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The No-Nonsense Guide to Visiting Cancun

You will learn:

All the Basics like When to Visit Cancun, What You Should Bring
How to get up to 80% off on Excursions, Attractions, and the Hottest Clubs
The Nicest Beaches, Spanish Hacking Tips, and Shopping Secrets
How to Get Around the City for Pennies, and Where to get a free map
Authentic Restaurants and Little Markets that Only the Locals Know About.
Quality Healthcare and Dental work at Ridiculous Prices
Free and Budget Friendly Activities, Shows, Dancing Lessons and more
And Many More Sneaky Tips and Tricks that will Make Your Trip Awesome.

by David Rowicz
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Disclaimer:
The Cancun Insider has been written for general information purposes only, and does not provide
medical, legal or other professional advice. The information is provided by David Rowicz, and even
though we make every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided in this book is
accurate, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees of any kind, express or implied,
regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, of
any information or graphics contained in this book for any purpose. Any reliance you place on the
information provided in this book is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will the Author or Publisher be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation,
indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from use of this
book, or in connection with the use of this book.

In simple terms - When you travel: Be smart, stay safe and have fun!

© 2013 by David Rowicz

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 0-0-0-0

Cover design by: WebDM.ca & J.P. Olandez

Illustrations by: Caroline Artayudianto
Layout Design by: Tomislav M.
Editing by: Theresa Stanton & Jayne Reynolds
Photography of David Rowicz in Mexico by: Charlene Winfred – CharleneWinfred.com

Printed in the U.S.A.

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Visit MogulDivision Publishing online at
 www.moguldivision.com

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
-Augustine of Hippo
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Table of Contents [SHOULD CONTAIN PAGE NUMBERS]

Preface – a special note to the reader

This is not a step by step travel guide
The people who made this book possible

I was terrified of Mexico

Cancun is safe
The Cancun cheat sheet
Geographical coordinates
When to visit Cancun
Where to stay in Cancun
Finding short-term accommodation
Finding long-term accommodation
Free accommodation in Cancun
The ultimate packing list
Useful items to pack that most people forget
Where to get a free Cancun map
Quick note about water safety
Three nicest beaches in Cancun
How to get to the best beaches in Cancun
5 best budget friendly activities in Cancun
Don't miss out on the action - find out what is happening in Cancun
Get around the city for pennies
How to take a taxi safely
5 simple tips for a stay safe in Mexico
How to learn Spanish QUICKLY – the easy way
List of Spanish words that could come in handy in Cancun
Travelling alone - how to meet people fast in Cancun
Shopping in Cancun 101 – the way the locals do it
Flea markets and two mercados (markets) where you can buy anything
Don't overpay! How to get a great price on anything you want to buy
Best stores for budget travellers
Don't buy tequila before you read this!
Tasting different tequilas on a budget
Unique gift and souvenir ideas
Authentic Mexican cuisine where the locals eat
Don't be scared to try small holes in the wall type places
Fast food - the Mexican way
Must try dishes and where to get them
Stay refreshed: a quick guide to what's in those mysterious nondescript plastic bottles
5 tips to know if a restaurant is good
Eating on a budget – fresh and healthy food without breaking the bank
Top 5 midnight snacks after going out to party
The Mexican hangover cure
Cheap healthcare - how to get dental/medical treatments for pennies on the dollar
Finding a good dentist in Cancun
Take part in an Aztec cleansing ceremony
The Mayan secret to feel 10 years younger – the cenotes
Where are cenotes?
Sneaky travel tricks
How to find the hidden gems that only locals know about
Save money during your stay
Get access to the hottest clubs for way less than most tourists pay
Explore Mexican culture for free
Give new life to your shoes - the Cancun shoeshine
Save money on your laundry – don’t use hotel laundry services
Photo opportunities - 10 Places where you can take really cool pictures
Saving up to 80% on excursions
Must-visit places near Cancun – excursion ideas
Amusement parks, nature reserves and zoos
Cities close to Cancun that are worth a visit
Stuck on a rainy day? Not sure where to buy your excursions?
Closing thoughts
Preface – a special note to the reader

As I am writing these words, I'm sitting under the palm trees of my garden in Cancun, Mexico. When
the reality hit me, I got somewhat emotional and I had to go grab my laptop and pen down the feelings
that were washing over me at that moment. Only two years ago I was broke, in a lot of debt, and stuck
with yet another of my business ventures that had just crashed. I remember sitting on my couch,
flipping through mind-numbing TV shows when I came across a program that I had never seen before.

The show in question was a very popular cooking/travel show. In that particular episode, the chef was
visiting Mexico, and of course tasting all the delicious foods the country had to offer and getting into
all sorts of shenanigans. The concept of the show really connected with me, and furthermore got me
into a thought process that shaped the next two years of my life.

At the time when I was watching the show, I was extremely discouraged by life, and had barely enough
money to cover my rent. I also remember being very hungry, so all of that delicious-looking food
seemed very appealing; I wanted to have a taste for myself.

I turned to my girlfriend of the time, and said, ''I want to go to Mexico and eat that food - it looks
insane. Actually, let me rephrase that - I'm going to go to Mexico.'' I quickly hatched a plan and put it
into action that same night.

Fast-forward two years and here I am in Mexico, and I just had a delicious authentic Mexican meal for
lunch (the real deal, not what they serve at the fast-food restaurants back at home). In fact, this is my
second trip down here, but this time instead of a quick one-week vacation I am staying for the whole
winter (it's way too cold in Canada). This little story only goes to show that you never know where you
can end up a mere year or two from now. But what's really impressive is how a little thought implanted
in the right place in your psyche can spawn into a reality that is so much better than you expected.

It's easy to have big dreams and aspirations in life; in fact, everyone that I know has them. But how
many people actually materialize them? How many people do you know who have their ''big project''
that they always talk about but have never taken any steps to make it happen? I love very subtly asking
people why they don't achieve their dreams, and the answer is always some lame excuse. Whatever that
excuse is, it always boils down to the same thing - imaginary boundaries that people give themselves in
an effort to put as many (mental) obstacles on the road to ultimate fulfillment and happiness as
possible.

I hope that the nuggets of information that you find in this book will help you get out of your comfort
zone and experience something new and incredible. Hopefully you will be able to do something that
others will regard as a little crazy, perhaps something unique that only a handful of individuals can
relate to. So, join me on this wild adventure where you will be able to experience the magic of
discovering a new country full of culture, culinary delights, interesting people, beautiful sights, and
unforgettable experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime.
This is not a step by step travel guide

This guide is definitely not a historical or theoretical book. Everything that you will read within these
pages is all practical information that you will be able to use pretty much every day of your trip. It's the
type of information that most beginner travellers don't even know exists and therefore miss out on
many great opportunities during their stay.

By packing this book full of practical tips, I had to omit all of the ''traditional'' guide book information
(which is quite boring anyway and you can find it for free online if you type Cancun into any wiki type
website). I tried to keep this book as clear and concise as possible so you only get the practical
information and none of the filler material.

If you are into demographics or statistics, or if you need a ''step by step'' travel guide, this book is
perhaps not the best choice for you. However, if you want to find out how to have a great time in
Cancun (even with a really, really limited budget) then this book is priceless, and should pay for itself
on the first couple of days of your trip. By following my advice, you will save a small fortune during
your stay and be able to try new things that most travellers miss out on.

I wrote this book because I really want you to experience the real Cancun so you can see how the locals
live. I want you to discover authentic Mexican cuisine, and enjoy places that only locals know about. I
want you to understand that Cancun is not only a safe place, but that it's a culturally rich area since
people from all over Mexico live there. I want to teach you all the tips and tricks that I learned by
experience that will save you money, keep you safe and help you to avoid falling into tourist traps.

Bear in mind that everything that you will learn in this book has been personally tried and tested
(probably many times) during my stay there. I consider myself a life hacker; in other words I love to
find loopholes and creative ways to accomplish things, save money and have more fun doing them
compared to the standard way of thinking. I also wrote this book because most of the new tourists that
come to Cancun have no idea of what to do, where to go, how much to pay for certain things, and how
to tip to get the best service. I really want to give you all of this inside information so you can arrive in
Cancun and feel at home. The information provided in this book has made my trips to Cancun a true
success and I sincerely hope that it will make your trip equally great.

Note: All $ amount are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated and were accurate at time of
publishing.

The people who made this book possible

Before we continue, I would like to take the time to thank some great people who have made this book
possible. Carolina has been my co-pilot during this journey, has helped me improve my Spanish and
served as a makeshift translator in many cases. She has been my Cancun mentor and was successful at
making me see Cancun through a different pair of eyes. Because of her I was able to see parts of
Cancun that I would never otherwise have been able to see or experience. I would also like to say
thanks to Rick for the many interesting conversations and culinary exchanges. And I say ¡Hola! to all
my Cancun neighbours and friends who have made my trips so fun and interesting.

Even though I have met them in Mexico City, Cesar and Charlene are two of the most awesome people
I have met when travelling, and they needed a very special mention in this book. Both of them have
been with me during great times, but also stuck by my side when times got tough. I don't know if they
know how much their presence meant to me on one of the hardest days of my life. Without them this
book would probably not exist.

I would also like to extend a warm thanks to my family and friends back home. Some of them believed
in me from the get-go and were able to help me out in many steps of my journey. Then there were those
who gave me tough love and honest opinions about many of my projects. This has helped me shape my
views and my business practices in order to enhance my life and live it to the fullest.

Last but not least, I say a big muchas gracias to the many street-food vendors, guides, shamans and
wonderful Mexicans who talked to me about their traditions, shared their wisdom, gave me suggestions
for great places to visit, invited me into their homes for great meals, took care of me when I was sick,
and so much more. Without you, this whole amazing experience would have not been the same. Thanks
to you Mexico, you will forever have a special place in my heart.

Above all, thank you very much for purchasing this book and I sincerely hope that you enjoy
both reading it and applying the information as much as I enjoyed writing it for you. Have a safe
flight to Cancun and have the time of your life!
I was terrified of Mexico

It was a cold February morning when my alarm went off. It was still dark outside. I knew that the day
had come when I would finally ditch a freezing Canadian winter, exchanging it for a few months of
warm beaches and pristine water in this strange country called Mexico. I was quite nervous and still
drowsy from waking up at 4 am. My ride was already waiting outside to drop me off at the airport, so I
put on some pants and left my frozen hometown behind.

The closer I got to the airport the more nervous I got, and the more nervous I got the more nauseous I
became. The voices of my friends and family were echoing in my mind, '' Mexico is dangerous'', ''You
can get kidnapped'', '' Don't get ripped off'', ''Don't trust the Mexicans'', ''Don't eat street food''. I was
starting to second-guess my trip. In fact, I was already making up scenarios of drive-by shootings and
how I would get kidnapped and robbed.

I was anticipating the worst-case scenarios because for some odd reason we are fed this image that
Mexico is such a dangerous place, that the people there are lazy, that everyone gets kidnapped or falls
from hotel balconies, gets torn into pieces by crocodiles, beaten up in clubs, or shot and abandoned in
some ditch. Even I bought into these stories.

My flight was quick and painless and my local Mexican transport speedily got me to the place that I
was renting. After checking in, taking a quick shower and a quick call home to let everyone know that
I’d arrived, I sat on my bed too scared to go outside.

In fact, I was so freaked out that I was terrified to go walking in my own Mexican neighbourhood. The
little park with the street vendors next to my place terrified me. But as I am an ''international explorer'',
I put on a clean shirt and went to explore what I had imagined would be a terrifying place.

My first stop on the way out of my rental was a higher-end restaurant, rated in the top 10 tourist
restaurants in Cancun. I ordered chicken in mole sauce. It was pretty good, but nothing extraordinary.
But what surprised me most was the price - forty American dollars. Now I was really second-guessing
my trip and I was pretty sure that my budget would last me for three weeks instead of three months if
all the restaurants where at that price point.

A little disappointed with my dining experience, I decided to head back home and call it a night. When
I was leaving the restaurant I noticed from the corner of my eye some lights and then I heard some
music. Something was happening at the park. I took a deep breath and marched towards the noise with
the warnings from my friends and family ringing in my head -some gang was probably waiting to
abduct me.

As I approached the park I noticed that lots of kids were running here and there. Whole families were
sitting outside around modern cement tables enjoying food that looked and smelled so good (WAY
better than what I had just eaten). At that point my attention was captured by all the kids driving around
in little electric cars, blowing bubbles and running around in the playground. These kids were actually
playing outside and socializing with each other rather than being isolated with their game consoles
inside their homes. There were colourful lights everywhere, cotton candy vendors, a folk show on the
stage and delicious smells coming from all the little food carts selling marquesitas, tacos, and
chicharones. Musicians were walking among the tables, serenading couples. Jugglers, clowns and
magicians drew and amused crowds. All of this was completely overwhelming; my senses were
overloaded by this influx of information.
I was suddenly confronted with a very powerful cognitive dissonance - everything that I had ever heard
about Mexico was not quite true. We have been fed over-sensationalized stories that really misrepresent
Mexico in many ways. During the three months I spent there I came to realize that it is the many
imperfections in this country that make it unique and special. If you take the time to get off the beaten
path and see what the real Cancun is all about you will probably come to the same conclusion.

Cancun is safe

Yes, you heard me right. Despite all the awful things that you hear on the news, from friends or in the
newspapers about Cancun; I can assure you that if you follow common sense and my safety tips, you
will never feel unsafe there. Cancun has nothing to do with other parts of Mexico that are genuinely
dangerous. I've been on deserted streets in seedy-looking neighbourhoods where I may have been the
first tourist to ever set foot - yet nothing ever happened. If I was to do the same in places like New York
City or even some parts of my hometown conceivably I would be toast, yet I'm still alive to tell my
Mexican stories. I've never felt even remotely unsafe there, even if I did lack common sense on many
occasions.

So here is the question that just begs to be asked: why is it that you hear so many negative things about
this wonderful place? Mexico is a country where there are many issues that are ''in progress''. It's far
from being perfect and you do see some pretty gruesome things on the local television and in
newspapers. However what the media omits is that tourists are rarely – if ever – the target of such acts.
In most cases these incidents involve characters who are heavily involved in the criminal underworld.

Of course, as in any place in the world, you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time. However,
the odds of something like that actually happening are slim to none, and are probably exactly the same
where you live now.

So the best tip that I can give you initially is to simply not mix with criminal elements. Stay away from
stolen goods, drugs and other illicit activities and I can assure you that your stay will be not only safe,
but hassle-free.

Cancun is a place rich in culture where family values are important, where the food is delicious, and the
drinks flow abundantly. It's a place where the history is enlightening and the traditions are spectacular,
so I really hope that all of the negative propaganda that you hear left and right will not discourage you
from visiting this beautiful place.

The Cancun cheat sheet

This section will cover all of the basic information regarding Cancun. Just by reading this section
alone, you could have a great trip as you will discover all of the core information to get you started on
your Mexican journey. I want to expose you slowly to what you may encounter in the larger Cancun
area when you step out of the hotel zone. By the end of this chapter, you will have a good idea of what
to expect as far as the logistics of your trip are concerned. It's almost magical when you are walking
down the street of a place where you have never been and you are already armed with the knowledge of
what to do, where to go and all of the places to avoid. When you're on a trip (especially a short stay)
you will probably miss out on many interesting opportunities that are simply a little more hidden than
the obvious tourist hot spots, unless you have access to the kind of information I’m offering. This
chapter will start to fill you in on these details so you can truly make the most out of your trip.
Geographical coordinates

All through this book, you will notice that I provide geographical coordinates for most of the places
that I write about. I decided to use geographical coordinates because addresses are sometimes
unreliable in Cancun. To use these coordinates simply go to your favorite online map website and type
them into the map search box, you can also use them on a GPS device. You will then be able to see
where the place in question is located and you will also be able to get directions by putting in your
starting point (e.g. your hotel).

When to visit Cancun

When planning your trip to Cancun you need to bear in mind what the weather will be like, high and
low season pricing and what type of crowd you are willing to be exposed to. Two examples of poor
planning that I have seen are: older couples booking their vacation for spring break; and budget
travellers booking their stay during semana santa, a week-long Mexican holiday where every
accommodation is booked and most prices are inflated.

My suggestions for when to visit and when to avoid visiting Cancun are as follows:

Wet (rain/storm) season

I would personally avoid travelling to any Caribbean destination between May and October unless I
was looking for the ultimate bargain. Keep in mind that you might encounter many storms and
hurricanes if you are in Cancun during those months. Hotels are usually quite empty during these
months and some even ask their staff to take days off due to the lack of work. If you are on the
adventurous side and don't mind getting wet, the rainy season is for you. Also, if you are on an extreme
budget, you will find the best bargains around (on everything) during this time of the year.

Summer (very hot and humid)

Summer coincides with the wet season so, even if you are prepared to be blown around and get a little
wet, consider what it means to live in a perpetual steam sauna. The average humidity in Cancun during
this time of year is about 70 percent. Unless you have a pool in your backyard or are living on the
oceanfront so you can spend your day refreshing yourself in the water, you might be a little miserable
during your stay. On the flip side for the people that really do enjoy this humidity, this is your cue to
come down and enjoy the heat. An advantage of being in Cancun in the summer season is that you are
very likely to have awesome deals on anything related to the restaurant/hospitality/tourism industry as
this is the start of the low season. Air flights should be very cheap and all-inclusive hotel packages are
probably going to be up to 60 percent off starting around August or September. If you do decide to
come down during the summer, don't forget to drink massive amounts of liquids so you don't get
dehydrated

Beware of flight cancellations due to bad weather when you are buying cheap tickets

Airlines and hotels do offer very low fares and huge discounts to Cancun in the rainy (low) season, but
if you want to come down during this season I recommend that you come prepared to have a really
open schedule and a few days to spare since heavy rains are common. Remember that the whole
Yucatan peninsula is filled with ‘‘tropical rainforest” jungles and you can probably guess why they are
called just that. You might plan on a couple of local trips, but you run the risk of cancelling them due to
heavy rains, flooding on the roads and other weather-related reasons. Tour operators are also forced to
stop their tours by land or by sea when hurricanes or tropical storms hit. Cancun receives at least an
average of one or two large storms each year, and of course the airport gets closed down once in a
while. If you are using cheap tickets (such as last-minute deals) the restrictions are typically high, so be
sure that if you miss your flight it’s because the airline cancelled it. If there is a hurricane, for example,
and you are supposed to leave on a Saturday to go back home but you hear that the airport is closed and
you don't show up for the check in, the airline might consider that to be your fault. They could make
you purchase a new ticket to fly back home. If this is the case, try to get yourself to the airport or at
least call your airline the day before to confirm the status of your flight. If they cancel the flight due to
bad weather some airlines will actually change your reservation to the next day or make an
arrangement with you to pay extra hotel nights or give you food vouchers. Make sure to communicate
with your air travel provider in any case of doubt.

Carnival

Carnival is celebrated the week preceding Ash Wednesday, which is also the beginning of Lent in the
Catholic religion. To be quite honest it's not nearly as big and wild as whatever happens in Rio, yet it's
worthwhile to check out if you are in Cancun. You will encounter many interesting events such as the
parade, dance presentations, live music, a fair with games and rides, a freak show and many interesting
food and beverage vendors. Usually the parade is on Av. Tulum and the main attractions behind the
plaza las americas. If you are not sure, just follow the crowd.

Here are the dates of Carnival through to the year 2020:

 2014 - Carnival date - March 4

 2015 - Carnival date - February 17
 2016 - Carnival date - February 9
 2017 - Carnival date - February 28
 2018 - Carnival date - February 13
 2019 - Carnival date - March 5
 2020 - Carnival date - February 25

Spring break

If you are between the ages of 18-30, and you've never been to spring break Cancun, it's a must-see. I
would definitely not recommend staying confined in a hotel for the whole week - join the madness at
the beach or in the clubs at night. Personally, there is only so much I can take of rowdy drunkenness
and shenanigans, but if you're there why not partake in and witness the madness at least once. On the
other hand, if you are looking for a more relaxed vacation free of party animals you might want to
avoid it at all costs. You could also simply pick a hotel where they do not allow spring breakers or get
accommodation downtown where you are not likely to encounter the partygoers. What I also like about
spring break in Cancun is that you can be on one part of the beach and be in the epicenter of the party
then walk 5 to 10 minutes and be in a totally calm part of the beach where nothing will bother you.

Semana Santa

Things get wild during Semana Santa. Even though it’s a religious holiday where people are supposed
to pray a bit more, the fact is that everybody (religious or not) takes a few days to have a great time and
rest on the beaches to cool off. It's a week-long holiday where people from all over Mexico flock to
Cancun and other ocean-side destinations. In 2013, the hotel occupancy rate was around 94-97%. It's
the best time of the year to see how Mexicans get their party on. Also, if you are into religious
ceremonies, you will be able to participate in many huge events such as the cross road on Playa
Delfines, which is composed of hundreds of actors, live horses, special effects, and music.

Keep in mind that since everything is overbooked during this period most prices are either inflexible or
even a little inflated. Some hotels actually have rigid policies such as limiting your stay to a minimum
number of nights. I've seen accommodation with 7-night minimum stays and some hotels actually make
you pre-pay your stay and will never, under any circumstances, refund anything if you cancel or don’t
show at all.

If you would also like to see one of the most interesting cultural aspects of the real Mexico, you have to
leave Cancun and go to smaller towns close by. This is especially true on Good Friday when Catholics
commemorate the death of Jesus Christ, some with procesiones, or parades where statues are carried on
shoulders and paraded all around, with locals laying flowers on the path. Some places actually make
theatrical plays of the actual crucifixion with real people.

My favourite time of the year to visit (dry season)

The weather in March and April is absolutely gorgeous in Cancun. It's very dry since there are very few
rainy days. The temperature gets quite warm during the day, yet cool enough during the evening that
you don't need an air conditioner turned on at night. Semana Santa usually falls in one of these two
months, but as soon as it's over most local tourists leave the city so budget travellers can get better
prices on many accommodations and activities. Another advantage of being here in March and April is
that the water in the ocean is very warm, yet not warm enough to have sea lice bugging you. Sea lice
are a problem starting around the beginning of May in most Caribbean waters. Another perk is airplane
ticket prices, which usually are very accessible as most U.S. and Canadian tourists tend to visit Mexico
from December to March. None of the people I know who travelled during this period ever paid more
than $500-600 for their round-trip ticket to Cancun.

