Things To Do
Here is a summary below. But we recommend reading about things to do from this page at www.playa.info.
Xcaret: eco/archeological and cultural park with a great evening show, snorkeling, snuba, swim with dolphins, animals, the flying voladores, Mayan pelota ball game, small ruins charro horseback riding show, restaurants, museum
half hour drive south of Mayan Palace
Xel Ha: aqua park, restaurants, beaches, kayaks, snorkel, snuba, hammocks
45 min. south of Mayan Palace
Playa Del Carmen: shopping, restaurants, beach, ferry to Cozumel, bus station
Chichen Itza and Tulum: Mayan ruins, archeological sites. Tulum is closer, south of Playa del Carmen. Small site but can see it in half day and it is in a lovely location on the ocean. Paid guides are available for hire.
Chichen Itza is a long day trip leaving early in the morning and returning early evening. The concierge at Mayan Palace can arrange trips by tour bus or if you have a car you can drive along a new highway. It is cheaper that way, but a good tour guide along the way in the tour bus makes the trip much more interesting. They serve a continental breakfast on the bus when you board. There are tolls if you drive. Large pyramids to climb, refreshments available. Hotel nearby serves lunch. The cenotes are interesting to stop at on the outskirts of the site. Good photo opportunities. Great history. Read up about the Mayan culture first to get full appreciation of what you are seeing. If you want really gory fiction based on history, try THE AZTEC.
www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/4273/index1.htm
www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/chichen/chichen_index.html
Sports: parasailing, jet ski, scuba, golf available at Mayan Palace, or relax under a palapa at the huge pool, do water aerobics, take dance lessons, or hag out at happy hour at one of the pool bars.
Stage Shows: A different musical extravaganza each evening, free of charge to guests at Mayan Palace.