HIDDEN YUCATAN
FALL & WINTER GUIDE 2011 – 2012
The best places to eat, sleep and play
in Hidden Yucatan this fall and winter
With more than 50 million reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor makes travel
planning a snap for the 50 million travelers visiting our site each month.
Think before you print. And if you do print, print double-sided.
INTRODUCTION
TripAdvisor, the most trusted source for where to eat, sleep and play in thousands of destinations around
the world, has collected the best insider tips from its 50 million monthly visitors to produce a unique
series of travel guides. In addition to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for every type of traveler,
you’ll get great advice about what to pack, how to get around and where to find the best views. Be sure
to check out the guides at www.tripadvisor.com.
Inside
HIDDEN YUCATAN
You’ll find reviews for more than
520,000 hotels, 125,000 vacation rentals,
155,000 attractions and 715,000 restaurants on
TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers
what to expect before you make your plans.
PACKING TIPS
1. Don’t forget your passport—even for
travel from the United States. It’s required
for all air and sea border crossings.
2. “Take protein bars in case you’re
somewhere remote, and good food isn’t
available.”—TripAdvisor Member
3. Sturdy waterproof sandals are good for
trekking and also protect feet from rocks
and coral along the beaches.
4. “Hats or bandanas are a must” to prevent
sunburn on day hikes.—TripAdvisor
Member, Maine
5. “If you have a preferred brand of
sunscreen or repellent, bring it. “—
TripAdvisor Member, Tulum
Bypass the spring breakers downing frozen margaritas in Cancun. Look
beyond the sun worshippers in Playa del Carmen. Yucatan Peninsula
locales like Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida offer an
authentic taste of Mexico and its people.
The Yucatan’s dry season, which lasts from November to May, brings
the most pleasant weather for tourists. The average temperatures are
lower, as is the humidity. The hot, humid rainy season lasts from May to
October and may occasionally bring severe weather, such as hurricanes.
Precipitation can occur every day, especially along the coast, although in
the heat of the Yucatan summer, the cooling rain can be a blessing.
Akumal and the more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the border of
Belize, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkeling.
Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer passage
into the Yucatan’s native history. Nature lovers can trek in the jungle
and swim in the abundant cenotes, the subterranean sink holes filled
with crystal clear water that dot the peninsula.
Although cruise ship passengers and day trippers have infiltrated some
of these out-of-the-way spots, they only have a few hours per stop.
Abandon the time clock and spend a few nights (or weeks) around
these towns and discover the beat of the Hidden Yucatan.
tripadvisor.com
2
Top
VIEWS
HIDDEN YUCATAN’S BEST VIEWS
“Celestun is a sleepy fishing village” where
“the sunsets are spectacular.”—TripAdvisor
Member, Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Celestun, 60 miles southwest of Merida
Climb 136 feet to the top of Nohoch Mul,
the highest pyramid at the ancient Maya
ruins of Coba. “The stairs were steep, but
we made it and were glad we did, since
we had one of the most amazing views!”—
TripAdvisor Member, Rabat, Morocco
“The view from the top of the Maya ruins
of Tulum is breathtaking and beautiful.
Recommended for anyone visiting this part
of Mexico.”—TripAdvisor Member, Staten
Island, N.Y.
Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Km. 133, Carretera
Cancun-Tulum, Tulum
Coba Ruins, 30 minutes northwest of Tulum
Where
to
PLAY
TOP 10 Attractions
1. Uxmal, Merida
2. Anthropology and History Museum, Paseo de Montejo and Calle 43, Merida
3. Chichen Itza Ruins, Chichen Itza
6. Destileria Artesanal de Agave, Libramiento Norte No. 264, Km.
7.350, Valladolid, 985 858 0853
7. Izamal Ruins, Izamal
8. Gran Cenote, Tulum
4. El Castillo, Chichen Itza
9. Ek Balam, 20 minutes from Valladolid
5. Casa de los Venados, Calle 40 #204, Valladolid
10. Akumal Beach, Akumal
FAMILIES
Atkun Chen is “great for all ages. Lots of
animals to see—snakes, peccaries, toucans,
margay, monkeys, deer, etc.”—TripAdvisor
Member, Tampa, Fla.
