Playa.Info's one-of-a-kind tours! - Page 3

BarbC · 10-27-2005

Right, NERAK!!!

matfel · 10-28-2005

Nerak936 thanks for the info on the Playa Tours, we are going to be at the Riu Tequila Jan 20 - Jan 27, are planning to book the Tulum and Beyond excursion, but wasn;t sure if I should hold off, I know they are over their heads with rebuilding and cleaning up and booking a tour seems so trivial compared to what they are going through, I am glad to hear your positive response about the tours, Looking forward to the tour in whatever they offer
I was holding off on booking till I thought they were operational again, but maybe I shouldn;t wait

Nerak936 · 10-28-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by matfel

Nerak936 thanks for the info on the Playa Tours, we are going to be at the Riu Tequila Jan 20 - Jan 27, are planning to book the Tulum and Beyond excursion, but wasn;t sure if I should hold off, I know they are over their heads with rebuilding and cleaning up and booking a tour seems so trivial compared to what they are going through, I am glad to hear your positive response about the tours, Looking forward to the tour in whatever they offer
I was holding off on booking till I thought they were operational again, but maybe I shouldn;t wait

Matfel: My impression on how Playa.Info operates their tours is that if a "usual" stop/event just isn't up to their standards due to damage from Wilma, they'll make a substitution or whatever. I wouldn't hesitate to book with them at any time of year in any circumstance, knowing that they're a fair, hard-working bunch. And... it was the Tulum and Beyond tour that David and I did last February and it was GREAT!!! There were about 12 of us (small group!!), and it was a day of wonderful sights, lots of fun, and many many laughs.

Good move on the Riu Tequila arrangement. Haven't stayed there, but a big PLUS of that place is that it's about a $5 USD cab ride to downtown Playa!!

So you'll get the best of both worlds. Have fun looking forward to your trip!

matfel · 10-28-2005

Thanks Nerak936, I was very hesitant about the tour until corresponding with Shammy last month, We have two kids 9 and 10 with the attention span of a fly, so it worried me but you and her have put my mind to ease, I think the small group atmosphere lets the tour be personalized rather then the feeling of being herded you get with the large tours, HEather said in the past they will even pick us up at the hotel, looking forward to exploring the town as well, with two kids souveniers are always a must and I am sure my prices will be best found in town. Can;t wait for the vacation, I will book my tour, thanks

Bren · 10-28-2005

Thanks for all your hard work on the Playa Info tours. We will be booking when we come in the spring. Heather thanks for your positive outlook.Nice to hear that the weather is great along with the beaches and food.

Bren · 10-28-2005

Is there a meeting place for the tours if you are in a condo and not a resort?

**Heather** · 10-28-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by matfel

I was holding off on booking till I thought they were operational again, but maybe I shouldn;t wait

Our tours will be fully operational almost immediately. Damage from this hurricane didn´t do much to the areas south of Playa (as far as I know, anyway), which is where we visit in our tours. If you are planning on taking a tour with us in January, I encourage you to book it now. In truth, it would be really helpful to us, as it enables us to keep going. Furthermore, you have nothing to lose, as the tour is fully refundable to you as long as you cancel at least the day before your trip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bren

Is there a meeting place for the tours if you are in a condo and not a resort?

We start at a pickup point in town for those people staying North of Playa, then head south, picking up along the way. If your condo is located south of town we will pick you up. The only exception would be if your condo was located in a place we could not access by van (like the road is blocked to cars). Where are you staying?

matfel · 10-28-2005

Heather, as you recomend, I just booked our Tulum and Beyond excursion for Jan 20, thanks for all your help and info

**james** · 10-28-2005

The traces of Wilma grow less obvious as you head south from Puerto Morelos. Beyond Puerto Aventuras, there is little damage beyond less foliage.

blondyinnh · 10-30-2005

Hi! We have a group of 7 who wants to take one of the tours in April. When is it best to book that? Is it possible to do a private tour with this amount of people?
THX

WestCoastBear · 11-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heather

Playa.info tours

Playa.info tours currently run on the following schedule:

TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS - Tulum and Beyond
WEDNESDAYS - Ek Balam/Valladolid
THURSDAYS- Coba Treasures
FRIDAYS-Chichen Itza/Valladolid

Remember: If you have a group of people who would like to go on a tour on a different day, we will do our best to accomodate you.

Who are James and Anna?
We are the people behind Playa.Info. We have lived in Playa del Carmen for more than 7 years and we're quite knowledgeable when it comes to this area, Mayan history and culture, snorkeling, cenotes and whatever else will give our tours that extra edge.

