mexico
Bacalar:
We didn't go but it looks amazing.
Tulum:
STAY: Lucky Traveller - all inclusive hostel for £20 a night. We just got really pissed everyday. As you can imagine there is a great atmosphere in the hostel. The beds were also very comfy I might add.
EAT: Go to the hotel strip - there are loads of places to choose from but you're paying hotel prices.
DO: Hire a car - very cheap and well worth it. We used MEX - hassle free and good car. Was £29 a day including insurance. With the car we went to loads of Centoe's (waterholes in the ground) best ones were Gran Centoe and have a look at this website for others. https://foodfuntravel.com/yucatan-cenotes-map-chichen-itza-merida-valladolid/
- We drove to the hotel district where the best beaches and restaurants are.
- We drove to Akumal Beach where you can swim with turtles in the wild, but you have to pay for a tour because it is a protected area.
- If you can go to the water park Xel-Ha the do it because it looks unreal.
Chichen Itza - We left at 6AM to get to beat the crowds. And it was a great decision. Get there for when it opens and spend about an hour there because by 10am all the tours arrive with a million people and it is Hell. Say goodbye to that 'gram if you arrive too late.
Cancun:
STAY: Mayan Monkey Hostel - best hostel with food cooked every night and a top atmosphere.
EAT: Amazing Mexican food opposite and down about 30 metres from MMH. Cheap and delicious; a winning combination.
DO: Coco Bongos - the hostel organises nights out and they are a blast! They help with arranging city tours and day trips to islands off the coast.
TIPS: You will get mugged off so just prepare for it. The Mexicans are the worst with tourists and just try to get as much money as possible. Taxis are expensive and drinks are ridiculous.
AIRPORT: If you enter the country by bus they will only give you a 7 day visa then fine you when you try to fly out the country so make sure you check what exit date they have stamped your visa with and do not overstay because they will take the utmost joy in fining you! It is a government run scam. Just make sure they give you the right entry stamp as you are entitled to 30 days.