How long to IB Tucan...

chocoligato · 03-04-2005

Does anyone know about how long the drive to the Tucan is from airport. Coming in on apple vacations so I know it depends on how many people they have to transport other places--but do they use a van? I have heard of bigger buses being used. Any info? Thanks!

LIZLEWIS42 · 03-04-2005

That's a couple of hard questions to answer... In the best of circumstances, it would take less than an hour, airport to Tucan... Van or bus depends on how many Apple vacationers arrive around the same time... And of course, it depends on how many stops are made along the way... We've only used Apple once and it was just the two of us in a van that went directly to our resort...

Tracielynn · 03-05-2005

We had a large bus, very nice. The drive was almost an hour, and we stopped at one other resort before the Tucan. We booked through Apple. The ride didn't seem that long though because there was a Apple rep on the bus talking about Mexico etc.

chocoligato · 03-05-2005

Thanks for the info. Never seems to bother me how long it is--cause I know I'm there and I just look around. Curious to see how my kids will do is all! Doesn't sound like too bad of a ride anyway--Thanks!

KevKaos · 03-06-2005

I have heard that Apple usually tries to run their busses in stages. One set for resorts North of PDC, One set for resorts south of PDC and one set for Playacar area. Its a crapshoot no matter what. Of course if you don't mind paying $50 per person, you can get private transportation thru Apple. Or you could say the heck with the Apple transfers and just book your own private transport to Playacar. There are websites that have been listed in previous threads if you are interested in going that route. Let us know how you make out. I am going to the Tucan myself, but not until Aug. I would be very interested to here how your transportation went. Good luck.

chocoligato · 03-07-2005

I will definitely post a trip report when we get back--including the transfer situation. Thanks for the input.

03-08-2005

Hi Cathy

When do you go to the Tucan? We are there on March 21st for 2 weeks.
Regards
Kim

chocoligato · 03-09-2005

We will not be there until June 28th--boo hoo! I am already making lists of things not to forget! My husband just rolls his eyes! I can't help it, I am anxious to go. Have a great time and let us know how it went!!

beachfamily · 03-09-2005

We will be there the same time. How old are your kids? We have 2 boys...7 and 11.

chocoligato · 03-10-2005

My liitle ones are a 4yo boy and a 6yo girl--plan on using the kids club, but only if it's an activity they want to do. My kids love the ocean and sometimes it is hard to get them out! If we are on the beach at the same time there is no doubt we will meet because my daughter talks to every little kid she sees!
Anyone know if they have little shampoos and such at the Tucan? Just a quick question I was wondering about!

streckman · 03-10-2005

Hi,

Having traveled with Apple many times to the Tucan/Quetzal and Del Mar I can tell you that it will take at the longest an hour - including stops. Less stops, quicker time. Listen to your guide if this is your first trip down, if not, just gaze out the window and see what's changed along the way. Forget the separate transportation unless you plan on renting a car for a week while your there, as it is very expensive compared to a decent rental. i.e. we are coming down in June/July and have a midsize car/ac/power rented for the week for $220 with Avis with airport pickup and dropoff. It will cost you around $100-$120 for roundtrip from airport to IB Tucan, then if you rent a car for a day or two your over the $220. You pay for the Apple transfer so get your monies worth, unless of course you impatient like me and want to get to IB and start sipping those free drinks, food and hop into the marvelous pools and sea. Either way you go, relax and don't let the extra time burden you right now. I would suggest you rent for a week if your planning on doing any sidetrips and then plan them out yourself versus going thru any of the Apple or other activity desk planners - very expensive and you can do them yourself and save a bunch and do them on your own time schdule and have the luxury of seeing things off the beaten path. Choose the trips that are on this site or buy a map from MapChick and crusie the corridor on your own. This is the best way to go!!

chocoligato · 03-10-2005

I have been to playa before but never did AI--this time we are bringing kids for their first big trip. So no real plans but to relax and enjoy every minute--we are just going to play it by ear and go day by day! This is like the experimental trip to see how the kids fare on the plane and all. I know I will make it to town--I have to have the churros from the guy on the plaza!Thanks--everyone on this board is so friendly and helpful! It really makes a difference!