What kind of tours are these?
More elaborate itineraries can be found below. Our tours are planned to give you a fun day of culture, history and natural wonders. And most importantly FUN! Look at us your friends who live here and will take you on a great day out!
Our tours are exclusive, we only take small groups (maximum 12 people) and the tours fill up pretty fast. This means that if you are interested you should book as soon as possible. If you wait too long it's unlikely that there will be space left.
Our tours are a whole different experience from the 'cattle' tours - it's more like if a friend showed you around. We make them special by taking you to some places where other tours don't go, and we add a lot of local knowledge and flavor to the day.

Which tour should I choose?
Our tours are designed to be quite different, so if you'd like to go on two (or all) of them, you will not have any repeats.
The Tulum and Cenotes tour is the most diverse and it's a full day, with a Mayan ruin, cenotes, snorkeling and lunch at a paradise beach on the schedule - kind of a 'best of' tour for the Mayan Riviera. Tulum is a great ruin to visit, but on this tour it is not the main focus of the tour - just a part of it. This tour is perfect if you want a taste and an introduction of the wonders of the Mayan Riviera.
The Coba with a Yucatecan Flavor tour is perfect if you're interested in learning a bit more about the Maya and visit an archaeological site that is much larger and older than Tulum. The visit to Coba is the main object to this tour, and we will spend almost 2 hours at the site. Here you'll also have the opportunity to climb the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the Mayan World (the tallest is in Tikal in Guatemala). The cave/cenote we visit in the afternoon is truly spectacular. You should choose this tour if you're extra interested in learning more about the Maya and if you want to visit a wild, largely un-excavated ruin in the middle of the jungle.

How do I sign up?
Use our automated booking calendar.

Your information will be stored in the database, availability will be confirmed, and we'll send you a payment link.

Pick ups
Our tours leave out of Playa del Carmen. If you're staying in a hotel in Playa or Playacar, we will pick you up at your hotel (or very close to it, in case your hotel is located so that we can't drive up to it). If you're in a resort between Playa and Tulum, we'll also pick you up. If you're in a resort north of Playa, we'll give you a meeting point in town. The pick-ups will be between 7.20 am and 8 am, but the exact time of your pick up will depend on where the participants of that day are staying and how to best navigate town. You will receive that information the week before the tour, at the latest.

Prices and Payments
Tulum and Beyond: 87 usd per person, 65 usd for children 12 yrs or younger.
Coba Treasures: 80 usd per person, 57 usd for children 12 yrs or younger.
Ek Balam/Valladolid: 97 usd per person, 77 usd for children 12 yrs or younger.
Chichen Itza/Vallodolid: 97 usd per person, 77 usd for children 12 yrs or younger.

Click on the link above to sign up and once we have confirmed availability, we'll send you a payment link for the full amount. We'll get back to you within one day (or perhaps two, if it's the weekend). Your payment is 100% refundable if you cancel 36 hours or more in advance. If you cancel the day before the tour, 50% is refundable. There are no refunds if you cancel the day of the tour or if you have to leave the tour for any reason once it has started.

What's Included?
Basically everything: all entrances; expert guiding; snacks and lunch; water, soft drinks and juices; snorkel gear (when applicable); air-conditioned transportation with driver. Things to bring/wear: comfortable shoes/sandals, hat, sunglasses, swim wear, towel, camera, personal belongings and some cash in case you want to pick up some handicraft in one of the villages we pass on our way.

Private tours
If you have 8 people or more in your group we can schedule a tour any day it fits you and we can also customize the day for your group. Ask for a quote.

James and Anna's Special Tours - Itineraries:

TULUM AND BEYOND
• We leave Playa del Carmen at around 7.30 am.
• On the way to Tulum, we get acquainted with each other and what we're about to see and experience during this active day.
• The ruins of Tulum have one of the most dramatic settings of all - perched on a cliff by the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Tulum flourished in late Postclassic time and the buildings date back to the 12th century. It was an important trading port and one of the few Mayan cities still inhabited when the Spaniards arrived. Our group will be joined by a local guide, specialized on Tulum.
• After the visit to the ruins we head inland a short distance to one of the area's most fascinating cenotes. This area is unique for its cenotes, which basically are waterfilled sinkholes doubling as entrances to cave systems. This particular cenote is highly decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, both above and beneath the surface. The water is cool and clear as air. Snorkeling in this natural wonder will give you an unforgettable memory that can only be experienced first hand.
• Next we will go to a nearby private beach for lunch. This particularly beautiful, and almost empty, stretch of beach is located near the entrance to the Sian Kaan biosphere. We will get lunch ready for you as you swim around in the turquoise water of the Caribbean. Drinks and tropical fruit is also on the menue as well as some chill-time.
• Satisfied with food and beach, we’ll head north towards Playa, and we will make one more cenote stop on the way home, this time at a very nice smaller cenote in lush jungle setting with a fun cliff to jump from – a perfect ending to a beautiful day. At this time in the afternoon chances are good to see some colorful tropical birds in the vegetation surrounding the cenote.
• We will be back in Playa del Carmen at around 5 pm.

