Tres Rios

When people ask me where they can go to immerse themselves in everything Cancun, without hesitation, I will usually offer them Tres Rios. I figure that in its entirety, Cancun is an extremely daunting city. Vestiges of ancient Mayan civilizations strewn over the Yucatan; countless animals, some of them nearing extinction; cenotes, waterfalls, miles and miles and beach; stellar restaurants and bars—there is no conceivable way to master them all. I have, but that’s only because I have the good fortune of living here.

At Tres Rios—translating literally to Three Rivers—a number of tiered packages that will send you bicycling the Cancun shores, canoeing freshwater rivers, and kayaking along mangrove swamps; those, however, are only a few activities included in a trip to the park.

Whenever I find the opportunity to visit, I’m usually snorkeling or lounging the beach, pina colada in hand. However, the one time I went with a group of friends, we decided on an all-inclusive package that came with a tandem-bicycle for traversing the park. Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever had the misfortune of riding one of these monstrosities, but they are near-impossible. My suggestion to anyone feeling the urge to test this clumsy contraption our for themselves… Do it with people that are sober.

-Raul

You Can Still Enjoy Animals Without Killing Them (In Cancun)

What supplements Cancun’s tourism industry during the so-called “off seasons” (early spring and fall) is the Yucatan’s ecology, what is commonly referred to as eco-tourism. In past blogs, I’ve talked about the Mayan ruins, and snorkeling, and cenote swimming, and everything that comes naturally to Cancun.

But like most good things, they are either too good to be true and as a result, disappear by some omniscient will or by people who destroy them for whatever illogical reasons.

The latter is typically the case for the endangered animals that make up Cancun’s ecology and essentially draw in tourists around the globe. Like low air fair (as mentioned in the bulletin blast), some of the following animals will not be around too much longer unless something changes.

Talk about irony, the Golden Eagle, Mexico’s symbol of nationality and one of the largest birds of prey, is nearly finished. What’s to blame? The destruction of ther natural habitats and hunting.

The Gray Whale is doing a little better since that bout of excessive hunting that went on during the 19th century.

More unfortunate irony—the top of the food chain falls to the bottom as Jaguar numbers plummet. It is estimated that the Jaguar could become extinct within 30-40 years. The cause? You guessed it, poaching.

There are a few others that top the list including the Mexican Prairie Dog, the Monarch Butterfly, and the Vaquita, or “little cow”.

The point I’m trying to make by all of this is that the only way we’re going to keep these animals around is, well, by not killing them; that and by supporting ongoing conservation efforts. How can you help? By becoming an eco-tourist. Visit Cancun and take part in our natural attractions and amenities.

My Favorite Beaches in Cancun

I keep receiving the same question, “Aren’t all beaches the same?” and I keep responding with the same answer, “Not in Cancun.” What has made the city such a prominent foundation for vacations is the diversity; not only among the resorts, or the water activities, or the natural ruins, or the nightlife, but also the beaches. Some provide increased levels of privacy while others, namely the public beaches, are geared more towards the socialite or the sun-sports breed.

I am always quick to suggest my 4 favorite beaches in Cancun. They settle somewhere between the intimate nature of the private one, but offer that desired level of connection to Cancun that serves as a reminder that you’re still on vacation.

Playa Ballenas offers some of the more incredible views of Cancun and the horizon. It is relatively peaceful and perfect for sunbathing. It is located in between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc.

Playa Langosta has the best conditions for swimming out of all the rest. It faces Bahia de Mujeres and has a good number restaurants and bars for even more unwinding. Many of the tours to Isla Mujeres depart from Playa Langosta.

Playa Marlin is a smaller and much more personal beach that, similar to Ballenas, offers peaceful sunbathing.

Playa Tortugas is located right next to Fat Tuesday’s and is the best location for water sports. Like Langosta, there are a great many restaurant and bar scattered among and surrounding its shore.

There are so many more beaches that offer a wide variety of anonymity or publicity. But the true fun of vacationing in Cancun is discovering new things for yourself.

Best Wishes,

-Raul Petraglia, ME Cancun Hotel Manager

Making the Most of Your Cancun Nights

Why good evening there Joe/Jane 18 to 35 year-old. I see you’re planning a vacation to Cancun. Superb choice. Have you had a chance to look over the many fine eco-adventure options of late trend? No? Well, may I suggest a luxury resort sprinkled with rest and relaxation, a side of Joe’s Jeep Tour and a half-carafe of clear, blue ocean to match?

Oh, I see. You’re in the mood for partying and clubs and bars and hazy all-nighters. Well, in that case, you’ll probably want to take a look at the other menu.

Entrees

The City – Cancun’s largest club; described as a “mega-entertainment complex”. Features a medley of wave pool, a video and sound system, and a generous side of suspended entertainers.

Coco Bongo – A balanced mix of eclectic décor, hanging stage, flying acrobats, drop-down video screens, and foam and bubble parties.

Maxim Beach Club – Nightly parties infused with DJs spinning global house music, fire dancers, and the ME Cancun ME Girls.

Bulldog Café – A club of laser light shows, VIP spa rooms, and live music.

All finished? Let me take those menus out of your way. Could I interest you in some desert, maybe a cup of coffee? Hello? Are you still awa—You’re passed out.

What NOT to do in Cancun

Typical of most foreign countries, there are customs by which you make a conscientious effort to respect; certain words carry different meanings, so you say something else; a commonplace gesture here is a vulgarity there. Logic says that Mexico, a country whose national motto is joked as “don’t drink the water, is not without a few guidelines that, if crossed, have the ability to make or break a vacation.

• Always keep a passport on you and a photocopy in a safe place.

• Only drink bottled or boiled water. 40% of tourists contract a nasty bacterium punned ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’.

• Avoid the Mayonnaise. If you like to slather a thick coat of mayo over your meals, you may want to go with something else, as this is an non-refrigerated condiment in Mexico.

• Purchase an international phone card. They are inexpensive and good to have in case you lose reception.

• Don’t promote the “ugly American” stereotype. Even if you are an ugly, some of are not, so just cool your jets out for courtesy to everyone else.

Visiting Cancun? Play by these rules and you’re money.