Where to stay in Cancun

When I initially booked my trip to Cancun, everything happened very quickly. Basically I was
bedridden due to really bad sinusitis, so the only thing that I was doing all day was surfing the net and
looking at travel destinations. At some point a website popped up with a great price on airplane tickets
to Cancun - so great that I booked them on the spot.

Then I realized that I had no idea of where I would stay. My departure and return tickets were a few
months apart so I knew that I had to rent a place, as staying in a hotel would be simply too expensive.
It didn't take me long to figure out that there are tons of lodging options in Cancun, ranging from
closet-sized studios to enormous villas on the beach – and everything in between.

After hours and hours of browsing online, looking at numerous photos of properties and checking out
many forums, rental sites and reading pretty much everything on the subject, I picked a place. All of
those hours of research paid off as I was in a nice, central location, in a freshly renovated studio.

During my trip, I had the chance to meet many travellers who were not as lucky as I was. I decided to
add these pointers to help you find a nice place in Cancun.
Location, location, location

My first pointer is to check out the exact location of where you would like to rent a place. Cancun is
not an enormous city, but it's still relatively big compared to a place like Puerto Morelos or Playa del
Carmen, for example.

As a rule of thumb, the further you are from the hotel tourist zone, the cheaper the accommodations
are. On the flip side, however, you will spend most of your time on buses and your money on taxis if
you want to see any type of action or to get to the beach.

To get to know the exact location of a potential accommodation, simply ask what city subdivision (or
Super Manzana – SM ) the place is located in. Once you have that number, simply look at a Cancun
map and it will give you an idea of where the place is located. Don't forget that buses don't go to all of
the areas in Cancun, so if you are in a remote area you might rely on taxis exclusively. Even if they are
quite cheap, taxi fares can add up quickly.

The nicest places that I have seen are either located downtown Cancun (near Parque los palapas,
Market 23, Market 28) or near the Plaza las Americas shopping mall. Since those are quite central
locations you are near the hotel zone, but also near all of the fun and less ‘‘touristy” spots in the city.

Your other option would be to stay in the hotel zone itself but you will encounter less locals and spend
more time among other tourists or expats. The places that you will find in the hotel zone are more on
the luxurious side and thus more expensive than what you find in the city itself.

Finding short-term accommodation

Usually short-term accommodations are a little more expensive than long-term accommodations not
only in Cancun, but anywhere that you travel. This does not mean that they have to be overpriced.

If you want to have a hassle-free experience, your best bet would be to either book a stay at a hostel, a
shared accommodation (roommates) or a service apartment/studio. Usually you will find these easily
on internet sites such as craigslist, tacolist or airbnb. Also, browsing different travel forums can give
you a great idea of where travellers liked to stay along with some inside information on different
neighbourhoods.

Before you book, make sure that the person renting to you has a credible reputation, and, if possible,
testimonials from other travellers that have stayed at their rental place. By doing this you will
maximize your chances of not getting scammed or ripped off.

If you decide to stay at a hotel, I found that if you book online or through a local travel agent you will
get a better price than if you make the reservation through the hotel itself. Also, if you would like to
stay for a REALLY cheap price at a 4- or 5-star hotel, look for local travel agents located in Mexico.
You will find many hotel deals for significantly less than what is offered in websites catering to
countries other than Mexico. Personally, this is only worth it if you are already in Mexico and can meet
with the travel agent directly in their office, otherwise I wouldn't even attempt it.

You may also find a lot of cheap stays online where the condition is that you go see a sales presentation
in the hotel in exchange for the rebate that you get, I would stay away from those. If it seems too good
to be true it probably is. That is my word of caution; if you do decide to go to one of those cheap
stays/presentations, please don't come crying to me if you get suckered into one of those expensive
schemes that they try to peddle.

Finding long-term accommodation

When you decide to stay for a couple of weeks or even months in Cancun, you will notice that prices
drop dramatically compared to a one-week stay. You’ll have more leverage with negotiating prices and
great deals will unfold in front of you almost magically.

You can essentially do an internet search for a place which works great, or you can use my two
techniques below to get an even better price than you find online.

Technique #1

A friend of mine who is a seasoned traveller gave me this tip a little too late since I had already booked
my lodging for the whole winter online. This method, with a little luck, will produce some pretty
awesome results. Basically, book any hotel/hostel for 2-3 nights online prior to your departure and then
once you are there set out to explore any neighbourhood that you are interested in. You will find many
places bearing a ''For Rent'' sign. Take the number and call. You will find many deals that are out of this
world. The most outstanding deal I found was a whole house that could easily accommodate 6-8
people, fully furnished and located smack-dab in the middle of the downtown area. All utilities were
included except electricity for a rate of around $450 per month. This will require a little work - and
perhaps finding a makeshift Spanish translator if you don't know the language - but the payoff is
usually worth it.

Technique #2

This technique will cost you around $100-150 as a fee, but the low monthly rent/quality of
accommodations that it will yield is pretty much the best value for your dollar that you can get. Google
a real estate agent/agency based in Cancun. For a low fee they will find you a great place according to
your needs, budget, location and so on. I paid an agent to do some research for me just for fun and the
deals that he came up with were simply amazing. If you do pay up front, though, make sure that you
are dealing with a reputable company.

Watch out for contracts!

Regardless of what kind of accommodation you rent, make sure to read the contract in detail before
signing and make sure you know what you are getting into. When travelling anywhere in the world you
are not on your home turf, thus in case of a dispute your landlord is probably going to have the upper
hand since he know how the local system works. In any case, if you have something in writing it is far
better than a verbal agreement. Some common rental scams and swindles are: a deposit for bedsheets
where the landlord will charge you a heavy price if there is any tiny damage to them, charging you
more than expected for electricity, amenities that are missing or different than initially discussed,
deadlines to cancel your stay without financial consequences etc. Make sure to take the necessary
precautions against wasting your money on incidents like those where the landlord abuses his contract
for financial gain.
Insider tip: watch out for electricity bills

I don't know what part of the world you are from, but where I'm from in Quebec, electricity is quite
cheap compared to the rest of the world. When I got my first electricity bill in Cancun I was a little
shocked – I think it was something like $125 for a rather small studio. If you are used to using
electrical items that consume a lot of power, be ready to add anywhere from $50-150 to your monthly
accommodation budget if the electricity is not included.

Unless you are staying in a shared accommodation, chances are that everything is going to be included
except electricity. There is not much that you can do to circumvent this. Realistically, the only thing
that you can really do is to travel during periods when it's a little cooler and use a fan instead of the air
conditioner.

If you don't want to spend a fortune on electricity make sure that it's included in your rental price. Also
electricity prices vary by city parts in Cancun so make sure to ask your landlord of an estimation of
how much electricity can cost per month.

Free accommodation in Cancun

If you've ever travelled on a budget, you must know the concept of couch surfing. If you don't know
what it is, couch surfing is a community of travellers who sleep on each others’ couches or spare beds
instead of renting an accommodation. Most surfers are both hosts and guests at different times.

Personally, I have hosted guests on several occasions and it was a great experience each time. Since
couch surfing relies on a feedback system it's a very safe and reliable option for staying in Cancun for
free for a couple of nights. A bonus of couch surfing is that the hosts are more than happy to show you
around and give you insights to the city that you might not have had otherwise. Check out the website
at Couchsurfing.org.

Alternatively, many hostels are more than happy to give you free accommodation and pay you a little
for some work that you do around the hostel. It's true that if you put your work into consideration these
accommodations are not free per se, but they won't have any “out of pocket” cost for you either. The
best way to find a gig at a hostel is to go and meet the owners and staff when you are on location.
Sometimes there are many opportunities for work, other times there are not, so make sure that you
always have a back-up plan!

The ultimate packing list

Now that you have decided on what time of the year you would like to travel, here are the top 5 items
that I recommend you bring on your trip. What I noticed is that many items can be purchased for a
relatively small amount of money directly in Cancun, while other things can be quite expensive.

Items that are quite expensive in Cancun are anything related to electronics: mp3 players, digital
cameras and laptops. These items should be brought from home. Cheap (flea market) mp3 players that
cost $5-10 in Canada will run you about $80-90 in Cancun. A rule of thumb that I try to follow when I
go on a trip is to bring less stuff and a little more money, especially if you are backpacking your way
through your travels. Here is a list of essentials that I don't leave home without:
ATM cards

This should be the top item on your list, since carrying a large amount of cash money is never
recommended on any trip. My suggestion would be for you to have two or three different cards and
stash them away in a few different places, so if you lose one you will have a backup plan. Also, enable
the online banking options for your accounts so if you do lose one of your cards money transfers will
be easy. Make sure that you call your bank to warn them that you will be spending money out of the
country. The last thing that you want is to have your funds cut off during your trip and have to make an
international phone call to reinstate your charging abilities.

Insider tip: If you lose your ATM card, make sure to call your bank immediately because if your card is
compromised a thief may withdraw money from your account or use your card before you know it.
These funds can take a long time to get reimbursed into your account if the bank's investigation judges
that you were in fact a victim of fraud. If you travel on a budget and money is tight this can ruin a
vacation pretty quickly!

Sunscreen lotion

For some strange reason, sunscreen lotion is very expensive in Cancun. The cheapest bottles are around
$11 and can go up to $30-50, if not more. Unless you want to burn and look like a lobster for your
whole trip, you will be needing lots of it. Bring a bottle or two from home and you'll be set for your
trip.

Insider tip: If you run out of suntan lotion during your trip and you're on a tight budget, consider
visiting one of the many flea markets. You should be able to find kiosks selling 3/4 full bottles of
sunscreen abandoned by tourists. For about 20 pesos, you will be able to get pretty much any brand that
you want - even the expensive stuff. This is not something that I've ever done myself, but I met many
expats that never pay more than a dollar or two for top shelf lotion. Also, if you plan on visiting any of
the nature parks, you might want to have a small bottle of biodegradable sunscreen lotion since they
will not let you in the park with the chemical stuff.

Probiotics

As opposed to most of the guides out there, I do recommend eating at street food carts since they not
only provide you with an economical option, but the food is often authentic and delicious. However,
once in a while you might encounter a food cart where an item on the menu might not sit properly with
you after you have eaten it. That is where taking probiotics will make the difference. In over 90 days of
eating at hole-in-the-wall restaurants, food carts, street vendors and other dubious food providers, I
have never fallen ill. Probiotics are expensive and weird here in Mexico, most don't even mention the
bacteria count on the bottle or are simply very weak. Consider asking your medical
provider/pharmacist for a brand that he or she recommends and begin taking them for a couple of
weeks before your trip in order to have the maximum protection. Travel forums all over the internet are
a testament to how people love probiotics in travel situations. An alternative to these is to start eating
yogurt when you are in Cancun. This should get your system accustomed to the local bacterial flora. As
I am not a doctor, please do not take what I said above as medical advice but simply as anecdotal
information; for me it simply works and I swear by it.

Laptop
If you are planning on coming to Cancun to find a bargain on a laptop, forget it. Not only are the
laptops here very expensive, but they are all in Spanish and have the Spanish keyboard with the ''ñ''
symbol. If you buy a laptop in Mexico and it breaks down you might have a difficult time getting it
fixed if you don't speak Spanish, as you will have to deal with one of the big box outlets where you
bought it in the first place. On the other hand, if you have your own laptop and have an issue with it,
there are countless repair shops that can have a look at it. I've visited some of these shops and they
usually charge you a flat fee of $50-100 to have a look and fix whatever your problem is. They can
often supply second-hand or bargain parts, and the workmanship is quite good.

Insider tip: If your hotel/accommodation charges you for the internet and you don't feel like paying,
most cafes/restaurants/bars offer free internet service if you go and have a drink there.

Camera

Memory cards and camera accessories are fairly cheap all over Cancun, but I suggest that you bring
your own gear from home. I've seen some bargains on underwater cameras and cheap point-and-shoot
cams, but when it comes to more decent equipment be prepared to pay the price. If you purchase a
camera in Cancun and it breaks down, chances are slim that the stores will do anything about it. This
has happened to two of my acquaintances here when they had to pay to get their cameras fixed even if
they were under warranty. Again, as with laptops, there are a few camera repair shops that can clean
your camera and get it working again. The most common problem seems to be sand getting in the
camera, so watch out at the beach. Since the camera places are usually speciality retail shops they will
charge you more than the computer guys. A friend who had their camera fixed had to pay over $120 for
a simple clean to remove all the sand particles from the lens mechanism.

Insider tip: Most items such as clothing, shoes, bags/backpacks and cosmetics are available for the
same price (if not cheaper) than in the U.S. You are also likely to find all of the major brands that you
are used to at home. Unless you are coming for a short period of time and don't feel like wasting a day
shopping for your stuff, pack light and make it an adventure when you are here. You will find a list of
places of where to buy anything for a bargain later in this book.

Useful items to pack that most people forget

Your ''must have'' item

Some people, if not most of us, have that must-have item anywhere they go. Whether it is a special
spice, a certain condiment, a night cream or a specific brand of condoms. If you have such an item, and
you simply can't live without it, BRING IT. Chances are that you will be able to find it here, but why
not simply bring it and have that extra peace of mind?

Insider tip: Speaking of condoms, there are no ''latex free'' options in Cancun – if they exist I haven't
found them. Should you (or your partner) be allergic to latex and plan on enjoying yourself/ves in
Cancun, make sure to get a box or two before you leave. I haven't explored the speciality shops but you
will find most common brands in the pharmacy areas of surface stores - even the flavoured stuff - but
it's all latex.

Earplugs

If you're living downtown Cancun, it can sometimes get loud - especially in a hostel. I always bring a
bag of 10-12 pairs since sharing with others can make you a friend. You never know what can happen;
a snoring neighbour, proximity to a loud discotheque or after-hours nightclub, or simply neighbours
having a loud party (which is not uncommon – but you can usually join in). An alternative to earplugs
is copious amounts of alcohol, but that's another story altogether.

Hand sanitizer lotion

Hand sanitizer is a must, especially if you eat 'hand-held' street food such as tacos. During my whole
90-day trip in Cancun, I never got any stomach bugs since clean hands prevent most contaminations. If
you are budget-sensitive, you can go to your closest dollar/discount store and buy a big bottle for about
$1-3 and a smaller bottle that you can refill as you go. It's not uncommon for some restaurants where
hand-held food is served to have a big jug of sanitizer with a pump so the clients can wash their hands
before eating, but it's still a good idea to carry one for yourself.

Small tissue packs and compressed wipes

If you're exploring Cancun ‘‘out of the hotel zone” you might encounter a toilet paper issue in many
washrooms. Bring along a tissue pack as it will always come in handy. You can buy these in any
pharmacy in 10- or 12-packs. You can also buy compressed wipes. They look like shrink-wrapped pills,
but as soon as you put some water on them they expand into a full-sized face towelette. These can be
useful when you want to refresh your face or clean up a spill.

A colour photocopy of your passport, credit/debit cards and I.D. cards

When travelling, my rule of thumb is to always leave my passport and other important cards/documents
in a safe place when I'm out and about on my explorations. Make a few photocopies of all of your
documents, carry one with you, and leave the rest in a safe place. I've never had a police agent ask me
for my papers in Mexico but I'm sure that a photocopy would do the trick. I've heard of people getting
detained for a short time because they had no identification on them but these cases are extremely rare
and preventable. It's always good to carry some sort of identification on your person. When you're in
another country you have no choice but to play by their rules.

Insider tip: You can also scan all of your documents and send them to your own personal email. You
never know what can happen, so it’s better be safe than sorry. If you ever lose your wallet you will only
need to access your email to get all the photocopies of your documents. In the case of a misplaced or
stolen bank card, banks usually want a photocopy of the front/back of the card. If you have it on hand
the process of getting a new card or I.D. will be easier and painless.

Pair of really comfortable walking shoes

If you explore, you're bound to walk. Pack a pair of comfortable shoes because if you don't, you will
regret it - especially if you hurt your feet at the beginning of your trip. If you end up in Cancun and you
realize that you only packed uncomfortable shoes, there are many great stores where you will be able to
purchase generic and brand name shoes for a great price. A trick that I got from a podiatrist when you
are buying shoes is try to buy them at night when your feet are swollen. This will make sure that they
will be comfortable all day. If you have big feet, such as I do, you will have trouble finding your size in
Cancun so prepare accordingly.

A few ziploc bags/bigger plastic bags

This tip is from my mom. Before I left, she gave me a bunch of plastic bags - and I used all of them. It
seemed like a weird thing to pack, especially since it's a thing that only a mother would think of to
bring. Plastic bags are practical to put away your dirty laundry, to carry a wet towel, to store some
leftovers in the fridge and to waterproof some of your items if you go in the water. Most of us have a
bunch lying around the house so why not pack a few just in case?

Socks

This will sound a little weird, but I've been on sock shopping trips with more than one person because
people think that they will most likely be on the beach and they won’t need socks - wrong. Sometimes
you will take long walks or be in a cooler climate than you anticipated. There may be colder nights or
afternoons, especially after the rain, when they will come in handy to keep your feet warm. Besides,
walking a lot with sandals can take a toll on your feet so good walking shoes with socks are the best.
Bring at least two or three pairs.

Toiletries

While men are not that crazy over a certain brand of toothpaste, shampoo or soap, we all have a special
brand or type of shaving cream, after shave lotion or deodorant we prefer. Women also have their
personal preferences on the brand or type of sanitary items, deodorants, shampoos and creams etc. I
recommend bringing a small bag with your very personal things, like a nail clipper, toothbrush, razor,
deodorant, creams, Q-tips, Band-Aids, etc. You might also want to bring your own special eye drops,
especially if you use contact lenses.

As you will soon find out, Mexico has really cheap medicine and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and other
toiletries are also quite inexpensive. But sometimes, specific prescription drops or brand-name
medications are difficult to find. The same goes if you need a specific brand of deodorant or other
personal item.

If you are not picky, then you will find everything that you need in the supermarkets, local markets and
drugstores.

Where to get a free Cancun map

Before you explore all of the little streets of Cancun you might want to get a map to plan out your
journey. Of course you can go to any online map website or navigate with the GPS on your phone, but
if you are looking for a simpler option, stop by any kiosk selling excursions in downtown Cancun (out
of the hotel zone) and ask for a free map. Usually these maps have all sorts of deals on restaurants,
shows and events on them as well. If one of the kiosks doesn't have free maps, just go to the next one.

Another alternative would be to pick up a free map at the airport terminal but each time I was in
Mexico the map stand was empty. When I was leaving to go back home, however, I noticed that in the
departure area of the airport the map stands were full. The two-minute detour from the arrivals terminal
might be an interesting stop.

Insider tip: Getting lost when exploring is part of the fun. But if you really can't find your way, just get
a cab to drive you to a landmark that you know. It will cost you about $2 but it will save you from
being stressed by getting lost.
Quick note about water safety

Unless you are staying at a hotel where it is explicitly mentioned that the tap water is treated and safe
for drinking, I would avoid drinking it. Bottled water is very cheap in Cancun and if you are staying in
a non-hotel environment you can even buy a large 18L bottle with a water-pump so your supply lasts
for days. Even if most locals avoid drinking tap water, I met many people that use it to make coffee and
tea and to wash fruits/vegetables without using an iodine solution. Is the risk worth taking, though? If
you're travelling for a short period of time, are you willing to have the runs and waste a week or more
of your trip to save a few pennies? I say stick to bottled water and avoid useless problems.

Produce wash drops are available in small (and bigger) drop-type bottles in all supermarkets. You
simply add a couple of drops in water and soak your fruits and vegetables in the solution for a couple of
minutes and they will be ready to eat. Always follow the instructions on the bottle as the type of
product can vary from supplier to supplier. I noticed that some of the colloidal solutions were also used
to make the water safe for drinking, but I never actually tried it for that purpose. Additionally, it's not
necessary to wash any of the produce that you peel. All hotels and restaurants usually use
filtered/treated water in beverages, ice and to wash their fruits or veggies (even the street vendors), but
if you are unsure don't hesitate to ask.

Three nicest beaches in Cancun

You would be completely mad if you make it all the way down to Cancun and never go to the beach.
Considered by the locals as one of the natural wonders of the world, the beach in Cancun stretches over
many kilometres. However, unless you are staying at a resort, you will have to enter the beach by a
public access since it's almost impossible to pass through a hotel if you are not a guest. By law the
hotels are theoretically supposed to let you pass through their property to access the beach but, in
practice, the security guards are less than accommodating. Once you are on the beach, you will be able
to walk from one end to the other as all beaches are public property in Mexico. The quality of the beach
and the wave patterns vary greatly from one place to another; parts of the beach have big waves with
strong under currents and others are simply calm and pool-like. The same applies to the sand, in some
areas you will have sand that is smooth like a fine powder and other areas you will find it mixed with
sharp seashells. Personally, I've walked from one side to the other and found my favourite three spots
where I returned over and over again. All of these beaches have public access and you are very likely to
encounter locals, which is a great opportunity to make friends.

Insider tip: Vendors will offer you to rent a beach chair/umbrella from them at the beach. If you ask
around, you will find that some vendors will lend you free beach chairs as long as you buy two or three
drinks from them. Another popular option is to just put your towel on the ground and lie on the
comfortable white sand. I've tried both options, and lying on the sand is just more comfortable and
appealing to me as I tend to spend my time in the water and never actually use the beach chair.

How to get to the best beaches in Cancun

Finding a specific beach or any location along the main hotel strip is very simple. If you're starting
destination is downtown Cancun, simply hop on an R1 or R2 bus on Tulum Avenue and ask your bus
driver to tell you where to jump off.

Alternatively, I've included the KM number where the beaches are located. KM numbers are indicated
on the Kukulcan Boulevard (the main street of the hotel zone) on red posts that are either in the middle
of the boulevard or on either side. Also, you will find signs indicating public beach entrances a couple
of kilometres/miles before the actual entrance.

