Cabanas Copal ***

I LOVE this picture of Cabanas Copal. You can see the reflection of the beach and I love it. Tell me that does not look like a dream come true. I LOVE LIVING HERE!


I recently had friends come into town from the USA and they were staying at Cabanas Copal. This is a well advertised and popular spot on the Tulum beach road. Once I went to the hotel with my friends it was not hard to see why this spot is so popular.


The people were very nice and polite and check in went very smooth. We were shown to their cabana and we were all very happy. This spot has several types of rooms that range from chic minimum to elegant & romantic simplicity..


My friends stayed in the cheapest cabana. This was one that did not have a bathroom or shower in the room. The bathroom was nearby, easy to get to, was very clean and well stocked. For anyone who has recently lived in dorms and with room mates this would not be that big of a deal, especially for the cost of the room.

The cabana had a sand floor (and the sand here in Tulum is amazing!) and it had simple furnishings. The bed was dressed in simple white and had a white mosquito net. There are certain times of the year, like the rainy season, that this is more of a needed item then a romantic addition. There was also a simple chair right in front of the window.

The view of the beach, although partially blocked from this particular cabana is stunning. Even after living here there are times when you feel a real sense of peace and calm come over you and this spot was one where that easily happened.


The walkways were nice and clear pretty to easy to get around although persons with disabilities would probably have a hard time. But there might be another area of the hotel that is better suited for these guests.


This hotel is also linked with 2 others here on the beach road that consistently get good reviews. They are Zahra and Azulik. They are under the EcoTulum Resorts and Spa. There is what appears to be an amazing spa. (These are the kinds of things that living here we cannot afford, but I will tell you all about it.) :)

Power is supplied via solar and wind power in the evening but it is dark around the whole area. Candles also add a romantic touch.

There was a nice little restaurant and my friends enjoyed their dinner a lot. I hear that they have a pretty good chef but I have not eaten there. It also seems that there are some fun night activities at the hotel. I have seen announcements around town from time to time but there was nothing the nights that my friends were there. I did just read on the website that outside food and drinks are not allowed. The reason for this is that it may bring in unwanted room mates. While I am sure no one is going to raise a stink over a bottle of tequila that you are finishing off, be mindful of this. You would not to wake up with and iguana eating your limes. (I am not even sure if iguana's eat limes but anyway!)

We did run into an iguana or 2 but they are just part of the decor here. We watched them as we swung in the hammock outside the room.

The beach here is amazing. It is clear of rocks and sea grass and spreads seemingly endless in front of you. There are some nice palapas and chairs on the beach and a nice beach bar. I did not check but I am sure there is also food service on the beach. Most of us who live here know that as soon as people get on the beach... they do not want to get off it. Yep... I just checked and there is a bar menu and the prices are very reasonable. There are some spots on the beach that are just outrageous. But these prices seemed beachy but reasonable. you can see the menu from their website here.


This brings me to another point... tipping. After moving to Mexico from San Francisco we have learned to survive on much less income (to put it mildly) In most parts of Mexico, this is not too much of a problem. However, in the more tourist areas the prices can often be just as expensive as in the US. My point is this... if you get good service, if your server is engaging and helpful, show your appreciation to them. If your room was cleaned and you appreciate it, show that. With the current exchange rate Americans and Europeans can have a very cost effective vacation. Help your Karma and show your appreciation. You would be amazed at how far it can go.

Important info about safety in Tulum and the Mayan Rivera and Mexico in general

Important info about safety in Tulum and the Mayan Rivera and Mexico in general.

There have been countless blogs, articles, forums and talks about if it is safe to travel the Mayan Rivera or safe to visit Mexico or safe to visit Tulum. Almost every article that I have read says the same thing... that at least in most parts of Mexico and especially here in the Yucatan peninsula that it is safe place to travel. It is unlikely that you are going to encounter a drug lord or be kidnapped from your resort.

However, there are many sites claiming that there have been many deaths here in Mexico and I think that these articles have very valid points.

Most of the focus on safety in Mexico has been related to the escalating war on drug trafficking and the cartels. Concern over shooting in the streets and kidnappings have been the thing that most people have been searching for when they landed on my blog. These types of crimes are INCREDABLY rare here in the Mayan Rivera. There are deaths that happen here or crimes that do happen here.

