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TULUM

NOMALAND — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:46:35 +0000

what to do in tulum

Hi we are Sami & Valeria, an Italian couple who after traveling around the world, fell in love with Mexico! In our Blog you will discover all sides of this big country, from natural and cultural beauties to exploring the hidden and dark sides. Let’s discover together passion & beauty of this amazing folk which once it enters your heart will never leave it again! Also covering our hometown (Rome) and many other places where we have lived, we wish you a wonderful reading!

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What to Do in Tulum

Best things to do in Tulum – Tulum is a dreamy, laid back beach paradise with white sands and jungle adventures. With few days here you can explore and be overwhelmed with amazing things to choose from. Here you know exactly what to do – head to the sand and put on SCUBA gear, find a hammock, or search for a cold coconut.

In Tulum there’s a lot more to choose from, including Mayan ruins, cenotes (caves or sinkholes that are filled in with crystal clear water) galore, various lagoons to float in, yoga, and street tacos. That last point is very important.

The beach beside the ruins is beautiful! Very large and very palm trees will welcome you in a Caribbean charm like few in the world. There are small kiosks where you can stop for a drink after the long walk. The landscape is beautiful, you have the Mayan ruins on your left, the Caribbean Sea in front of you and the long beach full of palm trees on the right. A paradise.

What to do in Tulum - CENOTES

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to the unusual natural wonders known as Mexican cenotes. These freshwater sinkholes were created when limestone bedrock collapsed, exposing a network of subterranean rivers and caves.

Since these pools were significant to pre-Mayan society, the name “cenote,” which means “sacred well,” originates from the Mayan language. Due to their pristine waters, varied ecosystems, and archaeological treasures, including artifacts and human remains, they are now well-liked tourist sites.

These tranquil pools, which are surrounded by lush vegetation and exotic wildlife, allow visitors to swim, snorkel, and dive. For both nature enthusiasts and intrepid travelers, exploring the Mexican cenotes is a genuinely magical experience.

The most interesting and famous cenotes are : GRAN CENOTE, CHOO-HA, TAMCACH-HA, MULTUM-HA and SUYTUN.

What to Do in Tulum: MAYAN RUINS

Evidence of the Mayan civilization is all over this peninsula and down into Guatemala and Belize, though the Tulum location was of significant importance to the empire as a religious and ceremonial center.

The location is also stunning, set on a backdrop of the beach with dazzling blue water and white sand. While not as impressive as Tikal in Guatemala or Chichen Itza much further west, both of which are astounding due to their respective sizes, it’s certainly more convenient to check out the Tulum ruins.

What to Do in Tulum: EXPLORE THE JUNGLE

The beach in Tulum is absolutely gorgeous with its white sands and gorgeous blue, bath temperature water. But the jungle is quite magical as well. Before moving to a beach, you can stay in a little hut in the jungle and is so nice falling asleep to the sounds of all of the animals, and seeing the stars so dazzling and brilliant in the sky.

If you stay off of the road that goes towards Coba where many of the jungle hideaways are, you will already be on the stretch of road that leads to most of the cenotes.

EAT SOME LOCAL FOOD

There are two kinds of food on offer in Tulum: food meant for tourists with an English menu and high prices and the little, unassuming local eateries that are more authentic and tastier, tbh.

It’s so excited to eat street tacos when you come to Mexico that should be the first thing you have to do, straight from the airport, to pull over on the side of the road outside of the airport when you saw a taco stand. Street tacos are so cheap, delicious, and fresh.

If you’re hesitant about the whole affair, go to a stand that has lots of patrons. It wouldn’t be super popular if it made people sick!

What to Do in Tulum: COBA RUINS

This archeological site gives visitors an enthralling look into the complex past of the Mayan civilization. Visitors are taken back in time as they tour the ruins, which are likely to have been inhabited as early as the first century AD, as they leave the busy city.

The majesty of the old buildings that rise majestically amid the lush vegetation as soon as one steps foot on this historical site is striking. The complex is large, and as you make your way around the paths, you’ll come across impressive pyramids like the Nohoch Mul, which is the tallest on the Yucatan Peninsula.

