Cancún, Tulum, & Las Coloradas, Mexico
My adult spring break took place in Cancún, Mexico this year! Normally, January through March is especially slower where I work so it was the perfect time to make my first international trip of the year. My friends and I started planning and booking a couple months ago and found our balance of activity and relaxation. Here’s some insight on where we stayed, what we did, and what I learned along the way!
•Royal Islander — It’s one of the Royal Resorts in and around Cancún in the Hotel Zone. We used Expedia when looking for a place to stay — there are normally lower rates on there and you can get points along the way which provides for great deals over time! We chose to have our breakfast included so it was paid beforehand. All of us were given key cards when we arrived and we used that for everything; food, drinks, beach towels, etc. When we checked out, we were given a bill for everything so you don’t have to constantly use your credit card the entire time. There were restaurants and a convenience store on site so we didn’t have to go far to get snacks/anything else we needed.
We found Las Coloradas (or the Pink Lake) on you guessed it… Instagram! It’s a couple hours away from Cancún and we haaad to see this thing with our own eyes. We found a guided tour on Get Your Guide with other activities set for the day. You’ll be picked up in the early morning from your hotel and then won’t return till late that night. Something we learned is that the Mexicans are very much on island time. We’d show up early or right on time and ended up waiting for a little bit so all of the timing on the itinerary is pretty loose.
We stopped and swam at the cenote in Ek Balam first. Water was a little cold but so worth it! This one wasn’t crowded at all which we were grateful for compared to the more popular cenotes in Tulum and Chichén Itzá. We were told they’re harder to get good photos and to swim in with so many people around. After leaving we headed straight to the crocodile sanctuary to see (and hold!) crocodiles up close. Then onto the Pink Lake! Which is pink because of red algae, shrimp, and plankton. Unfortunately, you can’t swim in the lake anymore but you will have ample opportunity to 👏🏽 get 👏🏽 them 👏🏽 pics.
The day ends with a boat ride, seeing more crocs and different birds, and a late lunch (we’re talkin’ 4:30 p.m., people. Always. Bring. Snacks!).
The next day on the beach was hot, hot, hot but paradise. A cocktail in hand, fresh sudokus, and the sound of the waves. PARADISE.
And then there was Tulum. The dreamiest place and my favorite part of the trip. Wish we could’ve stayed there for the entirety of our week but “there’s always next time”. We rented a car, sort of on a whim, and drove an hour and a half south to Tulum. The reason why it was on a whim was because we were weighing out options of how to get there. We were a little uneasy on renting a car with a risk of getting pulled over. But the set tours to Tulum were to the ruins only, while we wanted to explore and spend the day there. We found a rental car company across from our resort and luckily they had one car available. So off we went!
We stopped at the ruins first. This was also a hard decision beforehand to go there or Chichen Itza. It would’ve been another day trip, as it’s 2 hours away from Cancun and we ultimately decided that it would be too much activity for our time. The best part of the ruins in Tulum is that they’re cliffside above the ocean. The stunning blues of the ocean complimenting the ancient ruins was definitely worth the trip down. While it was crowded, they’re all scattered on a huge piece of land so there’s space to explore. We found our little hidden spot below on the beach. Going in the opposite direction of where people are pays off!
We then went into town. Covered in deep, rich greenery with bikes leisurely passing by, and shops with their doors and windows open. Bars with swings and light breezes. So many different cuisines around— Thai, Italian, Mexican, and fresh seafood everywhere. We took photos of just about everything on that strip and stopped at Matcha Mama for a snack. It’s basically a tropical Instagram dream— açaí bowls and smoothies, kombucha, nice cream, and more (everything is plant based!).
Unfortunately, a few cool places we wanted to go have drinks & eat dinner at only open at dinnertime (Gitano, Azulik/Kin Toh). We had to get the rental car back in time before they closed so we dipped out in late afternoon. But not before stopping and eating lunch at Mina. Some of my best food experiences have happened by just stumbling upon it which was exactly the case here. Mina is a restaurant and boutique hotel with their own private beach (check out their Insta here to get the gist of how stunning the views were and how delicious the food was). Tacos and burritos were served with the best and biggest plate of guac I’ve ever seen. The service was excellent and man, oh man those viewwwwws. May or may not be already planning a future trip.
P.s. We turned the rental car back in with no problems. We told each other that if any of us felt uncomfortable while on the road, we’d turn around and go back and create a new plan. Always listen to that instinct if something feels wrong! But that day, we didn’t experience any level of discomfort and we were aware of our surroundings. I’ve talked about fear before and how it can easily overcome or create assumptions. I’m glad we took a step of faith while keeping a policy of honesty with one another. Tulum was was a top priority for us and we went about everything carefully and with consideration of our safety, time, etc. Renting a car and driving in another country can be intimidating but if it’s something you want to do, set boundaries, be overly cautious & aware, and trust that there’s something great waiting for you on the other side of fear!
Our last day wrapped up poolside, fittingly beneath the palm trees. We soaked up every bit of that 85 degree weather and kissed Mexico goodbye. We relaxed, swam, walked (and walked), and I achieved my best time so far for my sudokus— 2:48 thankyaverymuch.
Here’s a couple tips when going to Mexico (or anywhere international, really):
*International flights normally serve meals if the journey is 4 hours or longer. Ours was unfortunately just under 4 and by the time we landed and traveled to our resort, it was 11:30 p.m. with all of the restaurants, room service, and the convenience store closed. Luckily, the front desk told us that a Dominos was still open so we were saved by pizza. Side note, I’ve been saved by pizza more times than I can count. What a gift. A lesson I learned quickly was that I hadn’t even thought about dinner when getting on the flight. So definitely check to see if you’ll be served anything and if you’re able to get something when you arrive at your hotel!
*Be sure to get pesos for tips! The Mexicans are incredibly kind, generous, and hardworking so whether they’re serving you, driving you, or doing you a favor… be sure to have cash on you to compliment them. Downloading the currency converter calculator app helps with quick math!
*Seems like common sense, but don’t go anywhere alone. Even if you’re just going to the bathroom or running back to the room to grab something. I never once felt unsafe at our resort, but it’s always always always better to be safe than sorry.
*Most phone plans cover international data for Mexico and Canada so check before ya go! Airplane mode + Wifi is normally what I’d use anyway. It’s nice to not be connected all the time too! We spent an extra $5 for Wifi in our rental car, just in case something went wrong with any of our phones. Worth it!
“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion”
-Leigh Hunt
