Nous allons partir en novembre 7 jours au Mexique ( ou 8 jours s'il le faut vraiment 😏 )
Nous sommes 4 : 2 adultes et 2 enfants ( 5 et 6 ans)
Nous avons établi un itinéraire mais ne connaissant pas du tout cette région du yucatan , nous aimerions avoir des avis éclairés sur la faisabilité et l'intérêt de nos choix
Donc voilà notre idée
J1 : Arrivée Cancun- location voiture- direction playa carmen ( hotel pour laisser les bagages et se détendre un peu)
Visite de X caret ( apparemment à 10 minutes de PC)
Nuit à l'hotel
J2 : en route pour Akumal ( 45 minutes de Playa Carmen)
Tulum ( 30 minutes de plus) : visite de cenote ( cristal y escondido)
Puis direction Sian Ka'an-
1 Nuit au Mayan Beach hotel ( le seul que nous ayons trouvé près de la réserve)
J3 et J4 Option 1 avec chacchoben ( attention ça se complique 🤪)
J3 : Visite de Chacchoben ( 1 heure de route)
Retour Hotel sian ka'an- 1 Nuit
J4 : Visite: excursion de la réserve puis Retour le jour-même à Playa Carmen ( Nuit à PC)
J3 Option 2 sans chacchoben 😛
Excursion / visite de la réserve de Sian Ka'an
Retour à Playa Carmen- Nuit à PC
J4 ( ou J5 selon Chacchoben ou pas )
Départ pour Chichen Itza ( 3 heures de route)
Arrêt Valladolid ( à 2h30 de PC) : visite, cénotes ( keken)
1 nuit
J5 ( ou J6) Départ ( et arrivée) pour Chichen Itza ( normalement pas loin , 1/2 H environ)
Visite des sites - 1 nuit
J6 ( Ou J 7) Toujour à Chichen Itza: Visite des sites ( et cénotes) -
1 nuit
J7 ( ou J8) Retour a PC ( 4h de route)
Nuit
J8 ( ou J9) Avion a Cancun
En plus de vos avis sur les sites à voir et l'itinéraire, nous nous demandons si:
Sian Ka'an :
est à voir absolument ?
Si oui qu'y fait-on exactement ( jungle, plages...) et
peut-on le faire seul ou une excursion est préférable ( à combien peut revenir l'excursion payante pour 4 personnes)
Checchoben
A voir absolument ou on peut éviter ? ( dans ce cas , on gagne 1 nuit)
Valladolid:
1 nuit est-elle utile ou non ?
Chichen Itza :
2 nuits sont utiles ou c'est 1 de trop ?
D'après vous, quel budget pour
- les parcs et sites
- la nourriture ( en mangeant local le plus possible)
Je précise que voyageant avec 2 jeunes enfants, nous ne voulons pas passer des journées entières en voiture et préférons nous arrêter pour voir des choses en route ( quand il y en a)
Selon moi, ce n'est pas utile de rester 2 nuits à Chitchen Itza. Il faut pour bien faire y arriver un soir avant 19H, pour voir le son et lumière, et puis revenir le lendemain matin à 7h ou 7H30 à l'ouverture quand il n'y a pas de monde. A midi, ce jour-là tu auras bien fait le tour de Chitchen Itza. Il y a plein d'hôtels à Piste, à 2 km de Chitchen Itza.
Près de Valladolid (je ne l'ai pas visitée donc je ne sais pas si ça vaut la peine d'y rester), il y a la cenote X-Keken qui m'a vraiment impressionnée: on est littéralement dans une grotte et on nage avec les stalactites (et les racines).
X-Caret, je n'ai pas visité mais Xel-ha bien, et ça vaut le détour, même si c'est cher et que ça fait toutou américain (sauf si vous avez déjà fait de la plongée en mer rouge ou dans les caraïbes).
J'ajouterais à l'itinéraire la visite d'haciendas qui sont typiques de la région: Ochil et Yaxcopoil près de Merida. (mais un peu loin du coin que vous visitez)
Xel-ha, c'est un parc aquatique, qui appartient au même groupe que Xcaret. http://www.xelha.com/
Tu peux nager avec les poissons, descendre une rivière en bouée ou snorkeling, et tout ça dans un vrai lagoon avec vue sur la belle mer des Caraïbes, il y a une cenote / grotte, et plein d'animaux sauvages (qu'on ne voit pas toujours vu qu'ils sont sauvages). Avec supplément, nager avec des dauphins.
C'est très agréable, et ça plaira aux enfants. A combiner avec Tulum par exemple (visite tôt le matin à Tulum, puis le reste de la journée à Xel-ha - y compris le repas qui est gratuit).
Sian Ka'an est selon moi un incontournable, mais bon ça dépend des goûts, mais pour mon amie et moi c'était le coup de coeur de notre voyage. On est passée par une petite agence, on a eu la chance de voir des tortues de mer nager en liberté, des dauphins, plusieurs oiseaux, on a pu nager dans la barrière de corail, se baigner dans un genre de piscine naturelle, on a trouvé cela magnifique! (J'ai mis deux photos)
Près de Tulum il y a aussi la cénote ''Gran Cenote'' avec la batcave qui est super intéressante à voir.
