The Jump Off
Almost two weeks away from departure and we're getting very excited! Research and planning has happened for weeks now, using Evernote to create a workbook of such findings. Pages highlighting things to do before we leave, what to bring, what to do while were there, easy commuting around the peninsula, and so on. Since deciding that a travel blog will be our best way to document our daily activities and experiences while journeying through Mexico!
For the next couple weeks, posts will be containing culture, history and modern information on the Yucatan and Quintana Roo as well as some key points of interest we'll be looking for while traveling. Gradually throwing in a little Espanol and some Mayan terms of significance. Great background for family, friends and any other travelers that stumble upon this posterous.
We jump off from Albany International with a few layovers in Ohio and Texas before flying into Aeropuerto International de Cancun. Spending our first week in Playa Del Carmen and second week on Cozumel Island. Most traveling around the mainland will take place during our first week, as Cozumel will have enough sights to keep us busy for our final week! Although there is a airport on the island, we'll be flying back from Cancun. Check out the map for locations we've pinpointed on Google Earth.
Basically, the Yucatan Pennisla is the entire southeastern region of Mexico holding the states of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Merida is the capitol of Yucatan and Chetumal is the capitol of Quintana Roo. Most of our trip will take place in Quintana Roo which is divided into four regions; Cancun, Riviera Maya, Maya Zone and the great Coasta Maya. In turn, we can say most of our trip will take place in the Riviera Maya.
The weather in the Yucatan is hot and humid year round. The rainy season is mid-August through mid-October, when there’s afternoon showers most days. The best time to visit is during the dryer, slightly cooler months between November and March. Hurricane season runs from June through November. Sounds like we picked the perfect time to visit as December's high average appears to run between 75 - 90, dropping to a low of 60 on some nights.
Playa Del Carmen is the third largest city in Quintana Roo. It lays on the east coast directly across from the Island of Cozumel, about 40 miles South of Cancun. Playa is increasingly becoming a popular tourist city. The town is small enough to walk almost anywhere you need to go, and the main calle (street) is called Quinta Avenida, 5th Avenue!
For years Cozumel has been ranked among the top five dive destination in the world. I've read various statistics from multiple sources stating the island is approximately 28 - 29 miles long and 9 - 11 miles wide.
Can't wait to explore the cities, Mayan Ruins, cenotes and all the other impressive places the Yucatan has to offer. Make sure to check back for updates before we take off on the 4th!
