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Quintana Roo |
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| Quintana Roo is a state of Mexico, on the eastern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It borders the States of Yucatán and Campeche to the north and west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the nation of Belize to the south. The capital of Quintana Roo is the city of Chetumal. Quintana Roo also contains the resort city of Cancún, the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, the ancient Maya ruins of Chacchoben, Chakanbakán, Chamax, Coba, Dzibanché, El Meco, Ichpaatán, Kohunlich, Muyil, Oxtankah, Tancah, Tulum, Tupak, Xel-Há, and Xcaret. The Sian Ka'an national park is also in Quintana Roo. The state covers an area of 50,351 square kilometers (19,440.6 sq mi), and the 2005 census reported a population of 1,135,309. The statewide population is currently expanding at a rapid rate due to the construction of hotels and the demand for workers. Many immigrants to the state come from Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, and Veracruz. The state, known as a resort area, is frequently hit by severe hurricanes due to its exposed location. (Information provided by Wikipedia. Click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quintana_Roo for additional information.) |
Location of Quintana Roo in Mexico |
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Cities, Towns and Areas of Quintana Roo
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Akumal
| Akumal is a small beach-front tourist resort community 100 km (62 miles) south of Cancún, between the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum in Solidaridad municipality in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The 2005 census showed a population of 1,198 inhabitants. Akumal means "place of the turtles" in the Mayan language. The town was officially founded in 1958 as a community for scuba divers by Pablo Bush Romero--a Mexican businessman, diver, writer, historian, and archaeologist. Pablo Bush's family (the Bush/Wolfe family) still owns a large portion of Akumal, including the largest resort/hotel Hotel Club Akumal Caribe. Local bartender and DJ Ryan Wolfe is a direct descendant. The fine white sandy beaches at Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Sea turtles can be found in Akumal laying eggs on the beaches at night throughout the nesting season (end of April to October) or swimming in the main bay during the day. Hatching season runs from June to November, coinciding with hurricane season. This translates to big losses in the turtle population. Many environmental associations are settled in the Akumal area, including Centro Ecológico Akumal, better known as CEA. Click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akumalfor additional information. |
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| Bacalar is a town in Othón P. Blanco municipality about 40 km north of Chetumal. In the 2005 census the town had a population of 9,833 people. The name most likely derives from Mayan: b'ak halal, meaning "surrounded by reeds, " the name of the locality attested at the time of the 16th century arrival of the Spanish. Bacalar is also the name of the lagoon, Bacalar lagoon on the east side of the town. Bacalar was a city of the Maya civilization in Pre-Columbian times. This was the first city in the region which the Spanish Conquistadores succeeded in taking and holding in 1543. In 1545 Gaspar Pacheco established the Spanish town here with the name Salamanca de Bacalar. The region of the southern half of what is now Quintana Roo was governed from Bacalar, answerable to the Captain General of Yucatán in Mérida. After the town was sacked by pirates in 17th century, the Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar was completed in 1729, and may still be visited today. In 1848 Bacalar had a population of about 5,000 people. In 1848 during the Caste War of Yucatán rebellious Chan Santa Cruz Maya conquered the town. It was not retaken by the Mexicans until 1902. Bacalar was named a "Pueblo Mágico" in 2006. Click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacalar,_Quintana_Roo for additional information. |
Bacalar Lagoon
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Calderitas
Caderitas is a city on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. The city of Calderitas is situated on the western side of Chetumal Bay, near the mouth of the Río
Hondo. Because of its close proxiemty to the Caribbean coastline, it is vulnerable to tropical cyclones; Hurricane Janet and Hurricane Dean, both Category 5
storms, made landfall near Calderitas in 1955 and 2007 respectively. This is a small but growing Mayan Village with a Mayor and a Mayan Council of Elders. The
growth of Chetumal will influence this town greatly in a few years. The only local Beach is in this town as well as one opened Mayan Ruin and a boat ramp.
Click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calderitas,_Quintana_Roo for additional
information.
