In 2007, we decided to escape Calgary’s freezing winters by going on our first vacation together. We packed our bags, put on our summer outfits, and took a week off from work to head to Tulum on an all-inclusive trip. That week, filled with sun and sand, gave us the travel bug—we were hooked after just a taste of Mexico.
Fast forward seven years and many countries later, we’re back where our love for travel started! After spending two weeks in Valladolid enjoying tamale-making, Maya cultural shows, and tequila, we arrived in Tulum. This city, on the Maya Riviera, features stunning white sands and clear turquoise waters, making it one of Mexico’s top destinations.
Tulum offers plenty of affordable dining and lodging options, along with a range of fun activities. We’re staying at Casa del Sol Hostel in a cozy room that’s designed to look like a funky hut, even though it’s attached to the main building. The place has tiled floors, a comfy bed, a common area for backpackers to gather, and bicycles available for rent at just 50 pesos a day. It’s a pretty decent hostel—we’ve seen better, but we’ve also seen worse.
Given how much we’ve enjoyed the Mexican cuisine, it’s been great to get some exercise by riding our bright red bikes. We’ve been cycling 5 km to the beach and back for the last two days, and we’re definitely feeling it in our thighs…yes, we’re a bit out of shape. Gone are our days of trekking through Mongolia and Central Asia; now, we’re lounging on beaches and indulging in delicious food!
Tulum is an amazing city. While the main town center is a bit of a dusty highway, the beach area is laid-back and quirky. It’s not as developed and crowded as Playa del Carmen or Cancun, but it has a lot to offer. Ancient Maya ruins overlook the beach from a cliffside, and there are numerous cenotes nearby. We haven’t visited the ruins yet because we’re partnering with the Riviera Maya Tourism Board, who will take us there in a couple of days.
We’ve got lots of exciting plans ahead, including visiting a Maya village, watching traditional dances, exploring the ruins of Coba and Tulum, and doing some cave exploration! After all that, we’ll be back in Tulum where Nick will try some unique scuba diving.
Stay tuned to hear about our adventures in the Riviera Maya! Have you been to this part of Mexico? What was your favorite activity or sight in the area? Share with us in the comments below!
