Published on Nov, 2019
I had the absolute best time! Our tour guide, Adam, is not just a local but also a full fledged Archaeologist! He kept the 30-40min bus ride very entertaining with his plethora of knowledge, while mixing in a few jokes and stories. Bus itself was comfy and driven by a delightful driver, Toni. The Mayan ruins were incredible! To stand in the same location as the ancient Mayans is really a once in a lifetime experience. You can climb up several of the temples/structures and get some amazing photos/viewpoints. There's even temples that haven't been excavated yet, which gives you an idea of just how hard it is to find these buildings initially. Adam gives you a guided tour (about 40min), and it happy to continue giving you information about the wonderful area, and you're free to look around on your own for the rest of the time. The Sun temple, while closed to climbing, was cool to see. There's an interesting natural spring, around the size of a large swimming pool, filled with an abundance of fish who will gladly give your feet a soft spa pedicure (warning: it tickles like crazy). Weather was perfect! 80 degress and clear, I highly suggest you go in Fall and avoid the heat of Summer. Bring some sunscreen and bug spray, as you would anywhere else that Nature exists. The beach portion of trip was a lot of fun. A brief walk (about a city block) and we arrived a nice beachfront local restaurant, to enjoy roughly 90min of open bar time. Some drinks are pre-made in large batches, but everything is clean and sanitary. Cups are around 12oz, but you can easily order multiple and "double" for stronger drinks. There were a few local vendors wandering around the area (the beach is public after all) that will approach you. They're trying to make a living of course. But a kind "No" and wave of your hand (as Adam instructs you), and they will pass you by. Never did I once feel crowded by them. The staff was very kind and the prices on food was quite reasonable, akin to average prices of most Mexican restaurants back home. Food was both great and interesting! You're given free chips n' salsa, beans, and a small veggie plate, but can order more food. Bartenders were super friendly and the DJ kept the music going and even did a fun ring toss game! Beach itself was pretty. Water had a little bit of algae but wasn't gross. There are some sharp shells in the water (because it's a beach), so make sure you wear flip flops,etc. There were some seagulls, but that's simply nature for you. Just make sure you cover your plates if you get up, and every once in a while one bird might get brave and land on the table. Just DON'T feed them. You'll regret it. Overall, best Archaeological experience ever! Ruins and rum! You couldn't ask for more.