After 22 days in Mexico I can say I have a much better understanding of this country despite missing the Northern drug war areas on the border with the USA. My trip here was one part Resort in Cancun and a bigger basic tour part.

Arriving in Cancun on the 9 December I had a much needed 6 day break from constant touring. Cancun is like a fantasy world where prices are quoted first in USD. The main highlights here were the visit to Xcaret Park and chilling.

Starting on 15 December I was back into touring with a very cool group. I was a little concerned before this tour since G Adventure recommend ages 18-39 and I’m in the top of that range. Seeing to older people in Robin and James and the spirit and the energy they bring to the group made everything a lot easier. Additionally excluding the Palenque forest lodgings accommodation and all the public transport was of a higher standard then I expected.

The wild 12 hour overnight bus ride to San Cristóbal was memorable for the high winds that pushed the bus all over the road but we survived. A lot of the group got sick I bordered on missing a day but pulled though to visit the cenotes in Cuzama which would have been terrible to miss.

Mexico for me was about the Mayan ruins with the only disappointing on being the most famous Chichen Itza. I won’t quickly forget the Monte Alban Ruins set high above Oaxaca offering great views of the valley with magnificent ruins. The Palenque ruins set in a forest was also very different as up to that point I had only experience pyramids in desert like setting all over the world.

I will also remember Mexico for its religion, being deeply Catholic Christmas was huge including temporary areas to experience snow in this hit wether country. Seeing a chicken sacrificed in a church in Chomula was also different.

It was with regret that Cynthia, Aaron and Lauren left the group in Playa. I really felt a good connection with all three.

Mexican Photos (Facebook)
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Journal Entries
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Day 74 – Havana to Cancun. Highlights: Welcome to Mexico play security roulette

Day 75 – Cancun. Highlights: Beaches and Pools, La Isla Shopping Mall

Day 76 – Cancun. Highlights: No show by tour company 😦

Day 77 – Cancun. Highlights: no show for second ATV activity, Relaxing in the many pools.

Day 78 – Cancun. Highlights: Earning a $100 USD voucher for attending a timeshare presentation.

Day 79 – Cancun. Highlights: Xcaret Park, Swimming in an underground cave system, Mexico Espectacular night show.

Day 80 – Cancun to Mexico City. Highlights: Meeting tour members

Day 81 – Mexico City. Highlights: Teotihuacan ruins, Snow activities in Mexico City, Basilica de Guadalupe, Tequila shots.

Day 82 – Mexico City to Puebla. Highlights: Puebla Cathedral, Zocalo (City Square), Lucha Libre, Billiards.

Day 83 – Puebla to Oaxaca. Highlights: Magnificent mountains, Oaxaca Cathedral, nightclub drinking.

Day 84 – Oaxaca. Highlights: Largest Tree in the World, Zapotec ruins, Petrified Waterfalls, Mezcal alcohol, Traditional clothes weaving.

Day 85 – Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas. Highlights: The magnificent Monte Alban Ruins.

Day 86 – San Cristóbal de las Casas. Highlights: Surviving the 12 hour overnight bus ride, Chomula and Zincantan Mayan villages.

Day 87 – San Cristóbal de las Casas. Highlights: Sumidero Canyon, Local Market, San Cristóbal Cathedral.

Day 88 – San Cristóbal to Palenque. Highlights: Aqua Azul and Misol Ha waterfalls, Hotel in the forest.

Day 89 – Palenque. Highlights: Ancient ruins of Palenque, Early Christmas.

Day 90 – Palenque to Merida. Highlights: Christmas day road trip, Mass group sickness 😦

Day 91 – Merida and Cuzama. Highlights: Visit to the cenotes (water sink holes).

Day 92 – Chichen Itza and Playa de Carmen. Highlights: Feeling better, Chichen Itza.

Day 93 – Playa de Carmen. Highlights: Farewell Dinner.

Day 94 – Playa de Carmen. Highlights: Meeting new tour members.

Day 95 – Playa de Carmen. Highlights: Tulum Ruins.