EXOTIC QUINTANA ROO STATE IN MEXICO!

Mexico! A trip I wanted to make for many years, an endlessly interesting country with rich culture, magnificent ancient ruins and stunning landscapes.

My Itinerary:

Flight from Athens to Mexico City. 8 days in Mexico city with 2-3 day trips and then flight to Cancun city in Quintana Roo state. We rented a car, drove 2 hours to Tulum and spent 4 days in the area there with 1 day trip in Valladolid. Then 2 more days in Holbox Island. Flight from Cancun airport back to Athens-Greece where my hometown is. Check my other article for Mexico city here.

Angel’s tip: Tulum has an airport opened on December 2023 about 32 km (20 miles) from the center of Tulum.

Mexico as a country is divided into 32 states. Some popular ones that you may have heard already apart from “Mexico City”, are Baja California Sur , Campeche, Chiapas, Guanajuato , Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo etc

Their official name is United Mexican States.

Quintana Roo, as mentioned above, is one of them and very exotic! It is a Mexican state on the Yucatán Peninsula that is bordered by the states of Campeche to the west and Yucatán to the northwest. The Riviera Maya (the Cancun–Tulum 40 km corridor) is a district that includes many cities from north to south like a line. It starts from Puerto Morelos after Cancun, continues to Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum and ends at Punta Allen.

Quintana Roo state mainly includes:

• the famous cities of Cancun & Tulum
• the islands of Cozumel, Holbox & Isla Mujeres
• lots of towns like Bacalar, Playa del Carmen and Akumal
• impressive ancient Maya ruins
• and more than 6000+ Cenotes. Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed when limestone collapses, revealing a hidden pool of water where you can swim. They are divided mainly into open, semi-open & closed. An impressive miracle of the nature! Scientists say that millions years ago an asteroid indirectly caused their creation.

QUINTANA ROO is one of the most popular places  in the country and many people just choose to visit this area when they come to Mexico. Angel’s tip: My favorite part of this state are the “CENOTES” , as mentioned above, that cannot be found in Mexico city or other states. I suggest you try to visit at least 2-3 different ones.

• Official Language: Spanish but in touristic places they speak English
• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
• Tap water: not drinkable
• Tip: 10-15%
• Main airport: Cancun International airport
• I recommend renting a car and stroll around the area, otherwise you can use Uber, rent bikes or take the bus (I used ADO and booked many buses through  Bookaway site) In case you just want to relax on the islands or Tulum and Cancun, and especially if you choose a hotel on the beach, car is not needed. Angel’s tip: I booked a car through “Alamo Rent a Car” in Cancun airport but our contract was Hertz. Please note the time difference you may face while traveling within the country. Mexico city with Cancun have 1 time difference.

Let’s talk about the main parts of the state:

CANCUN CITY

A beautiful, touristic, tropical destination with nightlife and lots of activities. The vast majority of hotels in Cancún are huge and offer hundreds of room options. Food is mainly international, parties are great but prices are high. Don’t expect to feel the authenticity of Mexico here but enjoy the vibes!

High Season: December – April

Things to do in/close to Cancun:

• Swim with whale sharks.
• Relax on the beaches: Playa Tortugas, Playa Delfines, Playa Gaviota Azul, Playa Chacmool.
• Visit the Cancun Underwater Museum.
  

  Cancun city is full of impressive 5-stars resorts

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

A coastal town runs along the Riviera Maya, where divers can explore one of the world’s largest coral reef system. How amazing is that? The central part is a vibrant avenue (Quinta Avenida) filled with shops and restaurants, as well as a beachfront park called “Parque Fundadores” that hosts traditional Mayan performances in the evenings. Don’t miss to:

• Enjoy the main Playa del Carmen beach and the Playa Xcalacoco.
• Explore Rio Secreto Underground River.
• Cenote Chaak Tun is a must.
• Visit for free the Mayan ruins that are close by, the Xaman-Ha ruins.
• Spend the day at Xcaret Park which is a resort & eco-oriented development offering nature-based attractions.