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Cancun|
Cancún is a coastal city on the Yucatán Peninsula. Cancun is located on the Yucatan Channel that separates Mexico from the
island of Cuba in the Greater Antilles. Cancun's region is sometimes known as the Mexican Caribbean. Cancun is the municipal seat of the Benito Juárez
municipality and a world-renowned tourist resort. The city center is located on the mainland which connects over the Nichupté and Bojórquez lagoons to a
narrow "7" shaped island where the modern beachfront hotels are located. The island of Isla Mujeres is a nearby island located off the coast and is
accessible by boat from Puerto Juarez or Punta Sam.
The older section of the city, known as "El Centro" follows the original master plan, consists of neighborhoods called "supermanzanas" (superblocks) that are formed by the intersections of the boulevards and traffic circles (roundabouts). This area is characterized by winding streets with cul-de-sacs that tend to keep out the main flow of traffic, including market places such Xel Ha. They usually have one or more parks, green spaces, paseos (pedestrian walkways) and various national historical monuments. Ave. Tulum is the main north-south artery (connecting downtown to the airport some 30 km (19 mi) to south). Tulum is bisected by Ave. Coba (pronounced Koh bah). East of Ave. Tulum, Coba becomes Ave. Kukulcan which serves as the primary road that runs through the long "7" shaped hotel zone. Ave. Tulum is terminated on the north side by Ave. Paseo José López Portillo which connects to the main highway to Chichen Itza and Merida. Another major north-south road is Ave. Bonampak which runs roughly parallel to Ave. Tulum. The main ferry to Isla Mujeres is located off Bonampak. |
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Accommodations
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There are about 140 hotels in Cancún with more than 24,000 rooms and 380 restaurants. Four million visitors arrive each year in an average of 190 flights daily. The Hotel Zone of Cancun is shaped like a 7 with bridges on each end connecting to the mainland. Hotels on the vertical or long side of the 7 tend to have rougher beaches and beach erosion can be a problem. Resorts on the horizontal or short end of the seven tend to have more gentle surf because the waves here are blocked by the island of Isla Mujeres which lies just off shore. The Hotel Zone offers a broad range of accommodations, ranging from relatively inexpensive motel-style facilities in the older section closest to the mainland, to high-priced luxury hotels in the later sections. Many of the hotels are time-share condominiums with kitchen facilities. Some are all inclusive hotels which offer unlimited breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, hotel activities, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, and 40% discounts on tours to the Mayan ruins. Tips and taxes are included in the price of the hotel rooms. There are also upscale private residences and lavish condominiums for rent that cater to the rich. Restaurants, bars and shops in the hotel zone tend to be rather expensive compared with the downtown area and other Mexican resorts. Travelers will find many well-known theme restaurants and clubs here. Although the Hotel Zone is frequently described as "posh" or "exclusive" the main Cancún tourism market is middle- and upper-middle-class, according to government statistics, which also report that more than 37% of Cancún visitors are Mexican. |
Click on Hotels in Cancun for hotels and other accommodations in this area.
Cancun All Inclusive Vacations Save up to 75%!
Things To See and Do
On the opposite side of the island from the
Caribbean Sea is the Nichupté Lagoon, which is used for boating excursions and jet-ski jungle tours.
Find and book Cancun tours and activities on Viator.com. Book ahead to save time and money!
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Cancun for travel guides, brochures, and money savers to help you plan your visit to Mexico.
Area Travel Packets was created to help travelers get the most out of popular destination and to help
them plan their vacations ahead of time.
Cancun Fishing Charters - You can choose between full and half day fishing charter trips from Cancun, Mexico. For your pleasure we can target that particular species of fish you always wanted to catch. Have the most thrilling & memorable day of your life on the water. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of the catch. Our experienced American captain/owner and English speaking crew will give you the personalized service that only a family run charter service can provide. This individualized attention and personalized service keeps sport fishers like you returning to us year after year.
Downtown is home to less expensive places to shop, including many supermarkets such as three Wal-Marts, two Comercial
Mexicanas, at least seven large Chedraui's and three Sorianas, not to mention several flea markets like The Zocalo in the heart of the Hotel Zone. Market 28,
Downtown, is a well-known shopping place both for locals and visitors. Downtown also hosts a number of American franchises such as Office Depot, Office Max,
the aforementioned Wal-Marts, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco, Blockbuster, and a number of Starbucks (also located at the Hotel Zone) just to name a few. It also
contains countless smaller hotels that can be had at a fraction of the price for similar accommodations in the Hotel Zone. International brands in Downtown area
include Radisson Hacienda Cancún, Best Western Plaza Caribe, Oasis America.