You will be amazed as you move from one magnificent structure to the next by the elaborate carvings and architectural elements that have stood the test of time. A rare opportunity to climb the pyramids at Coba Ruins, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the jungle below, is also worth mentioning.

There are experienced guides available to help you solve the riddles of this ancient city, and the site is beautifully maintained. Explore the Coba Ruins to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Mayan civilisation; this experience will have a lasting impact on your time in Tulum.

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A unique experience, living the jungle even at home cooking, watching TV, relaxing in the bedroom or enjoying the outdoor area taking some sun, enjoying a margarita or having a barbecue under Mexican Sun!

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ISLA COZUMEL

NOMALAND — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 09:23:19 +0000

where is cozumel

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Where is Cozumel?

Just in front of Playa del Carmen, this Mexican island measures only 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. It would provide plenty of time, to relax on its famous beaches, swim and snorkel in its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy fresh seafood in the seaside village of San Miguel, and explore this amazing Caribbean Island.

EXPLORING SAN MIGUEL

San Miguel, the island’s largest town, is home to most of the island’s 80,000 residents. It has an international airport and docks for cruise ships (you can count as many as five ships at dock each day). You can find also ferries that travel between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan coast in 35 minutes.

Its lively waterfront buzzes with cruise passengers, day-trippers from the mainland, and vacationers staying in hotels and resorts that spread north and south of San Miguel on the island’s west side.

In Sidewalk bars and restaurants, high-end shops, souvenir stalls, and other businesses line the waterfront, main plaza and pedestrian side streets. Just a few blocks inland is the sprawling residential area—with colorful one- and two-story homes and spreading bougainvillea.

These neighborhoods are alive with motorcycles carrying as many as two adults and two children, kites often dancing in the skies, and the constant chorus of barking dogs.

Sundays, when no cruise ships come to port, locals head to the beaches during the day and gather on the main plaza at night for stage performances of dance and theater.

Tables set up by various fundraising groups sell pizza, pasta and desserts to families pushing strollers, people walking dogs, children roller skating, and teenagers hunched over cell phones.

where is cozumel

SNORKELING, SCUBA DIVING AND SWIMMING

Companies catering to scuba divers of every level offer trips to more than 25 dive sites around the island. For snorkelers, sunbathers, and swimmers, there are lots of options on the island’s west side.

Waterfront resorts offer day passes to beach clubs like Playa Mia, which has a swimming pool, waterslides, a water park for the kiddos, ocean kayaks, paddleboats, Hobie Cat sailboats, beach volleyball, and more.

For less fancy (and cheaper) digs, SkyReef is an open-air bar and grill that offers free use of beach chairs, plus rental snorkel gear, tequila tastings, and massage. Because there are reefs close to shore, often you only need to jump into the water and start looking around.

Accessible only by tour boat are El Cielo, with its resident starfish, and Palancar, considered among the best snorkeling spots.

In contrast to the developed west side of Cozumel, the untamed “other side” offers miles and miles of pristine coastline. It ranges from white-powder beaches to rocky shoreline, easily accessed via a two-lane paved road that hugs the east coast.

Although the surf is rough and swimming is limited, local families descend on Sundays with their own food and umbrellas for a day in the sun, particularly at San Martin Beach where there are lifeguards.

At the southern tip of the island is Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, a protected peninsula with probably Cozumel’s prettiest beach. You can enjoy a restaurant, snack bar and rental snorkeling equipment. Also boat rides in a lagoon where you might see crocodiles.

where is cozumel

EXPLORE THE MAYA CULTURE

For a hands-on experience in ancient Maya culture and lifestyle, you have to visit Pueblo del Maiz, a reconstructed pre-Hispanic village nestled among woods in the middle of the island. After painting your face, guides led you to various “stations” in the village.

You can see chocolate being made and then tasted how good it is with only honey as a sweetener. Learn that honey produced by Mexican bees has been used to treat cataracts, skin scars, and high cholesterol. Make tortillas in the traditional way, grinding the corn and then cooking the dough over a fire.