Aktun Chen, Km. 107, Carretera CancúnTulum
“Snorkel, swim with dolphins, jump off
cliffs and float in the lazy river” at XelHa, a lagoon and aquatic theme park.—
TripAdvisor Member
Xel-Ha, Km. 240, Carretera ChetumalCancún, Tulum, 998 884 7165
Take a boat tour to see Celestun’s famous
flamingos. “The flamingos are born
comedians. They quack like ducks and
bob and peck and flap their wings.”—
TripAdvisor Member, San Francisco, Calif.
Celestun flamingos, 60 miles southwest of
Merida, entrance to Celestun
“The flamingos are
born comedians.”
ROMANCE
Travel by boat through “miles of turquoiseblue canals in the midst of hundreds of
miles of mangrove jungle” in the Sian
Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.—TripAdvisor
Member, Washington, D.C.
Escape to Isla Holbox, a town of “wooden
pole houses with reed roofs painted in
tropical colors,” a perfect spot for “slow
walks with ice cream.”—TripAdvisor
Member, California
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Highway 307,
Tulum, 984 871 2499
Isla Holbox, Ferry from Chiquila, Seven
miles north of the tip of the Yucatan
Peninsula
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
Wander through Punta Laguna Nature
Reserve. “There are so many things
hiding in the jungle: gorgeous butterflies,
caterpillars and a cool little cove in the
lagoon with thousands of lily pads.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Austin, Texas
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve,
10 kilometers north of Coba ruins, Tulum,
999 944 2290
tripadvisor.com 3
Where
to
PLAY
BUDGET
“Plaza Grande is the essence of Merida. A
very good way to appreciate the beauty and
history of the Zocalo is to take the tour the
city offers every morning. It’s free, in English
and Spanish, and leaves from the Palacio
Municipal.”—TripAdvisor Member, Merida
“If you are a fan of snorkeling, visit Yal-ku
Lagoon.” The small entrance fee includes
equipment. The “water is clear and calm,
and there are a lot of fish.”—TripAdvisor
Member, St. Louis, Mo.
Yal-ku Lagoon, Akumal
“Take advantage of the free cultural events
almost every evening in Merida, like
folklore dancing in front of the city hall every
Monday.”—TripAdvisor Member, Olmsted
Falls, Ohio
Merida cultural events, Various venues
Plaza Grande, Merida, 999 942 0000 x80119
“…just magical”
ADVENTURE
“We began our Alltournative Adventure
by rappeling down into a cenote, then
hiked through the jungle and did a Tyrolean
traverse to cross the river. We finished with
a fantastic swim in the lake—a delight and
a luxury!”—TripAdvisor Member, Girona,
Spain
Mayan Encounter Tour, Pac Chen,
Altournative Adventures, 984 803 9999
Get off the beaten path and visit Calakmul,
“in the heart of the virgin forest, wild and
majestic. The temples rise to 56 meters—
the view is unreal. The forest can surprise
you: We met a snake and some monkeys,
also.”—TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France
“There is nothing better than Xibalba Dive
Center. To dive into the crystal clear waters of
Grand Cenote or Dos Ojos is just magical.”—
TripAdvisor Member, London, England
Xibalba Dive Center, Hotel Xibalba, Calle
Libra y Calle Geminis, 984 871 2953
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, 200 miles
from Campeche near the Guatemala border,
Southern Yucatan
TripAdvisor members have posted more
than 8,000,000 traveler photos on the
site. The good, the bad and the very
candid. It’s almost like being there!
EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL
“If you have time for only one ruin visit,
Uxmal is the one to see. Not only is it an
extremely old site, but you can actually
climb the Great Pyramid.”—TripAdvisor
Member, Peterborough, Ontario
Uxmal, Merida
The Anthropology and History Museum
“doesn’t waste space on fluff.” Among the
Mayan treasures are “actual skulls, jadeencrusted teeth and copper bells and blades.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Durham, N.C.
Anthropology and History Museum, Palacio G.
Canton, Paseo de Montejo and Calle 43, Merida
“No matter how many photos you may
have already seen of the famous El Castillo
pyramid that lies in the center of the
Chichen Itza Ruins, there’s nothing like
the awe-inspiring feeling you get when
you see this architectural marvel ‘live!’”—
TripAdvisor Member, Montreal, Quebec
Chichen Itza Ruins, Chichen Itza
“…the one to see.”
RELAXATION
Rejuvenate at Maya Spa with its
“wonderful, caring staff, lovely list of physical
therapies and spiritual entrees to the Maya
mystery.”—TripAdvisor Member, Berkeley
Springs, W.Va.
Maya Spa, Km.5, Carretera Tulum Ruinas,
Tulum Hotel Zone, Tulum, 984 871 2750
“Progreso has a spectacular beach, a restful
pace and even friendlier people” than
Merida.—TripAdvisor Member, Mississauga,
Ontario
Progreso, take Paseo Montejo north out of
Merida
Akumal Beach “is clean and quiet and
free of almost all commercialization. You
can swim to a great reef from shore.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Springfield, Ill.
Akumal Beach, Akumal
“…a restful pace”
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
tripadvisor.com 4
What’s
the
TOUR
How to Get Around
“The easiest and least expensive way to get
around is by colectivo, little white vans that
go up and down the highway between Playa
del Carmen and Tulum, every 10 minutes or
so.”—TripAdvisor Member
“There are also buses that travel between
Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. First-class
buses have air conditioning and head
straight to their destination. The secondclass buses sometimes make a lot of stops
along the highway to pick up additional
passengers, making the ride a little
longer.”—TripAdvisor Member
WHERE
to
eat
Rent a bike. “It’s an inexpensive way to get
around to the ruins, Tulum pueblo or to
many of the area’s cenotes.”—TripAdvisor
Member
Want more information on Hidden Yucatan?
TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail
updates filled with new deals, reviews and
articles for Hidden Yucatan or any other
destination you choose.
FAMILIES
“La Buena Vida is a great place to kick
back. Treehouses to dine in, quite a lot of
character to the place. Great guacamole,
too!”—TripAdvisor Member, Kentucky
La Buena Vida, Half Moon Bay, Akumal,
984 875 9061
“The Cottage is a nice place for a family
meal while in Tulum. It offers a decent
menu with good food at good prices.”—
TripAdvisor Member, New York City, N.Y.
The Cottage, Av. Tulum Poniente entre
Jupiter y Alfa Sur, 984 802 5573
Posada Margherita, Km. 4.5, Carretera
Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum, 984 801 8493
Lucy’s Kitchen, Plaza Ukana, Akumal
“…white lights twinkling
through the trees.”
ROMANCE
Make reservations for Posada Margherita.
“The food is amazing. They make fresh
pasta dishes, and it comes with an antipasto
platter.”—TripAdvisor Member
“You must, must, must go to Lucy’s
Kitchen and try the shrimp tacos. I think
she must put crack in them, they are
so addicting.”—TripAdvisor Member,
Minnesota
Contemporary Mexican and Mayan dishes
are on the menu at La Lunita, “a little
romantic restaurant right on the beach on
Half Moon Bay.”—TripAdvisor Member,
Colorado
“The food is excellent at La Cueva del
Pescador. The ambiance is lovely on the
patio, with white lights twinkling through
the trees.”—TripAdvisor Member, Jersey
Shore, N.J.
