Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Playa del Carmen Tours

Playa del Carmen tours leave every day and offer magical adventures for all ages. Below you’ll find some of the local favorites. For further information on these and additional tours, please contact the front desk of your Playa del Carmen hotel.

TOUR TO RIO LAGARTOS BIOSPHERE & EK-BALAM MAYAN RUINS

This popular ‘ecotour’ departs from Playa del Carmen around 7:30am and arrives 2 ½ hours later at Rio Lagartos Biosphere, one of Mexico’s largest nature reserves situated on the Northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula.  There is a brief stop at a traditional Yucatan village on the way so you can stretch your legs, have a drink and discover some local customs.

On arrival, among the ancestral mangroves, groups of 6 people will be transferred to individual tour boats manned by local expert guides. Smaller boats mean you will be closer to the ‘action’ and freer to film and take photographs. Lasting for 2 hours, the aquatic safari glides across lagoons, inlets and open sea allowing you to see crocodiles, marine turtles, pelicans, ibises and the unforgettable pink flamingos whose colony here is over 40,000 strong!

A specially adapted fisherman’s hut on the edge of a lagoon is where we will stop for lunch. The menu consists of shrimp crepes, sea trout fillet, grouper stuffed with battered shrimp or, for non-fish eaters, beef fillet or omelettes. Local wines, beers and sodas are also available allowing you to kick back, relax and take in this amazing natural experience.

On the trip back to Playa del Carmen, we will stop off at the majestic Mayan archaeological site of Ek-Balam located well off the beaten track in the Yucatan jungle where you can explore the magical temples and pyramids. You’ll be back at your Playa del Carmen accommodations by approximately 7:30pm.

TOUR TO SIAN KA'AN BIOSPHERE

Sian Ka'an in the Mayan language means "from where the sky was born." This is a magical place where the colors of the sea blend with nature. A World Heritage Site since 1987, it's considered a natural cradle for several endangered animals and a real treasure in the jungle.

We’ll arrive at the park in comfortable air-conditioned vans and continue the visit in motorboats, always accompanied by a prepared and English speaking guide. We'll explore the mangrove lagoon and the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea in search of crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and other animals that live in the area.

Snorkel in the reef (equipment included) and swim in natural pools, where between a photo and a dip, we´ll toast with a glass of Tequila. Eat lunch in a restaurant on the beach which offers fresh fish, meat, and vegetarian food, all accompanied by white wine, water or soft drinks. After a cup of coffee, relax on the beach or take a short walk to visit the village of Sian Ka'an. This Playa del Carmen tour gets back before dinnertime.

TOUR TO ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres (the Women's Island) is an enchanting and picturesque island that can be reached by crossing the bay of Cancun.

It takes its name from what the "conquistadores", in the “prehispanic” time found on the island: sketches and small terracotta statues devoted to "Ixchel", Mayan Goddess of the Moon, which represents love and fertility.

We depart from the bay of Cancun on a catamaran where you will find a prepared and fun staff. Music and an open bar will accompany us for the whole day. Snorkel on the beautiful coral reef (equipment included) and then eat a rich buffet lunch back at the beach club (also included).

Relax a bit in the sun or explore the area in a kayak, then get back on the catamaran and sail to a popular Caribbean town where among small paths are exotic shops of all types. Shopping fans will certainly be pleased! You’ll return to your Playa del Carmen hotel in time for dinner.

Make sure you plan some excursions during your Playa del Carmen vacation. These tours are surely a highlight of the perfect Playa del Carmen holiday.