One comment that was left on friends blog referred to a number of deaths that have occurred in Mexico and most of them were related to 2 sorts of instances. 1) when too much alcohol is consumed and accidents take place and 2) and accidents or mishaps cause serious injury or death caused by construction or regulations that would not be allowed in the USA. In both of these cases there have been complaints about reaction and confidence in medical assistance.

Okay... in the first instance--- this is the most common factor in accidental deaths in Mexico and crimes in general. The people who come on vacation here are coming to relax and let loose. The problem is that they forget that this is not Pleasure Island. This is a country and state with laws and rules that all people must abide by. People forget that when they come on vacation and let loose. If you are wasted in a pool- you have a much higher probability in drowning or falling off the balcony. If you are so wasted that you cannot see or walk straight, some one is going to see you as an easy target for theft. And trust me, this is very often NOT someone working at the hotel. Most people I know are not going to sacrifice their job at a resort for some petty theft. Resort jobs are a hot commodity here.

If you are drunk and want to go buy drugs, there is a good chance that you will end up in jail. And especially with the current situation, Mexico is much harder on offenders then the USA. This is not corruption or an attempt to coerce a bribe, but a direct result of how serious Mexico is taking this war on drugs and the need to fix it. Long gone are the days when every single person in the government and police force is on the cartel payroll. Although they still do exist the current and past administrations have been working hard to fix these problems.

The other problem is injury or death caused by accidents. There was a tragic story about a young boy falling down an elevator shaft, another about a child getting caught in the suction of a pool drain and others. These accidents and deaths are very tragic. I think it is important for people to understand that you not in the USA. While I would love it if there were more regulations and safety standards, there are not. That is just the way that it is.

The resorts may have the drains that have large suctions- I always keep my kids hair up when in the pool and no long ties on the suits. Everywhere is mostly tile and seeing as most people are swimming -they are very slippery. On the street, there are large holes random sections of re bar sticking up out of nowhere. This can cause painful and serious injury or death. You have to be aware of this. It took me by surprise when I first got here. But that is just the way that it is. Be careful.

My favorite line in a Frommers book about this area is. I cannot find it so I am paraphrasing here... There ire very few law suits in Mexico, but there is a lot of freedom in Mexico. You are free to fall into any hole you want to. ---

Be careful and aware of your surroundings.

Have a safe trip!

Buying Fresh produce & meat in Tulum

Today was a day like many others when we walk to town to get the food we need. We do live right behind the Super San Francisco but things are much more expensive there. And the shops in town support more of the local economy. We were off to buy our food in Tulum.

We walked and walked and walked. It is a pretty hot day and there is no shade on this walk but at I bribe them to keep walking with the promise of baistos de helado.

In the middle of town there is a little basket ball court, a little center square area and what used to be a tragic little park that was all busted and broken. For anyone that comes to visit - this will probably be something very spectacular by the time you get here. It is to be the new city hall/ town center I think. This is right next to the HSBC.


Anyway. We head over to get our favorite treat. The kids get basitos de helado (little cups of ice cream) for 10 pesos each and I get an agua fresca. I get mine in a bag (bolsa) because it is only 10 pesos and plenty for me. They have so many wonderul falvors of agua fresca. cantaloupe, horchata, jimica, guava, and pineapple, some with milk (leche) some without. My favorite is pineapple.

We then went to our favorite fruiteria. I do not even know the name of it but it is on the main road right across the street from HSBC. There is a huge display of fresh fruit outside ranging from several types of mango, pineapple, coconut just to name a few. They also have great paletas (popsicle)

I have shopped all over at different places and found that this is the best price for fresh items. The fruit is not all as pretty as we are used to in the states but they are natural and have much better flavor. Plus it is just a hit or miss what is going to be good, or they will even have, that day.

Today we got all of this for 80 pesos. At the current exchange rate that is like $5.00 USD. That is really good. I got 3 different types of mangos, 2 avocados, 2 big carrots, tomatoes, tomotillos, red pepper, mandarins, plantains, tortillas!!! WoW! that is a good day at the fruiteria.

We then went across the street to the polleria. This is where we buy our chicken. I usually get 1 kilo of chicken breast and 1 whole chicken. I ask them not to put the feet and head in. I do not use them in any of my cooking. I am usually able to get the chicken and 1 kilo (2 lbs.) for about 150 pesos. That is $10.00. That is really good.


If I wanted to I could go 2 doors down to the carniceria and buy my steaks or my ground beef. Sometimes they have chorizo but not all the time.