There are some (relatively) small Mayan vestiges of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in Cancún. Ruinas El Rey are located in the
Hotel Zone. El Meco, a more substantial site, is found on the mainland just outside the city limits on the road to Punta Sam. Very close, at the Mayan Riviera
and the Grand Costa Maya, there are impressive sites such as Cobá and Muyil (Riviera), and Kohunlich, Kinichná, Dzibanché, Oxtankah, Tulum, and Chacchoben,
in the south of the state. In the neighbor state of Yucatán is located impressive Chichen Itza, The UNESCO World Heritage granted this Mayan archaeological
zone World Heritage Site status in 1988 and it was recently voted through Internet as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Weather And When To Visit
The temperature of the city is warm and tropical, moderated by the marine breezes created by onshore trade-winds, which circulates
through its avenues. Depending on the season, maximum temperatures range from 26 °C (78.8 °F) in January to 32 °C (90 °F) in June and between 18 °C (64.4 °F)
and 25 °C (77 °F) at night. Temperature extremes have ranged between a maximum of 39.5 °C (103.2 °F) and a minimum of 9.5 °C (49.2 °F) 5 km (3.1 mi)
inland at the Airport at the south end of the city. More temperate conditions occur from November to February and it is hottest from April to September, due to
proximity to the Caribbean and Gulf humidity is high all-year around (averages close to 70% on rain free days).
All hotel rooms in the Hotel Zone and many on the mainland are air conditioned. Weather is highly variable. During winter, occasional nortes (Fast-moving cold front passing southward from the North American continent) drop temperatures sharply to below 20 °C (68 °F) and sometimes even cooler, surprising even tourists from northern climates, fortunately such periods do not last long before conditions improve. In the course of a single day, the weather can turn from bright sunshine to dark and stormy and back again. It's not uncommon to look out one's window and see sunshine, while rain is falling on the opposite side. Sun showers and rainbows are frequent throughout the year, but especially during the summer rainy season. Many weather sites on the Internet will routinely report rain every day and this causes undue alarm among future vacationers. Cancún is on the ocean, the high level of humidity in the air and therefore there is always the chance for rain, all-day rain is infrequent and usually associated with tropical storm activity.
The tropical storm season lasts from May to December, the rainy season extends into January with peak precipitation in
September. February to early May tend to be drier with only occasional scattered showers. Although large hurricanes are rare, they have struck near to Cancun
in recent years, Hurricane Wilma in 2005 being the largest and almost
twenty years ago, Hurricane Gilbert made a devastating direct hit on Cancún in September 1988.
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Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com Cozumel
With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together. You will always find a friendly
face and a warm welcome to make your stay an unforgettable one. Famous all over the world for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving,
deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Cozumel's mostly undeveloped territory at the center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons,
which are home to tiny mammals and endemic birds that have never left the island. Noteworthy is the Chankanaab National Park, a Cozumel icon, and the
Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. This huge protected area at the southern tip of the island includes Punta Celarain and its historical lighthouse, as well as the
Colombia Lagoon, a shelter for many of the island's endemic species, as well as other endangered forms of life, such as marine turtles and their nesting areas.
With its beautiful beaches and exotic locale, Cozumel is an ideal destination where honeymooners can enjoy colorful and breathtaking sunsets, moonlit walks
on secluded beaches, swim through crystal clear blue waters and romantic candlelight dinners Things To See and Do Discover Mexico The Museum of the Island of Cozumel Playa Uvas
Punta Sur Light House
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mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com Click on
Hotels in Cozumel for hotels and other accommodations in this area. Felipe Carrillo Puerto
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Away, please send it to Jim at Getting Away.
