Excursion Ideas for our next trip (14 weeks and 6 days away still haha)

My Type-A characteristics have gotten the better of me. I feel a sudden urgency to plan for my trip, figure out what we will be doing, and start getting ready. 15 weeks, folks. It's a long time, but I am a freak who needs a plan well in advance.


So, with my research for excursions all wrapped up, here is what I have come up with. We will pick 3 or 4 of them, and save the rest for next time we are in Mexico.






1.Private or Shared Temazcal Unique Mayan Ritual from Cancun

We have NEVER done anything like this before, anywhere we went. I think seeing an authentic sweat lodge, and partaking in a ceremony would be amazing!

Meet your guide in your hotel lobby (for the private tour) or at the meeting point in Cancun (for the shared tour) between 4pm-5pm to begin this truly unique experience. Head to the Home of Hot Stones, the lodge where the temazcal ceremony takes place. Listen to an introductory talk from the temazcalero guide, who will answer questions, then participate in a salute around the fire. After a small cleaning ceremony with copal (resin) and aromatic herbs, enter the temazcal and feel the heat of the volcanic rocks as their red light glows in the darkness. Breathe in the aromas of herbs and copal as your body is purified of physical and energetic toxins. Be guided through four intervals of increasing and decreasing heat by the temazcalero using aromatic herbs, mud, honey, aloe vera, and refreshing teas. Enjoy the ceremony's curative powers as you listen to live singing accompanied by musical instruments. After the session in the temazcal (during which you can leave the room or ask the shaman to increase/reduce the heat at any time), refresh by taking a cold bath. Then kick back in a hammock and have a light snack of fresh, seasonal fruit and natural beverages. Because of its interactive character, the length of the temazcal session can vary, though it generally lasts about 90 minutes.Leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and filled with positive energy. The tour concludes with a drop off back at your hotel or the meeting point in Cancun.

2.ATV Adventure tour

We generally do an ATV type of adventure everywhere we go. We always pair it up with another thing (speed boats, cenotes, hikes, etc), but have been finding we JUST want to ATV around, and stop at some beaches. This seems like the ideal excursion.

Take a ride on the wild side! Your fun-filled ATV adventure tour begins just 45 minutes from Cancun! Drive your own semi-automatic all-terrain vehicle through exotic jungle trails, coconut palms and along the coast.Then ride to a white sandy beach, where you can take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

3.Cancun City Sightseeing Tour Including El Meco Ruins and Playa del Carmen 

I like to sightsee and shop. We have also never seen any of the Ruins (HOW?!)--but being that we aren't right in Cancun, they are a little closer of a ride away, so we NEED to see at least one sites ruins. This would be a nice day.

Meet your driver-guide in your hotel lobby in Cancun and start your sightseeing tour with a guided visit to the El Meco archaeological zone. Wander the well-preserved site located just north of the city, and discover elements of the ancient Maya culture as you explore the pyramid, temples, and plazas.Then continue aboard your air-conditioned vehicle for an introduction to the highlights of downtown Cancun. You'll get an overview of the city parks, schools, markets, shopping malls, bus station, city hall, hotels, and hospitals that comprise daily life. Heading south, you'll arrive at Puerto Morelos, the country's youngest municipality. Snap photos of its lighthouse, seen from downtown, and glimpse part of the world's second-largest barrier reef: the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Upon reaching Playa del Carmen, browse the colorful handicraft shops and restaurants during a stroll down Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue). You can purchase lunch (own expense) during 2 hours of free time here.Playa Delfines is your final stop, with opportunities to take pictures of the Mexican Caribbean, before return transport to your Cancun hotel.

 4.Swim with Dolphins

Another thing we haven't done anywhere yet. I am so torn. I don't like fish of any sorts. I don't like whales, specifically. Dolphins aren't included in this general dislike, but there's just something I don't trust haha. With that being said, I still do want to do this and check it off the bucket list.

 

Kick start your Cancun vacation swimming with dolphins in Cancun and experience one of the best things to do in Cancun & Riviera that you´ll remember for ever.Your dolphin swim in Cancun starts early in the morning being transferred from ferry dock into the park aboard a comfortable boat, where you will be received by a continental breakfast. Once you arrive get a quick brief from the dolphin trainers before jumping into the water. Put your life jacket on and prepare for a 40 minute interactive program guided by a certified trainer, he will teach you about dolphins anatomy, ways of communication and more incredible facts. The friendly dolphins will approach you to give you show their skills, give them a handshake, hug, romantic kiss and much more. The camera staff will be capturing your best moments with the dolphins so remember to always smile and check them out later at the souvenirs shop.Later, enjoy with your significant others a relaxing beach club. Feel the fresh breeze while resting in a hammock, hit the buffet lunch with regional dishes, refresh at the open bar with a cold cerveza or take a dive into the pool with your party. Finally, take a tour to Downtown Isla Mujeres, which tropical streets and souvenirs shops will make you never wanna leave. Making this the perfect ending in your dolhpin swim in Cancun tour.

5. Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves 

This one may be a little too adventurous for us. But I want to see these from the inside SO badly. Do visions of earthquakes while I'm inside/weird bats/ fish/bugs fill my mind? YUP. But I also don't want to let random anxieties ruin my life and adventures...so MAYBE. I think I would get the courage to do it once we were there. But booking it is the main hurdle lol

Choose pickup at your Cancun hotel or meet directly at Rio Secreto Nature Preserve. Arrive at Rio Secreto and listen as your guide reviews safety considerations and hands out equipment, including a hard hat with a lamp, a wetsuit, a life vest and water shoes. Follow your guide into the underground cave to view the breathtaking crystal formations on both the ceiling and and the floor. Walk along a path through the caves and wade or swim through the river itself. Enjoy the sound of your group's movement through the subterranean cavern echoing off the walls. View the vibrant colors and dramatic mineral forms that lie hidden deep below the surface of the earth. Exit the cave and opt for a shower at the Rio Secreto's facility. Swing in a hammock and relax in the Nature Preserve before boarding your bus for the return trip. End your Rio Secreto adventure with drop-off at your hotel in Cancun or at the Plaza Kukulkan.

6. 7-Course Mexican Cooking Experience and Feast

This is all me. Obviously an excursion I have selected. Tyler thinks it looks cool, but it's one of the most expensive excursions we ever will have been on. It's an investment. But we LOVE authentic experiences, and this would most definitely be one.

 

Your Mexican cooking experience begins as you meet your guide at your hotel or central meeting point in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You will then head to the location where the tour takes place and enjoy a hot chocolate or mexican coffe (café de la olla) with some pastrys in the terrace in the jungle, where you will be able to experience the real Mexico.Then, you will take a look into the organic garden and maybe pick some of the products you will use in the class.Next, head to the kitchen and have a wonderful time on cooking class. Put on your apron (which you get to keep after the tour) and learn how to prepare a seven course menu, including your own tortillas which you will cook in a comal. During the class, you will get a light snack and fruit drinks.Then, you will take part in a private Mexican Fiesta where you will eat the gourmet meal prepared in class. You will feast on traditional Mexican food and enjoy Mexican drinks, tequila shots, and Mexican music. End the afternoon with dessert and cafe de la Olla (Mexican coffee) and take a look at a "tiendita" (shop) where you will find handmade Mexican products. You will be taken back to your hotel/meeting point after this incredible experience.