Playa Tortugas

Playa Tortugas is situated right at the beginning of the hotel zone. It's a small beach where the water is
shallow and the waves are practically nonexistent. You will find many activities at Playa Tortugas such
as bungee jumping, parasailing and other water sports like jet skiing. As the beach is quite small it can
get quite crowded on the weekends or on Mexican holidays, so if you are looking for some space avoid
it at those times. Also, the restaurants on the beach will be a little pricey for what they are worth so I
would consider packing a lunch or some beverages in a cooler, which is a common practice among
locals. Playa Tortuga is located at KM 65 on Kukulkan Boulevard.

Geographical Coordinates for Playa Tortuga: 21.138757,-86.769528

Insider tip: A cooler is quite a bulky item to bring in your luggage, and soft-shell coolers are usually
small or impractical. Having a cooler is very useful, though, if you decide to spend a day at the beach
or decide to have a picnic in one of the many parks in Cancun. To solve this issue, drop by any grocery
store or corner store and you will be able to pick up a Styrofoam cooler for less than $4; they are quite
sturdy and keep their temperature quite well.

Forum Playa

The Forum Playa is definitely my favourite beach segment in Cancun. It's located right in the middle of
the hotel zone among the popular restaurants and clubs. The Forum Playa gets very busy on weekends
and quite noisy on spring break, but it's laid out in such a way that a 2 minute walk in either direction
can get you some privacy. Another thing that I like about the Forum Playa is the wave pattern. The
water is never as calm as at Playa Tortuga, but you rarely get enormous waves that will knock you over
or suck you into the water. If you have a single day to spend on a Cancun beach, I would definitely
recommend this beach as it's close to many malls and attractions. The Forum Playa beach is located at
KM 9 on Kukulkan Boulevard.

Geographical Coordinates for Forum Playa: 21.132483,-86.746562

Playa Delphines

If space is what you are looking for, then Playa Delphines will make you happy. This enormous beach
is around the end of the hotel zone and is the perfect destination if you are travelling by car since it has
a big parking lot. Another perk of going to Playa Delphines is the free toilet and shower facilities (don't
forget to bring your own toilet paper.). The beach and its facilities are clean and very well-maintained.
An added benefit of going to this beach is the free palapas where you can hide from the sun. The only
negative aspect of this beach would be that the waves tend to be quite big on windy days. If you would
still like to swim, I would recommend you swim in the more crowded areas that are under the
supervision of a life guard. One thing that I did like about the waves at Playa Delphines is that the
many pretty seashells and other rare sea fossils such as sand dollars. If you are lucky you might find
yourself a beautiful Cancun souvenir. Playa Delphines is located at KM 19 on Kukulkan Boulevard.

Geographical Coordinates for Playa Delphines: 21.060856,-86.779582

5 best budget-friendly activities in Cancun

I've thought long and hard about some of my most memorable outings in and around Cancun, and
although the list could be very long, here are my top five of budget-friendly activities. You will notice
that most Mexican attractions have an ''expandable'' price listing where you can add on options as you
go to make your experience more interesting and/or interactive. I like this concept as you get to choose
what package suits your needs best. Another upside of all these activities is that they don't require
reservations. You simply show up and have fun.
Tequila Museum

Conveniently located in the hotel zone, the Tequila Museum is a wonderful place to learn about and
taste some fine tequila. Before this outing, I was clueless as to what a good tequila was. All I knew
about was the foul-tasting stuff they serve you at bars back at home. I was quite surprised to discover
what great quality tequila tastes like.

At the museum, your guide will show you the different steps of producing tequila and educate you
about the blue agave cactus (which you get to taste). The museum does not have the most state-of-the-
art, impressive display that I've ever seen, but the information that you get from it will shine a new light
on this mysterious Mexican spirit.

If your budget allows, I recommend that you try the tequila degustation as your guide will be able to
explain to you what makes a good or bad tequila. The tour lasts about 30-45 minutes, so it's the perfect
outing before going shopping on a rainy day or if you need a cool break from the sun.

If you are on a tighter budget, the liquor store under the tequila museum usually has many
tequilas/other liquor sample stands that you can enjoy for free. The tickets for the tequila tour without a
degustation are around $5, and go up to $20 with a degustation of some very fine tequilas.
Alternatively, you might want to visit the restaurant ''La Distilleria'' where they offer a tequila tour with
degustation for about $7.

Both are viable options, so flip a coin. Both ''La Distilleria'' and the tequila museum are located at KM
12.5 of Kukulkan Boulevard.

Geographical Coordinates for the Tequila Museum: 21.105638,-86.764245

Kabah Nature Park

If you like wildlife and need a day away from the beaches and the city, the Kabah Nature Park is the
place to go. Pack a picnic lunch and take your time walking along the paths; it will make you feel like
you're in a jungle. You will encounter local animals such as exotic birds, iguanas, wild ducks,
alligators, turtles and many others. Every couple of metres you will find different exhibits and at the
centre of the park there is a family friendly area for children, a workout area, picnic tables and
washroom facilities. Entrance to the park is free and so is the use of any facilities you will need there. If
you do enjoy the park, voluntary donations are always welcome to help maintain it.

You can get to this nature park by hopping on a bus (the bus that takes you to Costco – written in bold
letters on the side of the bus’ windshield) or by taking a cab directly to the park. The main entrance to
the park is located at the corner of Rojo Gomez and Nichupte Boulevard.

Geographical Coordinates for Kabah Nature Park: 21.14339,-86.83813

El Rey

If you don't feel like spending hours on a bus to go to Chichen Itza or Tulum to view Mayan ruins, you
can visit a small archaeological site right at the end of the hotel zone called El Rey, or ''The King'' in
English. The ruins are quite small compared to what you will encounter at the larger historical or
archaeological sites, but they offer a viable alternative if you are strapped for either time or money. If
you like iguanas, this is the place to go as they seem to have invaded the ruins. If you are scared of
iguanas, some advice that a Cancun tour guide gave me might be helpful: If you don't bother them, they
will not bother you. You will be able to see many different buildings at the site and if you decide to get
a guided tour you will learn about the Mayan culture more in-depth. The entrance to the ruins is around
$5 and the guide will charge you between $10-20 for a tour depending on your negotiation skills. Many
travellers think that getting a tour guide is not necessary when all the site’s facts and data can be found
online, but having a local tour guide showing you around is quite nice. They not only talk to you about
these specific ruins but you can actually ask questions about the Mayan or Aztec cultures. You can also
ask your guide about the ‘‘modern culture’‘ that the Mexicans have and they are a great local source of
good tips for places to eat as well places to go and discover. From a pure entertainment standpoint,
guides tend to be extremely good story tellers; I haven't met a guide in Mexico who delivers the site
information in a dry and robotic manner. Through them you will become immersed in the Mayan world
through stories that will inspire you and certainly leave an impression.

The El Ray ruins are at KM 19 of Kukulkan Boulevard.

Geographical Coordinates for El Ray: 21.061294,-86.780985

Isla mall – aquarium combo

If shopping and seeing beautiful sea creatures is your idea of fun, then head to La Isla Shopping Village
and you will have a fantastic day. Although La Isla Shopping Village is not necessarily the best place
for small budgets, the multitude of stores will give you the opportunity to do some window shopping
and you never know - you might find a good deal. If you have the funds there are plenty of luxurious
items to purchase. Once you are done shopping you can enjoy the beautiful aquarium right there in the
mall. Dancing jellyfish, tropical creatures, alligators, stingrays and sharks are some of the wildlife that
you can see at the aquarium, and for a little extra fee you can even go swimming with the sharks (in a
cage – of course).

The aquarium also offers two other packages. One package lets you swim with dolphins and the other
lets you play with the resident sea lions. Don't forget your bathing suit and your waterproof camera to
show proof of your adventure there. If your hotel offers packages to visit this aquarium make sure to
compare prices as it's usually cheaper to buy tickets directly at the aquarium.

The Isla Mall along with the aquarium are located at KM 12.5 of Kukulcan Boulevard.

Geographical Coordinates for Isla mall/Aquarium: 21.109192,-86.763765

Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres (‘‘Island of Women”) is a must-see island a short 20-minute ferry ride away from Cancun.
I could write a whole book about Isla Mujeres because it is so fascinating. Isla Mujeres is a small island
with less than 17,000 inhabitants. It's only 7 kilometres long (about 4 miles) and 650 metres (less than
half a mile) wide, so you can easily walk from one end to another. Since some of the island's beaches
are sheltered from the strong currents by a large reef you get beaches with no waves where you can
walk for many metres. The shops and restaurants on the island are fairly touristy but you can eat a
decent meal of freshly caught fish with rice, salad, refried beans and French fries with an appetizer of
salsa and tortilla chips for about $7. There is a sort of magical feeling when you are on the island; a
worry-free zone where everyone is happy and everything is great. I highly recommend spending a day
or two exploring the island and wandering through the charming streets where you will meet characters
of all sorts.

Geographical Coordinates for Isla Mujeres: 21.233722,-86.741999

Geographical Coordinates for Ferry in Hotel zone to Isla Mujeres: 21.138757,-86.769528
Geographical Coordinates for Ferry Downtown to Isla Mujeres: 21.232942,-86.802145

Insider tip: Instead of booking a tour to Isla Mujeres, consider going there by yourself. You will get
more freedom than you would when booking a tour and will end up saving some money. Weirdly
enough, the main selling point of the tour companies hawking tours to Isla Mujeres is that they offere
access to washrooms because there is a supposed lack of those on the island. Each time I went though
no one in our group had any problems finding a restroom. Sometimes they had to pay 5 pesos but
restrooms are certainly not an issue on the island.

If you decide to go to Isla Mujeres economically, hop on the R1 or any bus labelled Puerto Juarez.
Once you are there, find the port with the big lookout tower with ''Cancun'' written on it (it's very hard
to miss). This is where you can take the ferry to Isla Mujeres for a cheap 140 pesos – round trip. You
can also take the ferry from the hotel zone which will cost you a little more than the one that locals take
(both boats use the same arrival port). You only pay more because one is in the hotel zone. The boat
ride lasts less than 20 minutes, so hop on the deck of the boat and enjoy the sunshine (and
complimentary music – maybe your entertainer will be George, who does a mean impression of Johnny
Cash.). Once you're on the island, get on the main road and turn left towards Playa Norte, where you
will be able to stay on the beach for the day. Once you are done baking in the sun and floating in the
warm calm waters, pack up your gear and go get lost on the charming little streets. Eventually, you
should end up on the eastern part of the island where the beaches are more rocky and the waves are
more active. It's a beautiful sight and the refreshing breeze will be welcome for sure. Depending on the
time of the day you visit Isla Mujeres you might be able to enjoy a sunset on the beach or hit up one of
the beachside restaurants for a freshly caught fish dinner.

All of this can be accomplished for less than $100 for a whole day's worth of activities for two people,
with plenty of drinks, good times and great memories.

Insider Tip: While in the water on any of the beaches in Isla Mujeres (especially Playa Norte) little
boats are likely to approach you offering snorkelling tours. All these boats, although a little sketchy-
looking, are licensed by the government. If you negotiate well, you might get an hour-long snorkelling
tour for less than $20-30 per person – especially if you're in a bigger group. If the boat operators do not
want to negotiate with you, befriend some people on the beach that want to go snorkelling and create a
spontaneous group for lower prices. When you're in larger groups, prices drop dramatically for
everything. Also, if you brought beer, offering one to the snorkelling guides tends to make them very
elastic on prices.

Don't miss out on the action - find out what is happening in Cancun

Imagine this scenario: You are walking down the street in Cancun and you hear some drums on your
right, some Latin music on your left, there is a parade going on behind you and then you notice some
people dancing in a park. What's happening?

Something is always going on all of the time in Cancun. Events range from free dancing lessons in the
park to world-class acts in the clubs in the hotel zone or very interesting buskers on the street corners. It
took me a little while to figure out the best way to get the details on all of the goings-on in Cancun, so
here is the inside scoop on how to discover the pulse of the city by yourself.

Signs on telephone posts

This might seem like a primitive way of advertising a show, but keep an eye out for information posted
on telephone poles. If there is a hot act in Cancun - a known DJ or anything else happening in the hotel
zone - it's probably plastered all over the telephone poles in the city. Information such as the date of the
event, the venue and where to buy tickets is always clearly indicated. That's also where you will
discover some of the more underground events that are mostly put on for locals, such as local bands,
lucha libre matches, sports events and parties of all sorts.

Local newspapers

Your Spanish may not be up to par quite yet but don't be shy to splurge 30-50 cents on a local
newspaper. If there is something happening in Cancun you will surely find out from the paper. My
favourite paper to discover interesting events was the Novedades since it covers the news and events in
the whole province. Because everything is close, a trip to Playa del Carmen or Tulum is worthwhile to
see a local event or festival. You will also find many coupons, specials and promotions in the area. Be
sure not to ignore the classified ads as I saw many interesting services ranging from cheap
photographers to shamans and witchcraft services.

Talk with the locals

You will encounter many locals in Cancun, not all of them Mexican. If you mingle with people in your
age group you will find out about events that are most interesting to you. In my case, I found out about
many underground concerts, friendly soccer games, foodie hot spots and store sales from friends and
strangers that I met randomly on the street. Don't be shy; people are always willing to help out and you
never know - you might make a new friend. Also, if you're walking downtown and hear someone
speaking English or your native language, chances are that they know their way around the city.

The back window of cabs

If you take your time to look at the back window of the taxis, you will notice that most of them have
event information written in white paint on them. You will find key information regarding the
date/location of the event. Don't be shy to ask the cab driver about any upcoming events as well. Cab
drivers are part of a union that sponsors many happenings in Cancun so they are likely to know what's
going on.
Ads/posters in restaurants, bars and other public places

Keep your eyes peeled for flyers, banners and anything that might look like an advert. Since some
events don't have the budget to advertise in the mainstream media they resort to cheaper techniques to
get the word out. If you take the time to look around, you might find some interesting smaller-scale
events such as rodeos, circuses or other shows where you might be the only tourist. You’ll have an
unspoiled look at the locals’ lives without having to worry about being ripped off as a tourist. If you are
travelling alone, the events where only the locals go are the best place to meet people and get a deeper
understanding of everyday Mexican life.

Get around the city for pennies

Bus system

The bus system in Cancun is, simply put, awesome. The easiest way to catch a bus is to head to your
closest bus stop (on Kukulcan Boulevard in the hotel zone or Tulum in the downtown area). When you
see a bus approaching, simply stick out your hand and wave - the bus will actually stop and pick you
up.

There are two fares when you take a bus in Cancun: 6 pesos for the buses in the downtown area and
8.50 pesos (there may have fluctuated slightly at the time of publishing) for the buses that go to/from
the hotel zone. The fare is usually written on the door or inside somewhere near the area where the bus
driver is sitting. It's better if you pay with exact change but they can usually break bills with no
problem - unless you give them a 100/200 pesos bill.

To know where a bus is going just read what is written on the windshield. The bus that you will
probably end up taking is either the R1 or the R2, which are the hotel zone buses. If you go past the
downtown area make sure that you make note of where the bus drops you off as in most cases the bus
that will take you back is on the same street but simply in the opposite direction.

All buses are not created equal in Cancun. You might see old tiny ones or new air conditioned ones but
the price is always the same - either 6 or 8.50 pesos, depending on your destination. I haven't seen any
so-called ‘‘chicken buses” in Cancun but if you are looking for a thrill, you have to try one of the
minivan buses at least once. They are probably very dangerous, but are very fun at the same time.

To hop off the bus, simply ring the bell (a button near the back door) or if you're in one of the smaller
buses say ''Alto!'' or ''Bahan!'' and the bus driver will pull off at the next stop. Also always keep your
bus ticket as it serves two purposes. It's your proof of payment but also your insurance in the very
improbable case that there is a bus accident and you need to make a claim – at least that's what I have
been told.

How to take a taxi safely

There was a myth in Cancun that there were many pirate taxis picking up patrons only to rob them of
all their money, usually at gun point. I've met with many locals (Mexican and otherwise) and I asked
them about the situation. It seems to either be a myth or an extremely rare occurrence. During your
travels regardless of the destination, you will need to stay smart when you're about to hop into a
stranger's car. My best tips are to try to get a cab at an official cab stop where there are many other
taxis. Make sure that the car has a licence plate and avoid nightly cab rides when alone. Also, if
possible, have your hotel call a “taxi seguro” when travelling at night. I have personally ignored these
rules every single time that I took a taxi and have yet to have any bad experiences - even the time when
I was driven miles away from anything remotely close to modern civilization. Use your street smarts
and if you feel that something is fishy just follow your gut instinct. Also, always but ALWAYS ask for
the cab ride's price beforehand. If you don't you are bound to get charged way more than you should.
Tips are usually included in the cab fare but if the driver did some extra work like picking up your
luggage you may leave him an extra something.

5 simple tips for a safe stay in Mexico

Cancun is very safe for tourists, but you do hear some gruesome incidents that sometimes happen in the
area. Fortunately for you 99% of these incidents have nothing to do with tourists. As with any travel
destination there are basic guidelines that you should follow in order to maximize your chances of
staying safe. These chapters are not here to alarm you but to make you think a little. I've seen many
tourists acting like idiots, flashing wads of money, wearing more jewellery than Liberace and then
complaining that they got mugged. If you follow this advice you will maximize your chances of staying
safe and avoiding unpleasant experiences.

Stay in a group or crowded area

As mentioned previously, Cancun has a lot of activities/events going on all the time that easily attract
crowds of people. As soon as night falls you will notice that people are moving from one place to
another so it's unlikely that you will find yourself on an abandoned street. It's nothing like streets in
remote villages or countries like Cuba, where walking at night is an almost ghostly experience. The
city's authorities also put a lot of effort into taking care of the tourists and to maintain general order in
the area. Normally they do a great job and very rarely have I found myself in a situation where I felt
uncomfortable. On the flip side, what sometimes happens is that tourists become too comfortable and
act as if they were in their home town. They forget that, as in any city in the world, there are always a
bunch of local thieves and pick-pockets that see tourists as an easy target to steal from or scam. Street
crime or petty theft is common in any city. You need to remain vigilant and never flash any signs of
perceived wealth. If you move with the crowds, walk in groups and go where everybody else is going,
the chances of being selected as a target are almost nonexistent. These street robbers will avoid calling
the attention of the authorities and therefore will prefer to act quickly on isolated victims.

Keeping yourself in the safety zone created by being around other people will help you stay protected
and avoid being in an unfavourable situation. If you do ever find yourself in a situation where you are
getting mugged don't panic; if you keep calm nothing violent will happen as long as you don't present
yourself as a threat or try to resist. If some guy jumps you in an alley he has already decided to risk a
few years in jail for your necklace or camera so he will not hesitate to carry a knife or a gun. Stay calm
and give them what they ask for at that moment. It’s logical to think that the right thing to do is try to
protect your valuables but listen to my advice and give them what they demand. If you make the thief
panic terrible things can happen. When you're in any foreign country use your street smarts to avoid
getting into potentially dangerous situations. If you're in a crowded area and you don't seem to be
carrying tons of money, you will simply blend in and not be a target.

At night, stick to main roads

Cancun is very close to many other interesting spots such as Chichen Itza and many other Mayan ruins,
Playa Del Carmen Xcaret, and others. If you feel like moving around it will require either taking a taxi,
a shuttle or a bus. Transportation services always follow a simple rule: stick to the main road. This
means that they will avoid going onto small roads off the highway, back roads or shortcuts, simply
because these are not as protected. When I say protected I mean that there may be no police presence at
all and no security or surveillance cameras, making them perfect for blocking the road and robbing
tourists or any passing vehicles.

The main roads and highways in Cancun and its surrounding areas are pretty good, modern and safe
with good signalling; very similar to those in many cities you're familiar with. As you leave the central
area and get into the main country side though, you will notice a big difference. Many tourists like their
independence and therefore rent a car, but that ‘‘freedom” could also create a false sense of safety.
Many people want an authentic travel experience and often want to pass through more remote areas
that are less touristy but this type of exploration is not always the best idea if you're unsure of what you
are doing.

Don't carry more money than you actually need

When I walked around Cancun, I would never carry more money than I intended to spend that
particular day. I always had a bank card handy in case I needed more money. A good rule of thumb is
that $100 in cash is more than enough for a normal day out. Of course if you plan on having a big night
out or have some special activities planned, you will require a little more money. In that case try not to
keep all of your money in one place.

With the help of a sharp knife and some glue, I rigged a pair of shoes to have an inner pocket where I
kept a spare set of apartment keys and some extra money in case I lost my wallet. Other places to stash
some extra money are a bra or sports bra, the small pocket in the front pocket of your jeans and an
invisible waist or belt wallet.

Some people have the idea that if they take about $2,000 on their trip they will be better off protecting
it by bringing the whole stash with them. Not only is this not a smart idea, it should actually be avoided
at all costs. Back at the place you are staying you should have some sort of safe or other secure place to
keep your important possessions. An even better safety measure is to keep your money and important
belongings at the bank, accessing it whenever you need to. With my bank I had about 3 free
transactions a week, so I would do one or two bank trips to get what I needed for a given week and kept
it in a micro-safe in my room.

Avoid seedy areas, drugs and other sketchy activities

I know, I know; people sometimes think about going to Cancun solely to get wasted legally (or not).
There are some misconceptions about the possession of drugs in Mexico. If you're a tourist it is illegal
to carry, sell or buy drugs, just as it is in the US and almost every other country. Not only can you get in
trouble with the law but the worst-case scenario would be to spend some time in the local jail.

Also, it is best to avoid any sketchy characters wanting to sell you goods that are off the back of a truck
or from the trunk of a car - just keep away from shady deals with shady people. When you hang out
with people who are legitimate you eliminate the risk of getting ripped off. When you hang around
people that conduct some sort of unregulated business there is always a greater chance of being at the
wrong place in the wrong time.
My last tip along the lines of alternative lifestyles is the gentlemen's clubs. I've heard some rather
interesting stories happening in those places in Cancun, so my advice would be to avoid them
altogether. If you must go make sure you're with a large group of friends or locals that know how they
work.

If you get lost, you can always just take a cab

When you go out sightseeing or partying - especially with a group – you’ll probably end up at places
you’ve never been before and have no idea of your exact location. Many adventurers feel that they can
easily find their way back to their destination without asking for directions but don’t put yourself in
harm’s way with any unnecessary risks. Taking a local cab to get you back to your hotel or to an area
that you are more familiar with is the smartest thing to do. Cab drivers exist because of the tourism
industry so most will actually be nice and helpful to the tourists.

