Late March In Grand Mayan Riviera Maya

[OmniShare]

I'll be going to the Riviera Maya Grand Mayan on March 26. Haven't been for a long time.
Any strong suggestions? Will have a car, getting anywhere is no problem.
Has anyone been to Merida? Does anyone recommend a day-trip there? What about restaurants there? Any suggestions?
What are the "don't miss" activities in the Riviera Maya area?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[mulgrew1]

Merida is a long day-trip

I'll be going to the Riviera Maya Grand Mayan on March 26. Haven't been for a long time.
Any strong suggestions? Will have a car, getting anywhere is no problem.
Has anyone been to Merida? Does anyone recommend a day-trip there? What about restaurants there? Any suggestions?
What are the "don't miss" activities in the Riviera Maya area?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

It is possible to make it to Merida, however, it would be a lonnng day. We spent some time snorkeling at Akumal which was great...saw sting rays, turtles and more. Also, the cenotes were great...Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote and a neat little cenote off Xecal Beach...by the way, what a beautiful uncrowded beach. We took a walk on Tulum Beach...beautiful as well. A nice day-trip was to Coba.

 

[akbmusic]

I agree!

It is possible to make it to Merida, however, it would be a lonnng day. We spent some time snorkeling at Akumal which was great...saw sting rays, turtles and more. Also, the cenotes were great...Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote and a neat little cenote off Xecal Beach...by the way, what a beautiful uncrowded beach. We took a walk on Tulum Beach...beautiful as well. A nice day-trip was to Coba.

You got some great advice, especially on the Akumal snorkeling. The Yal-Ku Lagoon is spectacular and not as "touristy" as Xel-Ha.
We love to walk aroung 5th Ave. in Playa del Carmen. There are tons of restaraunt choices there, and the shopping is fun. (Just run away from the guys trying to get you to tour timeshares!!!). Xcaret is fun too. Some people complain about it being like a mexican disneyland, and it is geared toward cruise chip/AI resort groups, but it is still very enjoyable. Also, try to get up early and catch the sunrise at the ruins of Tulum. It is quiet and peaceful before the tour groups get there and watching the sun come up over the ocean, with the ruins in the foreground, is absolutely spectacular!
Save time to lounge around the awesome pool at the resort too!

 

[linda5g]

Merida is too far for one day

The bus ride from Playa del Carmen to Merida is 5.5 hours one way so I'm guessing Cancun-Merida is only a little less. Really too long for a one day trip.

Having said that, Merida is a lovely colonial style city and I enjoyed a 2 night trip there. In on Friday and out on Sunday. It's a big city so don't expect it to be quaint or slow-paced, but the town center is historic and pretty.