Friday, March 2, 2018

Cenotes near PDC

https://www.royalresorts.com/news/riviera-maya-adventures-splash-down-in-a-cenote-this-summer/
Cenotes in the Puerto Aventuras Area
A cluster of cenotes lies in the forest to the west of Highway 307 between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal. One mile south of Puerto Aventuras is the Kantun Chi eco-park where two majestic caves and four cenotes (Kantun Chi, Sas Ka Leen Ha, Uchil Ha and Zacil Ha) will surprise even the most intrepid traveler. Cenote Azul is another large jungle cenote with several inlets for snorkeling. The water is so tempting that you may not be able to resist the urge to take a running jump!

Christened by divers, Taj Mahal is one of the most spectacular in the area; shafts of sunlight like an underwater laser show illuminate endless vistas stretching into the distance. Even more poetically named is Jardín del Edén or Garden of Eden, a large cenote rich in marine life and rimmed by exuberant vegetation that is ideal for an afternoon picnic.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/ecopark-kantun-chi-quintana-roo


  we always enjoyed Christalino, south of Xcaret. Last visit was 40 pesos, just don't go on Sunday

 As of March 2013 it was 70 pesos to get into Azul.

 but think most of those near Puerto Aventuras are about $5-8 or so.

 I have not been but every time I travel south there are a number of cenotes just south of Puerto Aventuras near the Barcelo on the west (non beach) side of Highway 307. Ask the staff at your hotel which ones are a short distance from the highway.

 go snorkel dos ojos and have a great time

 To answer your question there are 2 cenotes oustide of Playa del Carmen; Gran Cenote and Cenote Azul. We went to both of them using a tour with James and Anna.

http://www.playa.info/tours-anna-james-general.html


I would think you could get to both by either a taxi or Collective. Go to Google maps under directions and it will give you a good idea of how far.

 I have snorkeled at Dos Ojos. You need a guide to snorkel in the larger part of the cenote that leads into the bat cave. DO NOT miss doing that part, but you must have a guide, do not attempt to do it on your own, there are narrow and low passages and you can get lost. You can either go with an outside guide, or you can hire a guide at the entrance. Cheaper to hire a guide at the entrance.

I have been to many other cenotes (Gran cenote, Car Wash, others) but nothing compares to Dos Ojos (except Hidden Worlds, but there is a hefty admission price and it takes over 30min on a bumpy rd. in an open truck bed to get to the cenote).

 Based on this and googling around, Dos Ojos it is, and from what I gather a guide is recommended. I found a snorkel tour through Mexico Blue Dream for $70 (incl transportation, gear, guide and lunch). This seems like a pretty good price, based on the cost of doing this on our own with a private guide.

 Edventures is also good. We used them the 1st time we went to Dos Ojos. but they do not provide lunch. That 70$ price with all it includes it very good.

 I saw Grutas Cenotes just off the highway south of Playa. You could take a taxi, bus or collective to this spot as it is not far. Jarden del Eden is one of the cenotes there (I think there are four close together) and looks incredible (on youtube as well). Dos Ojos also looks amazing and isn't that far from Playa (near Xel Ha). Chikin Ha and Chaak Tun were recommended to us by some of the locals.

 Dos Ojos is about 20 minutes and is well worth snorkeling. We used a guide from where you pay your entrance and it is worth the cost. They do a great job of showing you around and in the underground river he kept us from getting lost. Near it is Hidden World, we did Tak Be Ha cenote, a huge one and then snorkeled Hilarios Well, an undergroung river. You take lights and there are lots of staligmites and staligtites and a bat cave. Very dark and definately not for the claustorfobic but one of the most exciting days I have ever had.
Dos Ojos (Hidden Worlds):
Location: 48 km south of Playa Del Carmen/3 km south of Xel-Ha/On right 4 km down dirt road/H25 on Riviera Maya Map.
Description: Part of Nohoch Nah Chich cave system. Location of filming for Imax Journey into Amazing Caves documentary
Open: 10-5 daily.
Facilities: Bathrooms, restaurant.
Snorkeling: Superb. Very popular. Stalagtites & Stalagmites everywhere.
Entrance Fee: $10 US/$25-40 US for snorkel tours.
Price: 120 for snorkeling 

 directions to cenotes


There are three cenotes relatively close to each other; Cenote El Jardin, Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Azul. Here is some info on all three:
http://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/close-cenotes-playa.../

Three of the closest cenotes to Playa Del Carmen

Cenote Cristolino

This is one of three cenotes that are good to visit from Playa Del Carmen. All three have crystal clear waters and all three are in a row along the 307 Highway. The cenotes are Cristalino, Azul and El Jardin. To see what makes this one a little different see our article here on Cenote Cristalino.
 pick one to visit or you can always visit two or all three in one day if you want since they are all in a row.