Take some of your emergency fund cash and pay for a cab to get you back to your hotel if you get lost.
Avoid wandering too far out of your comfort zone. Don’t forget to check the driver’s photo and taxi
number, and ask for the trip price before hopping into the cab.

Get a cell phone if you are in a group situation

I’ve found that if you bring your fancy phone from the US it might not work properly and using it will
be expensive. Buying a prepaid phone once you are there makes much more sense. Don’t get a fancy
model, the simplest model available will be the cheapest and will work just fine. When travelling with
a group of family or friends, getting at least 2 phones is a great idea so you can call each other in case
someone gets lost or if the group gets split up.

The cheaper phones work on a pay as you go basis and you can always buy more airtime if you use it
all. Usually calls between mobile phones are quite cheap in Mexico (sometimes there are deals where
calls between two certain numbers are actually free). Depending on your Mexican carrier, calling the
US is more expensive than local calls but it will still be cheaper than using your US-based cell on
roaming.

Insider tip: Beware of roaming charges. A friend that I met in Cancun got a nasty surprise when he got
back home. His cell phone roaming fees where huge, something like a couple of thousand dollars for a
monthly stay. The best idea is to either leave your phone at home or to leave it on ''air plane mode''
during your trip. Or if your cell phone is unlocked you will be able to insert a local SIM card and be
ready to make calls on your Mexican plan.

How to learn Spanish QUICKLY – the easy way

If you spend a longer period wandering around Mexico, understanding some Spanish will become a
great asset. Here are a couple of tips that will get you nearly fluent in Spanish, or at least handy with
functional phrases.

Many travellers who visit places like Cancun expect everybody to speak English and it's true that the
staff in all big hotels, most of the tourist restaurants and pretty much any business that depends on
tourists will speak English. However, if you do wander around the city outside of the hotel zone you
will quickly notice that waiters, bartenders, shop keepers and policemen will not speak much English
and will initially address you in Spanish. Once you know a few basic phrases you will be able to
befriend them. No one can deny the fact that speaking the language of the country you are visiting will
open many doors to enjoyable new experiences.

Here are some tips that I used on my trip. Within a couple of weeks I had acquired enough functional
Spanish to order at restaurants; understand menus and signs; and befriend strangers.

Insider Anecdote: If you are shy about looking funny or weird when you speak Spanish, you can't do
worse than I did when I started out. I simply love to drink cola with most of my meals and I tend to
skip the wine or the beer, preferring my drink of choice. When I arrived in Mexico I always asked for
one of the two main brands they have but the waiter told me that they had the opposite brand. So
instead of asking for the brand I simply said ''¿Tienes Cola?'' thinking it meant ''Do you have Cola?''
This was great and the waiters gladly brought me whichever brand they had. There was no more
confusion but they were all giving me a weird look each time. About two weeks into my trip I met a
Mexican girl with whom I explored many parts of Cancun. We went out for salads and when I ordered
a cola she started to laugh. I was puzzled. She explained to me that ''cola'' in Spanish is ‘‘tail” or slang
for the male genital ‘‘member”. All this time I was asking all these waiters if they had a ‘‘male tail”. If
you do worse than that, then thumbs up; I think it's impossible!

Stop speaking English

The first tip is the most basic. If you keep speaking English, everybody around you will reply to you in
English and you will get what you need without practising your Spanish. When you stop, however, you
force your mind to learn as fast as possible. This is a new way to communicate in order to be able to get
by and make yourself understood.

During my trip I contracted a bad throat infection and had to pay a visit to a doctor who only spoke
Spanish. To my surprise I was able to explain my problem and get a remedy. From that point on I
forced myself to mostly speak in Spanish.

With a few basic words and phrases you will immediately start learning more words and phrases, and
even be able to magically complete sentences. Your brain is a learning sponge by design so the more
information you feed it the more it will respond.

Of course, this does depend greatly on the effort you put in but believe me, this really helps a lot.
Spanish grammar and vocabulary structure is quite different to English but the vocabulary is easy for
English speakers. The Norman Invasion of 1066 AD blended French and English for the courts as well
as noblemen, resulting in many words from French moving into English. Since French and Spanish are
both Romance languages (Latin languages) you will notice that many of the nouns and verbs in Spanish
will fortunately look very familiar to you. Once you get the hang of Spanish grammar you’re on your
way to fluency. Also, if you already speak French you will actually have a better chance of learning to
communicate in Spanish with high efficiency.

I’ve been told by friends that even people with languages with totally different structures and
backgrounds like Japanese have a hard time in the beginning, but understand and communicate in
Spanish in just a few weeks of just trying and practising.

Don’t worry; it’s easier than it appears. As the old saying says ''Once hard, now easy''. You will soon
notice than you're able to understand Mexico's primary language effectively.
Hang out with the locals

If you hang out only with other travellers you will always speak English, so try to hang out with locals
any time you can. Go to venues, parties, shows and even just to the park to sit down for a while and try
to have a chat with locals.

When sitting in a restaurant or a bar in a group setting, listen to the way they use the language. You will
hear slang and things you don’t find in books and you will learn how to use these bits of information by
actually hearing when to use them and what they mean. Don’t be shy to ask either; people in Cancun
are friendly and will always try to explain to you in different ways what they meant when they said a
seemingly odd phrase.

Besides, in Cancun you will be surprised how many people speak at least basic English. If you don’t
quite get to communicate your thoughts or understand what you are being told you can ask in English
what the phrase means or ask the classic question “¿Cómo se dice?” Then force yourself to revert to
Spanish to keep practising.

Get a basic ''Learn Spanish Quickly'' course

This will sound a bit rudimentary but I highly recommend that you get a beginner’s Spanish course
before your trip. You can find many of these courses online, in airports, bookstores or at local colleges,
and they do help a lot. At least to get the basics installed in your brain. Tech-junkies will love to have
translation software installed in their phones and other mobile devices but the problem with translation
software is that it’s only accurate for words and some phrases. When translating sentences
interpretations are usually too literal and miss the point completely. Nevertheless, getting one of those
basic courses enables you to use the most commonly needed phrases like what to say in restaurants,
hotels, to the cab drivers, tour companies, ask for directions and so on. This does require preparation
prior to your trip but it actually works and gets your ears used to the new sounds while you're still on
your home turf.

Learn Spanish for free while helping to translate the internet

There is a free website project called DuoLingo (http://duolingo.com). It enables you to learn Spanish
for free. While you practice your Spanish you will be able to translate many internet websites such as
Wiki-sites into Spanish. The learning process is quite simple and within a few days you will be able to
pick up major parts of this language. You would think that a free website would be fairly bad, but it has
been extremely well-thought out and the process which teaches you has been developed by brilliant
minds. The website works with a point system where you unlock different Spanish levels by
completing small exams and properly translating Spanish web entries. In my opinion DuoLingo rivals
expensive language learning software and might actually be better.

List of Spanish words that could come in handy in Cancun

Hello / Hi – ¡Hóla!
Good night – Buenas noches
Good bye – Adiós
See you soon – Hasta luego
Where? – ¿Dónde?
How much/many? – ¿Cuántos / cuánto?
Please – Por favor
Thank you (very much) – (Muchas Gracias)
Of course! – ¡Claro!
I think so –Creo que sí
I don't know – No lo sé
What's your name? – ¿Cómo te llamas?
Cheers!/Good health! – ¡Salud!
Bon appetit! – ¡Buen provecho!
Do you speak English? – ¿Hablas inglés?
How do you say ... in Spanish? – ¿Cómo se dice ... en español?
Excuse me – ¡Discúlpe!
Help! – ¡Ayúdame!

Travelling alone - how to meet people fast in Cancun

Solo travel is one of the most exciting things that you can do at any age. You will truly feel what it is to
depend only on yourself. It will give you the opportunity to be yourself, dress how you want and do the
things that you always wanted to do but were too shy because of what your friends and family would
say.

It will also force you out of your shell if you're a somewhat shy person. Travelling solo doesn't mean
being alone all the time; its main objective is for you to meet like-minded individuals to share your
exciting journey.

Even though I have been a shy person from a very young age I quickly made friends on my various
trips and proved to myself that I was able to enjoy myself by being my true self. Here are a couple of
tricks that I used to meet people fast and create a spontaneous crew.

Pop into hostels and ask what's happening

Hostels are very popular with young adults because they are an inexpensive lodging solution when
travelling. When you stay at a hostel, there is a common feeling among the boarders that being in a
group provides safety and an instant feeling of belonging.

Hostels are great news centers since someone will always know what’s happening in town, where
everybody is going and what you should avoid. The people staying there and the staff can give you tips
and updates on restaurants, bars, parties, the coolest tours, the cheapest deals and, of course, you might
find others going to the same events you want to go to.

I haven’t yet seen a hostel where the people don't share information. Because of the feeling of
belonging they also share the safety benefit part of it and look after each other.

However, also be careful and do not blindly trust anyone. I've heard stories of foreigners who were
working with the locals and stealing from other tourists. So just be careful who you associate with.
Use travel forums to meet up with other travellers

Going online and searching for blogs and forums of other travellers is not only fun, but is a great way
of learning important travel information before actually getting to your destination. Messages like
‘‘avoid this” and ‘‘try that” are very common and helpful.

People like to publish their experiences with the idea that others planning to go later won't suffer what
they suffered, or so they can encourage people to have fun adventures similar to the ones they
experienced. This is also a good way of getting back at people that ripped them off, like cabs, bars or
restaurants that were not nice to them.

Either way, you will find out information on what others have tried before. This helps a great deal in
avoiding problems and bad experiences. Another thing that I noticed on those forums is travellers
posting the dates that they will be in a certain area. If you get to know someone online you will be able
to meet up with them right in Cancun. You never know; you might make a really good friend and future
travel partner.

I've tried this method myself several times and it has enabled me to take other travellers to explore
parts of Cancun that they might not have otherwise seen.

Use online dating sites to make friends

Dating sites are not only useful for finding dates. They are a great way of finding new friends and
people who share your same interests and who have the potential of becoming great people to hang out
with during your trip.

It’s very interesting and fun to meet an acquaintance in a fun place like Cancun after only chatting with
them online. By making many friends like this you will have a great opportunity to immerse yourself in
daily Mexican life. Keep in mind the safety issues, of course, but by being smart and meeting in public
places you reduce the chances of having a bad time.

Talk to people on the street

It’s interesting to see how people in big cities like Montreal (my hometown) cross paths with dozens of
people and don’t even say ‘‘hi” or ‘‘good morning” to a single person on their way to work. This is
nearly inconceivable in Mexico, so don't be surprised if most people you encounter will greet you with
a ‘‘buenas” or ‘‘hola,” or smile at you every time you jump onto a bus or enter a public place.

Greeting strangers is commonplace in Cancun. As a matter of fact, when you're friendly with people as
a foreign tourist you will quickly notice that locals and other travellers can become possible
acquaintances. Before you know it, you will lose your shyness and get to meet lots of people.

Sometimes you can hop on a bus for a short ride and exit with an interesting invitation to come along to
a cool party or go explore some local market in a lesser-known part of town. By befriending some of
the drivers of the smaller buses I had the opportunity to visit some places that tourists rarely get to see.

So, don’t be shy and say ‘‘hola”.

Shopping in Cancun 101 - the way the locals do it

Let’s face it: for many people going on vacation to a new location and not going shopping is just as
ridiculous as buying an airline ticket and never getting on the plane.

Before you go shopping you will need some money and in Mexico it pays to use pesos. A mistake to
avoid is to bring too many pesos from your country as chances are your local money exchange dealers
at the mall will give you an unfavourable rate and will charge you a hefty transaction fee. When I
wanted to exchange $1000 Canadian dollars into pesos in Canada I was going to end up losing about
$100 Canadian dollars on the transaction.

You are better off bringing the equivalent of $100 in pesos along with the rest in your local currency to
exchange in Mexico. You will find ''Oficinas de Cambio'' all over the place where you find the one with
the best rate.

Another tip is to check and see if your bank has a Cancun branch. I was lucky that my bank had
several branches in Cancun so I had no transaction or withdrawal fees. The rate at the ATMs is usually
the best rate you can get. Some speculate that if you get money from your credit cards instead of your
debit card the rate is even better. Check with your bank to see which is better for your situation. Call
the number on the back of your debit/credit card for this information as the people in the bank branches
usually have no idea. Don't forget to let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be on
a trip to Mexico. If you don't they will block all your cards after the first foreign transaction, potentially
ruining a part of your trip.

Cancun has many shopping opportunities ranging from luxury brand stores and fancy tourist stores
with souvenirs to grocery stores, supermarkets, street kiosks and even flea markets. I think that over my
trips I've personally covered most of the shopping areas in Cancun. Here are some shopping tips as
well as some of my favourites.

Flea markets and two mercados (markets) where you can buy anything

A mercado for Mexicans is a place where many vendors or producers bring things to be to be sold.
Some of these mercados are make-shift and all the kiosks are temporary (Tianguis). Others are more
permanent where you can expect to have the same vendors day after day. Normally fresh vegetables,
meats, fruits, clothing, souvenirs and pretty much anything you might need will be available from the
mercado vendors.

Lopez Portillo Flea Market

Every Sunday, you have the chance to visit the Lopez Portillo flea market (el tianguis de la ciento uno),
which is one of the most authentic markets you will find in the area. Locals living in that
neighbourhood set tables up on the street to sell pretty much anything you can imagine. You may find
anything from oranges or limes grown in their own back yard to used clothing or old TVs and radios.
You can also find an assortment of new items, all sorts of brands, sunglasses, tools and more. The
prices are very low on everything. If you are looking for that special souvenir or just want to be away
from tourists, this is the place to go. These kinds of markets are the best places to observe real Mexican
culture, taste some traditional and sometimes weird food, and become completely immersed in an
environment where all your senses will be overwhelmed.
Chances are you will be the only foreigner there if you go for a visit, but it’s quite interesting to see this
part of Cancun. Vendors there are not likely to try to rip you off since they are not used to dealing with
foreigners. They will actually be quite accommodating, letting you taste their products and giving you
the perfect opportunity to practice your negotiation skills.

Finding the Lopez Portillo Market is quite easy; simply look for the buses with ‘‘Tianguis” written on
the front - they all take you there. Be sure that if you go and you are not fluent in Spanish, bring a local
friend along to help you translate. There is no real bus stop where you get off at the market so basically
you will need to look out the window. Once you see a huge market, get off. If you're not sure, ask the
bus driver and he or she will let you know.

Geographical Coordinates of Lopez Portillo Market: 21.151596,-86.87287

A taste of something different

One of the most interesting things in these markets is the food; it's impossible to get more authentic
dishes than those available here. The food is usually very fresh, and the variety is crazy. Be sure to try
some of the dishes which are not normally found in restaurants.

Tacos de Cabeza (‘‘head” tacos): You read that correctly – these tacos are from the head of a cow. The
whole cow’s head is boiled for hours in water until the skin and meat from the ears, cheeks, tongue, and
eyes is so tender that it's easily pulled away from the bone. Some people prefer only the tongue, others
the eyes, some the cheeks or snout, and some combine small bits of the whole head. What makes these
tacos so good is not only the meat, but also the incredible amount of freshly chopped vegetables:
onions, tomatoes, chiles, garlic, coriander, and chipotle sauce. It's just amazing. The brains are also a
delicacy and are usually the first part to be finished. As different and exotic as that sounds, just try it; I
bet you are greatly surprised at how great it tastes.

Coconut water: in the US and Canada, we are acquainted with coconut flavour used in pastries, cakes,
cookies and other delicious treats. Some people are also familiar with coconut milk used in some
desserts as well as some Asian dishes such as curry, but very few have enjoyed one of nature’s best
ways of quenching a thirst: fresh coconut water. At the market several vendors will have kiosks selling
coco frios. For around a dollar you will get a freshly cut coconut (usually done with a scary-looking
machete). Often the vendor will empty the coconut water into a clear bag, put a straw inside, tie a knot
and ask you if you want the carne, which is the coconut ''meat''. He will then proceed to scrape the
inside of the coconut into another bag. The water is normally very fresh, even if the day is quite hot,
and is always sweet and refreshing. If you want a fancy drink just put a straw (popote) inside the
coconut and you sip from it directly. The coconut meat is really delicious, soft and creamy, and nothing
compared with the small, dried-up brown coconuts that we have in grocery stores back at home.

Natural Juices: held normally in large plastic jugs but served individually in a plastic bag with a straw,
these juices are something you want to try. Just be careful because once you try one, you will want to
try them all. They are really delicious and the flavours can range from honey melon and watermelon to
orange and limeade, or even a strange barley drink. Regardless, they are all fresh and safe to drink.

Tepache, or home-made pineapple alcoholic drink: Tepache is fermented pineapple juice mixed with
hints of cinnamon, brown sugar and a little beer. It doesn't have the nice flavour you would expect from
this delicious fruit but it will certainly do the job of getting you drunk if you drink enough of it. You
can be sure that it's fresh when sold at the market as tepache ferments for three days before being
served. As with any home-made alcoholic drink, tepache varies in strength because it's virtually
impossible to have a steady alcoholic volume. Some days it can be stronger than others. I have heard
conflicting opinions about its legality; theoretically it is supposed to be illegal but it is openly sold in
markets straight from big orange barrels. If you do decide to try it, do so at your own risk ...

Mexican seafood kebabs: The smell of fresh fried fish and shrimp is a market mainstay. You will be
able to buy fresh fried fish in a few stalls at the Lopez Portillo market and many vendors have shrimp
on a stick displayed on a hot plate. The shrimp are usually very well-seasoned and served with a drizzle
of mayonnaise.

The best advice I can give you: don’t be shy, and if you see a food vendor that has lots of customers
waiting to get their share of whatever he/she is selling, have some. I bet it’s good and worth the wait.

Talleres Flea Market

This market is much smaller than Lopez Portillo but is still very interesting and still a good sized
market with pretty much the same stuff you would find at the other one. The Talleres flea market is
quite far from downtown and also has lots of excellent taco stands – but it has one of the best pozole
places I have ever eaten at! It is quite long and reaches down on main street, and also serves tourists
who are interested in exploring both sides of the market without getting lost down a series of side
streets. To get to Talleres you will have to take a cab as it's the best way to reach it. This ''tianguis''
happens on Saturday evenings and goes on til quite late at night. I would suggest that you go to this one
with a local as you may really feel out of your element if you go alone or, worse, in a big tourist group.

Geographical Coordinates of Lopez Portillo Market: 21.172287,-86.859205

Mercado 23 (or Market 23)

This is also a much more official market that was planned and built and now operates full-time as a
market 7 days a week. The vendors pay a fee for their individual spaces. You don’t see too many
markets like this in the US and a visit is totally recommended.

One thing you have to know though is that, because this market is visited by tourists, vendors tend to
inflate the prices. Be prepared for some serious bargaining. Oddly enough, the prices of souvenirs were
much higher than at Market 28, which is even more touristy.

One thing that makes for a unique sight and a great photo-op, is the butcher shops. You will find that
they are very different to the ones in the US or Canada, where you normally get to see only the final
cuts all clean and with no visible blood. Apart from the many different sea creatures, you’ll see the
bodies of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, birds and even the occasional rabbit hanging by their feet from the
ceiling, hooked and skin peeled to drain the blood from the bodies. The butchers do their job slowly,
cutting the meat with their sharp knives, and re-sharpening them constantly. You’ll get to see guts,
organs, brains and all that. So, if you are an animal lover or a vegetarian you’ll want to stay away.

In another part of the market, far away from the butchers, you will find some of the best authentic,
fresh and amazing tacos being sold practically all day long. This is also the place to come to get
groceries since the many kiosks are not only a treat for the eye but prices are normally cheap and you
can get pretty much anything you could possibly need.
Another interesting reason to go to this market is the many magic (brujeria) stores that sell virtually
anything you need for whatever witchcraft or shaman’s work that you require. This includes all kinds
of candles, a whole array of root plants and animal-origin products. You can also find crystals, amulets,
and statuettes that are supposed to ‘‘help” any situation you want to change in your life. You can get
love potions, aphrodisiacs and herbal treatments for almost any kind of pain you may suffer. Of course,
all of these items are a matter of belief, but if you ask the vendors they will maintain that all their stuff
works. Use your common sense and don’t try anything anybody offers you to cure your hangover. In
fact, if you do decide to buy something, treat it like a novelty. If it's herb- or animal-based, make sure
it's legal back home. The last thing you want to do is to have to explain to some customs agent what
your herb-stuffed cow horn is for.

Geographical Coordinates of Market 23: 21.167975,-86.827978

Mercado 28 (Market 28)

This market is a totally different market compared to those mentioned above. This is the place for
tourists who want to see something of the local culture but without the unpleasant sights of vegetable
garbage and general waste that accompanies a normal market. The prices in general are surprisingly
fair, but be prepared to bargain on anything you want to buy with the exception of drinks and served
food.

For food, this place rocks, especially with the comidas corridas menus served in the many small
restaurants. Some of my favourites are the pozole, a soup with hominy, savoury broth, meat and many
veggies as garnish. It is simply delicious. You should also ask for the caldo de tripa or sopa de tripa
(tripe soup) which contains many vegetables and a superb, rich beef tripe broth. Just add some of the
condiments provided and a hint of lime or any other chile sauce, and enjoy.

This market is a must-visit spot for any foreigner, so be sure to swing by. You’ll find an amazing choice
of different sizes and types of souvenirs. This market has a total of four entrances so be sure that you
know where you’ve entered. You’ll be in for a long walk if you lose your orientation.

In one of the corners of the market and right outside the market itself, you will find a fish store. If you
peek in the back window and ask nicely, the lady there will fry you some of the best shrimp empanadas
in Cancun. Just watch out for the pure habanero salsa that she serves alongside her dish; it's extremely
spicy. If you wander out of the market and follow the smell of chicken cooked on charcoal, you will
find a small shop which serves chicken asada. For about $7, you can get a meal that will feed at least
three people. You can eat right there on the spot or get it for takeout.

