Discussions

So I am going to Excellence Riviera Cancun for a week. Never been to Mexico. Resort is in the middle of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. We have 200 american and 200 canadian converted into pesos. I am sure we are going to visit Cancun and ruins and such. Doesn't seem like much in the area as it is in the middle of nowhere. I know I am going to do some fishing. If anyone has recommendations for fishing charters, places to visit, if I need more money, etc. would be helpful. Since it is an overpriced resort in my opinion is american money tips prefered as it is an adults only resort?

If I was you, I'd rent a car and drive over to Piste one day. It's home to a beautiful ruin site. Chichen Itza, where you can wander for a moderate price. The tour guides are very informative but come at a steep price. Very much worthwhile. Make sure you bring a map and try not to be out driving too late. The evenings usually get dark around 8pm.

They are crazy drivers there. Only been there once which was last yr in December. Great time. Different resort but I remember on all our tours they are going 120 dashing in and out of traffic

We stayed at this resort in 2013 and LOVED it. No restaurant restrictions, and no need to make reservations either. The food & staff were both amazing. We only brought and tipped in USD but I'm sure either would be fine.  
 
Xcaret is a super fun way to spend the day, and I'd sick with Tulum instead of Chichen Itza for pyramids personally. It's about a 2 hour drive. But very cool though too. We booked it as an excursion & went with a group on a bus, I'd definitely do it that way as the guide is included and much safer.  
 
Have fun, I'm jealous!

For a day trip I prefer Playa Del Carmen to Cancun, as it is a little more tourist friendly and easier to navigate.

I was about a 30 minute drive away last year at the Fairmount. I'd really recommend not driving in the area. Too much stress, and if anything goes wrong, you are the gringo in trouble :-)  
 
Your hotel should be able to arrange local tours. Tulum is nearby and a bus tour there will also provide a guide to walk you through the extensive coastal ruins. Very nice for half a day. You can also arrange snorkelling and fishing, again via the hotel with a bus or van to take you out.  
 
Playa has some good restaurants and bars, but can also be a bit rough in places. It is worth a day trip.  
 
Tip in USD, don't let the local vendors or hotels do the fx conversion for you. The fx rate is never in your favour or as competitive as your bank's.

Pretty sure I won't be driving down there. Buying money off the resort unless I know I can get a bank down there after I pay cab or bus fees it's the same anyway. I should have enough cash I hope. Excursions easily paid for by card. I was hoping to have fishing references by anyone. I have taken the resort fishing trip in Jamaica and would never do that again. Yet some friends hired local guy from the dock, had a blast.

went directly to fishing boats tied at shore in playa del carmen last yr 100 american each for twopeople said to just come down in morn then you know if it will be to rough or not that was for four hours and i:ncluded booze and food . it was to windy didnt go didnt pay have fun playa is excellent and very safe...

a good site specific to playa but very helpful for mx in general is everthingplayadelcarmen for cash we just go to scotiabank in playa use debit and it gives you pesos at the days rate . best to have only four digits in your pin...

Been to Mexico four times, my favourite of all the places I have been. The first two times we had done all the excursions and enjoyed them a lot. Now we stay on the resort other than the catamaran which is sooo relaxing. I suggest you see and do everything you can. Everyone’s idea of a vacation is different. Have fun!

Thanks. Sounds like we will be fishing a day for sure, ruins, Playa for a bit and the rest is attending a wedding and relaxing at the resort. Paid enough for it might as well enjoy it.