In another area of town- there is the pescaderia. There are a few and this is always a great spot to get fresh fish at a great deal. Many of the restaurants will buy their fish from these stores so you want to get there fast! We once got 8 lobster tails for 350 pesos. It should have been at least 1500 but the fisherman wanted to go home. It was the last of the fish they had that day.

Both of these stores close early in the afternoon so we always have to get there early.

When buying food in Tulum, the fresh stuff in not very expensive. But as soon as you go to a store... it is expensive. Lunch meats, bread, snacks or cooking needs, household needs, these are expensive. And the milk!!! OUCH! Buying milk in Mexico is so hard to swallow. The only light brand milk that we buy is 15 pesos per liter. We use about 1 liter a day. That is the hard part. Oh well, we will just have to fill up on veggies, fish, chicken

Is Tulum safe to visit???

This is from my other blog so I am sorry if you have read it 2 times. But We all want to get the word out that the Mayan Rivera is a safe place to visit.

Is Tulum, Mexico safe. Is Tulum safe for Children? Is it safe to travel in Mexico? YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES! I have been bombarded with questions, posts, news and people wondering if Mexico especially the Yucatan and the Rivera Maya are safe to travel in. Let me say this... 1) I lived in the tenderloin of San Francisco for 10 years. This is not a good area. it is filled with drugs, shootings, and gangs. However. People NEVER asked me or questioned me about the safety there. But since I have lived here... (a town that is filled with kind caring people) I have gotten many questions about its safety.

Now, if you do not use common sense then yes the world is dangerous. Not Mexico. Not Mexicans. But the world. If you do not use the brain that god/Buddha/the higher power/ YOUR MOTHER gave you then yes... the world is a scary place. however, if you use your head you will be fine. and that could not be more true then here in the Rivera Maya.

I understand that Mexico and the USA are involved in a very scary war on the cartels. First of all... this is not a Mexican problem. This is a problem that is as much north of the border as south. I am glad that President Obama has very realistic ideas and goals to this problem. But I can say for sure that I feel so safe here. My children are safe here. The people here want no harm to come to us.

I read a blog entry a while back... (if you read any of the mexican bloggers here then you have heard a lot about this subject) Check these 2 out for some great information.
www.hiddencancun.rivergirl/2009/02/09/is-cancun-safe-for-tourists and
www.cancuncanuck.com/2009/02/tourists-safe-in-cancun

But that aside... my family is safe here. We walk all over town at all hours of the night totally safe.

I hope that people do actual research and do not listen to scare provoking propaganda that attempt to strike fear in tourists. If you have any questions about anything here in the Yucatan, Tulum, Cancun or anywhere in the Mayan Riviera, please email me... my address is mindyintulum@yahoo.com. I have many friends all over the Yucatan and Mexico who would be happy to answer ANY question that you have. Or would be happy to give you their input or advice on visiting here. This is a beautiful area, full of amazing people. But there are many that are using false stories or half truths and various manipulations to achieve their own agenda.

I have no agenda. I live in Mexico, with my kids. I want Mexico to be safe. i would not allow my children to be in an unsafe place. But I allow my children more freedom here in Tulum, Mexico then I did in the USA. It is because the people here are all looking out for my kids. Please. if you have concerns about visiting, please contact me. I will get you in touch with someone who lives in that town so that you can get REAL information. Information that you will most likely not be getting in main steam press. again mindyintulum@yahoo.com. also check out ANY of the blogs on my blog role and all of them would be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Get real information about a place. Please do not rely on media stories that are designed to invoke fear in order to sell papers. We live here, we walk the streets (sometimes a little in cohesive - BE SAFE!!!) ask us, we would be happy to tell you anything. The good, the bad the ugly... but usually the amazing.

Tulum Beach at El Paraiso

There are many different area of Tulum Beach. Each has their own characteristics. We like going to El Paraiso for a few reasons. One is that it has more palm trees then some of the others we have been to which can be very nice on supper hot days. The sand it not as pebbly as some other areas and is largely clear of rocks.

There is a nice beach club/ hotel here. I ordered a cheeseburger for the kids and it was good, but a little pricey. There are nice clean bathrooms and a really fun trampoline. I mean, how can you beat a trampoline on the beach.

The other nice thing here is that it is has some people around but is not very populated. It never feels crowded. There is lots of room to play around the sand and there are fun fishing and snorkeling tours you can get.