COBA TREASURES
• We leave Playa del Carmen at around 7.30 am.
• On the way to Coba, we will give you a long-ish introduction of Mayan/Yucatecan history and culture.
• Coba dates back to Classic time (600 AD), which makes it one of the oldest ruins on the Yucatan peninsula. It was also an important trading post during centuries. A local guide with special knowledge of Coba and of the jungle around it will accompany us at the site. The pyramid of Coba is the tallest Mayan structure on the Yucatan peninsula and the view from its top is breathtaking. We'll take our time in Coba and spend a couple of hours there.
• Hungry after climbing the pyramid, we head to a typical family-run Yucatecan restaurant with a view of the lake (and its caymans) where we have tasty lunch with homemade tortillas.
• Our next stop is a pristine cenote/cave which only recently opened for visitors. Only a priviledged few have seen this spectacular natural wonder. We'll go for a swim in the refreshing water and have time to explore.
• On our way from Coba we'll pass a few small villages where we can stop and pick up some nice handicraft if there's an interest. We'll be back in Playa around 5 pm.

Chichen Itza/Valladolid
• We leave Playa del Carmen at around 7.30 am.
• During the ride to Chichen Itza, your guide will give you a briefing of the history of the Mayan people and the area we travel through. Before getting to Chichen Itza we will have a sandwich to give us the energy we need to see this amazing ancient city.
• On our visit to Chichen Itza, the grandest of ruins in the Yucatan, you will learn more about Mayan life and traditions. The oldest buildings in this site date back from 850 AD. Chichen Itza was the center of power in the 12th century and it is one of the biggest sites in the Mayan World. On our three hour visit we will cover both the south and the north part of the site. A local site guide specialized on Chichen Itza will join us.
• About half an hour from Chichen Itza lies the small colonial town of Valladolid, which we will visit next. Valladolid is one of the first towns the Conquistadors built in the Americas and it certainly has an interesting history. By the quaint Zocalo (the main square) we will enjoy authentic Mexican food served with fresh fruit drinks.
• After this late lunch we visit the amazing cenote X’keken near the village of Dzitnup, just outside of Valladolid. A cenote is a sinkhole that works as an entrance to a cave system. It's often waterfilled with cool and amazingly clear water. X'keken is one of the most amazing cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula.
• On our way home there may be time to stop in one of the little Mayan villages to pick up some beautiful handicrafts.
• We will be back in Playa around 7.30 pm.

Ek Balam/Valladolid
• We leave Playa del Carmen at around 7.30 am.
• During the ride to Ek Balam, your guide will give you a briefing of the history of the Mayan people and the area we travel through. Before getting to Ek Balam we will have a sandwich to give us the energy we need to see this amazing ancient city.
• On our visit to Ek Balam, a little gem of a Mayan City, you will learn more about Mayan life and traditions. Construction started in the late Pre-Classic period (100 BC to 300 AD) and continued well into Late Classic time, which is 700 to 900 AD. During our tour of this important site, a local site guide specialized on Ek Balam will join us.
• About half an hour from Ek Balam lies the small colonial town of Valladolid, which we will visit next. Valladolid is one of the first towns the Conquistadors built in the Americas and it certainly has an interesting history. By the quaint Zocalo (the main square) we will enjoy authentic Mexican food served with fresh fruit drinks.
• After this late lunch we visit the amazing cenote X’keken near the village of Dzitnup, just outside of Valladolid. A cenote is a sinkhole that works as an entrance to a cave system. It's often waterfilled with cool and amazingly clear water. X'keken is one of the most amazing cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula.
• On our way home there may be time to stop in one of the little Mayan villages to pick up some beautiful handicrafts.
• We will be back in Playa around 6.30 - 7.00 pm.

Hi guys, I assume you know the ‘trip planning’ page...specifically the tours pages need to be updated. The only place you can find info on 'Ek Balam - Valladolid' tour is at the beginning of this thread, (& now at the front) yet, 'Sea to Cenote' still exists as being offered but is not on your calendar. When you click on 'Ek Balam - Valladolid' on your tour schedule/calendar, it will ask you to pay for the tour but gives no description of what it is. Would make it easier to print/find the info…
If we want to contact you for a tour when we are there, how would we do that?
Cheers, and thanks for all the info/smiles/insight over the last 6 months
Larna & Greg

DOUBLE_SCUBA · 11-01-2005

Hey All-
We are trying to get some information on tours from Playa to Chichen Itza via a plane. We heard this cuts back the travel time, and allows a little more flexibility in the days events. We are staying on Cozumel, but really want to go to Itza.

We have six people in our group...Any idea how this process works? Any contact information?

Thanks for the Help
-DD

flyingpig11 · 11-02-2005

my extended family is coming down December 24-31. Are any tours running then, or do you shut down for holidays?