Prices range for tours at Cenote Ixtlan from $65 USD to $150 USD per person for custom made tours

Swimming in Cenote Ixtlan

Swimming in Cenote Ixtlan is a great experience. The cave is open on one end and the water slopes into the cave. The water is only ankle deep at the edge and then gets deep enough to swim in. It looks like a bank of sand when you enter but this is silt from the cenote. The bottom is also mostly soft like sand.
At Cenote Ixtlan they have flashlights and snorkels so you can see the underwater formations and entrances to the underground river system.

Dinning at Cenote Ixtlan

Part of your private tour includes a meal. Some of the meals include local cochinita pibil (a Mayan dish of pulled pork) or they can grill hamburgers.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150812-i23-k958682-List_Location_of_Cenotes_to_go_on_your_own-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html


https://www.playadelcarmen.com/blog/most-beautiful-cenotes-playa-del-carmen

pepe_119@live.com.mx
Pepe is excellent especially when you need a van
He also does airport transfers and regular taxi services. 
We have used Pep's services for years. He is a wonderful guide for sure!
He charged us $190 US for his services for the day! Vehicle holds up to 13people, so if you are sharing the cost, it is awesome!! I thought he was very reasonable. And besides a tip, we treated him to lunch. He was very gracious.
OK, Here is Pepe's contact info, for those who asked: cell# 998 810 8601. Email is:
pepe_119@live.com.mx His vehicle is very nice and well taken care of, seats 13. And is, of course, air conditioned!


I went to Cenote Cristalino Is 20 min away from Royal Haciendas, located across The road from Barcelo Hotel. $100 pesos per person

I liked crystallino better. 100 pesos per adult and option to rent mask and snorkel for 50 pesos.

 Public transportation-You can take the colectivo vans from 2nd Street in Playa Del Carmen. It cost 30 pesos each way and just tell the driver when you get on that you want to go to this cenote. To come back to Playa just cross the highway and get a returning colectivo, they come about every 8-10 minutes.

 You can take them from a stand located on Calle 2 Norte between Avenida 15 and 20 and ask the driver to drop you off 

 The colectivos only start from 2nd so you will need to take a taxi from the hotel.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150812-d6953037-Reviews-Cenote_Cristalino-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150813-d1478385-Reviews-Cenotes_Dos_Ojos-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

 at the main entry, people will receive you and explain the activities. each activity has a cost.
the most recommend was the under water river, it is a most and beautiful experience. takes about 1.5-2hrs, but highly recommended.
my kids are 7, 9 and 11 years old.
500 pesos each, but is a right value for the money.

the next day, we return to the option #5, is a open cenote, and the cost 100 pesos per person; 1 hours +/-
My opinion -- a snorkeling tour is a better deal and you will see more for the same money.
My opinion is buy the cenote ticket - skip the upcharge for tour guide. You can comfortably do the first cenote on your own, 

 Update:  Another reviewer noted her price was $12 per person.  However, that is an apples to oranges comparison.  I agree with her price, which excludes snorkel equipment, wetsuit and guide.  Being in the water for an hour without a wetsuit can get too cold.  You really need a guide.  Our guide was very helpful and looked out for us and showed us some fossils, which we would have never found on our own.  You cannot snorkel into the bat cave without a guide.  The bat cave is by far the nicest part.  Also, without a helmet, you really need to be mindful of injuring your head.  This is too dangerous without a guide, unless you have a helmet and really know your cave diving.