Geographical Coordinates of Market 28: 21.161611,-86.834266

Don't overpay! How to get a great price on anything you want to buy

In every country there are vendors who claim to cater to tourists but who will try to take advantage and
rip travellers off. Mexico is no different, especially in Cancun where thousands of tourists arrive and
buy a huge amount of souvenirs, handicrafts and t-shirts from the hundreds of small shops selling them.
However, here are some simple tips and tricks for buying some really nice items for fair or even super-
cheap prices.
How to know what to pay for something

There is no fool-proof way of determining the fair price of a market item, especially when you become
emotionally attached to an object and want to get it back home, give it as a present or keep it as a
souvenir. Even worse, some vendors will give you a sob story that they spent hours making the item
with their own hands. All of this can skew what you think the item is worth versus its actual value.

How do you know what is true, what is false, and how much you should actually pay? Firstly,
bargaining is part of the fun of buying things in Cancun. You can pretty much haggle the price of
anything almost anywhere - except when prices are indicated and/or in big box stores. Sometimes the
whole process of haggling seems daunting and is an issue for many people, but if you think about it as
a game it can get very fun. If you feel bad about negotiating, remember that the vendors expect
haggling and have inflated their prices anticipating the negotiation. It is truly part of the culture and
part of market shopping fun.

Being an entrepreneur at heart, I've always had a knack for getting good prices. There are many
methods that work well but everyone has their own style: from the damsel making big cute eyes to
someone like me who is more direct and simply asks for a discount. If you are clueless about the art of
getting great prices, simply follow this simple method and with a little practice it should get you great
deals in no time.

If there is an item that you would like to buy, don't focus too much of your attention on it. Ask for the
prices of a few items including the one that you want but don't put any emphasis on it. The vendor will
think that you are simply browsing and not interested in anything in particular. Then offer the vendor
40% of the asking price of the item that you want. The vendor will look stunned, give you some
excuse, and slowly negotiate up. Always counter their offer and try to see if you can get them to accept
about 50% - 70% of the original price. If you really, really like something and can afford it, buying at
80% would be fine, but anything above that is too much unless it's a very cheap item. On the flip side,
if you find something you feel you can afford and feel good about the price that the vendor is offering,
just buy it - but ask the vendor to throw in a little something. With this approach I have a collection of
free keychains which were all given to me as a little extra for free. Bargaining should be fun but
remember that, in the end, you are buying a product and the vendor is receiving cash. If you both agree
on the price all is OK. Vendors are very savvy and rarely lose out on deals.

Insider tip: One thing that you might notice is that some vendors are quite persistent and aggressive
while others attempt to play cat and mouse with you. A good way of getting them to accept your final
offer is by saying, ‘‘no gracias” and then turning around and walking away. This sudden loss of interest
from your side will either make them accept your offer, run after you, and give you the product, or they
will simply put it away and wait for their next client to come along. One thing that some dubious
vendors will do is yell out a ridiculous price when you are leaving (e.g. 100 pesos instead of 350). They
do this so you shop around with that price in mind and when you come back to see them expecting that
price, they go back to the original price they were asking. They think that you’ll be so tired after all
your shopping you’ll cave in and buy the product at their asking price. In this case, have some smaller
bills on hand and call them out on their offer. Some vendors will honour it; others not.

Best stores for budget travellers

Now you’ve learned that you can - and should - bargain almost anything you`re interested in buying, as
long as you are not in a supermarket or bigger brand store. Sometimes you will need more basic items
that are not available in market-type environments. I've compiled a list of places where you will be able
to buy pretty much anything for a great price, without haggling. Please take note that I am in no way
associated with any of the stores below and that trademarks used below are properties of their
respective companies.

The Crucero
The Crucero is an area where you will find a series of small shops that sell a huge variety of items,
ranging from a cheap cinema, furniture stores, a grocery store, excellent and cheap food spots (the red
hut with charcoal-grilled chicken and ribs is insane; just follow the smell to find it), clothing stores and
kiosks, an electronics boutique and barber shops. Tourists don’t usually come to this area so it's quite
unlikely that you will get ripped off. In fact, you will find good prices in most shops and you can
bargain to some extent. The Crucero is located on Tulum Boulevard, only a couple of minutes by bus
from the hotel zone. The neighbourhood could be a bit rough at night, so try not to be on your own later
than 9-10pm, although I’ve been there myself way past that time and never had a problem.

Walmart
Yes, you read it right; the same store that we have in the U.S./Canada. As much as I try to avoid global
chains when I'm visiting a country, the low prices on almost everything - especially liquor - can be very
appealing for a budget traveller. I've been to two Walmarts in Cancun; one is close to Mercado 28 and
accessible by taking the R2 bus from the hotel zone. The other one is closer to the city center and is less
accessible to tourists coming from the hotel zone, unless you take a taxi. Walmart brings you the
convenience and great prices that you are used to back at home.

Chedraui
It's a Mexican version of a big box store where you can find anything from food to clothing. Some have
a selection of USA/Canadian products, but normally they sell mostly Mexican national products like
clothing, electrical appliances or food. The one in Plaza Las Americas has a great selection of
U.S./Canada products if you miss home. What I loved about Chedraui were their pastries and freshly
baked bread in each store - excellent and cheap. They also accept U.S. dollars at a pretty good rate of
exchange so you don’t have to worry about going to the bank or ATM if you're out of pesos. If you buy
some items for a total of 400 Mexican pesos, which is around $38, and pay with a $100 bill you will
receive your change in pesos and therefore benefit from their great rate.

Soriana
Soriana is a really HUGE store where you’ll find ANYTHING you might need. If the other stores fail,
Soriana will usually have what you are looking for. I love their prepared food area complete with a
wide selection of different dishes to buy and eat right there or to take home. They have a wide variety
of traditional Mexican dishes, fast food, cakes, pastries, chocolates and sandwiches made right in front
of you at great prices. There is an entire taco stand INSIDE the store. At first, the tacos didn’t seem as
good as the street cart ones but at that point I was pretty much a taco-addict and had to try them. I was
pleasantly surprised by the great taste. Each store is a bit different from the others and they are spread
all around Mexico. Some are a bit nicer than others, but all are normally a pretty good option to go to
for a quick meal. Also, if you ever want to buy some excellent beef, pork or other meat, this is my go-to
place. Other grocery stores have good quality but Soriana in my opinion was the best of the bunch. The
butchers are nice and friendly and if you have a chat with them they can give you tips on how to
marinate, prepare and cook your piece of meat.

MEGA (Commercial Mexicana)

It’s not called ‘‘MEGA” for no reason - it is really HUGE in every way. Lots and lots of cashiers,
space, selection of goods, quality, prices, options, candies, liquors, medicine and electrical appliances.
The closest store to where I used to live was a Commercial Mexicana that the locals call ''Come-r'' so it
was my go-to place for fresh fruits and veggies.

Insider tip: Almost all of these stores have a special day of the week with extra-special prices
coinciding with massive amounts of fresh produce arrivals, so always look for the ads at the entrance of
the store or ask a clerk. You can get some really good deals on these days but the biggest advantage is
that the produce is at its freshest.

Plaza Las Americas

Even if this is not the cheapest place in Cancun to go shopping, Plaza las Americas is pretty much a
haven for shopaholics. Located in a big modern building that houses over 200 stores, you can be sure to
find all your favourite brands. This shopping centre is well-equipped with all the facilities one can find
in a modern mall such as plenty of ATMs, security agents, many restaurants (fast food and not), a
movie theater, a dental office, a grocery store and a huge parking lot. If you can't find what you are
looking for in Plaza las Americas, chances are that you won't find it anywhere else. There are also some
small attractions for kids so they can have a good time tagging along with their parents. If you don’t
know what to do on a rainy day, you can be sure that Plaza las Americas will keep you busy.

Don't buy tequila before you read this!

Many countries have an official liquor that they are particularly proud of and for Mexico it's tequila. If
you've only tasted cheap tequila, the vile taste is probably still anchored in your mind.

The problem with cheap tequila is that it not only tastes horrible, but just like drinking cheap wine, you
get a terrible hangover. Connoisseurs know that fine wines and fine liquors normally don’t give you a
hangover because their ingredients are pure and they don't contain dubious ingredients such as
sulphates.

Good tequila is believed to be as fine as champagne, cognac or Scotch whisky. After visiting the tequila
museum and tasting my fair share of tequilas, I had somewhat of an illumination regarding what I
thought tequila was. I'm not much of a drinker but I have to say that once you try quality tequila you
will really enjoy its taste.

Tequila is exported and enjoyed all over the world, which has caused some dubious companies to call
some sub-par liquors tequila. Some of these bad tequilas are not even related to the agave cactus which
tequila is made from. Mexico started a legal battle to protect the name as well as the reputation of this
national treasure. Even if the name tequila is now protected, the quality still varies very much from one
brand to another. Some taste like putrid gasoline and others taste amazing with hints of vanilla,
cinnamon and honey.

Tequila can be enjoyed in many mixed drinks, the most popular amongst tourists being the margarita. If
you really want to enjoy the taste of a premium tequila, it's best to drink it straight. The very best
tequilas are ''100% Agave''. This means that it contains nothing other than the blue agave cactus, with
no additives such as sugar or additional flavours or oils. In the same manner as rum, there is a wide
range of different tequilas with different colours, tastes and alcohol volumes. You will find the word
Reposado on the label of the best-tasting ones. It means that this particular kind of tequila was aged
from 2 months to 1 year. If you find the inscription Añejo, it means that the liquor is aged from 1 to 3
years and Ultra-Añejo is aged for at least 3 years.
The most popular ones at parties and bars for shots are the blanco or plata (white or silver) and joven or
dorado (young or gold), aged only a few weeks. If you see ‘‘100% Agave” I can assure you that almost
any brand is quite worth trying and paying the price.

The 100% agave is normally sipped from special glasses and sometimes enjoyed with cinnamon or
sangrita (a spicy hot drink that is supposed to raise the flavours of the tequila). The lesser-quality or
non-aged tequilas are taken from the famous 1 oz. tequila glasses, or ‘‘shots”, with salt and fresh lime,
a ritual known to many all over the world.

Tasting different tequilas on a budget

In any good tequila store in Cancun you will always find test bottles so that you can taste several
different kinds of tequila before you decide which one to buy. Usually you don't even have to ask; you
will have a tequila shot in your hand before you know it. You can also buy a variety of mini-bottles if
you're still unsure which tequila to buy.

Of course there are some great tequila stores in Cancun. Again I am not associated with any of these
stores, and that trademarks used below are properties of their respective companies. This is where I
have replenished my own stash of booze:

Europea

This is probably the best choice to go buy tequila. With 4 locations in Cancun and others all over the
country, you just have to go to one of these and be amazed at the amount of great liquors that they sell,
especially tequilas. Their tequila and Mezcal (also from the same plant but a drink obtained with a
different process) collection is simply amazing - over 750 brands and types for you to go crazy over.

Grocery stores

Most, if not all, grocery stores in Cancun have a wide selection of wine, beer and liquor, but usually
they stick to the mainstream popular brands. Prices are normally very good and sometimes you can
actually find specials on different brands so always ask or look for the ofertas en licores (special prices
in liquors). Sometimes you will have combo-packs, basically a liquor bottle bundled with a free soft
drink bottle, or gift packs in fancy boxes.

Tourist/novelty stores

These are the stores located in the hotel zone and in shopping centres that cater mostly to tourists. It's
easy to recognize them with their big ''going out of business'' banners which are usually nothing more
than a cheap marketing ploy. Surprisingly, these stores have a huge variety of tequilas that you won't
find elsewhere. You will find tequilas with a scorpion in the bottle, gun-shaped bottles, hand-painted
bottles and so on. What's really nice is that they usually don't overcharge.

Street stands or street markets

If you value your health (and potentially your life) do NOT buy any liquor from a market stand on the
street, even if the bottles seem to be sealed. Liquors are already really cheap in Mexico compared to the
U.S./Canada, so why risk your health with a bootleg product? If you want to experiment with home-
style fermented beverages such as Pulque or Tepache, that's a different story. Still, use caution as you
never know in what type of environment and with what type of ingredients the alcohol was produced.

Unique gift and souvenir ideas

Mexico is well-known for the arts and crafts made by various local artisans. These hand-made crafts
and souvenirs are very creative and there is always something for everyone. Here is a basic list of the
objects that I personally think are really cool and you should consider getting your hands on. To
understand where all these crafts come from you need to know that Mexico is a mix of many different
cultures such as Aztecs, Mayas and other lost civilizations and contain a Spanish influence with the
arrival of the Spaniards in the 1500s. This mix gave birth to the amazing colours, shapes, textures and
ideas that you find in the souvenirs that are everywhere. I’m sure you’ll find at least a few that will
catch your eye.

Leather products

Almost any tourist destination in Latin America has lots of leather products, especially where cattle is
raised. In Cancun you will find a plethora of different leather products such as cowboy garments (hats,
belts, vests and boots), novelty items and also a wide variety of high-quality goods. In some cases,
products are comparable to top leather products you can find in New York or Paris because Mexican
craftsmanship is superb. Buying leather is easy - you don’t have to be an expert in order to see the
value in good quality leather work

You will find leather products in pretty much any store – from high-end boutiques to flea markets.
Quality and prices vary depending on what you are looking for and where, and the sense of exclusivity
the store wants you to think it has. If you stick to markets, you will find some quality items at a bargain
price. I think my favourite leather item is a wallet made from leather with the fur still on it. It's such an
unusual item and it looks really awesome, plus it makes all my vegetarian friends cringe a little.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a volcanic rock tightly linked to the Mayan culture. These rocks are not very expensive but
can be a showpiece in your collection of trinkets. The price of a piece is dictated by the level and
quality of the craftsmanship put into it and the other materials used in the piece (e.g. gold, silver). The
coolest thing about this rock is that it is actually cooled magma or volcanic lava poured from the earth
into ancient riverbeds and turned into this interesting material that resembles a crystal. The
predominant colour of obsidian is black, but when you look at it in the sun it turns gold. You will find
amazing sculptures, utensils, rings, necklaces and pendants made from obsidian. Watch out, obsidian is
so sharp that it is actually used for surgical blades in scalpels. Some people actually like the fancy
obsidian knives for showing off in their kitchens or on their desks as an envelope opener. Arrow and
spear heads carved out of this rock are found in all ancient cultures of the Americas and many believe
they have special energies as well. If you are into hot stone massages you will find special massage
stones made from obsidian as well.

Crystal carvings

The Yucatan Peninsula is covered with many different types of crystals. Quartz, jade and other crystal
products are abundantly available at all the markets so if you believe in their magical properties you are
set for a good time.
Some of the crystal products are decorative sculptures, ashtrays, bowls of all sorts, glasses and pipes.
One of the more popular souvenirs are replicas of the famous Mayan crystal skulls, believed to have
been found in several Mayan ruins in the Yucatán and Belize and credited with mystical powers. Today
the originals are scattered around the world in museums and private collections.

Mayan and Aztec glyphs seem to be the preferred topic for carvings but animals such as jaguars, bulls,
dolphins, sharks, monkeys, parrots and other creatures are featured as well. If you are a believer in New
Age items you will also find many different shapes like pyramids and other kinds of amulets that you
can use in any way you want.

Mayan clothing

One of the fun things about going shopping in a popular tourist destination like Cancun is the fact that
vendors come from far away to sell their products. In this case, you will be able to find güipiles
(women’s blouses) hand-woven by Mayan women from places as far as Chiapas and Oaxaca in
Mexico, or as far away as Guatemala. Mayan clothing on the coast is different from the Mayan clothing
in the mountains of Guatemala and Chiapas but you will recognize it easily as it's very colourful and
has intricate designs. Some of the items are also very cheap yet look awesome, so if you're in the
scenario where you need to buy a lot of gifts, you know what to do.

Hand-carved shot glasses

These shot glasses are some of the most popular personalized souvenirs. Usually there is a kiosk in
every market where someone carves those glasses. The person carving them usually has a repertoire of
4-5 models, and you can ask them to add a name or write a nice message. They are relatively cheap but
if you have a shot glass collection this will become a piece that you will be proud to own.

Painting on a ceramic tile

If you are looking for a traditional yet cheap souvenir then ceramic tile paintings are for you. You will
find ceramic tile painters all over Cancun who are often operating directly on street corners, in markets
or in some tourist-oriented shopping centres. They paint these tiles very quickly, usually have 4 or 5
different themes and can personalize them for you. Of course, be careful when packing these tiles
because they are quite fragile. If you are looking for bubble wrap you will be able to find some in any
of the many paper stores all around Cancun.

New-age paintings

If you're walking in the hotel zone at night and see a big ball of fire, don't panic. It's probably a spray
paint artist at work. Their art pieces are Mayan/tribal inspired pieces that are created with layered paint
on a glossy piece of what resembles photo paper. Depending on the artist's mood, some pieces have
animals, beaches with waves, star-filled skies and planets, and many other fantasy inspired themes. It’s
just amazing to see how these artists create art from scratch, with what starts as a blank canvas with a
couple of ink blotches is later sculpted with metal tools. As the painting unfolds before your eyes the
piece slowly becomes logical, makes sense and turns into a beautiful work of art. This is worth
recording with your camera, especially when the artist speed-dries his painting with a big ball of fire.

Parque del artisano

Right next to Parque de las Palapas in downtown Cancun you will find a park reserved for artisans of
all sorts. If you're out of ideas of what to buy for yourself as a souvenir or something really special for
a loved one back home, it's impossible for you to pass by this park and not find something that you
fancy. The kiosks and the selection of items varies from night to night (they usually set up shop around
7 pm). Of course on Fridays and Saturdays there are more tables set up than on week days. All the
crafts being sold are handmade, often by the person selling them to you. You will find anything from
jewellery to crystals to acrylic casts containing critters of all sorts, pipes and local incense. Also on
some days there is a talented artist that does coin sculpting, which is my favorite item sold in that park.
His coin sculptures are very intricate, some with interlocking patterns.

Geographical Coordinates for Parque del artisano: 21.162342,-86.827114

Authentic Mexican cuisine where the locals eat

When I travel, an integral part of the experience is to try the local foods. One simply does not go to
Mexico and only eat buffet foods or whatever is offered at the hotel. Even if you are a little frightened
about trying food out of the hotel zone, I implore you to try the local food – especially if you are a fan
of Mexican food. Tasting authentic Mexican food in Mexico is something that you should absolutely
not pass up as you would be missing out on thousands of years of culinary tradition.

The different ingredients, marinades, rich spices and fresh vegetables available make every single dish
a treat. Of course, some dishes are more popular than others. You always have the classics such as the
world-famous tacos (not the hard-shell type), mole poblano, carnitas, chicharones and so much more.

The richness of this cuisine is due to the interesting and quite amazing mix of ancient ingredients,
recipes and techniques from the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, from the Spanish influence that came to
Mexico in the 1500s and, surprisingly, from other cultures such as the Lebanese, Chinese and French.

Some foodies speculate that Mexican food is known or often recognized by the frequent use of
ingredients that combine the three colours of the Mexican flag: red, white and green. This is very
similar to the Italian flag but in a different order. The green represents the green herbs, spices and chiles
(peppers); white the onion, garlic, corn, flour and sugar; and red the chiles, achiote, red meats and
tomatoes.

If you're staying in an all-inclusive resort or eat at the restaurants in the hotel zone you can still have a
good food experience, but the real food that the real Mexicans eat is not served in fancy restaurants; not
in Cancun and certainly not anywhere else in Mexico. It’s served in homes and in the streets, where
most of the locals eat.

The best example of how we are misinformed about Mexican food would be tacos. Before visiting
Mexico, I thought I knew tacos. I was so wrong. I mean, you can literally eat tacos every day for weeks
and never eat the same type of meat, flavour or spices. The variety of tacos that you will find in Cancun
is astounding. They even have a Taco Festival. If you go to an Americanised Mexican (tex-mex)
restaurant anywhere in the world they will offer tacos with expensive meat cuts and just a few diced
veggies. Everything is prepared in an almost sterile environment, the flavour is often bland and this
essentially gives tacos a bad reputation. The tacos that millions of Mexicans enjoy every day are
prepared in the streets and the meats included are often loin, tongue, kidneys, liver and tripe. If you
want to explore a little more you can find almost any organ you might think of from cows, pigs,
chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep. Whichever meat you choose to try has been marinating all day, the
flavours have had time to build. The traditional tacos are served with an array of veggies (including
cactus) and salsas prepared from recipes passed down from generation to generation.

In Cancun you will find excellent restaurants to suit any kind of taste. If you want to eat the real thing,
go to the older part of town and follow the locals at lunch or dinner time.

Don't be scared to try small hole-in-the-wall places

The biggest concern that travellers voice in Cancun was whether or not it was safe to eat in smaller
places and street food carts. In fact, most people who I told that I ate in these type of places assured me
that I would get sick. Ironically, the only time I got food poisoning in Cancun was when I ate in a
bigger, expensive tourist-oriented restaurant. Of course, if you eat at a place where the food was lying
around in the sun for hours, chances are that you might get sick. If you follow this one simple rule you
should be fine: look at where the locals eat.

When you visit a small plaza, or any place where you have a couple of food vendors, you will see three
or four vendors selling the same thing - you can easily tell which one is the best choice by the longest
line of people waiting to place their orders. It’s that simple.

Some of these spots are family businesses with multiple generations keeping traditions alive and giving
you the opportunity to try family recipes.

When it comes to food in Mexico, cheap does not necessarily mean bad, nor does expensive necessarily
mean good (it's usually quite the contrary). Many times I saw lost tourists looking at expensive
restaurant menus where the food is horrible when they could go one street down and enjoy delicious
local specialities for a fraction of the price. If you see a small table on a doorstep selling anything, don’t
be shy and give it a try. If you are not sure, see how many locals go there. If it’s full of tourists instead,
try another place.

Fast food - the Mexican way

The only reason I'm writing this is because I saw way too many people eating at American fast food
restaurants. As mentioned before, millions of Mexicans eat their daily meals in the street, saving them
both time and money. The presence of global fast food chains is omnipresent in Mexico but from what I
have noticed they are mostly visited by tourists and expats.

