I'm going for a work shindig this weekend. Arrive Friday morning and leave Sunday afternoon.

Friday night and Saturday morning until Lunchtime is taken up with work related shit but other than that I have free time. Who here has been? I'd really appreciate any tips.

I'm really into food and trying local stuff, never been to Mexico but am concerned that all I'll find is americanised (no offence) food outlets that cater for the tacky tourisim market. Maricahi bands and massive burrito challenges etc.

Any good reccomendations on bars and maybe back street eateries in town that I could try.

Any other ideas on what's good to do there would be great. I realy want to hire a car to head down to Belize but don't have time.

Oh yeah and I'm not a tequila fan but wanna give it a go so any advise there on the better stuff would be grand.

Senor Frogs... 'nuff said...

If you had more time I'd say snorkel the underground river near by or take a day trip to Chichen-Itza but with such limitied time...

Senor Frogs...

Thanks. Will check that out. A bit gutted we don't have time for the ruins but might go to Isla Majires for a looksee,

Rococo said:

i've been to cancun, loved it. be sure to get your vaccinations up to date, and avoid drinking the local water unless you have purification tablets. since you aren't a woman, i'll refrain from telling you to stay indoors at night. but, at least be aware of your surroundings and (not that you would) don't drink so much you lose your sense of self-preservation.

take a tour to chichen itza, if you have time, and look at the ruins there. i stayed on isla mujeres while i was there, and it's fun to rent a golf cart and drive around that tiny, gorgeous little island. have fun! the people are wonderful.

I was there in 2003. I'm sure much has changed since, but if you're looking for authentic eats, good luck. Señor Frogs is a tourist trap (sorry Ren), as are most of the restaurants (from my recollection). While there I ate at Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, Señor Frogs, Tony Romas, and the hotel restaurant....all very Americanized.

The most authentic meal I had was at a restaurant that the bus stopped in one the way back from Chichen Itza...it was a mom-&-pop type place that served authentic Yucatan food.

Have fun!

PurpleJedi said:

I was there in 2003. I'm sure much has changed since, but if you're looking for authentic eats, good luck. Señor Frogs is a tourist trap (sorry Ren), as are most of the restaurants (from my recollection). While there I ate at Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, Señor Frogs, Tony Romas, and the hotel restaurant....all very Americanized.

The most authentic meal I had was at a restaurant that the bus stopped in one the way back from Chichen Itza...it was a mom-&-pop type place that served authentic Yucatan food.

Have fun!

This.

While you may be tempted to "check out the local hang outs", you should know that there is a huge cartel war that's been going on for a while. Larger tourist traps like Cancun are a lot better about being giving the image of safety, and the military or police should be all over. However, when you start veering away from the main drags, or going to the "red light" areas, you are subject to rules and customs of the local gangs, and you gather little symthathy from the military and the police.

If you're a world traveler, you're probably very familiar with this type of environment, but these gang members really do show little value for human life. As bad as you've been exposed to, there are plenty of people in these gangs who are likely just as bad if not worse.

I think your best bet would be to talk to the staff at the hotel and explain what you're looking for. I know there are a few places not too far off the main drag where there are street vendors or a house/condo/apartment where a grandmother has her ktichen open and will cook up something nice and not charge too much.

I'm sure you'll have a blast. Keep your eyes open and look without looking.

Dauphin said:

PurpleJedi said:

I was there in 2003. I'm sure much has changed since, but if you're looking for authentic eats, good luck. Señor Frogs is a tourist trap (sorry Ren), as are most of the restaurants (from my recollection). While there I ate at Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, Señor Frogs, Tony Romas, and the hotel restaurant....all very Americanized.

The most authentic meal I had was at a restaurant that the bus stopped in one the way back from Chichen Itza...it was a mom-&-pop type place that served authentic Yucatan food.

Have fun!

This.

While you may be tempted to "check out the local hang outs", you should know that there is a huge cartel war that's been going on for a while. Larger tourist traps like Cancun are a lot better about being giving the image of safety, and the military or police should be all over. However, when you start veering away from the main drags, or going to the "red light" areas, you are subject to rules and customs of the local gangs, and you gather little symthathy from the military and the police.

