A trip to Tulum

[gardengirl]

Hello, this is my first experience on a forum, I hope this is the way to do it! On Saturday my husband and I are traveling to Mexico, we are landing in Cancuun and traveling to Tulum to stay at Cabanas Copal. I have been to Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, about 6 years ago. I was staying in Cancuun but like being "South" much more. We are debating our means of travel. We land at 4:30, and plan to take a busy to PDC and then a cab to Tulum. We can take a transfer that is arranged by the resort, but thought we would save the money for something more fun. I am wondering about what experience anyone could share with me about traveling. We decided against car rental because the insurance is too expensive and people say it is a must! Also, I am worried about luggage and schlepping from airport to bus, bus to taxi etc.

I would also be interested in any suggestions regarding things to do. We want to snorkel, I would like to be able to dive and have my husband along snorkeling as he is not certified. We love genuine Mexican food, we like to hike, we like beaches, exotic bars, and want to see and do as much as possible while we are there.

If anyone can suggest how to use this "site" more correctly, I am all eyes. Thanks so much, Diane

[james]

I've moved your post into the general forum, as it isn't feedback.

Have you looked around the site at all yet? You have alot of general questions that have been discussed in great detail. Have a look about and come back with follow-up questions.

[Ifandonly]

To me it would depend on how much luggage you have.Taking a nice luxery bus from the airport or bus depot in downtown Cancun direct to your destination for a few dollars or a collectivo van for a couple of dollars.Have fun.

[kjtom]

On the transport I think you should either take that transfer offered by your destination for ? $ or a collectivo van ($10 per person) to Cancun bus terminal and then a bus to Tulum ($5 maybe pp) and cab ($5 maybe)to the resort or the Riviera Maya (aqua blue with big fish decal) bus from airport to PDC then another bus to Tulum Pueblo stop (not Las Ruinas stop) then a cab to the resort ... a cab from PDC to Tulum is like $35 or more (can not recall excatly) which is not exactly a budget breaker but it sure ain't a budget maker ... on Mexican food in Tulum, Gringo Dave's, a palapa joint in the hotel zone, is known for its kitchen

[gardengirl]

Thank you for the responses to my questions about transport and dining. I wonder if it is too late to rent a car and whether to do it from here or when we get to the airport or even just rent one for a couple of days in Tulum. I have heard stories regarding car rental that make my hair stand on end. People who have been arrested, jailed and worse! I hope they are embellished tales. To insure or not insure, that is the question. Well, thank you again, one way or the other, I just can't wait to get there!

[fcollins]

We have rented cars many times at cancun airport and have no problems. Your Visa has insurance built in for car rental(If you use the visa). The only time we have ever had a problem w/ rental was when we used a local place in playa and that put a $1000 deposit on our visa and maxed us out(We only rented for 1 days. It took around 10 days before the money was available again. Needless to say it put a damper on things. They did not tell us they were going to do it. It was the 1st year we went to playa and we had $150 for 6 days to live on. We went with a known company after that. The travel insurance was $25 each accessamerica.com
We are renting an economy car from national for $132 for 7 days. If you are staying at Copal you want a car. You will pay alot more getting around. You can rent a bike but it is hot.. and it is far to walk to each place. It is not to late to rent a car. You dont have to buy the insurance either and if you do it is only $11 per day. Your personal car insurance should cover you as well. We checked with ours and they do cover us. We are in Michigan.If you are worried just pay the insurance $11 per day. They have an online site for national car rental. We have rented from them 5 times. If you have any problems you can always dispute the charges w/ your credit card company.
You can also but travel protection and that offers coverage. It is so easy to drive in cancun to tulum. Roads are nice etc...
Michele

[Kenster]

Originally posted by "gardengirl"

On Saturday my husband and I are traveling to Mexico, we are landing in Cancuun and traveling to Tulum to stay at Cabanas Copal.

You're in for a great time. I'm an old pro at Copal and will be heading there in June for my fourth visit. It's a beautiful place, serene and peaceful, with a great staff and owners who go out of their way to help you have a great stay. If you get a chance to meet Holly and Eduardo, the owners, please tell them that Ken in Houston says 'Hi!'
I realize time is drawing near for your trip but I really recommend that you rent a car. By the time you pay for public transportation for a week- for two people(bus fares, three dollar taxi rides everytime you go into town, etc- you will have spent almost as much money as you would on a basic car rental, and the convenience of having your own wheels is worth a bit of a premium. Most major credit cards offer insurance at no cost to you. It opens up lots of possibilities for visiting new restaurants, running into town for supplies or ice, etc. If you do rent in Cancun, stop at the Chedrui (sp) supermarket in Playa del Carmen and stock up on snacks, beer, etc. This will prepare you for days just lounging on Copal's great beach without having to leave as much to eat and drink.
The restaurant at Copal is nice(great breakfasts!) but you may want some variety. If you don't have wheels, you can walk about a half mile south of Copal to Zama's, which has a very nice restaurant with a good variety on the menu. I suggest you try their pizza, which is made in their own wood burning oven. Walking north of Copal, you will find Gringo Daves, which is a wonderful place for fresh seafood. There is also a little grocery store about a five minute walk south of Copal. In town, Don Cafetos is good for various Mexican Dishes and Toni y Simones is an excellent Italian cafe.
You can get nice, cheap meals at the Weary Traveler Backpackers Hostel and you can check your e-mail at their internet cafe, but Copal also has internet access for its customers. Have a great trip and let us know how it goes.



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[RedBird33]

Thanks for the information Ken. My partner and I are booked at Copal at the end of the month and are looking forward to the cabana experience...these tips will come in handy.