Hello!!!
I know you are very excited about your Caribbean vacation. Here are directions and other information about your trip. If I have left anything out please call me or email and I will do my best to help you.
If you have rented a car you will note that the rental agencies have small booths located in the lobby just as you exit customs. You will need to check in at the appropriate booth. They will call a van to transport you to their main lot where you will pick up your vehicle. They will also assist with your luggage from the terminal out to the van so you will want to tip a dollar or two.
Some of the van lines have booths in this area as well.
They usually have cheaper rates so you may want to check them out. They should have their rates posted in front of the booth. Keep in mind that they make several stops on the way down to the villa letting other passengers off. We have taken the “Green Line” down before and it was very reasonable.
If you rent a Taxi you will need to tell the driver you are going to Tulum and then follow the directions below. We normally pay approximately $70-80 USD for a one way trip.
You may also exchange some dollars for pesos in the lobby area of the airport the rate is usually fair and this will eliminate you having to search for an exchange booth down the road.
As you are leaving the airport you will take Hwy 307 south.
The signs say “Chetemal” and “Tulum”
This is THE highway that runs the length of the Caribbean . You will pass thru Playa del Carmen and you will see exits to numerous resorts. There are Pemex gas stations all along the way. You may want to make note of these stations for future reference. They are government owned, however, I suggest you get out and make sure the attendants reset the pump. If they clean your windshield and provide some service you may want to tip them a peso.
There is a very nice large supermarket called “Chedraui” in Playa del Carmen. It is on the left-hand side of the highway next to “McDonalds” (yep, the hamburger guys) this is an excellent place to stop and buy groceries! They also have wine and beer selections as well as hard liquor. We buy most of our groceries there when we arrive. A Sam’s Club is just down the road from Chedraui on the left-hand side of 307.
There is also a new Wal-Mart in Playa. You would turn left onto Constituyentes Street . Wal-Mart is down on the right-side about 5 blocks next door to the “Mega” supermarket on the corner. “Mega” is also a good place to shop for groceries.
After Playa del Carmen the next township is Playa Akumal. About 10 minutes past the Akumal turn off start looking for the green "Tankah Tres" sign or “Casa Cenote” sign located over the highway.
You will turn left at this green sign that says "Tankah Tres". It is an obscure dirt road. (The resort "Freedom Paradise " is the very next turn-off)
Please note: When making a left turn in Mexico pull off to the far RIGHT and wait for traffic on both sides to pass. You may then proceed to turn...Using your LEFT turn signal is telling other drivers it is clear for them to PASS you.
Stay on this dirt road. It will curve around to the left...All of the homes are off to the right and face the Caribbean...Our house is called "Villa de Paz" and there is a small sign in the driveway...It is an off-white stucco 2 story home that is nestled among a jungle of palms. The house is difficult to see from the road because of all of the foliage...There is an attached carport out front. You may notice a Silver Nissan SUV in the drive...Carlos and Sara are our caretakers and will be awaiting your arrival to help settle you in for your stay...Carlos will insist on bringing the luggage in for you and showing you around the house.
We no longer have a telephone land line at the villa. Hurricane Wilma took care of this last year and they have not replaced the towers because cell use is so much easier.
If you did not bring a cell phone Carlos can issue one to you. There is a $50 security deposit and he will refund this deposit when you turn the phone back in to him in workable condition. He also has phone cards that you can purchase. They are in $10 increments and you may call the U.S.
If able bring your cell phone with you. You just need to ask your private cell phone provider to issue you a special permit for Mexico usage for the length of your stay.
Just make yourselves at home...We have kayaks to take out for snorkeling... The reef there provides some fabulous snorkeling...Carlos will gladly bring the kayaks around to the beach for you...There are also 2 little covered palapa out on the beach for some much needed shade in the afternoons. There is a safe in the closet of the downstairs bedroom. We suggest you put all valuables including passports, jewelry and cash in the safe. Also, please lock the doors when you leave the house. Although we feel very safe in this area, this IS Mexico and some petty theft is not out of the question if an opportunity presents itself. This precaution DOES NOT include Sara or Carlos. They have proven themselves time and again and we feel very confident in their moral character.
