How can I save money on excursions in Mexico?

lucyc58

We are going to the Riviera Maya in Mexico at the beginning of October. Obviously we want to see some of the Mayan ruins and have looked at excursions through the holiday company to Chichen Itza, Tulum and the eco park Xcaret. However, the prices seem to be quite expensive.

Does anyone know of any ways to visit these places a bit cheaper?:rolleyes:

mrcow

Be very careful about cost cutting like this in Mexico.

Bandits are rife and the police are often easily bribed.

Make sure that your tour operator is well respected and SAFE! Pay the extra if need be just to make sure (not very MSE, sorry but I wouldn't want you to be unsafe).

puffinmuffin

I have travelled independently in Mexico (in the Yucatan) and never had, or met anyone who had, any problems. It is easy to get to Tulum and Xcaret by public bus from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. First class buses are cheap and comfortable. Going to Chichen Itza is not so simple as it is a long trip, i would recommend trying the Mexico branch of the LonelyPlanet Thorn Tree forum for information on travelling independently On my trip i used the Rough Guide to the Maya world which was pretty useful.

melancholly

in my experience in various countries in south america, it's often much cheaper to book when you get there, rather than in advance over the internet. i'm travelling indepdently out there too later in the year and will just be turning up and seeing what's available! it's often worth checking out the offers at youth hostel-type places because they have prices aimed at people on small budgets, whereas a holiday company will be aiming at people with more money. often the difference in quality is negligible.

Becles

I can't recommend this company highly enough!
http://www.playa.info/

The trips are fantastic and brilliant value for money. We did two tours with them in April. There is a maximum of 12 people on each tour. Your guide lives locally and has a genuine interest in Mayan history and the environment. You are not lectured at - it's all done as if you were chatting to an old friend, so you can ask plenty questions. There is no rigid timetable, and the day flows at the pace of the group. If you want to stay longer in one place, just pipe up and they will accomodate your wishes. A main meal is included in the price, along with plenty of drinks and a "munchy bag" full of crisps, biscuits etc., for you to help yourself to.

The Chichen Itza tour gets you there early before the other tour bus crowds get there. Mitch the tour guide made sure we got the best guide - he grew up playing in the ruins and has worked there since it opened as a tourist attraction, so he knew everything about it. Afterwards you go for a swim in a cenote, which was so refreshing! It was beautiful:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/becles/DSC01281.jpg
We then headed into a town for a traditional Mexican meal which was fabulous. I noted we were the only non-locals in there, so you can't get more authentic than that!

The second trip was called Tulum and Beyond. Again we got to the Tulum ruins early before the crowds and got the best guide. After looking at the ruins, we had another swim in a cenote. This one was in a flooded stalagtite and stalagmite cave. To look at the stalagmites, you had to snorkel which was fun. We were then taken to a private access beach, so there was few other people on it. How perfect is this?!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/becles/DSC01339.jpg
BBQ chicken, rice, salads, and torillas were provided for lunch, with fresh fruit for dessert. It tasted lovely. Afterwards we did another cenote. This one was mainly outside in a jungle setting with plenty of wild birds around. It had a 15ft cliff to jump off - if you are feeling brave.

Both days were really enjoyable and I would certainly use them again if I go back to the area.

We looked at Xcaret, but went to Xel-Ha instead. That is a more natural park and it's mainly water based, with few land activities. We spent all day there. It's best to go on a weekend as it's less busy and slightly cheaper too. We bought an all inclusive ticket which included all your meals, drinks and snacks so it worked out good value for money. We made our own way there and bought tickets at the gate, which was cheaper than both the tour operator prices and excursions being sold by reps at the hotel and in town. It also meant we could go and leave as we pleased rather than being tied into a coach transfer.

puffinmuffin

I second Becles' post. If you go for a tour seek one with small numbers and few extras. Bear in mind that the Riviera Maya is a purpose built tourist area and that there is a lot more to the Yucatan. FYI a cenote is an underground flooded cave (the word also applies to above ground swimming holes) , they are usually connected via a series of passages and are fab for swimming. They were sacred to the Maya and are archaeologically interesting. Ek Balam is another interesting site if you are interested in ruins. If you have the time a trip to Merida is recommended, really good for shopping for traditional crafts. I had such a good time in Mexico I am always preaching to people to get away from the Cancun area and see more!

Reaper

I've also traveled independently round Mexico and would agree that catching public buses round the Yucatan is easy, safe and comfortable - though first class buses do overdo the air con leaving passengers chilly - I always boarded with a jumper no matter how hot the day.

I used the Lonely Planet guide book which provides plenty of information on transport - if you can put up with its scathing description of Cancun and other nearby purpose built resorts.

The only crime I heard of in my 7 weeks there was a second hand account of a tourist who was mugged while wandering round Cancun alone and drunk in the early hours dressed smartly and wearing a genuine Rolex watch. Some people almost deserve to get mugged.

lucyc58

Thanks for all your information and ideas.

Becles, could you tell me how you booked your tours, was it online before you went or when you got there and I assume I just click the link to tours on the right hand side of the webpage?

LondonCanuck

Go to Xel-Ha. It's great http://www.xel-ha.com/
Remember, it's always cheaper to pay in pesos than US dollars.

Ali_UK

Absolutely agree with Becles re Playainfo.com I've been using them for a few years and they are fab - I hate being on big coach tours so these little comfy vans (with air con and a friendly, informative guide....and the snack bag!) are excellent value for money - not necessarily cheap but you certainly get what you pay for. I would definitely book on line before you go as they are popular trips!

You can do trips up and down the coast by local bus or collectivo (or even taxi depending on where you're headed as they are cheap enough) - it's a system that works perfectly well, though as mentioned probably not a good idea for chichen Itza.

Enjoy!