Mexican street food is served fast, it's cheap and is rich in flavours, made from fresh ingredients and is
very nutritious. Of course, some street vendors are more popular than others and the quality varies
greatly from one location to another. So my best tip regarding fast food is: eat it when you're home, not
when you have all of this delicious food available to you!

Must-try dishes and where to get them

Mole Poblano

Poblano means it’s from Puebla and is pretty much a synonym for awesome. Puebla is a city just
southeast of Mexico City where the most famous mole sauce comes from. It's known worldwide and is
the pride of the region. Since Cancun is a melting pot of citizens from different regions of Mexico you
will be able to find something close to the real deal. So what is mole anyway? It's a thick, dark brown
sauce that generously covers the chef's choice of meat or inside tamales. Many believe this epic sauce
actually comes from the days of the Aztec empire but some others say it was an ‘‘accident” in a convent
in Puebla during the Colonial years; honestly, who cares? It’s really incredibly good.

Most of the cooks that make the tastiest variations claim their recipe has close to a hundred ingredients.
As with most family recipes, the ingredients are usually kept secret. In the rich taste of this dark brown
sauce you will find hints of chocolate, cinnamon, smoked chiles and many other different spices that
create a unique flavour.

The most traditional mole sauce is served on top of turkey (called guajolote), chicken,and even fried
plantains with some sesame seeds just to finish the presentation. In my case, I can skip the meats; just
bring me a bowl of mole sauce and a stack of fresh tortillas and I'm a happy camper. Some people
prepare it with more heat than others (chile heat), and some are milder, but the hot spicy variety sauce
is quite amazing.

In Cancun, you will find mole in almost any restaurant and it's very hard to say which restaurant serves
the best. Some restaurants have mole festivals where you can try many variations.

If you would like to reproduce this dish at home, yet you don't have an ancestral recipe, the modern
world comes in to help. You can buy bottles of mole sauce in pretty much any grocery store. The
prepared versions are quite good but will never be the same as the one that has been cooking for hours -
if not days - that you’ll have in the streets of Cancun.

Chipotle and chipotle sauce

The smoky flavour of chipotle is quite common in the U.S. and Canada, so naturally when I saw it for
the first time on a menu in a restaurant I was curious to see what a traditional chipotle sauce would
taste like. It was an item available in most restaurants because Mexicans love having hot chiles in
almost anything they eat, even candy and ice cream.

Chipotle is a special variety of chile. When prepared the right way it brings that authentic smokey
flavour to your tacos, meatballs (albondigas), chicken, beef, rice, beans and whatever you could
possibly think of to put it on. You could have it as an integral part of the main dish or as a salsa (sauce)
to accompany a meal.

Compared to many different peppers and sauces, chipotle is not that hot. Its distinctive smoked flavour
gives it a unique taste. If you would like to try a great version of chipotle meatballs you can hit up any
of the food vendors serving it in Parque las palapas, or in the smaller restaurants on Lopez Portillo
Boulevard. If you would like to bring some chipotle back home, you can purchase the whole smoked
peppers (dried) in food markets and grocery stores or chipotle salsa in small glass bottles available all
over Cancun – even in souvenir stores.

Empanadas, tostadas, salbutes

Who doesn't love fried foods? Empanadas, tostadas, and salbutes are amazing as snacks to eat at any
time of day or night with a soda, beer or an agua fresca. They are all made of a corn paste and deep-
fried in oil. The difference between all three is basically that empanadas have a filling of meat,
chicken, vegetables or chicharrones and they resemble a folded tortilla so that the inside is well-cooked
and the outside is crusty. They somewhat look like a Jamaican patty that you might be familiar with.

Tostadas are like a taco, except that the tortilla has been fried and is like a big chip that ingredients are
piled on top of. You are sure to get a nice crunch with every bite of a tostada.

Salbutes, on the other hand, are thick fried corn dough discs, cut in two. They look a little like English
muffins. They are then topped with anything you can imagine, like chopped vegetables, pork, chicken
or fish, and there are different sauces to choose from to top your salbute.

All three are pretty much the same dough and topped with similar fillings, but the way they are
prepared and served really makes quite a difference, and they are all amazingly good. The only danger
with this kind of food is that it's addictive. It's impossible to have just one. Again it's hard to say where
the best ones are found but a good place to start would be the restaurant right next to Parque los
Palapas, right in front of the church.

Geographical Coordinates to find the Empanada Restaurant: 21.161916,-86.827329

Churros rellenos

Fried dough sticks, cinnamon and sugar are all music to my ears. Churros are one of the best sweets
you can have in Mexico and a perfect example of the Spanish culinary heritage. You will find two kinds
of churros in Cancun: the thin Spanish kind, rolled in cinnamon sugar topped with cajeta (goat milk
caramel) or condensed milk; and thicker churros that are hollowed out with a long metal rod and filled
with either dulce de leche (a sweet creamy caramel paste) or chocolate fudge. You will find churros in
small carts all over the city, especially at night, or during festivals and celebrations of all sorts. If by
chance you can't find any, simply visit the pastry section of any larger grocery store and they will fry up
a fresh batch for you.

Banana chips with lechera and/or cajeta

I was a little reluctant trying these banana chips as I'm not a banana fan. These paper-thin slices of
bananas that have been deep fried in oil and slathered with lechera (sweetened condensed milk) and
cajeta (goat milk caramel) are simply unbelievable. It's quite a dirty endeavour eating them so make
sure that your hands are very clean beforehand because you will be licking your fingers. These banana
chips are the perfect cure if you get a bad case of munchies – sweet-salty heaven. They are usually
found in the same carts as churros. If you visit Parque los Palapas at night, you will find an abundance
of them.

Marquesitas

Marquesitas are worse than many drugs in their addiction level – but healthier, less expensive and
completely legal. Marquesita vendors have little street carts equipped with a thick crepe press heated by
a blow torch. They spread a thin layer of crepe mixture and press it until its paper thin, and then they
fill the crepe with the garnish of your choice (jam, chocolate spread cajeta, etc.). The local favourite is
cajeta and cheese. At first I was skeptical of the mixture of cheese and caramel, but trust me: you won't
regret eating this – your taste buds will thank me. Once they fill the crepe, they quickly fold and roll it
and serve it to you nice and warm. Within an instant the crepe becomes crispy and cookie-like.
Stay refreshed - a quick guide to what's in those nondescript plastic bottles

Cancun is hot and humid most of the year, and eventually you will get thirsty. Of course, for many that
means ‘‘beer time”. I don’t blame them and I like to partake but sometimes you need other liquids and
water and sodas can get redundant quickly. Mexico offers many interesting drink options so don't be
scared to try new beverages.

Aguas Frescas

Fruit juices are very popular all over the world, but it's quite rare that someone outside of Mexico has
heard or tried these amazingly delicious and refreshing drinks called aguas frescas. The closest literal
translation would be ‘‘refreshing waters”. Quick side note: in Latin America it’s very common and
grammatically correct to say ‘‘aguas” as the plural of ‘‘agua” (water). Simply put, aguas frescas are
different types of drinks, all using water as a base with some sugar and a natural flavour agent that
makes them different from one another. Most of the flavours of these drinks are derived from fruit,
grains, flowers and other natural sources. Usually you will find these drinks in 1-litre bottles with no
label. Don't be scared to try them as they are usually made the same day from bottled water. If you have
the chance to try them from different vendors you will notice that the recipes vary from one place to
another. Some are better than others but, regardless, they are really worth a try.

Some of the most popular are:

Agua de Jamaica

Agua de Jamaica is made by brewing a hibiscus flower tea. After boiling this flower for a few
minutes with cinnamon and other spices the resulting infusion is added to fresh water and
sweetened with sugar. The taste of agua de Jamaica is very similar to water infused with
raspberry syrup. Its tangy flavour is so good that one glass is usually not enough. If you are
scared of trying the local brews of agua de Jamaica you will find syrup concentrate in grocery
stores, but I recommend the home-style versions.

Agua de Tamarindo

Agua de tamarindo is made with the seeds from the tamarind tree. The tamarind flavour was
something I had to get used to, but as soon as I acquired the taste I really enjoyed it in all its
variations. You find tamarind in candy, paste, sauces and many other forms. As with all aqua
frescas, tamarind brew is mixed with fresh water and sugar and left to rest a while, the resulting
drink is incredible. Not only does it quench your thirst but it also leaves you with a great
aftertaste. I think this was one of the most popular flavours with the locals, especially with the
kids.

Agua de Horchata

Agua de Horchata (or simply Horchata) is a drink originally from Sevilla, Spain, that became
one of the most popular beverages in Latin America during the Colonial period. Agua de
horchata was the first agua fresca that I ever tried, and it happened in the most sketchy way you
can imagine. I ordered a meal in a tiny restaurant and it came with a drink. Basically the little
old lady grabbed a plastic cup and poured some opaque white liquid with brown coloured
floating debris from a large Rubbermaid container stored in a fridge. Since this happened on my
 first week in Cancun I was less than enthusiastic to try it but people left and right were drinking
it so I decided to have a swig. It was DELICIOUS. The drink gets its opaque white colour
because it's made from crushed rice grains soaked in water for hours and then mixed with
cinnamon (thus the floating debris) and vanilla, finally being sweetened with sugar. In plain
terms it's somewhat of a rice milk, perfect if you are lactose intolerant. Then I came up with the
idea of adding a little rum to the mix – that was one of the best ideas ever.

Other aguas frescas are made with pineapple, orange, lime, watermelon and almost any fruit available
locally and the place to look for them is not in stores selling drinks in bottles or cans. You have to look
for the big glass jars with liquids of many different colours or the vendors that have fridges filled with
non-descript bottles.

Licuados

Fruit smoothies are very popular in Cancun, but of course you need a blender/ice shaving machine to
prepare them, so you will have to get them at a specialized kiosk. Licuados are drinks where fruits are
blended with your choice of milk or water and sweetened usually with sugar, honey or condensed milk.

The most common fruits for licuados are bananas, papaya, melon, strawberry and pineapple. You can
combine the fruit that you want, add more or less sugar, and customize the drink to your taste. Some
people also like to replace the milk or water with orange juice, which is something to try. Also most of
the licuados vendors will make shaved ice treats, which come in as many varieties as the licuados.

Weird Drinks and Sodas

If you go to any corner store such as Oxxo, you will quickly realize that apart from the drinks that you
know there is also a large variety of local juices, sodas and mixed alcoholic drinks. I've tried many of
them and the ones that stand out are:

- Carbonated apple soft drink

- Local energy drinks
- Mixed tequila drinks
- Natural canned fruit juices
- Low calorie flavoured waters/juices (if you are a diet soda drinker)

5 tips to know if a restaurant is good

Looking at the quality of food served in the numerous restaurants that I have visited it's not surprising
that many see Cancun as an emerging culinary destination. Some of the foodies I met in Cancun claim
that a handful of local eateries are on par with some of the world’s best restaurants. When visiting the
city outside the hotel zone you will find a wealth of restaurants that were initially created for the local
population, with all of the rich traditional flavours that the Mexicans adore. If your budget permits, I
highly recommend trying some of the more upscale restaurants. But if you're like me, you will rather
enjoy the smaller local eateries where the time-honoured Mexican flavours are king.

Regardless of where you end up deciding to eat, how do you know if a restaurant is good?

Here are my cardinal rules on how to make sure that a restaurant is good, and avoid the
possibility of getting food poisoning:
No empty tables

A long line or filled tables is the best indicator that people love this place and that the food is fresh and
ihas not been lying around for long periods of time due to poor turnaround.

Most of the clients are locals

The locals have the time to try different restaurants since they live there just as you do back home. As
we are creatures of habit, most locals return to their favourite spots. As mentioned earlier, if you prefer
good and traditional places then follow the locals and you definitely won't be disappointed.

Search on travel blogs

Travellers absolutely love sharing information about what they liked and disliked during their travels,
so they post comments of good and bad experiences on various blogs, forums and rating websites. Of
course, it’s hard to find a place that only has positive feedback. Some people are pathological
complainers so their ‘‘bad” experiences will not mean that yours will be bad.

Since most travellers' opinions are not skewed by money or any other motivation, the reviews tend to
be honest. I personally think that this is a useful tool to find good restaurants and to figure out some
secret menu items as well as the specialities of a given place. They can also provide some general tips
and tricks that can make your visit better.

Ask other tourists

If you ask around and talk to tourists that have spent some time in Cancun, you’ll find that they are a
great source of information - especially if they are foodies. Additionally, the information that you’re
getting won't be out-dated, as will sometimes happen on travel blogs. There will always be people who
say ‘‘I love this place” or ‘‘don’t go there, it's horrible”, so sometimes it's good to check out a place for
yourself. I use this method to find new places because it is surprising how some tourists find hidden
gems in the middle of nowhere, known only by a handful of locals, and yet with food so sublime it
makes the big fancy restaurants pale in comparison.

Ask taxi drivers

Of course, driving tourists and locals back and forth, taxi drivers know all the good places that are
popular with both tourists and locals alike. They are also definitely a great source of information for
your food search and usually give you an honest opinion as they don't get any commission when they
recommend you to a specific place (except when it comes to adult entertainment).

Eating on a budget – fresh and healthy food without breaking the bank

If you're not staying in an all-inclusive resort and saving money is part of your trip agenda, I suggest
that you skip the hotel zone restaurants and look into the food vendors in the downtown area. They
typically have freshly cooked and great-tasting food. If you're a solo traveller, it's sometimes much
cheaper to eat out than to buy groceries and cook for yourself – unless you want to eat the same meal
over and over again. With around $4 worth of Mexican pesos you can get a great meal big enough to
keep you full for hours. Of course, if a big meal is not what you are looking for, there are many snacks
and smaller dishes that you can get for even less than that. Tacos/tortas are usually around $1 or less.

Another good idea to save money in the food department is to make your own breakfasts and buy some
basics like bread, cheese, cereal and milk in a local grocery store. Don’t forget some fresh vegetables
and fruit so that you're not strictly reliant on restaurants, especially when it comes to snacking. Since
the apartment I was renting was located in downtown Cancun, I got very familiar with the food options
that were popular with the locals. Here is a list of types of foods, places and concepts that you will
encounter and that are worth a try:

Comida corrida

When translated very roughly into English, comida corrida pretty much means ‘‘running food” or food
that is rushed to you (the equivalent of our concept of fast food, but fresh and healthy). Most
restaurants will offer a comida corrida but sometimes you will have to ask for a special menu. Most of
the comida corrida places will start you off with a bowl of soup and then you will have a main dish and
a drink. All meals are usually accompanied by some freshly fried tortilla chips with homemade salsas
and a generous portion of hot tortillas.

It’s usually quite filling and a good way of trying traditional food that locals like. Even if some comida
corrida stands are sometimes not actual restaurants, they are not in the same category as ‘‘street-food”.
Rarely, at some places that cater to locals, you will find that the waiter brings your check before you’re
finished with your last course. This is because a lot of people eat in a rush and don’t want to lose time
waiting for the waiter to bring the bill. In most places, however, you will have to signal the waiter to
bring you your bill as by Mexican custom it is rude to rush the client into paying.

The dishes served in comida corrida can be quite elaborate and not as simple as the basic street food
but don't expect something fancy like in a gourmet restaurants either. The type of food served at comida
corrida is more like ‘‘homestyle” or comfort food, the same type of food families prepare at home.

Parque de las Palapas

Parque de las Palapas is a very popular and historic park in Cancun where concerts, presentations,
political meetings and pretty much any social event that attracts a large crowd takes place. Parque
means park in Spanish and a palapa is a kind of sun umbrella or a construction built to provide some
shade. Parque de las Palapas is the place to go for to get some ice cream, popsicles, aguas frescas and
traditional food sold in little kiosks. It's also the place where you will find many push-carts where they
serve fried banana slices, French fries, churros, and many other salty-sweets.

It’s also a popular spot for artisans to go and sell new age items, jewellery, art, toys and games for kids
and many other souvenir/traditional items. As with any place where crowds gather, you will find street
musicians or dancers performing, busking for tips. For locals, this is the place to bring their whole
family and hang out with friends and neighbours on any given night. Mariachi or local band concerts
are also frequent events, as are dancing lessons, movie projections and festivals.

Geographical Coordinates to find parque las palapas: 21.161141,-86.827615

Top 5 midnight snacks after going out to party

Cancun is often synonymous with partying and drinking. If you plan on partying like there's no
tomorrow, you will probably get the munchies in the early morning hours. What is awesome and
convenient is that there is a large selection of street vendors open around the clock to feed you at any
moment. Plus if you're like me, your Spanish will flow nicely with a couple of drinks in your body, so
trying to order food at night doubles as a rogue Spanish-practice session. If you are health-conscious or
have an aversion to high grease content, you might want to skip the next couple of pages. Here are
some of the most popular options that you can find at any hour.

Tacos

Mexican tacos have nothing to do with what you find in the U.S./Canada. The base of any taco is a
tortilla made from maize corn flour (Masa Harina) and water. The recipe is quite simple so it's safe to
say that they are made the same way the Aztecs and Mayas did for ages – you won't find hard-shell
tacos in Mexico. Then you get to choose a meat filing or, if you are lucky, your vendor may offer an
assortment of vegetarian options such as zucchini flowers, mushrooms or huitlacoche (a delicious local
fungus called the Mexican truffle). Cheese is sometimes optional but adds so much flavour. Then you
get to top them with many condiments such as chopped onions, cilantro, pickled veggies, some freshly
squeezed lime juice and four or five kinds of home-made salsas. I consider the taco to be a staple food
in Mexico, even more iconic than the hot dog in New York. Mexicans eat literally millions of tacos
daily, since they are served all day and night at every other corner of the street. Obviously at night you
will find a few less vendors, but they tend to regroup near the bars, clubs, the bus terminal and hot
spots in the hotel zone.

Tortas

Tortas are Mexico’s answer to a combination of sandwich. They can be similar to Italian paninis or
look somewhat like a sub-type sandwich, but most of the time tortas are made on a special round bun of
white bread that is filled with the meats and garnishes of your choice. The most popular ones have ham
or other cold cuts, marinated meat, cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce and avocado, and you can get your
favourite sauce (chipotle mayo, guacamole, salsa Mexicana, or even a Mexican version of what tastes a
little like a tahini-based glaze). You can also find vendors that make tortas with pulled pork or pulled
beef, chicken, cochinita (a local speciality) or pastor meat (such as in tacos). Whatever you want or can
put into a taco, you can usually have in a torta and vice-versa.

Some locations actually specialize in tortas so check their menus and ask for the differences because
they might have a speciality that you won't be able to find elsewhere. You might as well get yourself a
couple, because one might not be enough (from a glutton's perspective).

Tortas are another item that are easily available at night, mostly at taco stands. Devour a Cuban torta
before going to bed along with a big glass of water and you can say goodbye to any type of potential
hangover. Tortas are more filling than tacos so if you have a bigger hunger this would be the way to go.

Puddle of grease burgers

Right in front of the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun right after sundown, the magic starts to
happen. You will see a cart where music is playing and a guy is dancing while flipping burgers. The
meat is nothing fancy, the cheese is processed and the slice of ham he puts on the burger is bologna, but
on an alcohol-filled stomach it’s the most amazing thing you can get. As for the name, I started calling
them ‘‘puddle of grease burgers” as there is a puddle of grease that accumulates in a corner of the cart's
cooking plate. Usually the cook puts the burger in that puddle to fry it up a little before serving it on a
hot bun. My arteries clogged up a little just writing this paragraph but, believe me, you cannot leave
Cancun without trying one of these at least once.

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs

Available at the same stand as the ‘‘puddle of grease’‘ burgers and at many other carts near the bars and
clubs, you will find this delicious treat. The vendors start with a big, hot-dog sausage and proceed to
wrap it with a thick slice of bacon or simulated bacon and then grill it until it becomes nice and crispy.
They then garnish it with a drizzle of mustard, ketchup, mayo, and/or some mutant-green jalapeno
sausage. Heaven!

Tamales

Although this section of the book deals mostly with late-night snacks, there is one food item you will
want to try which is available quite early in the evening (between 7pm and 9pm). In many locations
you will see a lady with a couple of large steel pots heated by a charcoal fire. The food inside those
pots is simply out of this world: homemade tamales made in a coop-style environment. A tamale, for
the uninitiated, is meat or vegetable filled corn dough steamed in a banana leaf or a corn husk. You can
eat them hot or grab some before your night of partying and eat them cold later on. Usually they come
with some spicy salsa (homemade, of course) on the side. They are small but very filling, especially if
you eat a couple.

If Everything Else Fails

If your munchies get the best of you but you're unable to find any street food vendors and are running
out of options for a snack, head towards the closest corner store you can find. They are never closed
and usually have a small food section with warm food (which I’ve never tried). They will be able to
supply you with chips and local sweets to satisfy that alcohol-induced craving. Not the best option out
there but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. As for the choices of food - they usually have
hot-dogs, like most corner stores you might be familiar with, but also several have tacos, tortas and
tamales.

Keep in mind that my memories of these snacking options are from when I was in a rather non-sober
state; your mileage may vary.

The Mexican hangover cure

So you're in Mexico partying and having a great time when suddenly you wake up the next morning.
Then it hits you: that massive headache and a terrible hangover. Locally, a hangover is called ‘‘cruda”
(literally ‘‘raw” in Spanish) from the general state your body might be in after a night of heavy
drinking. As you probably want to start over that very same night, you need to get rid of the hangover
as quickly as possible so as to be on your feet at sundown. You're in luck, because according to old
wives' tales, Mexicans have figured out great ways to fight hangovers that make you feel better quickly,
recover all the liquids you lost processing the booze, and get you ready for another round of tequila.
Here are some popular ways for locals to cure your ‘‘cruda”:

Aguachile
 Aguachiles are like tapas (small snack) with raw shrimp or scallops, chopped onion, cucumbers,
cilantro, lots of lime juice and a dash of hot chile. With this mineral-packed snack, you should
get back on your feet quickly.

Caldo de camaron

Caldo de camaron is a cure-all shrimp soup with lots of veggies, hot chiles, some rice and some
noodles. It's a rich way of getting your body to recover from the hangover and, again according
to some old wives’ tales, it can help you with colds, stomach aches and many other ailments.
You get some fat from the stock, minerals, electrolytes and lots of liquid. Did I mention that
caldo de camaron is delicious?

