Cancún, Mexico Better food than Iberostar: Excellence Coral (best upgrade), Barceló Maya (variety), Secrets (refined). Iberostar buffets good, but sit-downs inconsistent.
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Cancún, Mexico 
Playa del Carmen, Mexico No, you usually don't need a passport for Xcaret. Most visitors aren't asked for ID. Lockers available for $5-10. Driver's license works.
Cancún, Mexico Family Cancún resorts: Royalton Splash, Iberostar Waves, Riu Dunamar have water parks. Budget $5-8K CAD/week for 4. April is ideal shoulder season.
Getting to Chichén Itzá from Cancun: Complete Guide to Tours, Transportation, and Beating the Crowds
Travel Cancún, Mexico Chichén Itzá from Cancun: tour ($60-150, 10-14 hrs) or drive (2.5-3 hrs, ~$80 total). Leave by 5-6 AM to beat crowds. Opens 8 AM.
Cancún, Mexico Cancun storms are usually brief 30-60 minute afternoon showers. For rainy days: Puerto Cancun Mall, Plaza Las Americas, Mayan Museum, or catch a movie.
Cancún, Mexico Best Cancun beaches for kids: "Top of 7" northern Hotel Zone has calm, shallow water. Royal Cancún is praised by families. Avoid spring break mid-March.
Puerto Morelos, Mexico Puerto Morelos: authentic fishing village, quieter than PDC/Tulum, reef-protected beaches, walkable downtown, expat infrastructure. 30 min from Cancun.
Puerto Morelos, Mexico Puerto Morelos has the freshest seafood - fish from local fishermen daily. El Pesquero for beachfront, El Nicho for upscale. 20-30% cheaper than Playa del Carmen.
Puerto Morelos, Mexico Puerto Morelos adventures: scuba diving 1,200-1,800 pesos, cenote snorkeling 400-600, zip-lining 600-1,200, paddleboarding 400-600, jet skis 1,500-2,500/hr.
Puerto Morelos, Mexico Puerto Morelos: beaches, cenotes (Azul 20 min away), reef snorkeling, mangrove tours, charming town square. Quieter than Cancun/PDC. Cenote tours 400-600 pesos.
Puerto Morelos, Mexico Puerto Morelos live music: mariachi at beachfront spots, salsa at bars, acoustic in El Centro. Most nights have entertainment. No cover, just order drinks.
Puerto Morelos, Mexico Puerto Morelos has Blue Flag certified beaches with daily sargassum cleanup. Best area: Cayuse to The Fives Hotel. Less crowded than Cancun or PDC.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Chichen Itza from PDC: 2.5 hours each way. Tours 600-700 pesos (budget) or ~$250 (private). ADO bus cheapest. Arrive at 8 AM opening to beat crowds and heat.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Best PDC resorts: Hyatt Vivid (value all-inclusive), Xcaret Arte (experiences), Secrets Moxche (activities). Downtown Airbnbs for authentic experience. 1 min to 5th Ave.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Yes, Playa del Carmen is gay-friendly. New Drag Club on Calle 6 is the main venue. All beach clubs welcome LGBTQ+ visitors. Here's your guide.
