Tulum - El Segundo Tiempo!

Every year we talk big talk about how we are going to make it to South America and how it will be such a glorious adventure.  Then we start planning the airfare, time off work, travel, food, lodging, etc and the dollar signs start to freak us out.  Inevitably we return to our friend http://www.kayak.com/ to "just check for the heck of it" to see how much it will cost to fly to Puerto Vallarta or our new friend, Tulum, Mexico.  Once we figured out that we could fly and stay for the same price as 2 RT tickets to South America we decided to change our course...yet again.  But the second time was still as amazing as the first.

Last year we visited the Tulum ruins which are much more "popular."  This year we decided to go off the beaten path and head south for a trip to Muyil.  What a great idea!  Were were practically the only ones and you can explore the rain forest, walk in the ruins, and get a feel for what it was like to live in the jungle.

The steps were tiny!  The indigenas must have had itty bitty feet.  The rooms were also very small.  Even with sediment build-up there is no way they were taller than 5'...

This temple stood over 50 feet tall!  So impressive!

This is how we spend most days - lazy beach time!  A couple of storms rolled in, which was actually very refreshing.  Loved the cloud formations above the ocean.

Isla Mujeres - Hotel Secreto.  Best. Bed. Ever.

View of the private pool and ocean at the boutique Hotel Secreto

Shrimping boats!  A staple in Mexico...

Mezzanine Hotel in Tulum - another boutique with only 12 rooms.  The most courteous staff ever.  ever.



Ok- one of the absolute highlights of the trip was the culinary greatness that Tulum has come to be.  Hartwood (http://hartwoodtulum.com/) is located in the Jungle, right off the ocean in the heart of Tulum.  It was started by an outstanding NY chef and his family.  Local fare with a flare.  Yum! But get there early because they sell out of all of their meals...we ate an entire octopus because it was the only thing left on the menu!  But it was tasty.




This was our favorite!  Go there.  Order the lavender shrimp.  just do it. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150813-d1115825-Reviews-El_Tabano-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

 Until we meet again, Yucatan!  Gracias por un tiemp fantastico!