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Away, please send it to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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San Miguel de Cozumel If you have anything you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send it to Jim at Getting Away.
mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com Tulum If you have anything you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please
send it to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com Xcalak If you have anything you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please
send it to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com Cancún
Best Western Cancun, Mexico - For a great deal in Cancun, click on
Best Western Cancun Clipper Club The Fairmont Mayakoba resort has 401 elegant
rooms scattered among the main building and villas spread through the indigenous jungle, and 34 beach and lagoon casitas – each one offering guests an
extraordinary and memorable view. Guests may rest their the eyes upon the mesmerizing ocean or the sweet sight of mangroves and jungle. Cozumel
Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa - An All-Inclusive Resort is located on the south side of Cozumel, only 20 minutes from
downtown, 25 minutes from the airport and just a few minutes by boat from Cozumel main reefs. With 2000 feet of white sand beach, this complex is an excellent
choice to enjoy your next Cozumel vacation. This beachfront resort offers over 312 guestrooms designed to suit the varied needs of our many guests. A wide variety of recreational
facilities and activities are also available for guests of all ages including: three swimming pools, lighted tennis and multipurpose courts, fitness center, and
non-motorized water sports including hobbie cats, kayaks, snorkel equipment and windsurfing. Motorized water sports are available at an extra charge. The
resort also features supervised kids program with its own smoothies and soda bar for children, teen's club, daily activities and theme parties, nightly live entertainment
and shows at the indoor theater, and a private pier.
Playa del Carmen Offering a culturally inspired ambiance, a high-energy atmosphere and international accents on both food and service, the
400-room beachfront Viva Wyndham Maya delivers an unforgettable all-inclusive vacation experience. Featuring an extensive array of day and nighttime diversions,
Viva Wyndham Maya is the perfect choice for couples, singles, dive enthusiasts or anyone seeking the vacation of a lifetime. In the area you will find the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza, the natural wonders of Xcaret and Xel-Ha and a multitude of local
attractions. As nighttime falls, Viva Wyndham Maya goes into high gear with live musical productions and cabaret shows performed by the resort's talented,
international staff. Viva Wyndham Maya's combination of relaxation and fun is a virtual guarantee for an unforgettable vacation. For additional
information, or to make a reservation, click on
Viva Wyndham Maya.
Viva Wyndham Azteca Click on
Hotels in Cozumel for hotels and other accommodations in this area.
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Chankanaab Park
Located within Isla Cozumel's Reefs National Marine Park, Chankanaab Park features the only inland coral reef formation in the world. The park is home to the
world renowned eco-system and natural aquarium, Chankanaab Lagoon, where visitors can see over 60 species of tropical fish, crustaceans and corals. There is
also a fine botanical garden featuring the most diverse species of tropical plants. Popular park sites and excursions include Dolphin Discovery, where visitors
can swim with the dolphins or simply enjoy the 45-minute dolphin encounter; The Sea Lion Show, an exciting display of stunts and other performances featuring
the talents of these lovely mammals; The Maya Zone, a modern-day reproduction of a Maya village, in which visitors can learn about the ancient culture's building
and farming practices. The Botanical Gardens, a forest cut by trails, in which visitors can identify 350 different plant species and enjoy the exotic birds. In
addition Snuba and Sea Trek are two exciting activities that provide opportunities for visitors to view the reefs located near the shore. Colorful tropical fish fill these
waters for the delight of swimmers who can almost touch them. http://www.cozumelparks.com
Discover Mexico is the newest destination in Cozumel. It is a cultural theme park about Mexico and a great place where the entire family can experience Mexico.
Visitors will experience different historical periods and amazing culture including pre-Hispanic, Colonial and modern. This park is truly spectacular, as you will
enjoy an exterior walk of Mexico’s most important archeological sites and colonial buildings. There is also a museum with temporary and permanent exhibits,
as well as a state-of-the-art video experience room to view award-winning videos and documentaries. http://www.discovermexico.org
Mr. Sancho's is a place enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Here you will find a unique ambience with special & fun activities, such as horse back ridding,
ATV tours, great food and Caribbean taste with Mexican style. Located in Cozumel's best beach on Coastal Road South KM 15 only a few meters from Cardona
& San Francisco Reefs. Just a 15 minute boat ride south you'll find the very best reefs in America like Santa Rosa Wall, Cedral Pass, Punta Francesa
& Palancar Reef. http://www.mrsanchos.com
Located in downtown San Miguel, the showcases the island's history, natural environment, origins, wildlife migration patterns, reefs, archeology, galleons, pirates
and more. There are 4 exhibit halls with dioramas, sculptures, charts, traveling exhibits and interactive demonstrations. The guides speak English, Spanish and
Maya, to help bring the museum to life. The museum also has a casual restaurant, located on the second-floor terrace, that offers breakfast and sweeping views
of the Caribbean Sea.