If you're a world traveler, you're probably very familiar with this type of environment, but these gang members really do show little value for human life. As bad as you've been exposed to, there are plenty of people in these gangs who are likely just as bad if not worse.

I think your best bet would be to talk to the staff at the hotel and explain what you're looking for. I know there are a few places not too far off the main drag where there are street vendors or a house/condo/apartment where a grandmother has her ktichen open and will cook up something nice and not charge too much.

I'm sure you'll have a blast. Keep your eyes open and look without looking.

I will say, though, if you want to see young college girls or horny milfs getting their tits out inappropriately, have fun at Senor Frogs. Depending on the night, it can be like Mardi Gras in there.

this likely goes without saying but i'll say it anyway: don't buy drugs on the street! i was approached by a stranger on the beach who walked up, opened a briefcase full of various drugs and offered me a chance to buy something right there on the spot. i said no and walked away, only to see that behind me, right there and watching every second of this bizarre encounter, were the military police. you will know them by their weaponry, rifles and handguns. they would have undoubtedly arrested me if i'd shown any interest in that mess. be ware...

You must go to the Playa Del Carmen area of Cancun. You'll find lots of European tourists there. You'll know they're Eurpoean becase the men wear bannana hammocks and women go topless . There's also a an avenue whose name I can't remember that has a lot of hip boutiques and restaurants. I'm sure a local taxi driver knows th street.

runphilrun said:

You must go to the Playa Del Carmen area of Cancun. You'll find lots of European tourists there. You'll know they're Eurpoean becase the men wear bannana hammocks and women go topless . There's also a an avenue whose name I can't remember that has a lot of hip boutiques and restaurants. I'm sure a local taxi driver knows th street.

Um, the women go topless while sunbathing on the beach or around the pool. They don't wander the streets topless.

The street is called 5th Avenue and it has many good restaurants. I had the best margarita's and gaucamole at one of them 7-8 years ago. Can't remember the name of the place though.

Playa Del Carmen is a great area. Yes, you have to be careful and don't go to lonely area's. Hubby and I have been there many times and really love that area of Mexico. Having said that, there are many places in Mexico I wouldn't go to, but so far, we have had very good experiences in the Mayan Riviera.

Don't forget to buy some tequlia. The Revolucion is one our my favorites. The Añejo is the best.

Empress said:

runphilrun said:

You must go to the Playa Del Carmen area of Cancun. You'll find lots of European tourists there. You'll know they're Eurpoean becase the men wear bannana hammocks and women go topless . There's also a an avenue whose name I can't remember that has a lot of hip boutiques and restaurants. I'm sure a local taxi driver knows th street.

Um, the women go topless while sunbathing on the beach or around the pool. They don't wander the streets topless.

The street is called 5th Avenue and it has many good restaurants. I had the best margarita's and gaucamole at one of them 7-8 years ago. Can't remember the name of the place though.

Playa Del Carmen is a great area. Yes, you have to be careful and don't go to lonely area's. Hubby and I have been there many times and really love that area of Mexico. Having said that, there are many places in Mexico I wouldn't go to, but so far, we have had very good experiences in the Mayan Riviera.

Don't forget to buy some tequlia. The Revolucion is one our my favorites. The Añejo is the best.

Yes, I meant the beach Thanks for mentioning the street.

Thank you all. Some great tips here and it's good to get a cross section of ideas. The one thing that really comes through is the safety issue which hadn't really occured to me. I'm aware of the drug wars but didn't see it affecting me or where I was going. I won't get too lost off the beaten track.

.

I love the idea of a granny putting on a feed from her living room. Will see if I can find that but realising that going with the tourist flow might be easier. When I am in the U.S, I love to seek out the burger, wings and rib joints as we don't that particualrly well here in NZ so it's a win win for me.

.

Thanks for the drugs tip XxAxX but I don't touch the stuff anyway. I'll have a great time with the help of a margertia but no extacy! (see what I did there)

.

Bottom line, junk food good bud drug lords bad so no matter how much I'm tempted I should avoid dining here.....

.

[Edited 7/9/13 15:15pm]

That being said after the 14 hour flight from Auckland to Cancun I'll prolly be too knackerd.