Chichen Itza coûte 166 pesos par personne en date d'Août 2011.
J'ai oublié de préciser que nous vivons en Floride dans un coin assez sauvage ( en ville quand même pourtant), nous voyons déjà des alligators, des oiseaux exotiques à notre porte, et des dauphins en liberté quand on fait un tour de bateau.
Donc je me demande si Sian Kaan ( bien que très différent sans doute de ma région), est un incontrounable dans notre cas...Parce qu'apparemment, il faut plusieurs heures de voiture pour arriver , et nous avons deux jeunes enfants de 5 et 6,5 qui apprécient moyennement de passer des heures en voiture 😛
Qu'en pensez-vous , vous tous qui connaissez Sian Ka'an ?
Merci 🙂
Pour la barrière de corail, selon moi ça en vaut la peine.
Mais il est sûr que c'est à une certaine distance, dans notre cas on résidait à Tulum donc on était pas à l'autre extrémité!
Tous dépend de ce que vous souhaitez voir durant l'excursion!
Dû moins, si vous passez dans le coin, pour moi ça serait un non-sens de ne pas aller y jeter un coup d'oeil! Si je retourne au Mexique, ce qui va éventuellement arrivé avec la fin des études hihi, je veux absolument y retourner!!
Mais comme tout conseil de destination, c'est subjectif.
Profitez de chichen pour faire ek balam par valladoid ce n est pas extraordinaire mais dans les alentours (1 nuit sur chichen c suffisant)
Chichen est devenue une horreur c est un veritable marche, si vous avez des souvenirs a ramener c est 2 a 3 * moins cher que sur la riviera maya, mais il faut negocier dur
Personnelement je prefere de loin uxmal a chichen, plus tranquille , au moins on peut s approcher des ruines
J3-4 Si vous etes en forme partez a 7h de playa faites chichen, ek balam , valladolid, uxmal(spectacle son et lumiere pas mal) tant qu a faire revenez dormir sur merida pour repartir le lendemain sur playa
Sian K'aan et tulum valent le coup
profitez un peu des plages pour vous detendre, au moins 1 jour (tulum)
Pour la nourriture, privilegiez les cocinas au resto pour touriste vous y mangerez bien mieux et pour pas cher, attention aux recado rojo ou negro.
En tant que touriste evitez de voyager de nuit, les routes ne sont pas toujours sures meme dans la tierra del mayab
N oubliez pas que la propina est a votre discretion, sauf si s est inscrit sur le menu, aucun resto n a le droit de vous l imposer, ñes patrons sont suffisament riches pour payer leur personnel, ne depasssez jamais les 10% ou $50 MXP
bon voyage
Merci lichtfouse et elimariposa ( et les autres) pour vos réponses qui m'aident a peaufiner le séjour
Alors actuellement, nous pensons plutot rester a X caret ou environ et sillonner à partir de là :
- vers Chitchen iza , uxmal (en s'arrêtant ou pas à Valladolid)
- vers tulum, sian kaan...
Nous voulons visiter mais aussi du repos, surtout que nous sommes avec 2 jeunes enfants
D'ailleurs, ma question est là :
- est-ce que ça vous paraît réaliste de sillonner depuis X caret (en revenant dormir à x Caret la nuit) ? Je veux dire, sans faire avaler 5 heures de voiture tous les jours aux enfants 🤪
- est-ce que Sian kaan ne nécessite pas des heures de voiture pour arriver aux coins intéressants à voir ? ( je suis sûre que c'est intéressant, mais sil faut 3 heures de voiture pour y parvenir et 3 heures pour revenir, je doute que ce soit faisable 😕) ?
Bonjour,
Sian Ka'an à faire absolument, et sans agences......SUr place vous louez un bateau avec pilote ( env 15 euros par personne ).
De Tulum à Punta Allen, compter 2h de route, mais ça vaut vraiment le détour.
Chichen Itza une nuit maxi....très touristique et pas possible de gravir les marches, contrairement à Uxmal ou Calakmul ( le plus beau ).
Valladolid, ville colorée et typique, hotels et resto très bon marché.
Mexique avril 2011-Bahamas mars 2011-Floride mars 2011-Ouest USA mai-juin 2010-New-York mai 2010.
- --
Diu vi salvi Regina
Nous revenons de notre séjour d'une semaine dans le yucatan et quintana roo
Je vous donne nos impressions ( ça peut servir 😉)
Je précise que nous sommes partis hors saison ( il n'y avait pas de hordes de touristes, et même presque personne sur certains sites !)
1/L'hôtel Grad occidental X caret : très belle infrastructure, de belles piscines, le tout dans la nature...bref, très agréable
- Malheureusement, l'hôtel souffre d'un défaut d'entretien ( des dalles de piscines non remplacées, des fuites..)
- Les chambres sont correctes, les matelas de bonne qualité MAIS les lits sont petits ( 120)...dormir à 2 dans un lit de 120, c'est bof...nous avons demandé un lit de camp en plus et nous avons appris par la même occasion... que nous n'étions pas les premiers à le demander 😛
- Nourriture : nous l'avons trouvée bonne, au buffet comme dans les restaurants. Le vin est infect ( c'était l'avis de nombreux forumeurs et je plussoie 😉)
- Spectacle de soir pour enfant plutôt sympa. Nous n'avons vu qu'un seul spectacle pour adulte mais c'était pas mal...