Calimari · 03-10-2005

Hey Streckman -

You mentioned having stayed at the Tucan/Quetzal & the Del Mar. I've been to the Del Mar twice & Maya once. I'm considering Tucan/Quetzal next time to be closer to town & things south (for a change of pace). How do they compare? I really love the tropical feel/open air dining at the Del Mar/Beach. Was not so happy w/ the sterile nature of the Maya/lack of jungle & wildlife. Just wondering how you would compare the T/Q to the DM/B.

streckman · 03-10-2005

Calimari,

Tucan and Quetzal was IB first property in Playa so it is well developed. Pools are not as opulent as the the other two but the beach is just as beautiful and so is the open air dining under the palapas. The grounds are much more grown up, when we stayed there last the spider monkey inhabited the grounds, but I've read here somewhere that they may not on the grounds anymore, they were scaring the guest. We actually had spider monkeys dropping the nuts from the trees down on us, it was actually comical, but never presented any dangers. The Tucan is close enough to walk into town, but I'd still take the shuttle depending on humidity, level or lucidity, etc. :p

Tucan is one of my favorite places for the value it provides and food/service is just as good. It might be in need of a little TLC, but the IB staff is always upgrading something. Go and have fun!

**TeeZet** · 03-10-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by chocoligato

Anyone know if they have little shampoos and such at the Tucan? Just a quick question I was wondering about!

Yup, they do. Just a quick answer.
(I even quit using the stuff I brought along

)

03-04-2005	#1 (permalink)
chocoligato way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Marlton, New Jersey Posts: 151	How long to IB Tucan... Does anyone know about how long the drive to the Tucan is from airport. Coming in on apple vacations so I know it depends on how many people they have to transport other places--but do they use a van? I have heard of bigger buses being used. Any info? Thanks!

03-04-2005	#2 (permalink)
LIZLEWIS42 beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 276	That's a couple of hard questions to answer... In the best of circumstances, it would take less than an hour, airport to Tucan... Van or bus depends on how many Apple vacationers arrive around the same time... And of course, it depends on how many stops are made along the way... We've only used Apple once and it was just the two of us in a van that went directly to our resort...

03-05-2005	#3 (permalink)
Tracielynn way into it Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Southwestern Ontario Posts: 150	We had a large bus, very nice. The drive was almost an hour, and we stopped at one other resort before the Tucan. We booked through Apple. The ride didn't seem that long though because there was a Apple rep on the bus talking about Mexico etc.

03-05-2005	#4 (permalink)
chocoligato way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Marlton, New Jersey Posts: 151	Thanks for the info. Never seems to bother me how long it is--cause I know I'm there and I just look around. Curious to see how my kids will do is all! Doesn't sound like too bad of a ride anyway--Thanks!

03-06-2005	#5 (permalink)
KevKaos Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mi hogar está en Baltimore Maryland Posts: 1,523	I have heard that Apple usually tries to run their busses in stages. One set for resorts North of PDC, One set for resorts south of PDC and one set for Playacar area. Its a crapshoot no matter what. Of course if you don't mind paying $50 per person, you can get private transportation thru Apple. Or you could say the heck with the Apple transfers and just book your own private transport to Playacar. There are websites that have been listed in previous threads if you are interested in going that route. Let us know how you make out. I am going to the Tucan myself, but not until Aug. I would be very interested to here how your transportation went. Good luck.

03-07-2005	#6 (permalink)
chocoligato way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Marlton, New Jersey Posts: 151	I will definitely post a trip report when we get back--including the transfer situation. Thanks for the input.