XxAxX said:

SlickNuts said:

XxAxX said:

i've been to cancun, loved it. be sure to get your vaccinations up to date, and avoid drinking the local water unless you have purification tablets. since you aren't a woman, i'll refrain from telling you to stay indoors at night. but, at least be aware of your surroundings and (not that you would) don't drink so much you lose your sense of self-preservation.

take a tour to chichen itza, if you have time, and look at the ruins there. i stayed on isla mujeres while i was there, and it's fun to rent a golf cart and drive around that tiny, gorgeous little island. have fun! the people are wonderful.

It would miserable to go to Chichen Itza this time of year. It would be like 120 degrees.

sissy

Oh yeah, what's the tipping culture there?

And, will I get a decent carnitas or barbacoa soft taco from a food truck on the beach?

XxAxX said:

SlickNuts said:

XxAxX said: It would miserable to go to Chichen Itza this time of year. It would be like 120 degrees.

sissy

Yes! I just came back from Cancun today and let me tell you, I almost had a heat stroke on Monday when I visited Chicken Itza. It is HOT!!! I do not recommend it unless you take your own vehicle and are able to drive yourself there early in the morning.

Too bad you don't have much time otherwise I would recommend Xcarat. It is an all day thing, but I absolutely loved it!! There is so much to do but he highlights are swiming on the underground river, snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins and then at the end of the day they have like a two hour show that kind of represents the foundation of modern Mexico. Lots of dance and song and a Mayan ball game. Pretty cool if you are into that. Some people thought it was too long but I enjoyed it.

Anyhow, Cancun is beautiful! It is actually pretty clean and everything is green. Lots of trees and exotic plants. I went out every night and didn't come back until 1 or 2 in the morning and I never saw or experienced any kind of safety concern. There are tons of people walking all over the town all the time and their public transportation is pretty reliable and super cheap.

Good luck!

PS. Go downtown and try the hole in the wall restaurants. They have amazing food! Go for the ones where you see women making hand made tortillas. They are the best!

DysregulatedToxicity said:

XxAxX said:

sissy

Yes! I just came back from Cancun today and let me tell you, I almost had a heat stroke on Monday when I visited Chicken Itza. It is HOT!!! I do not recommend it unless you take your own vehicle and are able to drive yourself there early in the morning.

Too bad you don't have much time otherwise I would recommend Xcarat. It is an all day thing, but I absolutely loved it!! There is so much to do but he highlights are swiming on the underground river, snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins and then at the end of the day they have like a two hour show that kind of represents the foundation of modern Mexico. Lots of dance and song and a Mayan ball game. Pretty cool if you are into that. Some people thought it was too long but I enjoyed it.

Anyhow, Cancun is beautiful! It is actually pretty clean and everything is green. Lots of trees and exotic plants. I went out every night and didn't come back until 1 or 2 in the morning and I never saw or experienced any kind of safety concern. There are tons of people walking all over the town all the time and their public transportation is pretty reliable and super cheap.

Good luck!

PS. Go downtown and try the hole in the wall restaurants. They have amazing food! Go for the ones where you see women making hand made tortillas. They are the best!

Xcaret was one of the highlights of my trip!

Swimming/snorkeling through the underground river/caverns was amazing. It's an experience I want to share with my kids someday (soon).

BTW - Cancun is a MAJOR source of revenue for the Mexican economy. You best believe that they take security seriously there.

PurpleJedi said:

DysregulatedToxicity said:

Yes! I just came back from Cancun today and let me tell you, I almost had a heat stroke on Monday when I visited Chicken Itza. It is HOT!!! I do not recommend it unless you take your own vehicle and are able to drive yourself there early in the morning.

Too bad you don't have much time otherwise I would recommend Xcarat. It is an all day thing, but I absolutely loved it!! There is so much to do but he highlights are swiming on the underground river, snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins and then at the end of the day they have like a two hour show that kind of represents the foundation of modern Mexico. Lots of dance and song and a Mayan ball game. Pretty cool if you are into that. Some people thought it was too long but I enjoyed it.