http://www.cozumelparks.com
Enjoy different water activities such as snorkel tours to the famous Palancar Reef, diving, parasailing, banana rides, wave runners, sunfish sailboats, pedal boats,
a water trampoline, the incredible beach "iceberg," floaters, kids area, zoo, underwater Maya city and beach toys.
http://www.playamia.com
This the closest Beach Club to the piers where you can enjoy activities such as a clear kayak tour, shore guided snorkel Chankanaab reef tour, or try scuba
diving that is for certified or beginners. And, these are some of the examples of experiences you can have here. Or, if you just want to relax, enjoy a massage in
the lounge area by the pool, where under palm trees you will feel the breeze of the Caribbean Ocean. There is also a store filled with typical Mexican crafts and
a restaurant and bar. Located in a privileged area of Cozumel, by the marine national park of Chankanaab.
http://www.playauvas.com
This ecological park and nature reserve provides visitors with a breathtaking environment. There are mangrove jungles, white sand beaches and reef formations at
the south end of the island. The park extends over almost 250 acres harboring a varied wildlife, including crocodiles, which visitors can watch from a safe
distance in a look-out tower. There are also 220 species of birds, iguanas, and giant turtles that come to shore between June and August to lay their eggs. There
is also an old lighthouse and navigation museum displaying the evolution of seamanship and navigation from the time of the Maya to modern times. Here, visitors
can also learn about life in Cozumel during the first part of the 20th century through photos and other articles belonging to several generations of lighthouse
keepers and their families. Near the lighthouse, El Caracol is a well-preserved ancient structure, used by the Mayas to signal the approach of a hurricane.
http://www.cozumelparks.com
Felipe Carrillo Puerto, or simply Carrillo Puerto, is the municipal seat of Quintana Roo. It was named after the assassinated local politician Felipe
Carrillo Puerto. The city is the south-central part of the state. It was founded in 1850 by independent Maya during the Caste War of Yucatán under the name Chan
Santa Cruz (see that article for the town's earlier history). After it was conquered by Mexican troops in 1901 it was renamed "Santa Cruz del Bravo
" before acquiring its present name. In the 2005 census the town had a population of 21,530 people, mostly of Maya decent. The municipality's population
was 65,373, living on an area of 13,806 km² (5,330.5 sq mi).
Click on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felipe_Carrillo_Puerto,_Quintana_Roo for additional information.
Playa del Carmen located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, in the northeast of Quintana Roo. The city is the seat of the
Solidaridad municipality. In the 2005 census, the city had a population of about 100,383 people and it is rapidly growing in population. It is the third largest city in
Quintana Roo, after Cancún and Chetumal. Originally a small fishing town, tourism to Playa del Carmen began with the passenger ferry service to Cozumel, an
island across the Cozumel Channel and world famous scuba diving destination. While passing through, many people realized that it was a nice place to relax
away from the crowds of Cancún but with the same quality beaches and turquoise waters. Perhaps just as impressive as Cozumel, Playa del Carmen's coast
offers good scuba diving opportunities, as well as cenote diving for the more adventurous. Today Playa del Carmen, or just "Playa" as it is colloquially
referred to, is the center of the Riviera Maya concept, which runs from south of Cancún to Tulum and the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. Playa is a stop for several
cruise ships which dock at the nearby Calica quarry docks, about six miles south of the city. A Mexican themed "eco-archaeological park," Xcaret
(pronounced "esh-caret") is a popular tourist destination just south of the town. Tourist activity in Playa del Carmen centers on Quinta Avenida, or
Fifth Avenue, stretching from calle 1 norte until calle 34, a pedestrian walkway located just one block inland from the beach which is lined with boutique hotels,
shops, bars, and restaurants.
Click onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playa_del_Carmen
for additional information.