Besides those favourites, there are many other dishes designed for the same purpose: eggs with nopal
(a Mexican cactus), menudo (a stew with cow’s tripe and rich flavour) and chilaquiles (tortilla chips
with cheese, cream, beans, chicken and green chile sauce).

The common ingredients in all of these are great ways to get rid of your hangover: lots of carbs,
proteins, some fat, hot chiles and a generous squirt of lime juice on everything.

Cheap healthcare - how to get dental/medical treatments for pennies on the dollar

There are quite a few world-class clinics in Cancun to help you with cosmetic surgery, dental and any
other medical needs. Medical treatments in Cancun are considerably cheaper than the prices you find in
the U.S./Canada. This is also true for a visit to a doctor for a standard consultation for any ailments you
might have during your trip.

Medical services in general are not very expensive in the hospitals/clinics where locals go and
obviously they are quite a bit more expensive in areas that cater to tourists and expats. The medical care
quality, price and availability are part of the reason why hundreds of foreigners are moving to Mexico
for their retirement. Some insurance companies actually cover medical services outside of the U.S.,
especially when people go to select clinics in Cancun and other cities.

I have met many people that visited Cancun for the sole purpose of getting this type of care and, as one
gentleman put it, for the equivalent of the price of his dental treatment in the U.S. he was able to get a
week’s vacation in an all-inclusive hotel, his treatment and had money left over for his daily spending.

If you do decide on Cancun as a medical destination, make sure that you do proper research on the
clinic that you select. When it comes to your health and your body it's not something that you want to
play with. As you research, you will be pleasantly surprised by the reviews that you find about clinics
and the availability of all sorts of generic medications in Mexico that are very expensive elsewhere.
Here are some medical tips for you that might just come in handy:

Travel insurance

As on any trip I highly recommend that you get some travel insurance. You never know; sometimes a
slip and fall can end up being costly. Being healthy and having the luxury of choosing a clinic for a
non-urgent treatment is very different from requiring emergency care. Also, many travel insurances
have other fringe benefits that might come in handy during your trip. Simply put, I never leave my
country without getting travel insurance.

Doctors and Pharmacies

Many pharmacies in Cancun specialize in selling generic-brand medications. For some, an advantage in
Mexico is that you don’t necessarily have to get a medical prescription to get most medications. There
are some exceptions to this but you can get most products without much hassle. Also most pharmacies
have an adjacent doctor's office. I had the misfortune of getting sick in Cancun with a really bad throat
infection and I got a consultation at one of these offices just by pure curiosity. I got properly diagnosed,
there was virtually no waiting time and I got my antibiotics next door. The whole ordeal cost me less
than $60 (the consultation fee and medications included). My consultation was around $4, and I had
enough pills to tranquilize a horse. If you get sick in Cancun and don’t want to harm your budget, go to
your closest generic drugstore - you will not be disappointed.

The only minor bump in the road with my experience at the clinic was that the doctor didn't speak a
word of English, and my Spanish was quite limited as it was at the beginning of my trip. With some
finger-pointing and little Spanglish, we understood each other just fine. I double-checked all the
medications on the internet before taking them and everything checked out.

Where to buy cheap medication

If you get sick or you just want to stock up on really low-priced medication to take back home, you will
be served well in Cancun. You can get pretty much any prescription medication available in your
country. Don’t forget that even though you don't need a prescription to buy your medication in Mexico,
you will need one at customs in order not to have any problems with your country’s authorities. Always
declare any medication that you are carrying. Also, make sure that you're not bringing back anything
that's illegal in your country. You will find an array of pharmacies selling medications all over the place
but if you want to be sure that you are getting sold a quality product, I would stick to larger chain stores
and to reputable pharmacy chains. Any place recommended by your health practitioner should be fair
game.

Finding a good dentist in Cancun

There are always two ways to find a good dentist in Cancun: you can go where the tourists go and pay
a cheaper price than back home, or go to a clinic that serves the local population and pay even less.
Obviously the smaller local clinics might not have all the high-end gadgets that the clinics catering to
tourists have, but the service is usually good and everything is sterilized.

Towards the end of my trip, when I started to write the book, I wanted to see what would happen if I
visited a dentist in Cancun. I went to four different clinics for research purposes. The first one was a
dental practice dedicated to tourists. They had all the latest technology, offered a free consultation and
were very friendly. The only problem was that they estimated the dental work to cost something like
$2,000. I was a little shocked as I had never had any major dental problems, so I contacted a friend
back at home studying dentistry and asked her if this estimate made sense. She told me that I was
getting ripped off. The work they wanted to do was legitimate but unnecessary, and in Canada was
worth $6,000 CAN.

The second place was a small clinic downtown near where I lived. The dentist was very friendly and
estimated the work to something like $250. Then I went to see another dentist and he estimated the
work at $500. The only problem was the first dentist found 8 cavities to be filled, the second found
four, and the third found six. I was confused.

Then I spoke with a local architect who told me that he went to a clinic for several years and was
always well treated. He also showed me their promotion in the newspaper. At this point I was skeptical
but I decided to serve as a human guinea pig.

The receptionist was excited that a tourist was there for an appointment. She was friendly and called
me to postpone my appointment to have an extra day to get all the medical forms translated into
English for me. I went in for the visit and the dentist was an older lady who only spoke Spanish but at
that point I was able to communicate quite effectively. I got a full estimate of the work necessary and
we scheduled a date to get the work done. I paid a little less than $175 to get laser teeth whitening, to
get three cavities filled and have an ultrasonic teeth cleaning.

When I came back home, I got an appointment with my local dentist to have the work inspected
because I was still troubled by the changing number of cavities. He said that everything was perfect in
my mouth, so three cavities it was indeed.

My best recommendation would be to get an estimate done locally before you leave for Mexico and to
bring your dental records along. This way you minimize any risk of getting a misdiagnosis and you will
make sure that you won't get taken advantage of.

You may have read about my experience and have cold feet about getting a procedure done but in every
country there are good and bad dentists. It's the same everywhere, it's just a matter of finding a good
provider with many satisfied clients and you won't run into any problems.

Take your time to research a dentist and don't be scared to pay a visit to a couple of offices to get a feel
for who they are. Once you find someone you can trust, you can be confident that you’ll get a good
treatment and you will save a ton of money in the process.

Take part in an Aztec cleansing ceremony

Detox treatments have gone mainstream and became very popular in the last couple of years. If you
look at the Aztec and Mayan cultures you will quickly notice that many shamanic rituals are actually
cleansing and purification ceremonies.

When it comes to these kinds of activities, it's all a matter of belief, but something must be working
because more and more tourists visit key Aztec and Maya locations for the sole purpose of taking part
in such a ceremony.

Individuals who participate in these kinds of activities claim that the Aztec Cleansing Ceremony is
precisely what everybody needs to cure their bad luck, lack of money, sexual stamina and pretty much
anything happening in their heart and mind.

The least I can say is that it’s an incredibly relaxing experience – and with the different rituals, sounds
and smells you do get in some sort of very pleasant trance.

The most serious ceremonies are performed in Cancun and the surrounding areas by shamans who have
learned from an older shaman, the knowledge being passed through the generations for centuries. Of
course, you might also encounter charlatans that dress up as Aztecs, dance around, play with seashells
and even throw stuff at you (for a tip, of course).

Most of these ceremonies involve items used for centuries such as a conch seashell that they blow to
the four directions (North, South, East and West), above (heaven) and below (underworld). Sometimes
they dance around to the sound of drums and use different kinds of incense to communicate with the
spirit world because it is believed that the bad spirits are the ones causing your problems, bad luck and
sadness.

These ceremonies end with a steam bath in a small round hut with a low ceiling in the shape of a
curved dome. Inside, heated rocks are sprayed with water infused with different leaves and sometimes
flowers, the steam filling the room, opening your pores and making you sweat.

If you're not into the whole spiritual aspect of the ceremony, you can simply enjoy a temezcal steam
bath followed by a relaxing massage.

Temezcals are found all over Mexico and there are a couple of locations in Cancun. If you would like
to participate in an Aztec dance ritual, you can simply visit Parque las Palapas where a group of
mystics perform the ritual every week (usually Fridays around 7pm).

The Mayan secret to feel 10 years younger – the cenotes

The Yucatan peninsula is full of cenotes all over the place. A cenote is a natural sinkhole which can be
either under or above ground. Cenotes are also believed to be entrances to Xibalba, the underworld of
the ancient Mayan civilization. Cenotes have been a source of drinking water for the Mayans and a
place where sacred rituals were performed. When archeologists studied the cenotes, human remains
were found at the bottom of many of the sinkholes adjacent to important Mayan sites, because some of
these rituals were human sacrifices.

Due to the high mineral level in the water, particularly calcium, these cenotes are believed to have
magical healing properties. They are said to be especially effective when combined with special
treatments or ceremonies performed by local shamans.

If you book a guided tour to pretty much any Mayan pyramid site, chances are very high that one of the
stops on your way will be a visit to a cenote. Usually the water is pristine but if you are booking a tour
with a dubious agency be careful and make sure to ask about the general cleanliness of the water of the
specific cenote you are visiting before you dive in. There have been reports of contamination of sewer
water and pesticides leaking into the underground river system of the cenotes. Personally I've been to
many cenotes and never had any problems with water cleanliness and most cenotes in and around
Cancun are far from any industrial farming complexes so pesticide contamination risks are low.
However, a quick Google search before going on your tour never hurts.

Where are cenotes?

Some cenotes are close to Cancun; others worth seeing are a few hours away. I've even stayed in an
eco-resort where there was a huge cenote right in the middle of the resort's grounds. If you want to
center your trip around visiting cenotes, the place to go is about a 30-45 minute drive from Cancun
right next to Puerto Morelos called ''Ruta de Cenotes'' or the Cenote Road. Many nature theme parks
feature a cenote somewhere in their area of recreation as well. To get to the cenote, you can book a tour
at one of the many tourist information booths, jump in a taxi or find a bus that takes you to a local
cenote.

Cenote 7 Bocas – my favourite cenote

If you fancy an adventure in the middle of nowhere, where there is no cell phone reception and you are
far from any type of modern life, you will love Cenote 7 Bocas. It's of the most spectacular cenotes you
can visit.

Cenote 7 Bocas is located near Puerto Morelos, and is one of the first stops on the Cenote Road. It's not
as touristy and developed as other sites; actually it's a bit rough (rustic would be an understatement).
You can't get a more genuine place than this.

Finding peace, listening to Mother Nature’s sounds, and relaxing in a quiet spot away from the daily
frenzy of the modern world is exactly what you get when you visit this place. There is a lush jungle
surrounding the cenote with colourful birds and other wildlife taking up residence there. When the sun
pierces the pristine water with its rays, the colour of the water becomes an incredibly deep blue that is
simply surreal.

If you can pick only one cenote during your stay in Mexico I would strongly suggest this one. Cenote 7
Bocas is translated into the ‘‘7 mouths cenote” because there are 7 entrances that are all interconnected
underground. The facility offers lifejackets (which I do recommend as the cenote is about 350 metres
deep) and there are many small surfboards floating around if you get a cramp or simply want to relax.
Once you enter the cenote you will be able to navigate from chamber to chamber, sometimes by diving
underwater for a couple of seconds.

There is also an opening from which you can jump in, but it’s reserved only for the brave. There are
many picnic tables on the grounds if you decide to bring a lunch. If you don't, you can always stop in
Puerto Morelos for a delicious meal on your way back. The only thing you need to consider when
visiting this cenote is that you're in the middle of nowhere, so make sure you know how to swim and
don't take any unnecessary risks, like doing back flips when jumping in the water, as help is quite far
away.

If you don't have a rental car, the easiest way to go to Cenote 7 Bocas is to grab a bus at the ‘‘ADO
terminal” to Puerto Morelos and then take a taxi from there. In all honesty, it's cheaper to rent a car in
this instance unless you are willing to negotiate with the cab driver. If you do take a cab, make sure to
ask your cab driver to come back and pick you up at a certain hour unless you want to spend the night
there. The entrance fee is quite cheap to the cenote (around $10-12 for the day) and includes a life
jacket per person.

Cenote de 7 Bocas is located at km 15, Ruta de los Cenotes, Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Sneaky travel tricks

Here are some of my best tips and tricks to get the most out of your trip in Cancun. They can apply to
many daily things that you might end up doing during your vacation. These tips, tricks and travel hacks
will save you money, help you figure some things out before your trip and open some doors which you
might not have known existed.
How to find the hidden gems that only locals know about

Wherever you live in this world, you know that your city has spots where the tourists go and spots that
the locals adore. The difference? The latter are often cheaper, more authentic and have better service
than the touristy spots. Cancun is the same; you have two classes of establishments, the ones usually
visited by tourists and the ones preferred by the locals. My personal favourite option is to hang out
where the locals go.

Mexicans love to go out, eat great food, party and celebrate in a grand way, so of course they have an
array of great places to go with good prices and great food and drinks. There is always something fun
happening like underground concerts, wrestling matches and other great stuff that normally foreigners
miss out on. Most of the times these places and events are only known to locals and your hotel
concierge (if you have one) might not even not know about them.

As I’ve mentioned before, making local friends is the best thing to do to get the best inside scoop of
events, good places for food, drinks and so forth.

Another way of quickly discovering an event is to use your curiosity to your advantage. If you see a
bunch of locals going somewhere and they all seem excited or you hear some music playing, follow.

If they have children with them, most likely it is a family show or something like that. If only couples
or singles are going, that means a cool concert might be starting in a few hours.
I noticed that for some odd reason locals normally don’t promote many local shows to tourists. Maybe
they think that the foreigners are here only to enjoy the beaches and expensive hotels. An example of
this would be how I discovered Carnival. I heard some music and drums so I followed the sound and
then I noticed a big parade so I just followed the people and I ended up at the epicentre of the
celebrations. Needless to say that I had an awesome evening and met many interesting people.

I think I won't say it enough: don't be too shy when it comes to starting up a conversation with the
locals as they love their city and will tell you where to go to have a great time. If you are not confident
with enough with your Spanish to drum up conversations with strangers, your best bet would be to talk
with the people that work in the tourism industry as they are bound to speak English.

Normally, the people who work in the tourism industry know that tourists' money puts food on their
own tables, so they know that helping out and keeping the tourists safe will result in a better image for
the city. Mexicans are famous worldwide for their readiness to party, so if you see someone who is in
your age group they can probably give you great partying tips and tell you about events for your age
group.

Save money during your stay

The next couple of pages is where this book pretty much pays for itself, as you will find out some of
my best money saving tips. I've personally used all these tricks over and over, and shared them with
many fellow travellers who have had great results with them as well.

Get access to the hottest clubs for way less than most tourists pay

If you are heading to Cancun and your objective is to party, be prepared to pay entrance fees to
different clubs and events. If you follow these simple tricks you will be able to stretch your budget and
party more for less. Here are some of the best hacks you can try doing to save lots of cash.

Party passes

If you decide to pay an entry at the door of each club you want to visit and to pay for each one of your
drinks, incredibly high tabs should be expected. On the flip side, Cancun's streets are filled with
promoters hawking party passes to the hottest clubs around. Cancun has some great ‘‘party-tour” deals
that can help you save a lot. Also you can get a bracelet that will grant you access to several clubs with
all-inclusive formula where all your drinks are paid for all night long. For a small extra fee, the
promoter can take you to the club and hook you up with a table and a couple of alcohol bottles. These
party passes are available from promoters working the streets, tour company kiosks or at hotels and
hostels. All hotels and hostels actually get a kickback for selling these tickets so sometimes - especially
when it comes to bigger hotels - they sell the tickets at a higher mark-up but will offer extras such as
transport to and from the clubs free of charge. There are also some tickets and party-passes given away
during events or fun competitions on the beach. So again, asking the locals can place you in the right
spot to get one.

Cheap tickets to Coco Bongo

I don't think it's necessary to mention that the must-visit club in Cancun is Coco Bongo. With its
amazing alcohol-fuelled atmosphere, Vegas-style shows, amazing light effects, music and positive
vibes this club is something special worth visiting. However, the admission fee plus drinks and tips can
be very high if you go there on a whim. As with most clubs, paying the admission fee at the door will
get you to see the show, but will be very expensive and you will have to pay for all your drinks. You are
better off taking a stroll downtown Cancun during the day to visit one of the tour companies that sell
Coco Bongo Tickets. You will be able to get a ‘‘VIP” entrance with all your drinks included for the
evening for a fraction of the price. If you buy your ticket in the hotel zone you are bound to get
overcharged. Sometimes you can also ask around in hostels, sometimes they know promoters very well
and will be able to get you inside the club for a ridiculous price. This works only during the low season
since peak-season deals are virtually non-existent. Once inside the Coco Bongo I suggest that you give
your waiter a good tip and he will take care of you like royalty. During my visit to the Coco Bongo my
glass was barely empty and I had a refill right away. The waiter was sending shots of all sorts our way
as well. You would think that the drinks would be watered-down in such a touristy spot, but it was quite
the contrary. The drinks were strong and good.

Hostels and private parties

As far as partying options go, choices are not what is lacking in Cancun. You have the major clubs in
the hotel zone, smaller local clubs downtown and privately organized parties. Unless you know a well-
connected local, the best way to get hooked up with tickets to these private parties is to ask around in
hostels. Usually the young staff running the hostel will have a calendar of events coming up and will be
able to inform you about what's happening. You will also have first-hand access to tickets for the
smaller parties that only a select few know about. Hostel organized parties are usually pretty wild and
some clubs seem very tame compared to them. These parties are sometimes themed, such as beach
parties and pool parties. They are the perfect occasions to meet fellow travellers and make new friends.
These parties are often very budget-friendly and include drinks or sometimes transportation to and from
the party.
Go to all you can drink places instead of buying all your drinks one by one

In general, dancing and having a good time always gets you thirsty. If you get carried away your tab
can give you quite a scare at the end of your night, especially if you go to places that serve drinks and
charge individually for them. The solution for this is going to the all-inclusive bars where, for a fee,
you will have a virtually unlimited supply of local spirits Normally this includes several tequilas, rum,
vodka, whisky and several different kinds of beer. What is surprising is the astronomical prices of water
bottles and soft drinks in some clubs. Sometimes it's better to buy an all-you-can-drink package even if
you don't plan on drinking alcohol. To give you an idea of pricing, some clubs in the hotel zone charge
around $18 for a night out with all the drinks that you can handle, which is a bargain compared to the
USA/Canada.

Explore Mexican culture for free

Mexico has one of the most interesting cultures in the world, thanks to the mix of the ancient Aztec and
Mayan traditions and the ‘‘modern world” views introduced by the Spaniards in the 1500s. The
Mexican culture is ever-evolving even today. Mexicans have quite a unique way of being that makes
them stand tall among other countries in Latin America.

In my opinion, the best way to experience a new culture is to get up close to it. Just taking a walk in
downtown Cancun will automatically immerse you in something new that will open your eyes on what
you thought Mexico was.

Back at home, exploring cultural activities is often synonymous with spending a lot of money but in
Mexico you will find many viable options to get acquainted with the Mexican culture for free. Here are
some of my favourite activities I recommend that you try.

Shows in parks

Parque las Palapas and other smaller parks have cultural shows almost every weekend, especially on
Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Shows in the parks include mariachi concerts, presentations of
local singers and bands, traditional and modern dance shows and variety shows. Usually you will find
posters all over the parks that will inform you of what is coming up. Alternatively, you can ask the local
food vendors about what is happening. Also, if you are in Cancun during a local holiday, make sure to
pop in to any public square to see what is happening. Themed nights are quite common for the different
holidays and you will want to make sure that you dress for the occasion.

Free dancing lessons

Mexicans have music flowing in their veins, so naturally they love to dance. They actually love it so
much that it’s common to see flyers in hotels and bars inviting people to meet at a park or a bar for free
dancing lessons in their most popular styles, such as salsa, tango, meringue and cha-cha-cha.

It’s always good fun to take dance lessons of the popular local dances, especially since you have access
to dancers that have been dancing probably since the time they were able to walk. If you have no clue
how to dance or don't have a dancing partner, don't be shy. The instructors will quickly make you feel
comfortable and will guide you every step of the way. If you look around you will quickly notice that
there are opportunities to learn how to dance almost everywhere.
Geographical Coordinates for a park where free dancing lessons are offered every Sunday around
7pm: 21.163082,-86.828281

Music in bars

A bar is simply not a bar without great music, and in Cancun the best bars know that they will attract
more clients if they have good live acts. There is a lot of competition in Cancun's night life so in order
to get the most clients a lot of venues are opening their doors to new artists and underground bands,
allowing them to play and entertain. I quickly realized that Cancun is filled with musical talent ranging
from unknown bands doing their own thing to cover bands imitating known artists to perfection. The
bigger clubs often bring in international artists and DJ's – but some of them pale in comparison to what
I saw in some dive bars in downtown Cancun. If you're walking on a street at night, keep your ears
open and follow the music.

Festivals and parades

There is a saying in Mexico that no occasion is too small to celebrate! During my time in Cancun I saw
many parades, festivals and fairs that attracted my attention. Whatever the occasion is - great food,
abundant beer, live music and variety shows will be there to spice up the evening. I've never come
across a local festival or a parade that had an entrance fee. Everyone is invited for the party.

Buskers

Many locals make a living busking the streets of Cancun. You will find everything from musicians,
jugglers, stilt-walkers, fire breathers, fakirs, circus acts and many clowns. Usually they perform either
on the street, in a bus or in any other public place and tend to attract a crowd. If you enjoyed the show
it is good give them a small something during or at the end of their show if they have some sort of
container dedicated to that purpose. Compared to many big North American cities you will notice that
Cancun doesn't have many people panhandling. Most of the people asking for money on the streets
either sell something or do something to earn their money. Usually buskers are quite interesting
characters and will have many interesting stories if you talk with them.

Getting lost in the city

Getting lost in any city is one of the most fun things that you can do. Pick a day that's not too warm, get
a comfortable pair of shoes and explore. One of the best ways of starting a day of exploration is to take
a random bus and just get off when something catches your eye. I would keep your explorations to the
daytime but I did my fair share of night exploring without any incident. I discovered many small parks,
delicious little restaurants, stores, markets of all sorts, and a variety of interesting-looking houses. If
you get lost, follow my advice and simply grab a cab to a destination that you are familiar with. Don't
forget your camera and a piece of paper to write an address down if you find something that you would
like to explore further. You have no idea how many travellers told me that they found something
awesome and could never find it again because they failed to note the location.