La Lunita, Hacienda de la Tortuga 2,
Akumal North, 984 875 9070
La Cueva del Pescador, Akumal Road,
984 875 9255
“Our hotel manager told us about El Camillo
- the freshest of food, cold beers, and best
of all, inexpensive. The fish is incredible as
were the shrimp. The cerviche was the best
we had in 10 days!”—TripAdvisor Member,
Tomahawk, Wis.
Visit Don Cafetos for authentic Mexican
food. “They have a great fish fillet and frothy
limonada.”—TripAdvisor Member
BUDGET
Pollo Branco is “the quintessential cheap
and tasty meal. A whole cut-up chicken is
served with rice, shredded cabbage, salsa
and a stack of warm tortillas to make tacos.
All for 90 pesos.”—TripAdvisor Member
Pollo Branco, East side of Avenida Tulum,
Tulum
Don Cafetos, Av. Tulum No. 64 Lote 12,
Tulum
El Camillo, Avenida Tulum & Luna Sur,
Tulum
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
tripadvisor.com
5
WHERE
to
eat
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS
Maya Tulum serves “the freshest grouper
you can imagine” and other tasty vegetarian
and seafood dishes.—TripAdvisor Member,
Chicago, Ill.
Maya Tulum Retreat & Resort, Km. 7, Carretera
Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum, 984 877 8638
“Hot Wok is a small, privately run restaurant
uses real ingredients and that makes all
the difference. I have eaten everything
on the vegetarian menu and I liked it all.
My favorites are the red curry and the
classic Thai salad.”—TripAdvisor Member,
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Turtle Bay Café offers “spectacular
breakfasts and lunches, fresh, home-baked
breads and homemade cakes for special
events.”—TripAdvisor Member, Buenos
Aires, Argentina
Turtle Bay Cafe, Akumal, 984 875 9138
Hot Wok Thai Food, Avenida Satelite,
Tulum, 984 128 3484
“real ingredients that
make all the difference”
HIDDEN GEMS
Located right on the beach, Hechizo “is a
true gem. It’s small with a five-star menu,
excellent wine list and impeccable service.”
Reservations recommended.—TripAdvisor
Member
“Take a taxi to Trotter’s, the poshest
new restaurant in town, for great steaks,
martinis and oysters. They have beautiful
garden dining or sit indoors with A/C.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Merida
Hechizo, Rancho San Eric, Tulum,
984 100 0710
Trotter’s, Circuito Colonias between Calle
60 and Prolongación Montejo, Merida,
999 927 2310
“For true, home-cooked Yucatecan food, try
La Tradición. You will be able to sample
real food, lovingly prepared, while enjoying
friendly service. Sundays in Mérida used to
mean family lunch of Puchero de Tres Carnes,
and Monday is synonymous with Frijol con
Puerco. These are available at La Tradición
on those days.”—TripAdvisor Member,
Merida
La Tradición, Calle 60, 293, Col. Alcata
Martin, Merida, 999 925 2526
SPECIAL EVENTS
Experience Hanal Pixán, the Mayan celebration of the dead, when
the streets of Merida are lined with remembrance altars made of
palapa, and those in attendance eat mucbil pollo, a dish prepared
especially for the holiday. (October 31 – November 2)
Hanal Pixán, Merida, http://www.merida.gob.mx, 999 930 3760
(Tourist info line)
Enjoy the Christmas traditions of the Yucatan during Las Posadas,
nine days of candlelight processions and parties designed to teach the
story of the Nativity. (December 16 – 24)
Las Posadas, Merida, http://www.merida.gob.mx, 999 930 3760
(Tourist info line)
Join in the Festival de la Ciudad de Merida, an annual celebration
of the culture and traditions that are unique to the Yucatán capital city.
