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Day 4 - Exploring the Mayan Riviera

Tuesday was our day to head south down the coast to Tulum and Playa Del Carmen.  After touring Tulum we had a wonderful snorkeling experience at a lagoon called Yal-Ku.

Tulum

We arrived at Tulum at about 9:00 AM which was well ahead of the crowds.  Tulum is a very picturesque place.  It was very hot and humid and there were mosquitoes everywhere so make sure you spray yourself before making the hike.

The drive down took about one and a half hours.  We did not take a tour.  Instead, we made the walk from the parking lot to the main gate.  The walk was about 1/4 of a mile.

Get there early, before it gets too hot!

As you can see from the picture, the ruins aren't enormous in height.

Iguanas were everywhere.  This guy posed for the camera.

Snorkeling at Yal-Ku

Yal-Ku is a freshwater/saltwater lagoon with crystal clear water that is a real experience to snorkel.  We didn't know what to expect but were pleasantly surprised by the experience.  The cost is only $6 which includes parking and bathroom facilities.  Even though this was not a fantastic snorkeling experience we thought this was one of the highlights of the trip.  We had never snorkeled a lagoon.

You enter the water in a very protected arm of the lagoon.

You'll want to snorkel out to the right toward the ocean to see the coral and fish.

There was a small tour group in the lagoon when we arrived.  There are steps built into the bank for easy entry and exit into the water.

Where is that tour group going?

Turtles!  Although we didn't see any, the tour group saw a few turtles out toward the ocean.

Underwater picture taken near the entry point.

To find Yal-Ku take the Akumal exit.  When you get to the white arch, shown above, drive through the arch and go left.  Follow the road past hotels and condos and you should run directly into Yal-Ku.

Playa del Carmen

After touring Tulum and snorkeling Yal-Ku it was time for lunch and some relaxation.  We chose Playa del Carmen and were glad we did.  Very nice little Mexican beach town on the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean.

We ate lunch at a place called La Ruina.  It is north of the ferry dock.  We had nachos and chicken fajitas.  The food was good and reasonably priced.

Now this is the life. Ruins, Snorkeling Lagoons, and enjoying a cold one on the beach!

Go to Day 5 - Cancun