ok, so fly into cancun middle of april, first time travelling alone (heading on thru central america).
thinking of stopping in one of these places before going to caye caulker and down.
im looking for somewhere to meet people, chill, bit of diving, bit of drinking but probably most importantly meet some lovely people (im ever so slightly anxious bout the solo thing)
get the impression that tulum is more backpackery (good point) but quiet (bad point) and playa has more to do (good point) but is touristy (bad point).
can someone help me out? where do i go?
also, can i just get there and find a place or do i need to book ahead this time of year?
diving- wanna do the cenotes, worth doing the sea here or better waiting til corker? (tight budget you see)
23/m/brit
Since you don't seem to be on a time-budget, why not plan to stop in each place long enough to see if you like them and can meet like-minded people? You don't need to book hostels.
My two cents is that Playa is very touristy, almost like the European version of Cancun and if you want a more authentic experience, head to Tulum. I highly recommend The Weary Traveler (google them, they have a website and although reservations aren't necessary in low season, this place filled up quickly on both my trips through Tulum and they take reservations) -- it has a fantastic atmosphere, perfect for meeting other people. In fact, I met a group a British kids there and we went down through Belize together from Tulum. Another aspect is that The Weary Traveler in town away from the resorts, very close to the bus station, has a shuttle to the beach, has great travel information, has a great social area where we ended up drinking and playing cards half the time then going out to a local bar... plus Tulum has some nice ruins, easy access to cenotes (diving in the cenotes is a bit overrated, bring a mask and snorkel)... I would save diving for Belize or Honduras if you're on a tight budget. But if you've got time, stop over in Playa for a day or two and see how you like it, then if you don't, head to Tulum and work your way down. You're bound to meet people either way, I've traveled extensively the last 7 years, and always on my own -- no worries, you'll have a great time, you'll meet lots of people, you'll value your freedom :).
When you go to Cancun you can stay in a hostel in Cancun (I can't remember the name, but there are some popular ones)... not in the Hotel Zone but some where close to the downtown bus station... surely you will meet other peeps who have just flown into Cancun and are looking to meet others for a trip.
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<hr>My two cents is that Playa is very touristy, almost like the European version of Cancun and if you want a more authentic experience, head to Tulum<hr></blockquote> More authentic in terms of what? A European version of Cancun? That would be Ibiza. Pure and simple, most people who stay in downtown Tulum, as opposed to staying out on the beach, do so because they can't afford to stay in those overpriced beach cabañas. I guess it depends on your age, but I much prefer Playa del Carmen. Better prices, much better infrastructure, and better access to the beach. Having said that, I agree with #1- see both of them, they're close enough together to get a little dose of each one.
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<hr>get the impression that tulum is more backpackery (good point) but quiet (bad point) and playa has more to do (good point) but is touristy (bad point).
can someone help me out? where do i go?<hr></blockquote>
I think you are largely right on both counts though whether good or bad I suppose is a matter of personal opinion. As others have noted, you might wish to consider doing both. I typed up a bit of a rambling account of a recent trip from Cancun on down to Guatemala --------> on another forum with some pics. The bit on Tulum is near the start, Playa at the end.
thanks for the advice guys, think i wanted (and expected) more people to tell me not to go to pdc cos it was too touristy etc.
think ill make a stop there, check it out for myself with the option to move on if i dont like, .
I'll take Tulum over PDC any day. I've been going to Tulum now for six years, next week will be my seventh time. First three years were at Cabanas Copal. Next four at Azulik. I've always gone solo. Copal is perfect for the solo traveler. Great beach, lots of people from all over the world. Nice beach bar. Short walk to many restaurants. I've met many new friends each time I've been down there. Enjoy!
Why don't you do both? PdC is on the way to Tulum from Cancun anyway. I like them both, for different reasons. PdC is very touristy, but also quite comfortable. My Mexican girlfriend loves the place - we were just there about three weeks ago. There's a nice variety of good restaurants, nightlife options are varied, and the selection of sleeping accomodations excellent. It is rather expensive and plastic though. If you are looking for traveling companions, check out the Palomar Hostel, on la Quinta.
Tulum is much more backpacker-oriented, and quieter. If you're traveling solo, you'll want to stay in the pueblo. Try the Weary Traveler for atmosphere. The accomodations there are nothing special for what you pay, although you'd have to be incredibly antisocial not to meet people there. The hostel is arranged around a central courtyard where people fix communal meals, and hang around drinking until late at night. They organize free transport to the beach every day, as well as trips out to local cenotes. Here, you're bound to run into people heading south into Belize.
If you want to dive, it's better out of Playa del Carmen. Plan on around $60 for a two-tank trip, a bit more for trips to Cozumel, everything included.
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