HAS ANYONE EVER BEEN TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN OR COZUMEL?

[Lundah]

Been to both a couple of times, loved it. One thing to keep in mind about prices, if it's not clearly marked (and even sometimes when it is), it's negotiable. With a little haggling you can get some really good deals. I'm not sure how much time you have, but here's a couple options for day trips:

Cozumel - Rent a car or scooter (a car will cost you about $35-40 for the day, $25-30 for a scooter) and drive to the San Gervasio ruins. It's a small site, only takes about an hour to tour. From there continue east until you hit the eastern shore of the island. Stop at Mezcalito's for lunch or some cervesas, but be sure your driver doesn't have too many (bring a t-shirt from home they can hang up, and get a picture on the "naked beach"). From there, drive south, stop at one of the isloated beaches and relax for a bit. Stop at the reggae bar on the southern tip of the island for more cervesa. If you've managed your time well, you may even have time to stop at Dzul-Ha or Chankanaab for a little snorkeling. Head back to San Miguel, turn in the car, and shop for souveniers or stop for more drinks in town.

Playa Del Carmen - Take the ferry from Cozumel. As of Jan. 2003, it was $15/person round trip. Stop in the Zocalo (town square) and get some fresh fruit (it's safe, I've eaten it), some fresh OJ, or some "tortas" (this is the local's version of a fast-food breakfast). Stop at the American Express booth on Avienda 5 and get a day's worth of pesos (AMEX usually has the best exchange rate). Walk up to Avienda 15 and Calle 2, you'll see a bunch of white vans with green or red lettering; these are "collectivos" that will take you to Tulum for 20 pesos per person (you MUST pay in pesos, pay when they let you off). The ruins at Tulum are great; not too big, but not too small. If it's hot, pay the extra 15 pesos for the tram, it's worth it (long walk). Touring the ruins should take about 2 hours, and wear a bathing suit, there's a beach there but nowhere to change clothes. Take the collectivo or a taxi back to Playa, then stroll down Av. 5. This is the main entertainment district, full of shops bars and resturaunts (the farther north you go, the lower the prices get). The Tequila Barrel and Cabalova are good bars, Cabalova even serves sushi. Don't lose track of time, don't want to miss the ferry back to Cozumel.

[jhamel]

I HAVE BOOKED A CARNIVAL CRUSE FROM MOBILE. IM JUST WONDERING IF THOSE ARE NICE PLACES.

THANKS,
JAMIE

Cozumel is great. We have been there twice from Tampa on Carnival Cruises. Everyone does the snorkeling, but there are some great buys in town. But everyone tries to pull you into there shops. Of course we do know how to say NO!! Food is great there and the Pina Coladas are great. But don't drink the water!!!!!

[The Lost Manatee]

How do you drink a pina colada and not drink the water given that ice is made out of water? That's why I stick with beer, straight up liqour and wine in much of the third world.

[Lundah]

In Cozumel and PDC, the ice and all water served at resturaunts/bars is treated and safe to drink. Contrary to popular belief, the locals can't drink it straight from the tap either. There's also a pretty sizeable ex-patriate "gringo" population there as well.

[johnson2113]

We took a cruise for our folks 25th anniversary. And Tulum was probably the highlight. For as great as Cayman and Jamaica were, nothing is better than walking around the ruins and coming up to that beach.