- On marche pas mal dans l'hôtel car il est étendu, et perso ça ne nous a pas dérangé du tout...il y a aussi des shuttle pour transporter les gens
- La plage est très petite. Parfaite pour les enfants, et de toutes façons il y a des belles plages partout dans la région
- Nous avions loué une voiture à l'aéroport chez a is ( 250 $ pour 8 jours). Pratique quand on a des enfants et qu'on veut la liberté de bouger à sa guise
Les routes sont en bonne état, pas besoin de GPS ( les signalisation sont bonnes )
- xel ha : superbe, je le recommande. l'entrée n'est pas donnée (80 $ par adulte, 40 $ enfants), mais on en prend plein les yeux. Il y a également une super aire de jeux/parcours aventure pour les gosses, avec un toboggan qui plonge dans le lagon...On en a pour son argent, avec les activités proposées, les ballades dans la jungle, les cénotes, l'eau cristalline du lagon et les paysages superbes... Nous n'avons pas fait le aprc de x caret, donc je ne peux pas comparer ( x caret est moins cher par contre)
- Tulum: superbe, à ne pas manquer à mon avis...les ruines mayas avec la mer derrière 🙂
- Coba : A faire - très différent de tulum; Nous avons pris un "pouss pouss" car le sit est assez grand et pour les enfants, c'était mieux. Le faire en vélo est également très chouette . Il y la fameuse pyramide que l'on peu escalader ( il y a des marches mais attention à la descente 🤪)...enfin, je l'ai fait avec mon fils de 6 ans ( il est certes sportif mais bon, c'est faisable pour toute personne en bonne état de marche 😎 )
- Chitchen itza : 2h30 de route depuis X caret, mais on n'a pas regretté. le sit est splendide, c'est la seule pyramide qui a été restaurée en partie...Nous avons pris un guide pour 1 heure ( René, il parlait français en plus et nous a appris plein de choses sur le site et sur les mayas 😉)
- Valladolid au retour de chitchen itza : très agréable petite ville, très typique...en plus nous sommes tombés un soir de fête...Avant , nous avions fait un arrêt à la cénote zaci, qui est très jolie...nous nous sommes baignés dans l'eau transparente ( et froide 😛), et nous avons dejeuné dans le restaurant qui domine la cénote. C'est apparemment un lieu très fréquenté par les locaux le dimanche ( nous y étions ce jour là), ainsi que la cénote. Je recommande la "spécialité maison", qui est un ensemble de plats ( il y en a bien pour 4 personnes !)
- Pour finir, nous avons passé quelques heures à Playa del carmen , vill que j'ai trouvée très mignonne ( très touristique aussi, mais ça n'enlève rien à son charme). La plage est superbe...
En route, nous nous sommes arrêtés un jour sur une plage publique très belle, dont j'ai oublié le nom.
L'entrée de sites n'est pas chère ( de l'ordre de 5$), sauf chitchen Itza qui doit couter le double ( les enfants ne paient pas ou presque). Car sur ce site, on paie pour l'état et pour le Yucatan
Nous avons trouvé les Mexicains agréables , faciles d'accès...bien sûr , vous êtes un "touriste", mais il n'y a pas l'avidité que j'ai pu rencontrer dans d'autres pays...Pourtant, les salaires ne sont pas bien élevés ( quand il y en a)...La vie n'est pas chère bien sûr (les prix au supermarché local sont très inférieurs à ceux de la floride où je vis, qui est déjà moins chère que Paris !)...par contre, sortis des zones touristiques, les pueblo sont vaiment très rudimentaires...
Nous n'avons pas eu le temps de faire Siaan Kan, ni un "son et lumière" à chitchen Itza...8 jours, c'est tout de même court pour tout faire, surtout quand on veut se reposer aussi à la plage...
Merci aux forumeurs qui nous ont conseillés, et bon voyage aux autres 🙂
Heureux que cela vous aie plus
il y a encore beaucoup d'autres endroits a visiter au Yucatan qui valent un autre petit voyage 😎. Le Chiapas ou Oaxaca ne sont pas mal non plus😇.
En ce qui concerne les pueblos on y vie bien, les gens y sont bien plus agreables que dans les villes, la vie plus tranquille et d'un point de vue capex ou opex c'est le meilleur investissement immobilier au mexique, le reste c'est pur speculation ou comment prendre l'argent des investisseurs etrangers 😠
Il est vrai que si tu ne fait pas parti des "gueys ou pera de lujo" de la casta divina les salaires sont bas, tres bas, salaire mini au yucatan a $58MXP/dia sur 30 jours avec pour exemple 1l de gazolina a + de $9 , il suffir de comparer ce que tu peut t'acheter ici /mois par rapport aux autres pays et c'est valable pour tous les produits.
Meme s'il paie moins cher une famille yucateca de base n'a pas les moyens d'aller visiter chichen.
asi es.
Que te vaya bien.