You can watch cerimonial dances and chew chicle, a resin from sapodilla trees that is cooked six hours and is considered a natural way to clean teeth.

Visit the nearby San Gervasio Archaeological Site, the largest of several Maya ruins on the island, reached by walking through forests. Most of the stone structures date from 1,000 to 1500 A.D., including plazas, elite residences, tombs, the main plaza and altars.

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ISLA MUJERES

NOMALAND — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 07:18:28 +0000

isla mujeres mexico

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Isla Mujeres Mexico: Best Things to Do

Isla Mujeres is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea 13 km off the coast of the northeastern part of the Yucatán peninsula in the northeastern part of the State of Quintana Roo, right in front of Cancún.

It is part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres, which is much more extensive as it also includes over 1000 km² of territory on the continent. The island is about 7 km long and about 650 m wide. At the 2005 census it had a population of 13,315 people, 11,147 were the inhabitants of the town.

Isla Mujeres Mexico: PLAYA NORTE

A 10-minute walk from the Ferry Pier is the popular family beach of Playa Norte or North Beach. This is the main beach on Isla Mujeres and has been named one of the best beaches in the Caribbean!

The water here is calm, and shallow, making it a great spot for families or for just a chilled out day of floating around.

It is a tropical haven that provides a very unique beach experience. Playa Norte is a true picture-postcard location with its emerald green waves, fine white sands, and swaying palm trees. This spotless beach offers a secluded haven where guests may unwind and enjoy the sun in peace.

Swimming and snorkeling are made possible by the calm waves, which expose an undersea environment teeming with beautiful marine life. Additionally, Playa Norte has a bustling beachfront scene with inviting bars and eateries where guests can experience delectable regional food and sip cool cocktails while taking in breath-blowing Caribbean Sea vistas. Playa Norte is a must-see location for beach enthusiasts, regardless of whether you’re looking for action or pleasure.

PUNTA SUR

Punta Sur is located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. Here you can visit the Pre-Colombian Mayan Ruins of Ixchel, or simply admire the stunning views.

Garrafon Reef Park is also located here and is home to the Sculpture Garden. In 2001 the Sebastian Foundation and 23 famous artists from Mexico and around the world created sculptures to represent the Mayan civilisation.

There are different packages available for Garrafon Park . These packages also include activities such as zip-lining, snorkelling and kayaking.

Isla Mujeres Mexico: DAY TRIP TO ISLA CONTOY

Isla Contoy is located 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. This natural wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary is 9 km long and 20 metres wide and was declared a National Park in 1998.

Isla Contoy is one of the most important areas in Mexico for nesting sea birds and sea turtles. There is a maximum of 200 tourists allowed to visit on a daily basis. A day tour starts from $75 per person.

MUSA ( Underwater Museum of Art in Isla Mujeres )

One of the most popular activities in Isla Mujeres is to visit MUSA, (Museo Subacuático de Arte). You can tour the underwater museum by glass bottom boat to enjoy over 500 sculptures by the creator Jason deCaires Taylor.

For a better experience, and to get closer to the sculptures, head on a snorkelling tour or go scuba diving. MUSA was created to encourage visitors to visit an alternative area around Isla Mujeres taking the pressure off the nearby reef.

Underwater sculpture parks are created as tourist attractions, but they are also used as artificial reefs to help promote the growth of coral and the return of more marine life. A visit to underwater sculptures (by the same artist) is also one of the top things to do in Grenada, and the Bahamas.

The site in Isla Mujeres is divided into two galleries with 3 salons:

Salon Nizuc – at a depth of 4 metres and suitable for snorkelling, the Jungle Tour and the Glass Bottom Boat Tour;
Salon Punta Sam – suitable for snorkelling;
Salone Machones – at a depth of 8 metres and suitable for both snorkellers and scuba divers.