We went on Tulum and beyond in April with Mitch and it was excellent. We were with our 4 and 7 year old sons. We would love to do Sea to Cenote.

I know you guys are crazy buzy, getting back up and running. Please respond at your conveneince.

I thank you for everything you do with this website. What an excellent group of people take part in this.

**denisea** · 11-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingpig11

my extended family is coming down December 24-31. Are any tours running then, or do you shut down for holidays?

We went on Tulum and beyond in April with Mitch and it was excellent. We were with our 4 and 7 year old sons. We would love to do Sea to Cenote.

I know you guys are crazy buzy, getting back up and running. Please respond at your conveneince.

I thank you for everything you do with this website. What an excellent group of people take part in this.

Yes there are tours during that time... check out the booking calendar to see which tours are available on what dates... click here.

canuk · 11-02-2005

Hi Everybody this is my first post and I'm happy to say we are Playa bound on Nov 10th. We are interested in the tulum and cenotes tour. Would we need to book this in advance or are things looking pritty slow now? We are a party of 6 + a 7 month old baby. Mom and baby would rather just hang at the beach in tulum as the full tour might be a bit much for him. Would this be possible?
Thanks for all the great info !!!

10-28-2005	#39 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Sweden Posts: 10,725	The traces of Wilma grow less obvious as you head south from Puerto Morelos. Beyond Puerto Aventuras, there is little damage beyond less foliage. __________________ Get your own signature countdown image!

10-30-2005	#40 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,098	hello Hi! We have a group of 7 who wants to take one of the tours in April. When is it best to book that? Is it possible to do a private tour with this amount of people? THX

10-27-2005	#31 (permalink)
BarbC life=playa Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 817	Right, NERAK!!!

10-28-2005	#32 (permalink)
matfel lost on fifth Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 18	Nerak936 thanks for the info on the Playa Tours, we are going to be at the Riu Tequila Jan 20 - Jan 27, are planning to book the Tulum and Beyond excursion, but wasn;t sure if I should hold off, I know they are over their heads with rebuilding and cleaning up and booking a tour seems so trivial compared to what they are going through, I am glad to hear your positive response about the tours, Looking forward to the tour in whatever they offer I was holding off on booking till I thought they were operational again, but maybe I shouldn;t wait

10-28-2005	#34 (permalink)
matfel lost on fifth Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 18	Thanks Nerak936, I was very hesitant about the tour until corresponding with Shammy last month, We have two kids 9 and 10 with the attention span of a fly, so it worried me but you and her have put my mind to ease, I think the small group atmosphere lets the tour be personalized rather then the feeling of being herded you get with the large tours, HEather said in the past they will even pick us up at the hotel, looking forward to exploring the town as well, with two kids souveniers are always a must and I am sure my prices will be best found in town. Can;t wait for the vacation, I will book my tour, thanks

10-28-2005	#35 (permalink)
Bren life=playa Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Beautiful BC Canada Posts: 921	Thanks for all your hard work on the Playa Info tours. We will be booking when we come in the spring. Heather thanks for your positive outlook.Nice to hear that the weather is great along with the beaches and food.

10-28-2005	#36 (permalink)
Bren life=playa Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Beautiful BC Canada Posts: 921	Is there a meeting place for the tours if you are in a condo and not a resort?

10-28-2005	#38 (permalink)
matfel lost on fifth Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 18	Heather, as you recomend, I just booked our Tulum and Beyond excursion for Jan 20, thanks for all your help and info

11-01-2005	#42 (permalink)
DOUBLE_SCUBA sandflea Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1	Hey All- We are trying to get some information on tours from Playa to Chichen Itza via a plane. We heard this cuts back the travel time, and allows a little more flexibility in the days events. We are staying on Cozumel, but really want to go to Itza. We have six people in our group...Any idea how this process works? Any contact information? Thanks for the Help -DD

11-02-2005	#43 (permalink)
flyingpig11 beachaholic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bflo, NY Posts: 388	my extended family is coming down December 24-31. Are any tours running then, or do you shut down for holidays? We went on Tulum and beyond in April with Mitch and it was excellent. We were with our 4 and 7 year old sons. We would love to do Sea to Cenote. I know you guys are crazy buzy, getting back up and running. Please respond at your conveneince. I thank you for everything you do with this website. What an excellent group of people take part in this.

11-02-2005	#45 (permalink)
canuk sandflea Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3	Hi Everybody this is my first post and I'm happy to say we are Playa bound on Nov 10th. We are interested in the tulum and cenotes tour. Would we need to book this in advance or are things looking pritty slow now? We are a party of 6 + a 7 month old baby. Mom and baby would rather just hang at the beach in tulum as the full tour might be a bit much for him. Would this be possible? Thanks for all the great info !!!

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