Viva Wyndham Azteca

[bethh1983]

Hi we're going to the Azteca this summer. Any hints/tips/advice for first time Mexico go-ers? From what I've been reading on here it sounds wonderful! We hope to go to Tulum and Xel-Ha but aren't sure how to go about getting there. Anyone thing a ferry ride to Cozumel is worth the trip?

Anyone experienced it in July... we're hoping the heat will be manageable.

~Beth

[Nerak936]

Beth:

If it's your first time to the area, then definitely do a Tulum/Xel-Ha tour. Your resort (or charter rep) will most probably offer one - usually a 1/2 day at each site, i.e. Tulum in the AM an Xel-Ha in the PM (or visa versa). It's the best way to do it if you're not familiar with the area.

I LOVE Cozumel. If you enjoy snorkeling, it's awesome there. Take the ferry over from downtown PDC and grab a cab to either Chakanaaab Park (which is a national park with lots to see) or Dzul-Ha Beach. We're going to Dzul-Ha this year for the first time (our trip is May 22-29), as I've been to Chak a few times and want to check out new digs, so to speak. Then a nice finish to the day is to shop a bit at downton San Miguel, catch a MArgarita or two and a bite to eat, and then hop the ferry back to the mainland. Check out Cozumel Insider to scope out what the cruise ship schedule is for that week http://www.cozumelinsider.com/cruiseships/ You definitely want to try to do your trip out to Coz on a day when there are the fewest number of cruise ships in port. And also catch an early ferry to make the most of your day.

Send me a PM if you have more questions. I'm not an expert, but I'll try to help!! We're going back to Iberostar Quetzel this year for our 2nd time..... were there last June and loved it!

Oh... and don't fret about the heat in July. It's gonna be hot and humid.... so be prepared with lots of high SPF sunscreen, cool clothes, hats, and an attitude that sweaty is sexy!! A cool attitude always helps!!!

Karen

[Andiline]

Hey Karen,

if we aren't able to do the FAT CAT trip together, maybe we can meet for going to Cozumel? That's one of the things I plan to do while in PDC too. I bought an underwater camera weeks ago and want to try it out while snorkelling....

Regards,
Andrea

[Nerak936]

Originally Posted by Andiline

Hey Karen,

if we aren't able to do the FAT CAT trip together, maybe we can meet for going to Cozumel? That's one of the things I plan to do while in PDC too. I bought an underwater camera weeks ago and want to try it out while snorkelling....

Regards,
Andrea

Andrea:

That sounds like such fun!!!! You're more than welcome to join us!!
We just bring those disposable water cameras which I pick up here at home for about $7 each. They do take great underwater shots, especially if it's sunny.

I have to admit that I have put together an itinerary for David and me for the week (which I gave him the opportunity to review and approve ), and so far, our day for Cozumel is Tuesday, 5/25. We're planning to catch an 8 AM ferry and then a cab to Dzul-Ha. Wanta get there early to get a shady spot (my Swedish/English/Welsh skin cries for shade on these trips - thank God for sunblock! ). But that day could possibly change, depending on how many cruise ships are due in port at Coz that day. ("Cozumel Insider" posts a cruise ship schedule week by week, so it's still too soon to tell.) After snorkeling, the plan is to hit downtown San Miguel for our favorite silver store for a coupla bracelets and then hit Casa Denis for and then stumble over to the pier and catch a 5 or 6 PM ferry back.

Then possibly another in PDC??

How's 5/25 for your schedule?

[Andiline]

Well, again on that day I am booked on a tour with Anna... I don't many plans so far, only my 3 tours booked with Anna and you always catch those days.... Guess we will be able to figure something out. Have to hurry now, I'll PM youthis evening when I get home.

[JJG]

I wouldn't do Tulum and Xel ha both on the same day.
Xel ha is a blast, but it is best to get there right away in the morning
when it opens. I'd take a cab down there, $30 U.S. or so, to get there when it
opens, and then buy the all inclusive package so you can have all of the
snorkel equipment plus food and drinks and ice cream bars :-), and then a cab back.
Cheaper than a tour and you don't arrive when there are long lines - get your
snorkel stuff before the crowds. :-)

Tulum is so mellow - we walked from Azteca to PDC and took the collectiva
taxi to the tulum entrance (very cheap transport - a few dollars per person)
and wandered around Tulum til we were tired of it and then took a cab home -
cab drove us to Viva Azteca for $25 last year spring break.

Another advantage of doing it on your own is you can watch the weather -
Tulum is okay on an iffy weather day but not Xel ha. (You can check weather.com
for pesos using the internet in the little computer room at Viva Azteca (near
the fountain couryard) although the internet is not always "up".

Have fun. We did Viva Azteca with a Tulum day trip for spring break last year
and Viva Azteca with a Xel ha day trip this year and we loved every minute
of both vacations. (Was travelling with spouse, daughter 14 and son 10)

JJG