Cancun was my first stop on a three week visit to the Gulf of Mexico.  I stayed at Le Meridian Resort and Spa, owned by my beloved Starwood Hotels.  The hotel itself was beautiful, with multi layered infinity pools, in a unique dark blue that whispered, “zen.”  The canopy hammock beds were available for rent- $40 USD to swing in the shade while watching beachside sunbathers and drinking… whatever those things are the cabana boys bring in giant coconuts.  We rented the row of cabanas and lounged for the day in absolute heaven.  We did take a cabana break to wander down to the beach and rent jet skis- a task that is not for the light-hearted when the seas are acting playful.  I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard.

The staff at Le Meridien were friendly, and the front desk and concierge were particularly helpful, offering tips for attractions, and recommending well known restaurants such as Lorenzillos, a world famous seafood restaurant situated directly on the lagoon side of Cancun.  (Lorenzillos doesn’t seem to have a detailed website up yet, but in case they ever do, I’m sharing the link: http://www.lorenzillos.com.mx.)  I can honestly say, this restaurant has earned its reputation.  They not only serve the best lobster I’ve EVER had in my life, but they have their own lobster farm on site and an ideal setting, complete with deckside tables presenting plenty of opportunity to fish watch and crocodile-perv right from your table.  Lorenzillos is definitely my pick for Cancun restaurants.

One of Cancun’s more popular attractions are the pyramids of Chichen Itza, home of one of the largest known Mayan pyramids.  A 2+ hour drive from Cancun, our concierge suggested either a luxury tour bus or private car rental for our visit to the ruins.  We opted for a car, in case we decided to stay longer… or shorter, than a tour bus would permit.  Ok, let me warn you- if you ever rent a car in Mexico, expect the gas tank to be empty, or at least not full!  And stop for gas well before getting on the road to Chichen Itza because it will be well over an hour to the nearest gas station.  Eh, but while you’re stopped, there’s an excellent cafe with Tamales that are out of this world!  Well before this, just outside of a toll booth, we stopped at a tourist information center and ended up buying a Chichen Itza tour package that included our entry fees into the archaeological park, parking, and lunch.  We were given handy maps and background information about Chichen Itza’s attractions and the Mayan culture.

After arriving at the archaeological park, we opted to hire a private tour guide- this was definitely the way to go.  He shared detailed background information about the history, and culture of the ancient civilization.  This made it far more interesting than just walking around staring at ruins we knew little about.  I’d definitely recommend a private tour guide if you’re planning to visit Chichen Itza.  Just remember to arrive early and plan to do your shopping after your tour- otherwise, your tour could go very long and your tour guide might just get cranky, hanging out waiting while you’re negotiating how much to pay for that quartz pyramid or curious Mayan mask.

The weather in Chichen Itza?  Humid and hot, but the mosquitos seemed to like it.  Bring a hat, sunglasses, and dress cool, with a layer of insect repellent.  It was so humid while we were there, it was almost unbearable.  A thunderstorm started, but this just made the giant pyramid look cooler.

After the rainstorm passed, we wandered around the grounds.  There’s a hotel surrounding the archaeological park, which is actually built ON the ruins- of which we were told consist of more than 300 ruin mounds.  Wandering around the hotel, and through the villas and gardens, there were a number of “hidden” ruins, including statues and stone roads that few people get to see.  The wandering peacocks even add a nice exotic touch.

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to see the pyramids at Chichen Itza.  When I moved to Mexico, I remember being disappointed that the Yucatan was so far away.  A day is possibly enough time to see the entire park, but I would say it is well worth it to book a room, or private villa at Mayaland hotel.   A guide can be hired for a private tour of the ruins at the front desk.  $60 an hour, and the tour runs around 2.5 to 3 hours.

The history of the ruins is complex and a guide can explain far more than the booklets for sale in the souvenir shop. I would definitely recommend taking advantage of a private guide, even if you decide to tour the grounds on your own again afterward.  The most famous structure in the park is of course the larger than life pyramid, but as we learned from our guide, there are more than 350 ruin “mounds” in the area, and a number of well preserved temples, wells, shrines, houses, and even an observatory which can be seen from the grandeur foyer of the hotel at just about any angle.

There are several exotic hotels at Chichen Itza, but Mayaland is located directly on the ruins.  Nonstop bird calls, majestic trees and palms, and impressive gardens surround the hotel and their many private bungalows and villas.  Peacocks roam freely around the hotel grounds, and even IN the hotel, just adding to the exotic feel of Mayaland. The food, is absolutely fabulous and the service is even better.  Our waiter was a charming gentleman, Francisco, who spoke 5 languages including his mother tongue, Mayan – which he patiently gave us a lesson in.

Recommendations for visiting Chichen Itza:

Bring a good camera, wear light clothes that can handle the humidity and heat, and don’t forget the sunblock.  Insects were not a problem until the evening but definitely bring bug spray or purchase some in the souvenir shop located on the grounds.

Shopping is available in the hotel, in the park itself on the walk from the pyramid to the well, and in the Mayan marketplace.  Bring small change for shopping and remember when purchasing, that certain souvenirs made with live plants and or seeds, will not be allowed through customs.  There are plenty of masks, a pyramid statues for purchase but a popular item are custom necklaces which take an hour to be made.  If you intend to purchase one of these, do so well before the stores close.

If you can, bring a change of clothes if you come on a day trip this time of year.  Heavy humidity, heat, and rainstorms can be an issue- but still worth the visit!

There are not a lot of gas stations on this drive, but one well over 100 kilometers from Cancun, that also has a number of convenience stores, and a cafe that had really great tamales.

Tolls on the highway from Cancun to Chichen Itza: There were 2 toll stops on the trip to Chichen Itza.  One was about $22 USD and the other was about $5 USD.  We stopped at the tourist information center located at the first toll stop where we talked to a helpful man working for a tour company.  After answering our questions, giving us free maps and information about Chichen Itza, we inquired about pricing and tours they offered.  We happily purchased a package from them for $30 usd each that included tickets to the archeological park at Chichen Itza, parking, lunch for 2 at the Mayaland hotel, and a 10% shopping discount.  A significant discount, but also a time saver- we drove the last 30 minutes to Chichen Itza and went right to the park.

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life, I see why Chichen Itza has been declared one of the New 7 Wonder of the World.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing more on my trip to the Yucatan and photos of the Chichen Itza ruins.