(January 1 – 31)
Festival de la Ciudad de Merida, Merida, 999 928 5414,
http://www.merida.gob.mx/festival
Endless parades, dancing and food await you during Carnaval, the
annual festival that marks the beginning of Lent. (February 15 - 22)
Carnaval of the Cinema, Merida, 999 942 0000,
http://www.merida.gob.mx/carnaval
Watch in wonder as the setting sun of the Spring Equinox creates a
serpent of light and shadow on the steps of the Temple of Kukulkan at
Chichen Itza. (March 20)
Spring Equinox, Temple of Kukulkan, Chichen Itza
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
tripadvisor.com 6
Where
to
STAY
FAMILIES
“We were very pleased with our room at
Casa Hamaca, with its comfortable beds
and ample space, even for three people
who always bring along too much stuff. The
common areas are also very appealing. My
daughter particularly enjoyed relaxing in the
hammock on the porch, in view of the lovely
garden.”—TripAdvisor Member, New York
Casa Hamaca Guesthouse, Calle 49 202-A x
40, Valladolid, 985 856 5287
“The buffets are huge, and the restaurants
are great” at Gran Bahia Principe
Akumal. “The pools and grounds are in
perfect condition, groomed daily by many
friendly staff members.”—TripAdvisor
Member, Coldlake, Alberta
Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Playa Aventuras
Akumal, Km. 249, Carretera Xetumal Cancún, 984 875 5000
“I still dream about the
Huevos Rancheros!”
ROMANCE
“The Riviera Maya is a huge resort, with
lots to do for all ages. Our two teenagers
loved the games during the day, the
animation team, beach, pool, food,
freedom and safety of the entire resort.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Staffordshire, U.K.
Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya, Carretera
Federal Cancun-Tulum, Zona Costera, Km.
256.3, Akumal, 888 774 0040
Have questions about Hidden Yucatan?
Get insider advice from local experts in
our forums. The majority of questions
are answered within 24 hours.
Los Arcos was “exactly what we were looking
for: a quiet, charming, tastefully decorated
and warm place which made us feel we were
in Mexico. Not to mention the breakfast! I
still dream about the Huevos Rancheros!”—
TripAdvisor Member, Barcelona, Spain
“The Mayan villas at Hacienda San Jose are
luxurious and make you feel you are alone in
the middle of the jungle. We had an outside
bathtub that was really intimate. You can
take a bath at night under the stars.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France
Hacienda Chichen “is a garden of Eden,
with beautiful trees and flowers. Do not miss
the small church at the back of the park at
sunset. And try the Mayan spa massages that
use essential oils and leaves from the garden
itself.”—TripAdvisor Member, Luanda, Angola
Los Arcos Bed & Breakfast, Calle 66, 448-B,
Merida, 999 928 0214
Hacienda San Jose, Km. 30, Carretera
Tixkokob-Tekanto, Tixkokob,
999 910 4617
Hacienda Chichen Resort, Km. 120,
Carretera Merida-Juarez, Chichen Itza,
985 851 0045
BUDGET
“With friendly staff, clean facilities,
laundromat, cappuccino, soda and beer
available at the lobby 24/7, safe box, pool,
security cameras, closed parking and
extra-mile service, you get a lot of bang
for your buck” at Hotel Dolores Alba.—
TripAdvisor Member, Switzerland
Hotel Dolores Alba, Calle 63, #464 between
52 and 54, Centro, Merida, 999 928 5650
LUXURY
“My wife and I had a wonderful stay at
Hacienda Temozon. We had a lovely suite
with a private patio and huge bathtub. The
staff was very helpful, and the manager
went out of his way to ensure we were
happy. We felt like the landlords!”—
TripAdvisor Member, Zurich, Switzerland
Hacienda Temozon, Carretera, Km. 182,
Merida, 999 923 8089
Luz en Yucatán “was really nice. Beautiful
with painted colors—you really felt at home.
There is a small garden with a little pool;
the trees are so beautiful. The atmosphere
was really magical.”—TripAdvisor Member,
Milan, Italy
Luz En Yucatan, Calle 55, #499 between 60
and 58, Centro, Merida, 999 924 0035
“What distinguishes Posada Luna del Sur
from the rest is the love between the hosts,
which is shared and felt by all their guests.