Isla Mujeres Mexico: GO FISHING

The turquoise blue waters off Isla Mujeres are perfect for deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing and spear fishing. The best months for sailfish and marlin are from mid-December through to July. If you enjoy tuna fishing the best months are between April and August.

Depending on what type of fishing you enjoy the most, there are many charter operators that will cater for your needs, ranging from charter boats to private yacht tours.

LA TORTUGA GRANJA – TURTLE FARM

Located on Sac Bajo is La Tortuga Granja, the hatching ground for the sea turtles on Isla Mujeres. From May to September these grand creatures lay their eggs in the soft sand where volunteers assist in gathering the eggs and placing them in pens to keep them safe from predators.

From August to October, you can witness the local children and tourists releasing the turtles into the ocean. As with the whale sharks, it is recommended that you don’t touch the sea turtles. Entrance fee is $3.00 per person.

Isla Mujeres Mexico: PUEBLO MAGICO (MAGIC TOWN)

In 2001 SECTUR (Mexican Board of Tourism) put together a Pueblo Magico program to recognise Mexican towns that have a special appeal or magic about them in 3 categories.

Natural Beauty

Historical

Cultural

Isla Mujeres now shares the title with over 80 other towns and cities throughout Mexico. Isla Mujeres has a special charm to it, making it a place you will want to return to again and again. It shares the limelight with the charming cobblestoned village of Tepoztlan and its magical pyramid, San Miguel de Allende, San Cristobal de Las Casas, Tulum and Taxco, to name a few.

GO SHOPPING

Shopping for authentic souvenirs and clothing is one of the top things to do in Mexico as a whole. There are the usual Mexican souvenir shops in Isla Mujeres but if you’re after Tequila or Mezcal, folk art, silver jewellery, hammocks and Mexican ceramics there are certain shops that you should check out. Some of the best shopping can be found along Avenida Rueda Medina, but don’t miss:

Galeria de Arte Mexicano – Av Guerrero 3 for silver jewellery
Galeria L’mento Arte – Av. Hidalgo, at Plaza Los Almendros for wooden boxes, ceramics and hand carved goods
Isla Mujeres Artist Fair – On the first Thursday of every month between November and April the fair takes place in the Zocalo between 4 pm and 9 pm. There are works of art, jewellery, clothing and book stalls with a selection of local food vendors offering Mexican cuisine.

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN

NOMALAND — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 06:34:50 +0000

what to do in playa del carmen

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What to do in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is mostly known for its beaches, parties and giant resorts. But there’s the whole other side of the city. It’s a great hub for independent travelers with many things to do in and around.

Many visitors ask about the weather in Playa del Carmen and expect it to be hot and sunny every day. Unfortunately, this isn’t exactly true. While Playa del Carmen is generally warm, the weather changes quickly and rapidly.

There’s one rule if you’re coming to Playa del Carmen: don’t trust the forecast and dig deeper! Forecasts will only give you a day estimate. Always check the amount and percentage of rain and the hours of sunshine. You can even check more detailed forecasts which will give you the weather by the hour. It might be stormy in the morning and sunny during lunchtime. You never know.

Unless you’re visiting during the summer (June-September), bring a sweater. You’ll be sunbathing during the day, but it gets chilly during the night. Unless you’re from a very cold country, you will be cold.

Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?

How much money should you have for visiting Playa del Carmen or any nearby city? Playa del Carmen can be very expensive, or very cheap, depending on what you want to do. For instance, if you eat at tourists restaurants on 5th Av, go to nightclubs like Coco Bongo and buy massages then you might end up needing at least $300 a day.

If you eat where locals eat, your dinner should cost you no more than $5-7 and a cocktail for $3-8. If you’re planning some backpacking you can definitely survive on $50 a day. If you love a simple tourist live you can easy plan to pay no more than $20 a day.

What to do in Playa del Carmen: 5th AVENUE (QUINTA AVENIDA)

5th Avenue ( Quinta Avenida ) is the place to see and be seen in Playa. It has the feel of a touristy beach resort during the day with trinket shops and overpriced restaurants, which changes to a pretty thriving night scene as the day wears off.

