Tracilla's Reviews

Don't Miss the History in Cancun!

I traveled with my parents and children to the Holiday Inn Arenas all-inclusive - great resort with great food. We went in the off-season, which was great because the price was right AND because a lot of the guests were natives of Mexico (the more well-to-do Mexicans) which gave us a chance to rub elbows with the actual people of the country we were visiting instead of just hanging out with other tourists like ourselves. I know enough Spanish to get by and was able to "translate" enough for my daughter to form a friendship with a couple of girls there - we are still corresponding by e-mail in my halting Spanish and their halting English! We took the day trip to Chichen Itza, which is a must-see, and enjoyed the buffet and native dance exhibition on the way. Please note: the best and least expensive souvenirs are AT the ruins, not in the stores stopped at along the way. And not at the entrance to the ruins but spread out "flea-market-style" on the far end. Also be careful of the "walkabouts" - don't buy from any of them until you check out all the "blankets" in the line to get an idea of the best price. And do check out ALL the "blankets" - a given item will be up to half as much a few stations over, while another item there may be twice as much. Lots of variation. We actually enjoyed the El Reyes ruins more, which were right in Cancun and only a nominal cost as you go in the entrance. We were able to actually wander in and out of and on these ruins and it was much more fun and interactive. Plus, they weren't as extensive and so not as overwhelming. And the giant iguana were everywhere and really neat to see. Lots of good photo ops here. Again, the price was right!

Reviewed on: June 25, 2008