 Dos Ojos is definitely a two class cenote and though the snorkelers were always above looking down at the divers, at Dos Ojos the diver is king.   http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/mexico/snorkeling-our-way-through-cenote-dos-ojos/
How do I get there?
By car, Cenote Dos Ojos is a 40 minute drive South of Playa del Carmen. Turn right just after Xel-Ha onto the marked gravel road.
From Playa del Carmen, a colectivo (shared bus) should cost around 30 pesos (approximately $2.50 USD). You can catch the colectivo in Playa del Carmen on Calle 2 Norte between Av. 10 and 15.
A taxi to Cenote Dos Ojos should cost around 350 to 400 pesos (approximately 32-36 USD).
Includes:  $70
  • Air-Conditioned Transportation from Tour Offices
  • English-Speaking Tour Guide
  • Cenote Park Entrance Fee
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Traditional Mexican Lunch
  • Bottled Water
  • All Taxes

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

Playacar

http://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/playacar/

Playacar is divided up into two phases, Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 is smaller and mainly residential houses with only a few small hotels. Phase 2 is the larger section and includes a large golf course, houses, condos, a bird aviary park, small shopping area and several all inclusive hotels.
The main entrances to both Phase 1 and Phase 2 are on the south end of 10th Avenue. Phase 1 only has one entrance as well as exit. Phase 2 has 4 entrances and exits but the main on is at the end of 10th Avenue

Mayan Ruins in Playacar

There are Mayan ruins in Playacar. They are not huge but interesting to walk by and take some snapshots. They are open to anyone in Playacar and there is no charge for them. Occasionally you will see a wedding taking place on the grounds.
The best Mayan ruins in Playacar are in Phase 1. Below you can see a photo of part of the ruins.


https://www.locogringo.com/mexico/ways-to-play/mayan-ruins-archaeological-sites/playacar-ruins/
To reach Playacar, just continue walking (or better yet rent a bike and take a ride) down 5th Avenue south until reaching the gated community of Playacar. Just tell the guards you are going to see the ruins and be prepared to show an I.D.

 The distance from the ferries is not more then 300 meters. You can walk south along the beach or use the street “Bahia del Spiritu Santo” to get there. The beach is so near that you can combine your archaeological trip with a visit of the nice Caribbean beach there.
http://amazingtemples.com/en/location/america/mexico/xaman-ha-the-unknown-temple-ruins-of-playa-del-carmen-riviera-maya/







Hidden Playacar

There is a park in the backside of Phase 2 that is well designed and a great place for young children to play. It is called Park El Arbol.
Phase 2 of Playacar is also home to the Xaman-Ha Bird Sanctuary.  This small bird park highlights some of the local tropical birds and can be one place right in Playa Del Carmen to see them.
Although if you do like pastries we recommend L’Atelier de Fred on the back side of Playacar phase 2. This is a French bakery.  





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PDC colectivo touring

http://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/public-bus-information-for-playa-del-carmen/

http://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/grabbing-a-taxi-in-playa-del-carmen/

consider these options for getting between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.
  • Take the colectivos. These are shared vans that run between 2nd Street in Playa Del Carmen and just next to the ADO bus station in Cancun. It cost about 34 pesos per person each way. This ride will take you about 45 minutes. You will just need to take a taxi to and from your destinations. You can read more about colectivos here.
  • Another option is to take the ADO bus from Cancun ADO bus station to Playa Del Carmen’s ADO bus station on Juarez and 5th Avenue. To read more about the buses see our article here.
Here are two popular places where tourist can get a taxi near 5th Avenue. Just remember that taxi stands change more. There is no official set charge for the taxi stand on top of the regular fare so just check before getting in.

These charts are useless. The taxi drivers do not go by them, nor do they care because they will pick up a fare anyway. $100+ pesos seems to be the going rate to anywhere in town. Even the locals are gouged

Overall, it’s probably the biggest scam in Playa. It’s not really expensive, but it’s the principle of the whole thing. Why produce a chart showing fares, when they aren’t going to follow it?

There are two unofficial prices for Playacar. There is the official 90 pesos fee but there is also a lower fee for locals that are going to visit friends on the back side and also a fee for people that work in Playacar. Workers pay about 30-40 pesos. This is fair since most of them don’t make that much and taxi drivers know this.




Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancun Bus - How to get around cheap!

Playa Del Carmen Bus and Colectivo Guide

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150812-s303/Playa-Del-Carmen:Mexico:Public.Transportation.html
COLECTIVO: 
A colectivo or collectivo is a shared van, usually white, that drops off and picks up passengers along Highway 307. Hotel staff and guards at the entrance to larger hotels will usually tell guests prices and where to board the vans.   The driver will stop if there are seats available in the van.  Tell the driver the destination and the price depends on the distance traveled, usually around 20-30 pesos per trip.  Keep an eye out for your stop as the driver may not remember.  Great option for daytrips to Akumal, Tulum, Cancun, Xel-Ha, Xcaret and any attraction along the highway.
The colectivo stop in Playa del Carmen is  on Calle 2 Norte between 15th and 20th Avenues.  Vans run until 10pm everyday except Sunday, rides end at 7pm. 
I never felt unsafe travelling via the Collectivo. In terms of comfort, the vans can get crowded and not as much leg room as say the ADO bus. Obviously the collectivo is a lower cost form of transportation.