It’s great for people watching and trust me, you can see some interesting characters walking around at night.

Walking you will arrive at Plaza Fundadores, a fascinating location tucked away in Playa del Carmen. This lively plaza is a striking illustration of the city’s diverse cultural traditions. The plaza’s architecture and design, which combine aspects from both Mayan and Spanish traditions, are absolutely stunning.

Visitors are welcomed by a calm ambiance as they leave the busy Quinta Avenida, allowing them to relax and take in the attractiveness of the nearby stores and restaurants. One can awe at the rich features of the sculptures and fountains that embellish the area while strolling through the plaza.

Plaza Fundadores also acts as a stage for entertaining street entertainment, which improves the whole atmosphere. It’s important to note that the plaza’s prime location provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. For anyone looking for a real Mexican experience, Plaza Fundadores is a must-visit due to its bustling and energetic atmosphere.

Adventure Parks

There are many adventure parks spread across the entire Riviera Maya. With the most popular being Xcaret with shows and beaches, there is also an adventure park called Xplor, or a calm Xel-Ha where you can see some colorful fish.

These parks are a variety of exciting locations that serve a range of age groups and interests. There is something for everyone, from Xplor, where ziplines allow you to soar over the treetops, to Xel-Ha, a gorgeous eco-park that offers snorkeling in crystal-clear turquoise water and access to a sizable natural aquarium.

In contrast to Xenses, which takes you on a sensory trip through unusual sensations and optical illusions, Xcaret blends adventure, culture, and wildlife encounters. With their combination of heart-pounding activities, spectacular natural beauties, and an immersed cultural experience, these parks offer lifelong memories.

What to do in Playa del Carmen: ENJOY NIGHTLIFE

It is definitely a party place. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Most of the nightclubs are located on Calle 12, along with some bars on Calle 10. You can taste a lot of different kinds of cuisine : Mexican, Italian, American and Asiatic, and then go easy to cool Clubs, Discos and Beach Parties !

The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is a thrilling experience that hums with enthusiasm. This vivacious seaside town becomes a paradise for revelers and night owls as the sun sets over the breathtaking Riviera Maya. Numerous bars, clubs, and lounges fill the famed 5th Avenue, giving a wide variety of music and settings to satisfy every taste.

Playa del Carmen has it all, whether you prefer listening to live music at a quaint café, sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar with panoramic views, or dancing to throbbing beats at a chic nightclub. The local nightlife is well-known for its welcoming vibe, top-notch DJs, and spectacular events that go till the wee hours of the morning.

What to do in Playa del Carmen: SWIM IN CENOTES

There are many cenotes in the area for you to enjoy. Some are underground, others have some zip lines, some offer incredible diving and snorkeling adventures.

MAIN CENOTES

Cenote Azul

Cenote Zacil-Ha

Gran Cenote

Cenote Carwash

Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Cristalino

Cenote Jardin del Eden

Casa Cenote

Natural wonders like Mexican cenotes capture people’s attention. These fascinating sinkholes, created by the collapse of limestone bedrock, expose freshwater pools below the surface of the earth. Cenotes provide a special opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, and even cave diving because of their mystical beauty and diverse biodiversity.

It is an unforgettable experience to explore these prehistoric formations, which enables visitors to have a genuinely wonderful connection with nature. Mexican cenotes are a must-see sight, giving visitors a peek at the Yucatan Peninsula’s undiscovered beauties.

Is Playa del Carmen Safe?

It is a generally safe destination for solo visitors, though they should exercise caution as petty crime and scams have been known to occur in Mexico. Tips for solo travelers include sticking to main tourist centers, staying in hostels, and not walking alone at night.

The cartel is in here, although tourist-related cartel incidents are a rare occurrence. Tourists can stay away from cartel violence by not using recreational drugs, not being overly intoxicated, and by sticking to central tourist zones.

Playa is safe for American tourists granted they follow common travel tips and are aware of potential scams and dangers and is also safe for families as it’s easy to get around, has plenty of family-related activities, and is a relatively laid-back city.

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