03-08-2005	#7 (permalink)
poplarcons Guest Posts: n/a	Hi Cathy When do you go to the Tucan? We are there on March 21st for 2 weeks. Regards Kim

03-09-2005	#8 (permalink)
chocoligato way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Marlton, New Jersey Posts: 151	We will not be there until June 28th--boo hoo! I am already making lists of things not to forget! My husband just rolls his eyes! I can't help it, I am anxious to go. Have a great time and let us know how it went!!

03-09-2005	#9 (permalink)
beachfamily very sparkly Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 25	We will be there the same time. How old are your kids? We have 2 boys...7 and 11.

03-10-2005	#10 (permalink)
chocoligato way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Marlton, New Jersey Posts: 151	My liitle ones are a 4yo boy and a 6yo girl--plan on using the kids club, but only if it's an activity they want to do. My kids love the ocean and sometimes it is hard to get them out! If we are on the beach at the same time there is no doubt we will meet because my daughter talks to every little kid she sees! Anyone know if they have little shampoos and such at the Tucan? Just a quick question I was wondering about!

03-10-2005	#11 (permalink)
streckman life=playa Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 854	Hi, Having traveled with Apple many times to the Tucan/Quetzal and Del Mar I can tell you that it will take at the longest an hour - including stops. Less stops, quicker time. Listen to your guide if this is your first trip down, if not, just gaze out the window and see what's changed along the way. Forget the separate transportation unless you plan on renting a car for a week while your there, as it is very expensive compared to a decent rental. i.e. we are coming down in June/July and have a midsize car/ac/power rented for the week for $220 with Avis with airport pickup and dropoff. It will cost you around $100-$120 for roundtrip from airport to IB Tucan, then if you rent a car for a day or two your over the $220. You pay for the Apple transfer so get your monies worth, unless of course you impatient like me and want to get to IB and start sipping those free drinks, food and hop into the marvelous pools and sea. Either way you go, relax and don't let the extra time burden you right now. I would suggest you rent for a week if your planning on doing any sidetrips and then plan them out yourself versus going thru any of the Apple or other activity desk planners - very expensive and you can do them yourself and save a bunch and do them on your own time schdule and have the luxury of seeing things off the beaten path. Choose the trips that are on this site or buy a map from MapChick and crusie the corridor on your own. This is the best way to go!!

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03-10-2005	#12 (permalink)
chocoligato way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Marlton, New Jersey Posts: 151	I have been to playa before but never did AI--this time we are bringing kids for their first big trip. So no real plans but to relax and enjoy every minute--we are just going to play it by ear and go day by day! This is like the experimental trip to see how the kids fare on the plane and all. I know I will make it to town--I have to have the churros from the guy on the plaza!Thanks--everyone on this board is so friendly and helpful! It really makes a difference!

03-10-2005	#13 (permalink)
Calimari toe in water Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 57	Hey Streckman - You mentioned having stayed at the Tucan/Quetzal & the Del Mar. I've been to the Del Mar twice & Maya once. I'm considering Tucan/Quetzal next time to be closer to town & things south (for a change of pace). How do they compare? I really love the tropical feel/open air dining at the Del Mar/Beach. Was not so happy w/ the sterile nature of the Maya/lack of jungle & wildlife. Just wondering how you would compare the T/Q to the DM/B.

03-10-2005	#14 (permalink)
streckman life=playa Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 854	Calimari, Tucan and Quetzal was IB first property in Playa so it is well developed. Pools are not as opulent as the the other two but the beach is just as beautiful and so is the open air dining under the palapas. The grounds are much more grown up, when we stayed there last the spider monkey inhabited the grounds, but I've read here somewhere that they may not on the grounds anymore, they were scaring the guest. We actually had spider monkeys dropping the nuts from the trees down on us, it was actually comical, but never presented any dangers. The Tucan is close enough to walk into town, but I'd still take the shuttle depending on humidity, level or lucidity, etc. :p Tucan is one of my favorite places for the value it provides and food/service is just as good. It might be in need of a little TLC, but the IB staff is always upgrading something. Go and have fun!