Merci pour les infos sur les autrs régions...on retournera peut-etre faire un tour au Mexique ( nous ne sommes pas très loin) dans un autre coin 😉
Je note chiapas et oaxaca...😎
Nous avons la chance de pouvoir partir l'été prochain durant +/- 7 semaines. Nous avons choisi de partir en Amérique centrale. Je voudrais avoir votre avis par…
Amérique Centrale › Mexique / Guatemala · 16 replies
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Hello,
We're planning 15 days in Chiapas. We already spent 3 weeks in the Yucatán 4 years ago.
What would you recommend in Chiapas? Our idea is to rent a car so we can move around freely—there’ll be two of us.
Thanks for your tips on great places to stay, restaurants, and sights to visit!
In 2024, I spent two months solo in El Salvador. While I’m still putting together my travel journal on Myatlas, here’s a quick recap.
It’s a country where it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
SAFETY:
For a long time, the country was considered one of the most dangerous in the world because of the "maras," ultra-violent gangs. But today, I think it’s the safest country in Latin America.
BUDGET:
For French tourists, the country is very affordable, especially in the less touristy regions.
TRANSPORT:
I got around everywhere by local bus.
Local buses go everywhere and run all the time. For me, it’s the best way to travel in El Salvador—you’re fully immersed, moving at the pace of the locals, and interacting with Salvadorans who are eager to connect with travelers.
I saw all sorts of things on those buses—I’ve got dozens of stories!
PEOPLE:
I’m used to traveling all over Latin America, and for me, Salvadorans are the warmest and most welcoming. Everywhere you go, people say, "Welcome to El Salvador!"
The connections and long conversations with locals were my favorite part of the trip.
TOURIST CROWDS:
The country isn’t well-known among European tourists, but Americans and Quebecers visit. Overall, it’s still pretty low-key, especially compared to other Central American countries. That said, tourism has been growing since security improved significantly.
WHAT I LOVED ❤️
-Suchitoto, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Central America.
-The volcanoes—there are so many! Santa Ana is the most touristy.
-The lakes—also plentiful. Coatepeque is the most famous, but there are lots of lagoons too.
-The mountainous regions, where the cooler weather is a nice break: La Palma, Perquín, Cerro El Pital, etc.
-The charming villages along the Ruta de las Flores, especially Nahuizalco with its nighttime atmosphere and food stalls. Juayúa and others are great too.
-The conversations with people who lived through the horrors of the civil war in Perquín and Cinquera. I met one of them by chance while waiting for a bus.
For surfers, El Salvador is a paradise, with world-famous beaches.
WHAT I LIKED LESS:
I loved almost everything, but I found the archaeological sites a bit underwhelming. Joyabaj de Cerén is billed as the "Pompeii of El Salvador," which is a stretch (though it *is* a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical value).
I’ve been reading some really conflicting info about the best ways and advantages of exchanging euros for Mexican pesos. For those with recent experience, could you shed some light? Is exchanging at the airport currency exchange offices more worthwhile? Other advice suggests that withdrawing with an international bank card is the best option. Thanks for sharing your experiences on this!
Philippe
I’m heading to Guatemala for 18 days in August with my 11-year-old and I’m wondering if renting a car makes sense—not so much because of the road conditions, but because I’d like to spend about 3 days in Livingston. Since it’s only accessible by boat, I’d have to leave the car in Río Dulce. Maybe possible at a hotel, but that means paying for a rental for 3 days without using it...
Same issue for Semuc Champey—it’s only reachable by 4x4, and I won’t be renting that type of vehicle.
Also, has anyone traveled from Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) to Cobán (to explore the caves and waterfalls in the area)?
According to Google Maps, it’s a 6-hour, 44-minute drive... so whether by car or minibus, it’s *really* long (same for Cobán-Flores later).
Are there any interesting stops along the way where I could spend a night? And if I’m not renting a car, is it possible to take two private shuttles for this route?
Hi,
We’re planning a trip to Mexico this summer (loop through Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche). We’re thinking of using public transport or possibly renting a car. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a lot of recommendations. Are these states safe for solo travelers? Are there any precautions we should take or areas to avoid?
Thanks,
Hi everyone, I’m planning to go to Panama in December and I’d like to know which city is closest to the Panama-Costa Rica border—and just across the border in Costa Rica—to buy the cheapest bus ticket? Just so I have proof of onward travel when I take my flight, thanks.
When planning a trip to Panama, you often hear about Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or even San Blas. Yet, there’s a region that remains relatively under the radar in travel guides: the Arco Seco.
Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.
For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.
A few ideas for visits:
• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado
• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast
• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!
• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs
• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas
• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas
• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado
• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen
What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.
I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.
If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.
Hi,
For those who’ve tried it, are Uber or similar services (if available—could you also let me know the names of local equivalents?) reliable and safe?
Thanks in advance.
Philippe
I’m reaching out to tap into your knowledge and experiences, as my partner and I are heading to Guatemala and Belize for the entire month of February 2020, and we could really use some tips.
I was thinking of spending 20 days in Guatemala and 10 days in Belize, especially since our flight arrives in Guatemala City and departs from Belize.
We were considering hiring a driver-guide for part of our time in Guatemala. Which part do you think would be best? We’re choosing this country for all the culture and traditions it has to offer, so skipping a guide entirely would be a shame—but I can imagine it’d be tough to keep one for all 20 days.
So maybe a week or ten days. What kind of budget should we plan for? And most importantly, do you have any contacts for reliable driver-guides?
Thanks in advance for your valuable advice.
Marilyne
Hi there! We’ve decided to head to Panama this summer and would love to do a road trip with a rental car—there are four of us, and our kids are 20 and 23. Do you have any recommendations on must-see spots and things to avoid? Any great tips for accommodation, restaurants, or activities? Thanks so much for your help
Hello,
We’re heading to Playa del Carmen for two weeks in August with our 4-year-old child.
We’ve seen that you can visit places like Tulum or Cozumel on your own using colectivos. For Coba, we’re hesitant to go alone because we’d like to see the cenotes and the Mayan village.
But we’d prefer to find a French-speaking agency that guarantees small-group tours, especially for Sian Ka’an.
We’d rather avoid the "mimi tours" even though they’re recommended by a lot of people and the *Guide du Routard*, based on the reviews we’ve read.
I’m interested in the agency Muuch Ximbal, which seems to offer slightly different outings. There’s also H and L Tours or Delphine Fautré’s agency (though the last two don’t list excursion prices). We also found Promomaya, but apparently, they don’t have an on-site agency.
Do you have any tips or other agencies to recommend?
We’d also like to swim with dolphins but outside of the Xcaret and Xel-Há parks. Do you know of other ways to swim with them, maybe even in the open sea???
I’ve also seen that it’s possible to swim with whale sharks—is this doable with a 4-year-old who doesn’t like putting her head underwater yet? Have any of you done it? This excursion is quite expensive, and I’d be okay with swimming with them, but just sailing on a boat without being able to see them would be disappointing.
PS: Our Spanish isn’t very good.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
we’re traveling as a couple to Guatemala from Feb 8 to 22.
We’ve realized that given the distances, it feels a bit short.
So, we’ve decided to limit ourselves to:
- Antigua: 3 nights (from Feb 8 to 11), including the arrival day
- Lake Atitlán: from Feb 11 to 14 – 3 nights in San Juan La Laguna, including the morning trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
- Chichicastenango: from Feb 14 to 15 – 1 night to attend the Sunday market and visit the cemetery
We have 7 days left that we’re not sure how to organize to cover:
Flores – Tikal – El Remate, then head back to Guatemala City for our flight on Feb 22.
Actually, I have a few questions:
Do you think the time in Antigua and at the lake is enough?
We might do the Pacaya Volcano, which is accessible for beginners, and that’s it.
Should we spend a bit more time at these two spots: Antigua and the lake? If so, we’d have to skip the Chichicastenango market.
We’re also thinking of leaving Chichicastenango to head to Flores, then staying overnight in El Remate. Does that seem doable in one day?
We’ve noted that the trips are long, and since we don’t want to rush, we’ve reduced the number of accommodations. Even though we know we won’t see everything, we don’t want to miss the must-sees.
We’re also wondering if we’ve planned the route in the right direction, or if we should head straight to Tikal when we arrive.
Anyway, I know this is long, but we’re a bit lost.
Thanks so much for your help!
Annick
My partner and I would like to travel to Mexico during the Christmas holidays. We’re well aware that this is a peak tourist season, but it’s the only time of year when we can take a long trip (over two weeks) due to work commitments.
We’re looking to avoid overly touristy areas and travel independently (renting a car). We want to explore Mexico’s history, take our time, and enjoy nature and the sea.
I’ve never been to Mexico before, and I’m considering the following regions (not all of them, of course): Yucatán (outside Quintana Roo), Baja California, Oaxaca, or Chiapas.
I’ve more or less ruled out Chiapas for safety reasons (even though the nature there looks amazing), and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the other regions. From experience, I know that even in highly touristy areas, you can often find quieter spots with good planning and by avoiding the main hotspots. For example, we were in Thailand last year during the same period, and aside from 2-3 places, we had a very peaceful trip—sometimes even being the only Westerners around. Would the same be true for Yucatán or Baja California?
Do you have any recommendations for nice, less touristy spots? What are your thoughts on the regions I mentioned?
Thanks so much for your help, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Hi there,
We’ve had to change our plans, so we’re heading to Guatemala from October 16 to 25, 2025 (in just 6 days 😱 😊😕), with two kids aged 8 and 10. No time difference for us.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Morning: Arrival in Guatemala City at 9 AM. Drive to Antigua (1-hour shuttle) / Afternoon: Stroll around Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 2: Explore Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 3: Visit the area around Antigua OR hike a volcano (Acatenango?) / Night: Antigua
Day 4: Drive to Chichicastenango for the big market (how many hours?) / Afternoon: Iximche ruins? Or the hanging bridges at Atitlán Reserve? Or spend the day in Chichicastenango / Night: Panajachel
Day 5: A day by boat visiting villages around the lake and checking out local crafts (which villages to pick?), Night: Panajachel
Day 6: Drive to Flores with 1 stop? Should we go to Semuc Champey? (how many hours?), Night: ??
Day 7: Drive to Flores (how many hours?), Night: Flores
Day 8: Yaxha (1.5-hour drive each way with a driver), Night: Flores
Day 9: Day trip to Tikal, Night: Flores
Day 10:: Flight from Flores to Guatemala City, then departure at 4:30 PM
About hiking a volcano, I’ve read mixed reviews. Some say it’s easy, others say it’s tough.
Is there a kid-friendly hike where we could see lava from a volcano? Is it only visible at night? Do we *have* to sleep at the top and come down the next day?
I’ve heard of people doing it with 2-year-olds by carrying them, and others using horses—but I guess the horses don’t go all the way up? Seeing a real volcano would be amazing! I think it’d be a memorable experience for the kids. It’d be so cool to say, "We did that as a family!" But maybe it’s way too hard and a bad idea...
I’m struggling to find reliable info on travel times:
- How long is the drive from Antigua to Chichicastenango, please?
I’ve read shuttles leave at 7 AM and arrive at the market by 8:30 AM, but I’ve also seen people say it’s a 4-hour trip 😕.
Are the times on Google Maps reliable?
A blog mentioned visiting Chichicastenango’s market in the morning and Iximché in the afternoon. That seems like a lot of driving, especially after leaving Antigua in the morning. What should we do in the afternoon instead?
Days 6 and 7: The trip from Panajachel to Flores. Any advice on taking an overnight bus?
Should we go during the day with a stop at Semuc Champey? Or fly and spend the extra day somewhere else?
Day 8: Is a full day at Yaxha too much?
Thanks so much for your help—it’s *so* valuable with such short notice! 😅 😅 😅 THANK YOU
PS: If you have recommendations for private drivers, shuttle services, or any firsthand experience, I’d love to hear it!
Hi, a friend will be in Panama at an all-inclusive resort and was wondering if it's worth visiting the Canal in a single day, and also which attractions shouldn't be missed.
Is it better to choose a package deal? What's the recommended mode of transport for this trip?
Thanks
We’re a retired couple in our 70s looking to spend six weeks in Costa Rica between mid-January and mid-March 2026. We’d like to stay in comfortable bungalows (2x3 weeks) and rent a car for the entire period. We enjoy light hiking and some beach time, but we also love relaxing on a shaded veranda, reading, and unwinding. Which places would suit these preferences? We have a lot of experience with this kind of stay in the French West Indies or Indian Ocean islands but have never been to Central America. Does anyone have good tips?
Hi there, after my trip to Nicaragua in January, I’m planning to visit Honduras and El Salvador during the same journey. Can anyone tell me where to cross the border from Nicaragua to Honduras by bus? Is it doable? Safe? And most importantly, what’s a good route to take and what’s worth seeing in Honduras in a safe way?
Is it better to travel with a group (through an agency) or is solo travel no problem?
P.S.: And for El Salvador, same question—what’s a good route and what’s generally worth seeing? Is it better to start in the south (El Salvador) and then head north to Honduras before continuing to Guatemala, or...?
I spent two months alone in Guatemala this summer, without a guide or agency, and I’d love to share a quick recap of my impressions.
● First off, it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
If you want a guide for excursions, you can easily find one through the many agencies in Antigua or Panajachel. In Flores, there are also plenty of agencies offering multi-day jungle treks.
● I got around by shuttle for part of the "classic" and more touristy route. To step off that path, I took "camionetas" (chicken buses) or minibuses.
For me, "camionetas" are the best way to get around Guatemala. They let you travel everywhere, fully immersed, at the local pace. They run all the time and are even an adventure in themselves.
Shuttles are direct, but local buses aren’t.
No matter how you travel, trips take a while because roads are often in bad shape, and in the mountains, you can’t overtake.
● As for safety, there’s nothing unusual compared to other Latin American countries. Just keep in mind it’s not Europe. As a solo woman, I try not to draw too much attention—though traveling alone already does that. Like in other countries, I was often asked where my kids and husband were, and I just gave whatever answer I felt like.
● Budget-wise, Guatemala isn’t too expensive for French tourists, but Antigua and Panajachel—two very touristy spots—are pricier.
● Guatemala is a small country but incredibly rich in culture and nature (volcanoes, mountains, beaches, etc.). You can easily spend several days (or even weeks) in each region.
● My top picks ❤️:
- The Mayan markets, especially the one in San Francisco El Alto
- The Ixil Triangle: Nebaj, Chajul, Acul
- The stunning landscapes around Todos Santos Cuchumatán
- Antigua, very touristy but beautiful
- Lake Atitlán, also touristy but gorgeous
I planned to climb Pacaya Volcano, but early in my trip, there was an earthquake in Antigua, and by the end, I wasn’t in the mood. Climbing Acatenango is more spectacular but also more challenging.
● Biggest highlights ❤️ ❤️:
- Tikal—it’s THE must-see site, an incredible mix of archaeology and nature!
- The Joyabaj Fair, which I hadn’t planned to visit but ended up spending a week at: Mayan ceremonies, equestrian parades, diverse dances, processions with Mayan priests, and especially the "palo volador"—the highlight of the festival!
● Small letdown 👎:
- Ranchitos del Quetzal, where I went hoping to spot the quetzal. I knew it wasn’t the right season, but I was still disappointed—I didn’t see any other birds either, and the hiking options were limited. It also took me a slight detour from Cobán.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
● If you’re interested, I kept a more detailed travel journal, and I’m working on another one just about the Joyabaj Fair:
We’re planning a 15-day family trip in February 2026 (with 3 teens). We’ll be visiting friends who live in Puebla. Initially, I was thinking of the Yucatán, but after reading up on it, I don’t think it’s the right fit for us (too crowded, too touristy).
So, we’re leaning toward something like this:
- Mexico City: 2 days (Teotihuacán + city)
- Puebla: 3 days
- Tehuacán: 2 days (to break up the trip—is this a good choice? Is there enough to do for 2 days?)
- Oaxaca: 3 days (Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán, city/tours)
- Pacific Coast: 4 days (snorkeling, excursions)
Does this seem balanced? We’d like to end on the coast for some relaxation, ocean time, and fun for the kids. I’ve seen lots of excursions offered along the coast but can’t decide where to stay. Puerto Escondido? Huatulco? The beaches seem better for snorkeling in Huatulco, but I’ve read mixed things, and it’s farther away. What do you think?
For transportation, is this doable by bus? I’m struggling to find a decent bus between Tehuacán and Oaxaca (overnight schedules), and I’m not sure how to get around the coast. Also, how do we handle luggage between cities? We usually rent a car.
Finally, I’d love feedback on the Pacific Coast excursions—I get the feeling some are worth it and others aren’t. Is bioluminescence really magical? Are dolphin-watching tours ethical and not too "factory-like"? (We skipped them in Quebec and just watched whales from shore.) Can you see sea turtles up close?
Hi everyone,
There’s not much info out there on Nicaragua in general, which is why I posted my questions here on the forum... but didn’t get many answers since it’s tough to find any anyway.
It’s a stunning country, but my experience was mixed.
There are areas with very few tourists (which is exactly what we were looking for), but as a result, there’s almost no way to get around (unless you walk, and even that’s not easy or always possible) and no real tourist infrastructure.
Finding info is nearly impossible—there’s practically nothing, so it’s hard to know what you’ll find in a given place, whether it’s worth taking a 12-hour bus ride across the country, only to turn around 48 hours later.
The easy and pleasant spots: Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur and the Pacific beaches, León, and the Corn Islands. These are the places mentioned in guidebooks (the rest is jungle to the east, not many roads south of the lake, and no boats on the lake either—except for the Rivas-Ometepe connection). Venturing off the beaten path is really tough.
The Caribbean coast: aside from the Corn Islands (which are very touristy but not easy to reach by ferry from Bluefields), or if you want to take a flight with La Costeña, book in advance—there are often very few seats! The rest isn’t particularly satisfying, especially Pearl Lagoon, where swimming isn’t possible due to unsafe water. Don’t expect a postcard-perfect setting. But everything’s worth it if you have the time...
Buses: there are plenty, and they’re super cheap—but be warned, they stop everywhere, take forever, and are loud (though kind of charming in a vintage way). Too many buses can ruin a trip.
Lodges: affordable on a small budget, except in Managua and along the entire Caribbean coast! For example, beaches like El Tránsito (which is gorgeous) charge at least $50 or $60 per night for a basic room. Good to know.
In Matagalpa, we tried to rent a motorcycle to get around—impossible. I asked everywhere, but there was no way. So we cut our stay short because once you’ve explored Selva Negra, there’s not much else to do (an 8-hour bus ride to see a waterfall? No thanks). These might seem like small details, but they really matter when you want to enjoy where you are and discover nice spots—you end up stuck.
Bring plenty of mosquito spray + oral antihistamines: mosquitoes and bites are a *serious* nuisance. (I got over 200 bites in one go during a trip to a humid tropical forest, even though I was covered and protected.)
All in all, it’s an adventurous, exploratory trip. The people are great, and we never felt unsafe (even though some travelers have had *really* bad experiences). I thought there’d be a carnival since it was the right time of year—nothing. No dancing, not festive at all (compared to Brazil, for example, it’s the complete opposite).
We saw animals, but no toucans, for example!
For a beautiful, pristine, and well-organized trip, everyone agrees—go to Costa Rica, but be prepared to pay a lot more. Nicaragua is something else entirely. For surfers, though, it’s amazing! Personally, I love watching fish in clear, calm waters, hiking in nature, and swimming—I think I picked the wrong destination, but I’m glad I got to experience this totally wild side of Central America! :-)
Here’s our itinerary for 15 days in Guatemala.
Does it seem logical in terms of distances to avoid overly long trips? If not, which stop should we cut?
- Antigua
- Atitlán
- Lanquín
- Río Dulce
- El Remate – Flores
- Guatemala City
Could you help me estimate the approximate travel time for these routes by tourist bus or shuttle?
- Atitlán – Lanquín
- Lanquín – Río Dulce
- Río Dulce – El Remate
- Flores – Guatemala City
Hi everyone,
I’m so happy 🙂 to be traveling again after 5 years without a trip. I’m heading back to Costa Rica for 18 days from December 12th to 30th with a friend. We’re doing San José-Sarapiquí (2 nights), then Sarapiquí-Tortuguero (3 nights), then from Tortuguero heading to the Cahuita and Puerto Viejo area. We’ll spend about ten days in that region, then make a 2-day stop somewhere before flying back out of San José.
From what I’ve read on this blog, Puerto Viejo seems like the "rasta," party-friendly spot, which is honestly the kind of place I tend to avoid—too touristy. I’m looking for places surrounded by beautiful nature. I’ve already spent several weeks in Drake Bay (in 2019 and 10 years before that) and loved it. My friend also wants to visit the Bri Bri.
Could you recommend some authentic spots in this southern Caribbean area? Your favorite places—whether it’s sights to see, accommodations, or even your favorite little restaurants 😛?
What’s the most authentic way to visit the Bri Bri? What’s your take on that?
And finally, what beautiful stop would you recommend before heading back to San José?
A huge thank you to everyone!
Have a great day,
Zineb
We’d like to do a tour to Yaxchilan and Bonampak from Palenque, but it seems there are tons of travel agencies offering this tour. We’ve also read about a lot of disappointments... any recommendations?
Hi,
I’m heading to Cancun next January and I’m looking for a rental car.
I’m overwhelmed by all these cheap offers from sites like Booking, Carigami, and others...
Some reviews mention extra insurance fees that had to be paid on the spot.
I’d love to hear about your experiences—what company did you use? Were you charged any additional costs?
A lot of ads redirect to Touracancun, but they don’t seem trustworthy to me.
Thanks for your feedback!
My son is finishing up a year of working holiday in Canada soon. His plan is to take a bus from Montreal to Florida on 10/26, stay there for a few days, then fly to Cancun, Mexico. From there, he doesn’t have a precise plan yet, except to head down to Panama if the security situation in the countries he’ll cross allows it. Then, in March 2026, he’ll take a flight to Martinique, where he’d like to either find a sailboat (as crew) for the return transatlantic crossing (option 1) or do a sailing internship that includes the crossing (option 2).
So my questions are:
- Will he be able to re-enter Mexico without an exit date or proof of a flight back to Belgium? Would being able to prove his return by sailboat with a specific date (option 2, the sailing internship) make things easier?
- Are there any countries to avoid between Mexico and Panama? He’s traveling backpacker-style on a small budget.
Hi everyone, absolute travel lovers after our 20 trips to the USA, we’ve decided to head to Mexico in February (flight already booked: Nice to Cancun on February 20th, returning on the evening of March 1st).
I’m mainly hesitating about trying to do too much, as usual when discovering a new country. Here’s my itinerary—I’m unsure about a few things:
- **Day 1**: Should we stay relaxed at the resort we booked, or should we do Isla Mujeres instead? If we stay, when’s the best time to visit the island?
- **Day 3**: If we visit Chichén Itzá right at opening, will the Ik-Kil cenote be quieter in terms of tourists? If not, which cenote nearby would you recommend?
- **Big decision**: Should we go all the way down to Bacalar or not? After that, it feels a bit rushed. **Day 6** is mandatory, or are there other options? Honestly, I’m counting on your advice!
For context, we’re a family of four (with very grown-up kids who are used to traveling), and we’ve already rented an SUV for this period. Thanks in advance for your help—it’ll be invaluable!
**Departure – February 20th**: Arrival in Cancún
Arrival at 8:20 PM, pick up rental car.
Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 1 – February 21st**: Isla Mujeres
Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres.
Playa Norte, snorkeling, golf cart tour.
Return to Cancún. Overnight in Cancún.
Drive (~3.5h). Settle in Tulum.
Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum (stunning ocean view).
Swim in Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera.
End the day at Playa Paraíso.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 6 – February 26th**: Sian Ka’an Reserve
Guided excursion:
Option Muyil (half-day): boat tour + swim in the Mayan canal.
Option Punta Allen (full-day): dolphins, turtles, snorkeling on the reef.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 7 – February 27th**: Tulum → Akumal → Playa del Carmen
Morning: snorkeling with turtles in Akumal.
Lunch, then drive to Playa del Carmen.
Evening on 5th Avenue.
Overnight in Playa del Carmen.
**Day 8 – February 28th**: Playa del Carmen → Puerto Morelos
Free morning in Playa del Carmen (beach or Cenotes Azul & Cristalino).
Afternoon: drive to Puerto Morelos (~30 min).
Overnight in Puerto Morelos.
**Day 9 – March 1st**: Puerto Morelos → Cancún → Return flight
Relaxing morning in Puerto Morelos.
Drive (~30 min) to Cancún Airport.
Return rental car. Return flight.
Back in 2002, we spent two weeks in Playa del Carmen. We did day trips to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Xcaret.
We’re heading back at Christmas with our two daughters, aged 15 and 19. I’m sure it’s changed a lot with the booming tourism.
Flights are booked: Paris-Cancún on 19/12 (arriving at 8:20 PM) and Cancún-Paris on 01/01 at 1:30 PM. We’re still finalizing the itinerary because we want to explore but don’t want to switch hotels too often. We’ll be there for 13 nights and 12 days, so we’re choosing among:
- Playa del Carmen
- Cozumel
- Holbox
- Valladolid
- Tulum
- Mahahual
We won’t do everything, so any tips would be great! I’m also unsure if renting a car is the best option.
Hi, can you tell me if there’s a bus or shuttle from Alajuela to the Nicaragua border via Los Chiles? I’d like to avoid going through San José.
Thanks for your help!