Colectivo Prices from Playa Del Carmen:

  • Cancun: 34 Pesos
  • Puerto Morales – 22 Pesos
  • Akumal – 34 Pesos
  • Tulum – 40 Pesos




Dream Cars


TAXI FROM RH TO PDC DOWNTOWN  $10
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150812-i23-k5068261-Taxi_fare_from_Royal_Haciendas_to_5th_Ave-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

It is also pretty isolated, you have to get the shuttle to Playa or a cab for 10 dollars one way

 Playa del Carmen was a mile and half walk via the white sand beach and walking in the shore water kept us cool. For most activities though in Playa we took the free shuttle--it runs pretty much on the hour during the day. You just reserve your spot on the van ahead of time. One time we chose to stay and miss the last shuttle back (5:30 p.m.). The cab ride was $10 plus tip. We had no problem taking the shuttle and doing our grocery shopping at The Mega and then catching it back the next hour. We liked the Mega better than Wal-mart as it seemed to have a better selection of produce, cheeses and the bakery was fantastic--besides inexpensive.  https://www.redweek.com/resort/P5549-royal-haciendas/reviews

 Free shuttle to Playa del Carmen, although reservations are required and the last departure from resort is early - 1 pm - and the last return from Playa is early - 6 pm. They said in the future they will offer extended shuttle hours.
Taxis in Playa del Carmen
Taxis are everywhere in Playa del Carmen, and they’re all white which makes them easy to spot. They’re also safe. The fares within Playa Centro (downtown) are supposed to be fixed at 25 pesos no matter what, but taxi drivers are always trying to take advantage of tourists and charge them 50, or even 100 pesos for a ride.
If you speak good Spanish you can argue. Another option is just telling the direction to the driver without asking for a price, giving them 25 pesos at the end.

If you’re traveling from anywhere in downtown to Playacar the price will be 100 pesos.

While online prices will show you cars for as little as $1 a day, this doesn’t mean that it’s actually a dollar. When booking online, you don’t pay anything until you pick up the car and no fee to cancel. However, once you arrive at the rental office they’ll charge you extra for insurance, taxes and other hidden fees.
From my experience, it’s better to actually pre-book in advance, as you can discuss a special rate. I usually rent cars from MEX Rent A Car on 5th Av. These guys are reliable, honest and won’t surprise you with some hidden fee to be paid later. For $28 per day, including full insurance, taxes, and second driver option.

If you’re planning on getting around Playa del Carmen you can join the locals and hop on colectivo – public taxi vans. They can get a bit cramped sometimes, but they’re super cheap, like $1-2 a ride (depending on how far you’re traveling). They can drop you off anywhere along their set routes. For instance, at Akumal or any cenote between Playa and Tulum.
Not quite as convenient as your own car though, and often not a lot of room for luggage/gear. But it you want to experience something local, a trip on a colectivo is definitely recommended. They leave from in front of the post office (Correos de Mexico) on Calle 2.

Price: 100
How to get there? All three cenotes (Azul, Eden, Cristalino) are just 20 minutes away from Playa by public transportation. In order to get there, you need to jump on a collectivo – a Mexican minibus. You can take them from a stand located on Calle 2 Norte between Avenida 15 and 20 and ask the driver to drop you off at one you want to go to.   http://annaeverywhere.com/best-cenotes-tulum/




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Monday, February 26, 2018

top ideas PDC

cenotes:   dos ojos, casa cenote, cristalino cenote

cozumel island

PDC downtown:   food tour



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Sunday, February 25, 2018

Cancun transfer

x2=$96

http://www.thomasmoretravel.com/app/TransportationList.aspx



+tax= $98



  • Cancun Airport to the Royal Haciendas

    Thomas More also offers a transfer service to The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya. The fares for the shared service from Cancun Airport to The Royal Haciendas are     $27.00 us per person one way and $48.00 us per person round trip. The private service costs $95.00 us one way and $175.00 us round trip (1-10 passengers), the price is per vehicle. Please take note that services after 10 p.m. will be charged as private.

