge, offered breathtaking views of the turquoise water below. It was the perfect spot to take a break from the heat and soak in the stunning scenery.
If you plan a visit to the Tulum ruins, I highly recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. And don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water—you’ll need them! I’m not sure why our tour left this for last, but it definitely made a difference in how it was enjoyed.
Because let’s face it, at a certain point, we were all dying. Did we walk it? Yes. Did we survive the walk? Also, yes. Did we end up dehydrated? Possibly! I’ll put it like this: I’m a shopper, and all I could think about once we got to the entrance was heading over to our van to get our water. Looking back, I hate that I missed out on that little bit of shopping they had there. I’m kicking myself for not buying one of those cute Mayan calendar souvenirs!
Despite the heat and my desperate need for hydration, I would absolutely recommend visiting the Tulum ruins. It’s a truly awe-inspiring place, full of history and natural beauty. Just be sure to plan your visit wisely and go prepared for the weather. If you can avoid the scorching midday sun, you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience.
Tips: Drink the water and ACCEPT the umbrella, they do not allow plastic water bottles into the site and will do bag checks. If you have a small handheld fan take that as well, it might help… a little.
Stay Tuned for More Adventures!
So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of ATVs, cenotes, and ancient ruins. I know, I know, it’s a lot to take in, and that’s why I’ve decided to split this epic adventure into multiple parts. Because let’s face it, nobody has the time to read a novel-length blog post!
But don’t worry, the fun isn’t over yet! Stay tuned for part three of our travel series, where I’ll take you on a wild ride through Xcaret Park, a nature and cultural theme park that’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Think underground rivers, Mayan villages, and even a chance to swim with dolphins! And a few local hot spots!
In the meantime, be sure to check out my other blog posts on a variety of topics. I’ve got something for everyone! And if you have any questions or comments about our Mexican adventure, feel free to leave them below. I’d love to hear from you!
Are you ready for more adventure? Let’s explore the world together
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