AKUMAL

Distance from Cancun airport : 1.30 hour drive and from Tulum town 30 minutes by car.

A small quiet beach town on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, on the way from Cancun to Tulum. Visit it if you want to relax on the beach, on an impressive all inclusive hotel  or you just want to see turtles since it’s famous for it!

TULUM TOWN

First, I will mention that Tulum has an airport opened on December 2023. About 32 km (20 miles) from the center of Tulum, the airport could be a more convenient option for travelers visiting the region’s beaches, resorts and historical sites — many of which sit closer to Tulum than Cancun.

One of the most famous and touristic cities in Mexico known as the “Ibiza” of Mexico. Quite expensive with impressive beach bars/restaurants, great hotels, wonderful beaches, delicious food and party vibes. Angel’s tip: I loved Tulum but I like this type of entertainment. Many people think that real Mexico cannot be found here and prices are so high that it’s not worth it.

Things to see/visit in Tulum or close by:

• Tulum beaches, like the one in the pictures below
• Cenotes: Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, Zacil-Ha, Cenote Calavera, Azul, Corazon del Paraiso
• Ven A la Luz statue ($3 entrance)
• Tulum jungle gym
• Si’an Khan Biosphere reserve
• Xel Ha eco-adventure park
• Laguna Kaan Luum
• Tulum Archeological zone

Notes:

• There are hotels in Tulum town and on the beach. Second ones are obviously more expensive but very convenient since life is mainly there.
• Don’t forget to take some pictures in the beautiful murals you see around, in Ven A La Luz sculpture, in the “Follow that dream” sign and in the Tulum jungle gym.
• Visit Azulik Hotel for drinks. Angel’s tip: check the sunset experience, be there before 17:00 since there is limited space and the place is “first come, first served”(no reservations accepted).
• Many hotels arrange Yoga sessions in the mornings.
• If you love beer, visit Cerveseria in Tulum.
• Party in Taboo, Ilios, RosaNegra, Gitano, Bagatelle, I scream house , Ambar.

Food in Tulum:

• La Taqueria for tacos.
• La Zebra (Taco Thursday all you can eat 18:00-22:00)
• Great food & party mood in Rosanegra.
• Burrito Amor for delicious burritos.
• Visit Matcha Mama in the morning for acai bowls/smoothies.
• You can find incredible Pizza & pasta in the “La Onda” restaurant.

BACALAR

Another paradise looking place! Did you know that Bacalar is known to be the Maldives of Mexico because of its 7 shades of blue water? The Bacalar lagoon is the 2nd largest of fresh water in the whole Mexico. 4-5 hours from Cancun airport and 2-3 hrs from Tulum.

Make sure you visit Los Rapidos lagoon when it opens at 10 am since it’s getting too busy in the afternoon. You can either float by yourself along the beautiful river or rent a kayak!

ISLA HOLBOX

My first impression from Holbox Island? Like I am back in time! A magical, authentic, quiet island north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in Quintana Roo State. Have cash with you & have in mind that it is not a cheap Mexican island and sometimes there are water/electricity issues.

If I recommend it? Yesss!!

 How to get there? Take the ferry from Chiquila town on the mainland towards Isla Holbox: duration 30 minutes & ticket 200 MXN. (10€|$) . There are 2 companies, you book your ticket upon arrival & departures take place every half an hour. From Tulum town/ Cancun city/Cancun airport to Chiquila town: 2-3 hours by car/bus.

What to do in Holbox:

✔️Holbox has all year warm weather- climate is semi-tropical though.

✔️Stroll around the lovely small town & enjoy the fantastic street art(murals).

✔️Holbox is a car free island, rent a bike or a golf cart to explore it.

✔️Relax in Playa Punta Cocos & Playa Mosquito.

✔️ Holbox is famous for its bioluminescent waters. Devote one night & book the experience if you love nature & sea. You can book in advance or find many tour guides (even on the streets) that provide it.

