Bus Across Mexico

The Mexico bus system can help you explore the Yucatan. This is one woman’s report.

Cancun

The airport is modern in a way that suggests that a lot of money/tourists flows through this part of the world. Local buses can be caught at the far right of the airport car park. ATM at airport didn’t take my Visa card. Stayed downtown for the night which is much cheaper then hotel zone and has more charm. The main drag has a few bars and resturants and there is a nice park one block away. There also is the main bus terminal which is ultra modern. Caught local bus to Puerto Juarez for 40min boat to….

Isla Mujeres

Very impressive as you arrive at the dock with quaint multicoloured buildings and narrow streets. North Beach is picture postcard perfect. Accomodation to suit all tastes and bargains can be found. People approach you as you come off the boat and the tourist area is small enough to shop around. You can explore the rest of the island by bike, moped or golf cart. Mopeds where great and for $20 you can burn around the 7-km island all day for some great views.

There is a rubbish Mayan ruin at the end which has been Disneyfied. Dont waste your money. What the guide books don’t tell you is that there is an even bigger town in the middle of the island where all the locals live. Real Mexico. Go to Playa Tiburon to sunbathe and pet a shark if that is your thing. Come early to avoid the hordes.

I found it fairly quiet at night and it had a couples vibe. Being so close to Cancun I was expecting a little more action.

Chichen Itza

Bus from Cancun to town of Piste, a stop off town which is about 2 km from ruins. Just a few hotels and not a lot else. El Castillo is very impressive despite the hordes of Americans.

Warning: Steps are steep and long and many people who go up have trouble coming down. Those with vertigo should brave it, though, as the view is stunning.

If you stay the night be sure to check out the free light show (well, there is nothing else to do) and historical background.

Valladolid

Had an afternoon to kill as we waited for our Tulum bus. This is the first town we went to where the locals out number the tourists. Cool colonial town with a beautiful church/plaza and some interesting shops. There is a big cenote around here which is a must see if you have the time.

Tulum

Main town is 3 km from the beach where all the cabanas/ruins are situated and if you have come this far stay at the beach for the unique character of the place.

Don’t expect comfort at the cabanas as “rustic” is the kindest way to describe a lot of the accomodation. Stayed at Diamante K. Expensive at about $40 a double, but you pay for character. Very charming nicely laid out site with private beach.

All the beach areas are great with turquoise water and nice sand. What the ruins lack in size they make up for in cliff top location. Takes no more then an hour to go round them, though. Come early or late to avoid the usual. Rent a bike and ride the 7km or so to Gran Cenote where you can swim with the blind fish in caves. Worth doing.

Beware mozzies in Tulum. You will get eaten whether you like it or not.

Chetumal

Not a lot to this town although it is the capital of Quintana Roo, just a jump off point for Belize. Weird looking bus station is 2 km from town. If you have a hard bum sit on the bus and carry on into Belize. Bizzarely all the hotels were fully booked, for what I don’t know.

On to Belize

Border crossing was painless as the bus waits for you as you get your passport stamped. Though we paid for the deluxe express bus it was not deluxe nor express as we stopped at every little tin pot town. Quite an pleasant trip though as you get a feel of the difference between the two countries in terms of geography, people and attitude. You are entering Belize time my friend. – Dara