There are two sections of Puerto Morelos. The original coastal fishing village is now a quiet, mixed-use neighborhood of private homes, hotels, condominiums,
restaurants, and tourist shops. The second part is about 2 km. inland and adjacent to Highway 307, on the western side. The inland portion is mainly single
level dwellings for local workers. Puerto Morelos stands in the northeast of the state, about 36 km south of the resort city of Cancún. It has historically been the
main port between the mainland of Yucatán and the Island of Cozumel, and an automobile ferry used to run from Puerto Morelos to Cozumel. The town is named
after Independence leader José María Morelos. Puerto Morelos has grown rapidly with the development of tourism and as of 2003 is estimated to be the home
to some 2,000 people. Resorts are abundant in the Puerto Morelos region along the Riviera Maya, and attractions such as the Crococun Crocodile Zoo are also
increasing in number. One hundred meters off shore lies the Puerto Morelos portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, designated as a National Marine
Park due to local environmental activists.
Click onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Morelos
for additional information.
San Miguel de Cozumel is the largest town on the island municipality of Cozumel in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. With a 2005 census
population of 71,401 persons, it is also Quintana Roo's fourth-largest community, after Cancún, Chetumal, and Playa del Carmen. It is a hub for tourism on the
Riviera Maya, providing the sole ferries between the Mexican mainland and the island. In addition to the ferry service to Playa del Carmen, the first international
cruise terminal in Quintana Roo is located in the city. The International Pier has an international cruise wharf of 271 meters and a dolphin at 45 meters, giving
it the ability to receive two cruise ships at once: the exterior band can receive voyager class ships of 140,000 displacement tons, and the interior band can
receive ships up to 85,000 displacement tons. A tender wharf is used to receive minor boats at the terminal. Click on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Cozumelfor additional information.
Tulum is the second-largest community in the municipality of Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located on the Caribbean coast of the state,
near the site of the archaeological ruins of Tulum. The community had a 2005 census population of 14,790 inhabitants. Several years ago, Tulum Pueblo was a
quiet village 2 km (1.5 mi) from the archaeological site, and tourism outside of the ruins was limited to a few small shops and simple cabanas on the beach. As
of 2005, population of Tulum Pueblo has grown to over 10,000 permanent inhabitants. Tulum Pueblo remains mostly a Mexican town, with some tourists eating
in the restaurants and bars at night.
Click onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulum,_Quintana_Roo
for additional information.
Xcalak is a village of approximately 400 inhabitants on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Xcalak is one of the last "unspoiled" stretches
of Mexican Caribbean located on the Southern end of the Costa Maya. The world's second largest barrier reef passes just off-shore from Xcalak and it is also a
departure point for dive trips to the Chinchorro Banks (Banco Chinchorro) atoll reef system. It is designated a Mexican national reef park (Parque Nacional
Arrecifes de Xcalak) and is an excellent site for snorkeling, scuba diving and fly fishing. It is 60 km South of Mahahual, the site of a new large cruise ship pier,
and just north of the border with Belize. The Mahahual pier was destroyed by hurricane Dean in 2007. This section of coast is now being developed by the tourism
industry and has a growing number of Americans and other expatriates investing in beach front property north of town. However, development is nowhere close to
the degree of development of its Northern cities Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Click onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xcalak,_Quintana_Roo
for additional information..
Fairmont Mayakoba has recently been recognized with the esteemed AAA's Five Diamond Award, a prestigious honour coveted
by properties throughout north America, but bestowed on a select few. Additionally, Fairmont Mayakoba earned an impressive #10 on Top 15 Central
America/ Mexico Hotels on Condé Nast Traveler's 20th Annual Reader's Choice Award 2007 issue. We are proud that in its first year of operation, Fairmont
Mayakoba's commitment to excellence, warm service and luxury offerings of the highest standing have earned this distinction. The Riviera Maya is
located in Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo and nests alongside the Caribbean Sea. The Fairmont Mayakoba, situated in the heart
of the Riviera Maya, is approximately 42 miles or 70 km south of Cancun. The mysticism and magic of an ancient culture is still present. Serene sunlight flickers
and dances on emerald lagoon waters, and the rolling surf of the Caribbean washes the shore creating a natural symphony of sound and smell. This is the heart
of Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya. This is Fairmont Mayakoba.
