Mexico: Dónde Está La Biblioteca?
Just because I'm in the midst of packing hell doesn't mean that I've forgotten about my upcoming trip to Mexico. The constant reminders from family of Zika and kidnappers are also very helpful. Thanks as always, Mom. :)
I plan on using my very first all-inclusive resort vacation to give myself permission to actually relax. You may have noticed that most of my vacations are planned out fully from 7am-midnight almost every day. That makes for a lot of fun, but not for a lot of relaxation. Let's be honest though -- six full days of sun and sand sounds great, but can I actually handle ALL OF THAT RELAXATION? My guess is no. I'm pretty sure after Day 2, I'm gonna be bored as hell. Thankfully, the Yucatan Peninsula is chock full of things besides white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Here's a few things I plan on checking out, but won't be planning before the trip. Shocked? I am too.
Courtesy of Lonely Planet
Tulum
Tulum has become a hipster haven, but that doesn't mean its not a worthwhile trip. Just a few miles from where we'll be staying lies a 13th-century, walled Mayan archaeological site that overlooks the sea. Inland, the Cobá archaeological site has pyramid-shaped temples with views over the surrounding jungle.
Courtesy of turistasenviaje.com
Chichen Itza
Most people probably already know about this one. It's a pretty famous complex of Mayan ruins, the most famous of which is a massive step pyramid known as El Castillo. Though I doubt we'll be visiting at night, there are sound-and-light shows that illuminate the buildings after dark.
Courtesy of blog.cancun.com
Snorkeling in a Cenote
Cenotes are all over the Yucatan apparently. They're natural sinkholes, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. They're popular with tourists and locals alike because of the fresh water filled with various fish and the tropical birds that come to drink. Also they look cool as hell.
Courtesy of Pausethemoment.com
Swimming with Sea Turtles
This might be the part I'm most excited about. There's a beach called Akumal where sea turtles just come to hang out. AND YOU CAN SWIM WITH THEM. FOR FREE. IN NATURE. I hear there are also sting rays around, but I'd rather not with those.
Courtesy of aquaworld.com
The Great Mayan Reef
Besides turtles and sting rays, Yucatan beaches are home to over 500 types of fish thanks to the Great Mayan Reef -- one of the world's largest reefs. I'm excited to redeem myself from the great snorkeling disaster of 2007 (a.k.a. Jen tries snorkeling and doesn't understand how to breathe).
Must not repeat.
What else should I (not) be planning?
-Jen
