Tulum, Mexico
What makes a memorable Mexico vacation? Is it the accommodations? The food? Company? Experience? Whatever it may be Mexico has it.
We decided to go on a last minute trip with close friends after learning that a large rental home became available through Airbnb. We were able to secure a two bedroom private oversized condo that included a master suite located on the second floor in the new residential development located in Quintana Roo, Tulum. The house was roughly $650/per night, which ended up being a couple dollars over $100 per person with our group of six.
This residence included two private soaking pools. One pool on the main level and the second located on the balcony of the master suite. This Airbnb vacation rental engulfed us in local culture minutes away by means of walking. Booking this through Aribnb was a no-brainer.
Picture credit from host of Airbnb.com
Picture credit from host of Airbnb.com
Day 1: There were many items on the “to do” list during this vacation and one of them was spear fishing. We decided to bring our own spear guns to avoid paying rental fees. Once we landed in Cancun we located our spear fishing case that happened to resemble a gun case. Security pulled us over immediately to search the case and all other luggage. Note for future spear fishers, don’t put your spear guns in a gun case. it is a giant red flag After a few minutes of being searched and providing an explanation, we were on our way.
First item on the agenda was to rent a van that comfortably fit six. Before the trip, we decided on a rental car spot just outside of the airport. This allowed for a transportation van to escort us to the rental shop. Once we arrived, we quickly realized the vehicle they had for us was not going to fit everyone plus luggage. The employees were able to track down a transit van and have it detailed within thirty minutes. The additional $100/per person was worth the upgrade for comfort during our weeklong adventure.
We stopped by a local restaurant off the 307 by the name of Taqueria Ely, fifteen minutes outside of the Cancun airport. The atmosphere had a cultural bar feel with amazing authentic dishes and cool alcoholic beverages. The pricing was reasonable. Tyler and I ended up paying $50 for a couple cervezas, a quesadilla and a few tocos.
Day 2: We woke up and walked to a local breakfast spot a few blocks away from the Airbnb. The Vintage Cafe was a quaint little spot with delicious smoothy drinks and healthy breakfast options.
After breakfast we decided to drive down Carretera Bocapaila south bound looking to explore the beach. Next to Mezzanine Hotel Tulum there is a pull off where locals can enter the beach from the road. We were able to park on the side of the road and walk around. This spot was perfect to watch sea creatures go about their business in and among the rocky landscape.
We ended the day walking down Carretera Tulum – Boca Paila and stopped at Siete Fuegos primarily because of the large pig roasting over a grill in the front. The waiter was incredibly accommodating and spoke fluent English. The dishes ranged from loose meat trays to tocos. The location was a bit over priced for the food, but all in all it was a wonderful experience.
Day 3: The day started with beautiful weather. We decided to visit the Tulum ruins located on the cost roughly ___ minutes from the Airbnb. Taking the 307 north bound to Avenida Ruinas Tulum we were abruptly slowed down by ten to fifteen locals wanting us to pay them to park in their lot to access the ruins. We decided to drive past them and their yelling and banging on the windows of the van. As uncomfortable this was, we soon realized they were using scare tactics to force you into their lot which was roughly a mile away from the ruins.
Pushing forward we were able to hang a right at the end of Avenida Ruinas and found a pull off at Alito Tulum Hotel that offered paid parking, beach access, admission to the ruins and a private boat ride along the coast providing a different view of the Tulum ruins. This was $50 per person. The walk from the parking area to the ruin entrance was about a 15 minute walk. Completely worth the uncertainty of driving past the loud locals trying to get your money for minimal benefit.
Once we parked we were welcomed to use the restroom and beachside bar. We were the only ones there which made for an exclusive one of a kind experience and incredible photo opportunities.
Once we entered the ruins, we were free to explore on our own and take as much time as we wanted to explore. We did not have a tour guide during this time which was the preference of our group of six.
Returning to the parking area we were met by the staff who introduced us to the captain of a speedboat. We received a private boat ride up and down the coast getting an ocean view of the Tulum ruins. Tips are always welcome to show appreciation to the locals for providing such a great experience.
After a long day in the sun, we decided to head back to the Airbnb and prepare an amazing dinner for six. The local grocery store was located off of Carretera Tulum – Boca Paila, roughly south of Avenida Tulum. The name of the grocery store is Chedraui. The store is rather large and has almost everything you need. Make sure to bring pesos for a quick easy checkout. Parking is in a gated lot. You will need to pull a ticket when you enter and show proof of purchase when you leave to receive free parking.
We purchased six large raw lobsters, bell peppers, shrimp, and steak. The grocery store sells a decent sized selection of alcohol, so we decided to indulge in a bottle of Los Pasos. It was the first time we had prepared and grilled lobster over a coal fire and it turned out amazing. Cheers to the chef of the house!
Day 4: