Tulum and a Mexican driving adventure

The remnants of Tropical Storm Alma that hit Nicaragua are now affecting the Yucatan. Last night we had some thunderstorms that disrupted internet, so I didn't get an opportunity to post an update.

I set off early yesterday morning in my shoebox rental car for Tulum, about 30 miles or so south of Playa del Carmen. The drive went well and since I had been on the same road for the Chichen Itza tour, I was a bit familiar with it, which helped. The rental car attendant, Edguardo, also gave me a crash course in Mexican driving.

I wish the US actually adopted more of the rules (or lack thereof) that they have here. The main goal is to keep the most amount of traffic moving. Slower traffic moves to the right side of the road on the shoulder to let faster traffic pass. Of course, since many roads are 2-lane highways with each lane having about a 1/2 lane shoulder, that means cars in both directions need to move to let someone pass. So if you suddenly have oncoming traffic coming at you, move right! The road to Tulum is fairly well traveled, so it certainly wasn't as big an adventure as going further inland. That's when the roads get a bit sketchy.

Tulum was absolutely gorgeous! Iguanas were everywhere and boy did they have fabulous views. The beach area was a Caribbean postcard and it was awe-inspiring. This is one place I would not visit with a tour group. Renting a car and getting there early before the tour buses arrived was fabulous. There were only a handful of people, I was able to take extraordinary pictures, and I could enjoy the sound of the ocean and the quietness of the place. I'm very glad I read a few travel books and got the tip. I had about an hour to enjoy the ruins before bus loads of people showed up. I can't believe how many people descended on the place! I'm so glad I was on my way out when they were all coming in.


I had the best chilaquiles at a little restaurant in Tulum and then spent some time checking out the town and shopping for deals. It's neat to go into all the little shops and look at everything being sold. It rained a few times today, which made the humidity even worse, but it felt refreshing to feel rain.

Once I got back, I visited the Aviary Xaman-Ha and made friends with a pushy little Toucan. He kept pecking at me and trying to get into my backpack, probably for food. I hit the hotel for dinner, watched their nightly dance show, then took some salsa lessons sponsored by the hotel. I certainly don't claim to be a salsa expert, but now I know the basic moves and it's really not too hard to add to it. Who knew salsa was so much fun? I may have to enroll in more dance classes when I get back home.

More pics from Tulum...