The world 2nd largest off shore reef is just off the beach. There are so many wonderful things to see that having a mask in hand when you hit the beach is a must.
When getting ready to head home, I love the fact that there are taxis at this spot ready for you. That is really nice when you are at the end of a long day. A taxi is never too far off if you are just waving one down but it is nice not to wait. It usually costs us about 40-50 pesos to home or back to town.

Dolci Sapori ***

Dolci Sapori is a great restaurant in Tulum. This small intimate Italian restaurant is just off the main road of Tulum Pueblo. It is on the left hand side as you head into Tulum from the North (Cancun & Playa del Carmen.) It is on Centauro Sur right next to the clothing store Cosmo. They have a great sign on the main road.

Roberto and his wife have recently taken over this spot and it is great. The fresh focaccia and the fresh tiramisu are 2 of my favorite things here. I like to buy extra bread to take home as well.

During the day this lively spot is a nice distance from the main road. Sitting in the outside seating area allows for people watching but it is also nice and quiet. I have ordered the bruschetta and loved it as well as a shrimp and pesto linguini.


At night this place transforms into a casually elegant spot for a late snack or dinner. The ambiance created by this and it's neighboring restaurants remind me of chic little side streets in San Francisco.

How to get to Tulum from the Cancun airport

There are many ways to get to Tulum from the Cancun airport. You can take a private transfer, you can take a shared van transfer (minimum 2 person) you can take a taxi (that will run around 900-1000 pesos.) Or you can take the bus. this is the most cost effective way and it is very comfortable and safe.

The bus line is ADO. These buses are large, comfortable, clean and safe. Once out of customs you will see a desk with the red ADO logo. the people here will most likely speak some English. The bus does not currently go directly to Tulum. It does however go from the airport to downtown Cancun or from the airport to Playa del Carmen. The cost for this bus is 30 and 90 pesos per person, kids are half price and kids under 3 can sit on your lap for free.

There is now a bus that goes directly from Tulum to the airport.  It is 3 times a day and a great option if the timing works.  But when it does not work, I usually to Playa del Carmen for 2 reasons, 1 it breaks the long bus ride up a little bit- but if you have a lot of luggage you may want to go to Cancun and then be able to sit back for an hour and half to Tulum. The other reason I like to go to Playa del Carmen is that the bus drops you off right on 5th avenue 1 block from the sea. It is a nice- This is reminder for why you are shleping all this stuff around... Your vacation. It is also easy to grab a bite of food as by now I am usually starving!

The bus to Playa del Carmen will take about 45 minutes. It will let you off on 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez. This is the main hub for tourism in Playa del Carmen. From here you can take a bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The cost for that bus is 48 pesos. It is another 45 minutes to Tulum. The bus station in Tulum is right in the middle of town.   *** Reminder** This is not a great option if there are many people or you have a lot of stuff. Something are worth spending a few bucks more on for sanity purposes. ***

There are many taxis right there that can take you over to the beach area if that is where you are staying.

Casa Cenote***

Casa Cenote is a beautiful cenote just north of Dreams Tulum and about 10 minutes north of downtown Tulum. It is down a road about 3 km from the main road. We took a collectivo from Tulum to the entrance road for 15 pesos per person. The kids sat on our lap so they were free.

Once out of the collectivo, we walked down the dirt road towards the cenote. It was a long walk but not terrible. There were some beautiful houses down this way and many of them seemed to be for rent.

The cenote was 20 pesos per person. I think if you are scuba diving it is a little more, around 40 pesos. This cenote is very near the ocean so you can hear all of those beautiful sounds and the water is more salty then some of the other cenotes.

The cenote extends back into the jungle about 200 meters. It was a beautiful swim. The cenote is very deep and crystal clear. Make sure to bring your snorkel masks.

There were many houses in this area that are for rent. It is a very peaceful area, far away from any troubles in the world.

There is a few restaurants in the area as well. We ate at the Casa Cenote restaurant. The food was great and the margarita was perfect. Not served in that crazy tourist fishbowl but in the correct short glass. The restaurant is under a beautiful palapa and is right on the beach.

This is also a hotel with newly renovated rooms. It listed the prices in the restaurant menu and the prices for the rooms were very reasonable. It also stated that the cost of the room included breakfast, snorkel and kayak rental.

This part of the beach is called Tankah Bay. It is beautiful. A car would be very handy here though.