Anyhow, Cancun is beautiful! It is actually pretty clean and everything is green. Lots of trees and exotic plants. I went out every night and didn't come back until 1 or 2 in the morning and I never saw or experienced any kind of safety concern. There are tons of people walking all over the town all the time and their public transportation is pretty reliable and super cheap.

Good luck!

PS. Go downtown and try the hole in the wall restaurants. They have amazing food! Go for the ones where you see women making hand made tortillas. They are the best!

Xcaret was one of the highlights of my trip!

Swimming/snorkeling through the underground river/caverns was amazing. It's an experience I want to share with my kids someday (soon).

BTW - Cancun is a MAJOR source of revenue for the Mexican economy. You best believe that they take security seriously there.

THAT'S what that place was called!!! Thanks!! (too drunk to recall names... it can be a good thing...)

lust said:

Thanks again. Just got back Home and regretfully had no time to much of anything outside the work events. Managed to get a plate of tacos and a margarita St the place by the marina next to Hooters but that was it. We had Michael Phelps as guest speaker and Pitbull ( who I'd never heard of) do the after party.

Wish I could say the same.

PurpleJedi said:

lust said:

Thanks again. Just got back Home and regretfully had no time to much of anything outside the work events. Managed to get a plate of tacos and a margarita St the place by the marina next to Hooters but that was it. We had Michael Phelps as guest speaker and Pitbull ( who I'd never heard of) do the after party.

Wish I could say the same.

Same here.

RenHoek said:

Senor Frogs... 'nuff said...

If you had more time I'd say snorkel the underground river near by or take a day trip to Chichen-Itza but with such limitied time...

Senor Frogs...

OK, I feel like the frogs are preparing for an attack on me.

First, I get a bunch of mailing labels from the March of Dimes. What are they adorned with?

Frogs.

Now, this - an admonition that Senor FROGS is the one and only place to go on the entire island of Cancun, when I know for a fact there are at least three other bars on that island.

It all adds up. The frogs are coming for me.

Well, I'm ready for them!

[img:$uid]http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/files/2012/12/Chytrid_frog.jpg[/img:$uid]

(BTW, that frog is actually alive, but you get the idea.)

XxAxX said:

this likely goes without saying but i'll say it anyway: don't buy drugs on the street! i was approached by a stranger on the beach who walked up, opened a briefcase full of various drugs and offered me a chance to buy something right there on the spot. i said no and walked away, only to see that behind me, right there and watching every second of this bizarre encounter, were the military police. you will know them by their weaponry, rifles and handguns. they would have undoubtedly arrested me if i'd shown any interest in that mess. be ware...

I was approached in a Mexican beach town by a guy that offered me Cuban cigars. I said, "No, thanks. I don't smoke".

He replied, "Not even pot?"

RodeoSchro said:

XxAxX said:

this likely goes without saying but i'll say it anyway: don't buy drugs on the street! i was approached by a stranger on the beach who walked up, opened a briefcase full of various drugs and offered me a chance to buy something right there on the spot. i said no and walked away, only to see that behind me, right there and watching every second of this bizarre encounter, were the military police. you will know them by their weaponry, rifles and handguns. they would have undoubtedly arrested me if i'd shown any interest in that mess. be ware...

I was approached in a Mexican beach town by a guy that offered me Cuban cigars. I said, "No, thanks. I don't smoke".

He replied, "Not even pot?"

i thought it was quite aggressivem that they would try to entrap me. i had no intention of buying any of their nasty drugs, but they sought me out and tried to set me up.....

XxAxX said:

RodeoSchro said:

I was approached in a Mexican beach town by a guy that offered me Cuban cigars. I said, "No, thanks. I don't smoke".

He replied, "Not even pot?"

i thought it was quite aggressivem that they would try to entrap me. i had no intention of buying any of their nasty drugs, but they sought me out and tried to set me up.....

The last time I went to Mexico to vacation for an extended time, it was to Ixtapa in about 1984 or so.

I remember lying on the beach, and these two young boys walked by. I'd say they looked 15 or 16.

They were dressed in military fatigues and were carrying machine guns. I told myself, "I might be drunk right now, but I know what I just saw. If I get out of this country alive, I'm not coming back".

Other than stops by cruise ships, I haven't gone back. And don't intend to.