Give new life to your shoes - the Cancun shoeshine

You might find it weird that I put a small chapter on shoe shines in this book but it was an experience
that I really found interesting. Since my different stays in Cancun where quite long, I brought a nice
pair of shoes for going out. My shoes got slightly damaged during a drunken night of walking with
them on the beach. Seeing the shoe shine boys, I decided to see if the old school way of cleaning shoes
would save my pair. You have two types of shoe shine boys in Cancun: the ones that walk around with
their equipment and offer their services like door-to-door salesmen, and the ones that have a stationary
booth usually located in the same place. You can get an excellent shoeshine for a couple of dollars
(maybe $2-3) and you can have a lot of fun by doing it.

Many Mexican men (and women) enjoy the time they spend getting their shoes shined in a park, chit-
chatting with the shoeshine guys, reading a paper, having a cigarette or simply looking at the pretty
señoritas passing by.

The shoe shine stands are like gossip centrals and the people doing the shine are very friendly and love
to talk to strangers about the latest news, political matters and the latest soccer game. They are also a
great source for finding good street food spots. Since they basically spend the whole day working in the
street, they know where to get a cheap and good bite.

Always ask for the price before having the shoeshine done and I recommend you tip them a couple of
extra pesos if they were friendly. Your shoes will thank you for getting them massaged and making
them look brand new.

Save money on your laundry - don't use hotel laundry services

If you're on a budget and your accommodation is downtown I recommend that you don't use your
hotel's laundry service. The hotels always overcharge for anything they do for you and sometimes
hostels are no exception. Of course using your hotel's services is more convenient, but it’s not cheap,
especially if you are staying for quite some time. Some travellers I met who were staying in a hotel
paid 10 times the normal price to get their clothes washed and they were probably washed at a local
laundry service anyway.

Laundromats in Cancun are not the self-serve type you might have encountered. Instead, you simply
drop your laundry at one of these in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon. Your clothes will be
washed, dried and folded for an all-inclusive price. When you bring your clothes to a laundry service
they will weigh your load first and charge by the kilo. If you want your clothes pressed or ironed you’ll
have to pay a bit extra; the same with the dry cleaning service. I recommend that you go to a
laundromat that has the prices written on a board since some operators might increase the price seeing
that you're a tourist.

A quick tip to save money on your laundry is to make sure that your clothes are dry before bringing
them to the laundromat. Wet or humid clothes can sometimes almost double the price of your wash
because they weigh more.

Saving up to 80% on excursions

Once you land in Cancun you will quickly learn that there are tons of excursions you can do that will
bring your trip to another level. Before I tell you some of my favourite spots to visit, here are a couple
of tricks on how not to overpay for your excursions.

Buy downtown, not in a hotel

Cancun has a lot of interesting tours and your hotel will offer several options with the convenience of
just asking the front desk staff to put it on your tab. Not only does the hotel get a kickback from this but
they will probably sell the tour at a higher marked-up price. If budget is not an issue, you can book with
your hotel or your airline tour provider, but if you're on a tighter budget then booking elsewhere will
prove to be more beneficial. For the best prices around for any tour, be it diving, snorkelling, visiting
any of the parks (such as Xel-ha or Xcaret), or a visit to pyramids such as Chichen Itza, I suggest that
you book your tour downtown. There are many tour travel agencies and tour brokers around and they
will compete against each other to offer you the best price. Even if your hotel representative tells you
not to book outside of the hotel, the tours are often conducted by the same subcontractor as your hotel.
During my tour to Chichen Itza I had the chance to speak with people who booked directly with their
hotel. Some paid as much as 4 or 5 times what we did for exactly the same tour (in the same bus, the
same restaurant, the same guide). If you do book downtown, make sure you purchase your tickets from
a tour booker that has a physical location instead of a table on the side of the road.

Negotiate

Remember that bargaining is part of the culture in Mexico so if you are going with your family or
friends and want to take a tour, always try to get a better deal. The more tickets you buy, the higher the
discount you should expect. When I booked my tours I tried to get a couple of people from where I
lived to join in to get a bigger group in order to get a better deal. If you trust your tour provider try to
book a couple of tours all at once to get a bulk package discount.

Book a tour or visit it by yourself?

You can visit most places in and around Cancun on your own, meaning that you can book your own
bus ticket and pay the entrance fee at the door. If you shop around, however, you will quickly notice
that some all-inclusive tours are extremely well organized and end up cheaper than doing everything
yourself.

Insider Tip: Depending on where you go, tour operators make some extra money on drinks (in
restaurants where the meal is free) and souvenirs (at a shopping pit stop). The prices are very inflated,
so keep your eyes open.

Must-visit places near Cancun – excursion ideas

Here is a list of some of my favourite excursions in and around Cancun. I've added some family-
friendly options in case you have younger kids travelling with you.

Coba

The Coba ruins have a special place in my heart as they are the first ruins I'd ever seen in my life. Some
of the ruins have been renovated but most of them are in the same state that they were discovered in.
The general area is very charming because of the beautiful scenery surrounding the ruins.

Coba translated in English means ‘‘water stirred by the wind” and is a metaphor for all the lakes
dispersed in the area. The structures found in the city are about 6,500 years old and only about 5% of
them have been excavated. It's at the Coba ruins where you will find the tallest Mayan pyramid in the
whole of the Yucatan peninsula. The name of this temple is Nohuch Mul (which simply means ‘‘the big
mound”) and it is the only temple that tourists are allowed to climb in the Yucatan, the pyramids at
Tulum and Chichen Itza are off limits since their renovation. The view from the top of the pyramid is
absolutely stunning.

On the ground, you will have many options to go from one pyramid to another. You can either walk,
rent a bicycle or pay a local to transport you in a type of bicycle buggy. This Mayan city is so special
and unique because the ruins are located in the middle of the jungle. You will have the pleasure of
seeing different types of colourful butterflies, birds and different species of local flora which you don't
really get to see in other ruin sites.

If you are interested in visiting Playa del Carmen, I suggest that you combine that visit with the Coba
Ruins as they are very close. Also, excursions to Coba are quite a lot cheaper than the ones to Chichen
Itza and Tulum due to their proximity.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza became very famous in 2007 when it became one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Its main pyramid is called el Castillo meaning the castle is the most iconic Mayan pyramid in the
world. The name Chichen Itza means ‘‘At the Mouth of the Well”.

Other than the el Castillo pyramid, you will find many other Mayan buildings such as: the platform of
skulls; temple of warriors; an observatory; and many others. You will also be able to walk in the biggest
ball court in the Yucatan where the Mayans played the Mesoamerican ballgame. If you see people
clapping their hands in the ball court it's normal; they are simply testing the legendary acoustics of the
structure. Any sharp sound travels from one end to another of the ball court as if by magic. If you are
on a guided tour your guide will be proud to show you where the human sacrifices used to take place
right next to the ball court, and explain different brutal aspects of the Mayan traditions.

Speaking of which, I highly suggest that you get a guided tour of Chichen Itza because the guides are
extremely knowledgeable about Mayan history and will be able to provide many insights on that
culture.

On a side note, if you do go to Chichen Itza, you will encounter many merchants inside the grounds
trying to peddle all sorts of souvenirs. If you encounter one of them trying to sell you a nice-looking
souvenir for $1, it's somewhat of a scam. They are holding a big souvenir and a tiny one which no one
pays attention to, so you’ll start talking to them thinking you will get a great deal only to realize that
they want way more money for the bigger item. They will follow you around until you buy the
souvenir. On the flip side, if you are interested in what they are selling, the longer they follow you the
more the price drops. A $40 item can be often bought at 10-15% of the original price offered.

A surprising thing that I noticed about the vendors who have tables set up in the area inside the grounds
is that their prices on souvenirs are some of the lowest ones that I encountered in Mexico. Once you
start negotiating with them, especially right before they close their kiosks, you will get awesome prices.
I bought several quartz items for about 1/10th of the price that I was offered in downtown Cancun.

Tulum

Standing guard over the sparkling crystal clear sea waters of the Caribbean, Tulum is surrounded by
lush green vegetation with stunning blue skies to serve as a backdrop. Tulum invites locals and visitors
alike to come explore its intricately detailed ruins and their rich history. Visiting Tulum is a unique
experience that I strongly recommend as it's the only ruins that have been built close to the ocean.
When you visit Tulum do not buy any entrance tickets from the various vendors that are in front of the
ruin site as they sell tickets for a marked up price. Also make sure that you bring your beach attire
because Tulum has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya, and possibly in the world.

Amusement parks, nature reserves and zoos

Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is an aquatic nature park located not too far from Cancun, and is considered the largest natural
aquarium in the world. The English translation of the Mayan word Xel ha is loosely translated to
‘‘Where the water is born”. While XelHa is s a place where you can enjoy lots of fun activities such as
relaxing at the beach, walking in the jungle, exploring cenotes, or some of the many adrenaline filled
activities, the highlight of Xel-Ha is the snorkelling.

What makes Xel-Ha unique is that the water where you snorkel in is a mix of salty sea water and fresh
water. The combination of these waters creates a special ecosystem that tropical fish are attracted to.
You will find an abundance different types of tropical fish that you might not see elsewhere. You might
even encounter the Rainbow parrot fish, which has sublime colours.

The aquatic park also provides amenities where you can eat, drink and even laze around in a hammock
while at the same time being close to nature. If you decide to spend a little more money, you will have
access to pay-as-you-go activities such as swimming with dolphins or stingrays.

Xcaret

XCaret is a big archaeological theme park. Personally, I'm not a big fan of these type of activities but
other travellers said that the beauty of the grounds and royal treatment you will receive are the main
focal points of the Xcaret experience.

The park has many activities for adults and kids alike, so this makes a perfect family destination. With
at least four different restaurants where they serve fresh meals prepared by international chefs, even the
pickiest of eaters will be accommodated.

After a meal, you can enjoy your time by one of the many pools or spend some time at one of the many
wildlife and cultural exhibits, snorkelling or swimming with dolphins. You will be able to enjoy great
shows and Mayan rituals happening throughout the day. Your visit to Xcaret will immerse you into the
natural and cultural diversity of Mexico.

This is probably one of the most expensive spots to go to near Cancun, but most say that it's worth it.
Nevertheless, look for special deals with taxi drivers and hotel staff (they always know where to get
cheaper tickets). If you do go, make sure not to miss the demonstration of a Mesoamerican ballgame
called Ulama.

Xplor

Xplor Cancun park is located right next to Xcaret, about 30 minutes from Cancun. It is a natural
adventure park where you can enjoy nature's breathtaking beauty while having an adrenaline rush with
the various activities offered. The park has a nice mix of experiences high in the air and underground.
One of the highlights is a 45-metre high zip line going 30 kilometres per hour above the park.
In case you have not yet decided whether to conquer your fear of heights, you can take a ride on an
Amphibious Vehicle in jungle trails, cross the heart-stopping suspended bridges, or explore the
mystical beauty of the underground world through a system of caves. Or simply enjoy one of the many
relaxing activities.

Wet'n Wild Water Park

Wet'n Wild Cancun is one of the biggest water parks in Mexico and will definitely give you a thrilling
experience. It is located only 25 kilometres from the hotel zone on 18 acres of water slides and
attractions.

One of the main attractions is the lazy river that runs around the property where you can float away all
day. There is also a wave pool, many slides of different heights and a ride called the Kamikaze, which
is reserved for the bravest of visitors. You will also have access to a beautiful beach providing an
excellent opportunity to have a stroll at the end of the day and catch a sunset. If you are visiting the
park with children, they will have entertainment all day long in an area reserved for kids.

You can pack a lunch or have a meal at one of the many restaurants at affordable rates. The security is
top-notch and the staff is ever ready to help you out with anything that you might need.

Crococun Crocodile Zoo

Located near the town of Puerto Morelos, Crococun is the place to see native animal species that live in
the Riviera Maya such as crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and colorful birds. This zoo is usually
open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is usually made quite affordable at around $25
for adults and free for kids less than five years of age. The entrance fee includes a guided tour of the
zoo with a guide who is very knowledgeable about all the animals.

The most interesting part of the zoo is where visitors can walk near areas where crocodiles roam freely.
You will also get the opportunity to get acquainted with different reptiles and the chance to hold or
touch snakes and young crocodiles. Other exhibits will give you the opportunity to see cute monkeys
and parrots up close.

If reptiles are something that you are curious or passionate about, this place is really worth paying a
visit to. You can either go by a taxi or take a bus from downtown Cancun that will bring you almost to
the door. To find a bus that goes to any of the destinations mentioned in this book, go to the ‘‘ADO”
bus terminal in downtown Cancun and get a ticket directly on the spot or shop around with the various
smaller companies in that area.

Ruta de los Cenotes

The Ruta de los Cenotes (or the Cenote Road) is new road that the federal government of Mexico
created to boost tourism. It’s about 25 kilometres (15 miles) long and goes through jungles next to
indigenous communities so that tourists can see how they live (and buy souvenirs). The ruta de los
cenotes is of course centerd around visiting cenotes. At some locations you will find zip-lines, paint-
ball courts, ATV rentals and other modern facilities, whereas other locations will be more rustic.
Depending on what cenote park you choose to spend your day at, you will encounter both above
ground cenotes and cave-like cenotes. You can snorkel in both. Some places may offer cenote diving.
This is a very exciting activity but make sure that you are dealing with an experienced individual as
sometimes unfortunate diving incidents do happen. If you don't plan on diving in the deep bowels of
the cenote, then you are perfectly safe; just wear a life vest as the cenotes tend to be extremely deep.
Fees are normally reasonable, ranging from $5 to $30 per person for admission, depending on the
location and services offered. If you don't have a rental car, the best way to go on the ruta de cenotes is
by taxi or an organized tour, as there is no bus route servicing that area.

Holbox Island

Cancun's intoxicating night life is full of adventure and excitement, and so is the busy hustle and bustle
of the streets during the day. But if you are looking for a day or two of something more quiet, why not
visit a hidden paradise rich with its own culture and an untouched natural beauty?

Northwest of Cancun is a small island named Holbox Island. In the Mayan language this means ‘‘black
hole’‘. This is in reference to the dark waters of the lagoon that separate the island from the mainland.
The streets of Holbox Island are covered with white sandy roads and most visitors travel on foot
throughout the island but you can also rent golf carts and mopeds. There is only one small community
on the island, known as Holbox Village. Many of the locals are fishermen by trade so you will be able
to enjoy some very fresh seafood.

You will also have the chance to swim with the whale sharks in a natural, safe environment. Whale
shark excursions usually start around the month of May, because this is when the whale sharks come to
the area. Holbox Island is a natural haven to a wide variety birds and many animals. The beach sand is
white and the water is usually shallow - perfect for relaxing or snorkelling. If you feel a little romantic
you can end the day with a horseback ride into the sunset.

Cities close to Cancun that are worth a visit

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a small sea port town found less than an hour’s drive from Cancun. If you are
looking for a quiet spot to spend a day or a weekend, this would be the place to go. For those who love
snorkelling, Puerto Morelo's reef is the place to visit. Even on very windy days the water is always
clear and there are plenty of fish. Another nice snorkelling spot is the Ojo de Agua Beach which is
intimate and comparable to a private beach. You can also spend a day in nature and visit the Parque
Cenote Las Mojarras. Apart from the sinkhole as the main attraction, the park also has a twin zip line
and double tower, cool jungle canopy, traditional hammocks, restroom facilities, camping possibilities
and is a great place to picnic. The botanical gardens in Puerto Morelos are the perfect spot for those
who are looking for a quiet place to spend the day. There are many departures to Puerto Morelos from
downtown Cancun every day, which makes planning your trip there very easy.

Merida

Merida is a beautiful colonial city that some say is more ‘‘Mexican” than Cancun. With its tropical
weather, beautiful architecture, abundance of handicrafts and all of its authentic restaurants it will
surely charm you. Merida is located about a 2 hour drive west of Cancun and is such a gorgeous place
that many people make it their primary destination.

Playa Del Carmen

Like Cancun, Playa del Carmen is famous for its wild parties, festivals and its beautiful beaches. It's
located pretty much at the center of the Riviera Maya. It’s only a short 1-hour ride by bus from Cancun,
so going only for a day is not a bad idea but staying there at least one night would be recommended to
have the full experience. If you decide to visit Playa del Carmen, you will notice that the city is smaller
than Cancun. Most stores and restaurants are located on the Quinta Avenida, or ‘‘fifth avenue” refering
to the Fifth Avenue located in New York. Right from Fifth Avenue you will have access to the beach
which, some people say, is the best beach in the world. There is always something interesting
happening at the beach, especially on weekend nights, so be sure to ask around what events are going
on. You never know it could be a mariachi night, a concert by an international singer, or a party with
famous DJs.

Stuck on a rainy day?

If you are stuck on a rainy day in Cancun there are many options to spend a nice day. If you are staying
in a resort there will be many activities organized to keep you busy. But if you are travelling on your
own you will have to do your own fun.

Of course there are many options such as visiting the flea markets, going shopping at one of the many
outlets or going to the aquarium, but you can also go see a movie!

One rainy day I decided to go see a movie and to my surprise most movies were in the original
language with Spanish subtitles, which was very practical. There are a couple of movie theatres in
Cancun but the best one that I found was the Cinepolis in Plaza las Americas due to movie selection
that they had.

If you go you should try the VIP treatment. As a VIP customer, you will have access to exclusive
reserved lobbies where you can socialize with other moviegoers and enjoy your favourite beverage and
snack while you wait for your movie to begin. The bar menu includes beverages such as: beer, wine,
daiquiris, martinis and margaritas as well as non-alcoholic choices like gourmet cappuccino. On the
restaurant menu you will find sushi, sandwiches, pizza, chicken and many more. Of course, you also
have the option of going traditional with popcorn and a soft drink.

But for the ultimate viewing experience, check out a movie shown in 4DX. This is the latest in cinema
technology that you must see to believe. Before going myself I thought that it was a gimmick but I
really had a great time.

4DX technology gets you into the action with motion seats synchronized to what is happening
onscreen. Special effects like fog, wind and lightning let you experience the film like you are truly part
of it. Depending on the movie various scents and bubbles might be used to make the experience even
more immersive.

Geographical Coordinates for Cinepolis Cancun: 21.146873,-86.823623

Not sure where to buy your excursions?

This small section is an add-on to the book that I made prior to releasing the book as some travellers
told me that they were not sure where to buy their excursions and didn't want to have a headache when
they were on the spot in Mexico. Although you will most certainly find better prices in downtown
Cancun at different tour providers, I created a section of the Cancun Insider website where you will be
able to find many tour options and purchase them directly online. Usually the prices for the big parks
are pretty much set in stone unless you find a tour provider that got too many tickets or is part of a
group deal. If you do buy these online, you are not wasting too much money. I suggest that you buy
tours such as the Mayan Ruin tours and bus tickets directly downtown Cancun as you will save a lot of
money.

You will find the tour section of Cancun Insider at www.cancun-insider.com/deals

Closing thoughts

I'm not sure how to end this this book as for one it's not really the end of something but rather the
beginning of a new adventure for you. If this is your first trip abroad, especially if you are travelling
alone, you will run into all sorts of situations that will make you grow as a human being. You will get
acquainted with a new you because the qualities unveiled by any sort of travel, no matter how short, are
sometimes very surprising.

Hopefully the immersion in a new culture will help you step out of your comfort zone a little, and
change the way you see our tiny blue planet. You will encounter many interesting individuals, some
wonderful people, and hopefully many of them will become friends for life.

During the first couple of hours on your trip you will realize that many of the stereotypes we are fed are
complete fallacies, and that sometimes what we hear in the media is not the whole story.

I hope you catch the travel bug because once you have a positive experience travelling, once you see
how other people live in completely different ways to what you are used to, once you get past all of the
“stranger danger’’ that we hear about in the news, once you taste new foods that you’ve never heard of
before, only then will you realize that this is all in only one country among hundreds. You will have a
humbling feeling that there is much to see in this world.

Once you have the travel bug, you will experience something magical. It's a weird sensation which is
very hard to describe. It's a mix of ultimate freedom and an unquenchable thirst to learn more about
your brothers and sisters all over the globe.

There is so much negativity that we are exposed to on a daily basis that makes us feel apart from one
another, but when you travel with an open mind and an open heart you will quickly bridge those gaps
and you will realize that all humans have similar aspirations, needs and emotions, but simply live them
a little differently on a daily basis. Discovering those differences is the ultimate beauty of travel.

I hope that you enjoyed this book as much as I had fun putting pen to paper. You can always drop by
the Cancun insider website at www.cancun-insider.com and sign up to our mailing list to get updated
on any new information that I might have about Cancun, and find out the other projects that I am
working on. Alternately you can join the Cancun Insider Facebook page where you will be able to have
discussions, share ideas, photos, and stories with other travellers.

So grab your passport, leave any fears and apprehensions behind, open your mind and your heart,
spread your wings and go check out a new place. Observe, eat, drink, explore, smell, touch, learn, make
friends, fall in love and when you come back you will be a transformed individual. Good luck on your
journey!
About the Author

David Rowicz is a traveller, and an entrepreneur. He quit college at the young age of 18 years old to
pursue his dream of starting a business in order to have the freedom to travel the world. After a first
failed attempt at business, he has worked in an eclectic selection of jobs. After quitting his last ‘‘real”
job around 2009, he has been part of several interesting business ventures in various fields. His current
flagship company, which he has been running for over three years, consists of providing world-class
marketing strategies and web solutions for businesses that are interested in expanding their clientele via
the internet. His clients consist of small and medium businesses along with major household brands,
banks and fortune companies. Web platforms developed by David's company have been used by
companies such as Sleeman, National Bank of Canada, Formula 1 Racing, Sapporo, Cirque du Soleil,
Rogers Telecommunications and many others. When he takes a break from work, David spends his
time travelling, writing, and volunteering. David can often be seen giving guided tours of Montreal,
the city that he calls home, to his friends visiting him from abroad.
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