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by JesusW
Mexico city, Mexico
March 31, 2005
What is the alternative?
It’s simple - the bus at the bus station. You will get a very comfortable bus with air-conditioning, just like the one from the Cattle Tour, but this one you won't have to remember by a number like the people on tours do. Also, you won't have to follow a funny guy with a sign all over the ruins or at the water park. You will enjoy the freedom and go at your own pace. There is even a bigger advantage - you will avoid the big crowds by arriving earlier at both destinations. Tulum (and all mayor attractions in the area) get extremely uncomfortable when there are 10 or 15 tour buses at the same time, even getting one or two buses at some places makes a big difference.
If you think that going on your own at this places is risky, don't. Basically, the tours will take your money and take you to Tulum, where the entrance is not included in your package, nor is the little shuttle between the entrance and the ruins (it's a looooong way to walk, especially when the humidity is high and so is the temperature). From there the tour company leaves you and waits for you at the exit, so this part you will do with the local guide at the ruins whether you go on a tour or not.
When you go to the water park, Xel-Ha, it is almost the same story, but here they will pay for the entrance fee (with your money, of course). If you do the math, you will see that it's not cost effective to go on a tour, as the bus ride is so cheap, $3. On the way back you can flag a collective taxi (a van shuttling back and forth form Playa del Carmen to Tulum), which is also very cheap. It is a little bit more money than the bus but worth it.
For prices on the waterpark entrance fees, visit their website Xel Ha
From journal Playa del Carmen on a budget
by Rafal
Calgary, Alberta
November 20, 2001
Very safe to walk for kilometres in hot weather, whispers of warm sea waters...
To view more pictures (beaches and sea) please visit: http://community.webshots.com/album/23506964hHsxgqUpkT
From journal Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico (from Playa del Carmen)