The warm smiles and travel tips that they
generously dish out constantly make me feel
like an old friend.”—TripAdvisor Member,
Singapore
Posada Luna del Sur, Calle Luna Sur #5,
Tulum Pueblo, Tulum, 984 871 2984
“…casual elegance with pampered
service in the jungle”
“If you like casual elegance with pampered
service in the jungle, then the Explorean
Kohunlich is for you.” Adventure activities
are included, and “the rooms look like
Mayan bungalows.”—TripAdvisor Member,
San Antonio, Texas
Explorean Kohunlich, Km. 5.65, Carretera
Chetumal-Escárcega Desviación Ruinas de
Kohunlich, Chetumal, 555 201 8350
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
“If you’re stressed by your work and city
noises and are looking for a peaceful
escape, Hacienda Xcanatun is the right
destination. All suites are stunning and give
you all the privacy you need. The right place
to relax.”—TripAdvisor Member, Italy
Hacienda Xcanatun, Carretera, MeridaProgreso, Km. 20, Merida, 999 930 2140
tripadvisor.com
7
Where
to
STAY
HIDDEN GEMS
“There are so many reasons why I loved
Hotel MedioMundo. When we arrived,
we were welcomed by very friendly staff
with complimentary, refreshing hibiscus
drinks. Our room was clean, cheerful, had
great light and was well ventilated. In the
courtyard, there’s a small pool of water
with a fountain. The tranquil sound of the
water and the breeze blowing through
the bamboo made for a restful sleep.”—
TripAdvisor Member, California
Nueva Vida de Ramiro is for those
who are “interested in beautiful, tranquil
surroundings. The beach has perfect, soft
white sand and goes on for miles, well
away from any large resorts.”—TripAdvisor
Member, London, England
Nueva Vida de Ramiro, Km. 8.5, Carretera
Tulum, Boca Paila, Tulum, 984 877 8512
Hotel MedioMundo, Calle 55, #533 between
Calle 64 and 66, Merida, 999 924 5472
About
“Hacienda Santa Rosa is more than
beautiful. It is a real treasure located in a
true local atmosphere. Only 10 rooms, each
one with special decor. You will remember
these moments for the rest of your life.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Florence, Italy
Hacienda Santa Rosa, Km. 129, Carretera
Mérida-Campeche, Santa Rosa,
999 910 4852
“You will remember these
moments for the rest of your life.”
TRIPADVISOR
TripAdvisor is the largest travel community in the world with 50 million monthly visitors and featuring more than 50 million reviews and
opinions of 675,000 hotels and attractions. TripAdvisor.com is the most trusted source for travel recommendations about where to go, where
to stay and how to play for 93,000 destinations around the world. TripAdvisor.com also provides easy access to the major online travel sites to
make booking your next vacation, your best vacation, easier than ever.
Edited/compiled by LoAnn Halden , Michelle Schwartz and Kris Horton
This brochure and its contents are copyright © 2011, TripAdvisor, Inc., all rights reserved. TRIPADVISOR, the owl logo and all other marks displayed herein are registered and/or
common law trademarks of TripAdvisor and/or third parties. Representations made in this brochure are current as of its publication date. This brochure contains reviews, comments,
photographs and other content regarding destinations, accommodations, airlines and other travel products and services submitted by users of tripadvisor.com. Reviews and ratings
represent the opinions of such users. TripAdvisor does not sponsor or endorse any user content and therefore is not liable for any statements, representations or other information
contained in such user content.
Further, reference to any products, services, processes or other information of any third party does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of or
affiliation with, such third party by TripAdvisor. Such third parties are owned and operated by independent retailers or service providers, and TripAdvisor cannot ensure that you
will be satisfied with their products, services, business practices or provided information. TripAdvisor recommends that you pursue any and all investigation you feel necessary or
appropriate before transacting with any third party.
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
tripadvisor.com 8