    If you are staying at one of the Cancun Royal Resorts during the first part of your vacation, but will be spending your final week at The Royal Haciendas or vice versa, the round trip transfer is $36.00 us per person for the shared service and $163.00 us for a private van.

Inline image 1
Waiting for us with ultra clean vehicle and beer on ice 
Upon arrival very courteous staff meets you and takes you to your waiting van and driver who presents you with a cold towel and an ice cold beverage 
The van- Super clean, and had two cold waters and the beer I had ordered waiting in a cooler.  
Once we got into the van, there was a cooler filled with ice cold beer for us!!! What a wonderful way to start our vacation!  
We have used Canada Transfers for the past 3 years after using Thomas Moore and USA transfers. We like the private shuttle service which is cheaper than T Moore’s shared service. USA was very good too but we get cool lemon scented towels on arrival with Canada Transfers and always order beer or soda which is ice cold and ready for you when you get in. They also have complimentary water. After a flight these services really are so welcomed





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Saturday, February 17, 2018

Tucson Saguaro facts

Saguaros, which flourish in both districts of the park, grow at an exceptionally slow rate. The first arm of a saguaro typically appears when the cactus is between 50 and 70 years old though it may be closer to 100 years in places where precipitation is very low. Saguaros may live as long as 200 years and are considered mature at about age 125
  1. A saguaro starts to flower around 35 years and produces its first arm around 50 years of age. At 125 years, a saguaro is generally considered an adult. The lifespan of the saguaro is 150 to 200 years.  
  2. The saguaro flower has one of the most powerful fragrances. The flowers only open up at night and it closes during the day.

 The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the defining plants of the Sonoran Desert. These plants are large, tree-like columnar cacti that develop branches (or arms) as they age, although some never grow arms. These arms generally bend upward and can number over 25.
  • The saguaro is the largest cactus in the United States.
  • Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. There is one deep root, or tap root that extends down into the ground more than 2 feet.
The state flower of Arizona is the saguaro cactus flower. Don't jump to conclusions though — the saguaro cactus is NOT the state tree of Arizona.

The saguaro is found only in the Sonoran Desert, which includes about 120,000 square miles of California and Arizona. Most of Baja California and half of the state of Sonora, Mexico is also included. You won't find saguaros above an elevation of about 3,500 feetsince they can't handle much frost.

Can a saguaro cactus really be grown from seeds in a pot? Yes, you can purchase seeds from various gift shops around town. If you care for it properly, it will grow. The issue is, you probably won't be around long enough to watch it get very tall.


 Saguaros—which make for expensive lawn adornments—have become black market commodities, with poachers raking in a few thousand dollars for their hauls. 

 No wild saguaros are found anywhere in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Utah, or Nevada, nor in the high deserts of northern Arizona.[20]

 These tiny, young saguaros are very hard to find as they grow under the protection of a “nurse tree”, most often apalo verde, ironwood ...

Young saguaro cactus peeking out from its bursage nurse plant. ... It is easy to walk by and not even notice the presence of the small cacti growing underneath nurse plants. ... Creosote (Larrea tridentata), palo verde, mesquite or ironwood trees often serve as the nurse plants for larger species of cacti.

Like Mesquite, Desert Ironwood, and other Fabacaea (legume) family trees, both species of Palo Verdesdrop nitrogen-rich leaf, seedpod, branch, blossom, nest, and bird litter to the ground, creating a protected, fertile, and shaded germination zone underneath for vulnerable saguaro cacti and other desert seedlings, whose .

Javelinas like to eat the seed pods. The canopy cover reduces the temperature below the palo verdewhich is very important for the germination of other desert plants. The palo verde is the primary nurseplant for the saguaro cactus

Palo verdes serve as nurseplants for saguaro cacti by providing a canopy – in effect, a microhabitat – which offers warmth in winter and shade in summer.

Young saguaro cactus develop under the protection of a "nurse tree" (left). Years later, evidence of the nurse tree ... The seeds are dispersed by various agents, among them white-winged doves, which often construct their nests in palo verde trees. Adult doves eat saguaro seeds, but when feeding ...

lorenziniworks.com/inhabit/
Expansive view west from the Tucson Mountain foothills, with saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, creosote bush, and yellow blooms of early Spring. ... Common legume trees like palo verde, ironwood, and mesquite act as “nurse” plants, providing protected germination and development zones under their canopies for plants ...


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