If you are traveling in the winter months or early Spring I suggest bringing a light jacket or sweater for the evening. This can come in handy for dining on the water after sundown.
We provide bottled water for drinking. The water coming out of the taps has been treated with chlorine. It should be perfectly suitable for brushing teeth, but, I would not consume it. Along this note if you should experience any intestinal discomfort Pepto Bismal can be purchased at any of the local pharmacies or supermarkets. The antibiotic Bactrim is also available over the counter. It is a broad spectrummed antibiotic and will knock out any bad bacteria within a matter of hours. Just a tablet or 2 during a 24 hour period should do the trick. This is the ADULT dosage.
Sara is an excellent cook and has a variety of culinary specialties. If you would like for her to prepare some meals for you just tell her 24hrs in advance. She will make a grocery list for you (neither Carlos nor Sara drive). You will need to take Carolos to Tulum to make your purchases. Other guests have written that this can be a delightful experience. You will also be expected to tip Sara for her time and preparation. $40-$45 USD per meal for 6 adults is the norm. $50-$60 for 8 or more people
We have a small washer/dryer located in the downstairs bathroom closet for personal washables. If you want you may have Sara wash and fold your clothes before you return home. She will charge $2 USD per load.
A tip of $50 USD for Carlos and Sara at the end of your stay is acceptable and much appreciated. This is standard however, only you can decide on the level of service you experienced. I would appreciate any emails after you return home to let me know of any comments you might have about your stay.
Please note: Carlos and Sara take Sundays off.
The "Casa Cenote" restaurant is located just a few yards down from the house. They have good food and a Texas style buffet each Sunday.
The “Tankah Inn” is just down the road to the south of the villa. Many guests have commented on the great breakfast served there. They also house the local dive shop “The Lucky Fish”. You may rent snorkel gear or arrange a dive trip with them. They have added an internet café for checking emails and is any easy walk from the villa.
The “Blue Sky” restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and seafood. It is just past Casa Cenote . They may be a bit pricey but, guests have been pleased by the service and quality.
Tulum is a short 10 minute drive to the south on Hwy 307. The San Francis de Asis supermarket/shopping center is located on the right at the stop light as you come into town. We purchase groceries there as well as the little “stop and shop” located directly across the street. There is an Internet Café, Hertz Car Rentals and also a new bank in the center. This would be an excellent place to make your money exchange. Be sure and bring your passport to exchange money. (There is another bank located mid-town on the left).
You may also schedule an eco-tour or bus tour of one of the Mayan ruins in Tulum. You will notice signs for various tour groups as you drive through town. Since this economy is founded on tourism we find that the tour groups and restaurants and shops are very reliable and accommodating.
Some of our favorite restaurants located in the mid-town section of Tulum include: “Basilica’s”
“Toni y Simone” and “Charles”
If you take a left at the first stop light at the "San Francis" shopping center and then take another left when the road T's you will come to a series of little restaurants overlooking the open Caribbean . One of our favorites is "The Mezzanine" try and get there before sundown. The view is gorgeous!!! They specialize in Asian and seafood cuisine. If you take a right when the road “T’s” you will pass some other favorite eating establishments “Zamas” and “Copal”. Copal has a wonderful day spa with massages and facials. Both are located on the left hand side of the street and provide Caribbean view dining.
The Tulum ruins are close by and very interesting. There is a main entrance you can't miss off to the left just before you reach the main town of Tulum .
This economy thrives on tourism. The restaurants serve purified ice and wash the fruits and vegetables in purified water as well. The people are helpful and friendly for the most part.
You will have a great time exploring and discovering new "finds". Many guests have had good experiences visiting some of the smaller “off road” attractions such as cave diving. And of course the more well known “Xel-Ha” attraction is just a 10 minute drive to the north on Hwy 307. Most natives are very willing to help you. They seem to appreciate the business tourists bring into the economy.
Have a wonderful trip!!
Our Best, The House Family