✔️Swim with whale sharks (Possible usually from June to September).

✔️Have the 3 islands boat tour.

✔️Take a dog for walk at the famous Animal Holbox sanctuary .

✔️Take a photo in the famous Holbox signs at the beach & the port.

Angel’s tip: Something I did and I strongly recommend, is to book a taco experience. I booked through airbnb with @tacotourholbox & I tasted the most amazing tacos of the island with incredible cocktails. You can contact them directly on instagram or text me for more info.

ISLA COZUMEL

The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean sits off the tip of the peninsula, a great day trip since it is just 30 minutes only by ferry from Playa del Carmen. There are ferries by 3 different companies, from early morning to late at night.

First, if you are a diver, this place is for you! A surrounding reef is considered the 2nd-best in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. How impressive is that?

Things you can do:

• The downtown is called San Miguel, where you can walk around and rent a bike to explore the island and admire the beautiful murals.
• Relax on the beach. You can choose one of the many beach bars/clubs. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss El Cielo beach, 1 hour by ferry from Cozumel port.
• Join a snorkeling tour off of the Cozumel coast, even if you are a beginner.
• Visit San Gervasio archeological site.
• Visit Punta Sur Ecological park.

Angel’s tip: You can check here for tours to book online: Get your guide

ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, 30 minutes by ferry – some kilometers off of the coast from Cancún. It’s a holiday destination known for its relaxing vibes, wonderful beaches, resort hotels, snorkeling and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs. 

• Ideally if you have time stay here for 1-2 nights, otherwise as many people do, take the ferry from Cancun and enjoy an amazing day trip!
• If you want to discover the island easily, rent a golf cart for 50 dollars per day.
• Don’t miss Playa Norte and relax either on a beach bar or alone with your towel. In case it is crowded and you want a more private spot, head south. At the very southern tip of the island is Punta Sur.
• At Punta Sur, you can find a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles where you can, as a volunteer, collect turtle eggs and place them in a safe place to protect them.
• If the conditions allow it during July and August mainly, you can go for swimming with whale sharks, dolphins, turtles… pure magic!
• Make a reservation with delicious food and live music in Rosa Sirenas.

MUST DO

Not exactly in Quintana Roo as you change state while driving but a must day trip from Tulum: to Valladolid town & Chichen Itza pyramids, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Don’t forget to visit some Cenotes close by.

Cenotes close to Valladolid:

• Suytun
• San Lorenzo Oxman
• inside Selva Maya Hacienda
• X’keken & Samula
• Zaci
• Ik Kil

Ideal Itinerary for 15 days in QUINTANA ROO state(of course the more days you can spend the better) :

• 3 days in Tulum
• 2 days in Cancun
• 1 or 2 days in Valladolid to see the town, famous cenotes and Chichen Itza pyramids as well (that belongs to Yucatán state though)
• 2 days in Bacalar blue lagoon
• 2 or 3 days in Holbox island
• 1-2 days in Cozumel island either as a day trip from Playa del Carmen or stay one night.
• 1 day in Isla Mujeres as a day trip from Playa del Carmen
• 1 day in Playa del Carmen city
• 1 day in Akumal

Angel’s tip: I have received many questions about the best itinerary if you don’t have so many days to spend. I would say, choose Tulum instead of Cancun, visit for sure Valladolid and many Cenotes. Add an island to feel the vibes, I loved Holbox but I understand that transportation to Cozumel or Mujeres is easier.

GENERAL TIPS 

Can I drink tap water in Mexico?

Don’t drink the tap water in Mexico City! Only bottled.

Plug?

US plugs, type A with the two flat parallel pins.

Tip in the restaurants?

10-20% is recommended.

Visa is needed? 

As a Greek citizen, you typically don’t need a VISA for short visits to Mexico(less than 180 days) for tourism or business purposes! However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the current visa requirements! Angel’s tip: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your planned stay!

For more pictures and details check my posts & reels on Instagram!

IG: angeliki.a_