Fairmont Mayakoba’s Mexican home is a unique mixture of interwoven cultures. While the host of
free spirits and roamers that have long been attracted to this glorious peninsula have lent to the relaxed local culture a European style and flair for gracious living,
travelers can bask in perfect solitude on uninhabited beaches, explore eco-parks or enjoy nearby Playa del Carmen’s exuberant mel, one of the world’s premier
diving and snorkeling destinations. First made famous by famed French marine pioneer Jacques Cousteau, here the warm currents and coral reefs support a
breathtaking pantheon of marine life. Some come to explore Chichén Itzá, one of the world’s new seven wonders, and experience the fascinating world of the
Mayans, whose mythology, science and culture can still be felt today. Of course most want a taste of it all: the delicate jungle, the alabaster white sand beaches,
the crystal clear turquoise water, the fine cuisine and the spectacular nightlife.
For additional information, or to make a reservation, click on
Fairmont Mayakoba-Reservation Rates
My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott
.
I have stayed
Residence Inns, which are prefect for longer stays with all the comforts of home;
Spring Hill Suites, which I have found nice for longer stays as the have up to 25% more room than
comparably priced rooms;
Towne Place Suites
, again when I want more room or am on a longer stay;
Courtyard by Marriott, which has everything the business traveler needs, as well as families;
Courtyard,
Fairfield Inn, which I find spacious, comfortable and affordable.
Another great idea is to stay at one of the
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
where you can enjoy a new dimension for your vacation or holiday. and their Vacation Club properties and have enjoyed each visit.
AAA members
can get discount rates at Marriott, as can
Seniors.
Click on
Great Getaways for less at Marriott
for special officers and great deals at Marriott hotels worldwide!
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Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa
Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa - An All-Inclusive Resort is a friendly and cozy all inclusive resort. The all-inclusive program
includes accommodations, all meals and snacks, and unlimited alcoholic beverages and soft drinks available at four restaurants and three bars. The resort is
ideal for families, groups, divers, and golfers. If you are looking for a "child-free" getaway, the resort also features a uniquely designed adult-only
section "Sabor", ideal for couples, friends, groups and honeymooners.
For additional information, or to make reservations, click on
Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa
Viva Wyndham Maya
Playacar boasts some of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, and on these shores you will find Viva Wyndham Maya, a lush 400-room resort. The resort
offers an atmosphere of never-ending fun thanks to the variety of activities and the chance to explore the culture and history of Mexico.
Located on the breathtaking Riviera Maya in the Playacar Complex, the spectacular Viva
Wyndham Azteca resort is situated among magnificent tropical scenery and miles of white sand beaches. With 270 beautiful guest rooms, the Azteca resort's
intimate size affords guests personalized service and relaxing atmosphere. Unwind in your comfortable guest room with thoughtful amenities such as color
satellite TV, telephone, bathroom with tub and shower, iron and ironing board, beach towels, separated vanity with hair dryer, safe box and mini-bar. Besides
enjoying the Riviera Maya beach, during the day guests have an array of activities and sports from which to choose, including exciting Scuba Diving and a nearby
18-hole championship Playa Del Carmen golf course. Viva Wyndham Azteca resort also offers easy access to our sister property, Viva Wyndham Maya, and
we're just two miles from Playa del Carmen. In the evenings, choose from nightly entertainment, exciting theme parties and dancing at our disco. Easygoing
friendliness and fun are the trademarks of Mexico. So come on, enjoy your pure Viva Wyndham getaway and explore the Riveria Maya and the essence of Mexico.
For additional information, or to make reservations, click on
Viva Wyndham Azteca
My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott
. I have stayed at
Residence Inns, which are prefect for longer stays with all the comforts of home;
Spring Hill Suites, which I have found nice for longer stays as the have up to 25% more room than comparably priced
rooms; Towne Place Suites
,
again when I want more room or am on a longer stay;
Courtyard by Marriott, which has everything the business traveler needs, as well as families; Courtyard,
Fairfield Inn, which I find spacious, comfortable and affordable.
Another great idea is to stay at one of the
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
where you can enjoy a new dimension for your vacation or holiday. and Marriott Hotels and Resorts and have found them all to be of consistent quality and
service. I have also stayed at some of their Vacation Club properties and have enjoyed each visit.
AAA members
can get discount rates at Marriott, as can
Seniors.
Click on
Great Getaways for less at Marriott
for special officers and great deals at Marriott hotels worldwide!
If you have anything you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send it to Jim at Getting Away.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
