Punta Laguna- Monkey Reserve***

This past Sunday my family loaded up the car and headed due East for Punta Laguna. I had heard that Punta Laguna was a wonderful thing to do while visiting Tulum. What I had heard was right. It was a wonderful place and the whole family. Punta Laguna did not disappoint as a great thing to do in Tulum.  **We know of some great taxi drivers that do this tour Coba ruins and the monkey reserve at a great price-- contact us for more info***

We started our adventure by having our favorite tacos from Tulum town and then we were off due West on the Coba road. After we got to Coba we decided to look around at some cenotes in the area. There were many cenotes to explore but most of them were cave cenotes. I do love cave cenotes but for this particular day we were looking for a wide open cenote that we could enjoy the warm day at. So we doubled back towards Tulum to go to Punta Laguna.

To get to Punta Laguna you take the Coba road from Tulum. After about 35 -40 minutes you will come to a round-a-bout. 1 direction leads you towards Cancun, 1 towards Chichen Itza and the last towards Coba. (The one you are on takes you back to Tulum- obviously!) You want to take the one that goes towards Cancun. You will drive for about 20-30 minutes on this road before you will see the sign for Punta Laguna. There were a number of other cenotes and spots of interest that I cannot wait to get out and see more of- but this trip was about Punta Laguna. So we continued past these places until we reached Punta Laguna.

When we reached the Laguna we went and paid our entrance fee which was very reasonable, something like 30 pesos. They advised us that we would have to walk a ways into the jungle to see the monkeys. Punta Laguna is a monkey reserve so you can easily spot these amazing creatures all around you if you pay attention. And hear them you most defiantly will. – Wow that sounded a bit like yoda- sorry. But you will. They are all around and you can hear the screeches and howls.

When we first started towards the Laguna- we noticed that there was a little corner store. It was the perfect place to buy a few more snacks and some ice. We had brought our cooler with us so we had stuff for sandwiches, juice and some beers- after and ice refill and some sweets for the kids we walked down towards the Laguna. The road is dirt and uneven and in her excitement to get to the water our daughter took a nose dive on the path. As a brand new 7 year old she is starting to get used to the scrapped knees and scuffed hands- but – a little hurt she picked herself back up. While she did so the wonderful family that lives there hurried to her rescue.

This is one of my favorite things about living in Mexico and the Mexican people in general—they love children and they love to help. In the states we have a very hands off approach to getting into each other’s lives. Here in Tulum- that is not the case- people are always there to help you and care for you at every turn. ESPECILLAY children. It is such a wonderful place to visit with kids. You never feel like your kids are imposing or that other people are annoyed with your kids. As a mother- and one who wants to enjoy herself too- I love this. But anyway… side note

As my daughter arose from her newly acquired injury- we were greeted by the warm smiles of a local Mayan woman and her husband who had rushed to her aid, followed closely by her 2 adorable kids. It was so sweet. They came out with tissue, smiles and a balm of some kind that they asked if they could put on her wounds. Knowing full well the magic of anything that Mayan women put on their kids I was willing and even a little eager. The balm they put on her immediately soothed her. I am sure that much of it was also the kindness of these people. After she was clearly okay, the family went one step further by the dad getting his tricycolo, often referred to as the Mayan Limousine, and giving Lena a ride down to the Laguna. It was so sweet.

After about 100 meters we were greeted with one of most beautiful images that I have seen. A large stunning Laguna- completely clear and empty. It was amazing. By the time that we had arrived it was about 1:00 in the afternoon. The sun was already casting shadows off the far end of the Laguna and the colors that rose off the water were incredible. We sat our cooler down and it took all of 4 seconds for the kids to go jumping off the dock into the amazing fresh water of the Laguna. We stayed there for about 2 hours- swimming- playing- talking and laying in the sun.

During our playing we had a few groups that were on walks in the reserve either coming or going stop for a moment to take some pictures. The Laguna does offer walking tours into the reserve and points out monkeys along the way and also give you information about the various plants and animals that you will find there. You can totally do the walk on your won- but you will get so much more out of it if you get the tour. They can tell you so many stories and facts that you would not otherwise hear or know.

We took the kids for a long walk in the jungle and it was so much fun. We walked and walked and took random turns and kept walking. It was great. You could hear the monkeys all around you. We saw many on our walk and such a fun time. Monkeys to kids are such magic. Well to anyone really and this place is full of them. It was a truly magical day and one that I think everyone who visits Tulum should experience.

Sorry for the disappearance! But we are back!

Well, as you can tell, it has been a long time since my last post. Things have been so amazingly crazy. Wonderful but insane. Posadas, house guests, camping, small Mayan villages, babies being born (in a hammock!!!) more on that later! and so many wonderful nights out in Tulum listening to the great music and talents of Tulum's best!

We have had a wonderful holiday enjoying friends and family, trips to the Sian Ka'an, visiting friends throughout the Yucatan, and living all that Tulum has to offer. We are sorry for not posting all of our adventures. We promise- so many great updates are coming. Enjoy!

This new year kicks off the 2011 music season! I love it. There are amazing performances, Djs bands and happy hours ALL OVER TULUM. Our resolution for 2011 is to bring you the most up to date and wide spread calendar of events in Tulum, Mexico, updated weekly!!!!!!

With so many wonderful shows going on- you will never again sit in your apartment or hotel room and wonder..."I wonder what is going on tonight?" simply go to http://www.tulumliving.com/ and see all of the classes, workshops, performances, Live music and DJ parties that Tulum has to offer.

If you want your events on the Tulum Living Events Calendar email us at TulumLiving@yahoo.com.

Stay tuned as we post more and more about all of the wonderful places in Tulum. A new decade has brought new energy!

See you in Tulum!

Taxi driver in Tulum***

Taxis are the most common form of transportation around Tulum Pueblo and Tulum Beach.   There are 2 areas in Tulum Pueblo where the taxis will line up.  The first is right outside the sydicato about 2 blocks into town on the right from the Cancun side entrance.  This is right across from the Don Caffetto restaurant and the Mar Caribe Super.   the other is right infront of the ADO bus station towards the southern end of town.
If you are in this area it is customary to waive over the next taxi in line rather then grabing one on the road.  If not, then just waive one down. 

The base rate is between 15-20  pesos if you stay in the immediate downtown area or very near by (say to Super SF or Villas Tulum neighborhood).  At night the price goes up a little.  To get to the beach will range between 40 pesos for the nearer hotels like to Mezzanine and Luna Maya.  Going up to like 100 pesos to get all the way south towards the Sian Ka'an Bioreserve.  It is always a good idea to check with the driver before you get going. 

Taxi drivers here are very nice.  I have been to places where the taxis run you all over town because you do not know the town and try to charge you a lot.  This was really common in San Francsico where I lived. Here that is not really possible.  The town is very small and not that vast.  So long as you have a general idea you should be fine.

Please remember that people here do live on tips.  If you were really happy with your driver - tip - it is always appreciated.

one nice option around Tulum is to use taxi drivers for tours.  I have many taxi driver friends that offer very popular tours to Tulum ruins, some cenotes, Coba ruins and the monkey reserve for  fraction of the cost of a tour.  You can have up to 4 people in a taxi and you have the driver at your disposal.  rather then waiting around for a lot of people to gather together you can sit back with your friends or family and enjoy the day for A LOT less.  Many taxi drivers work with another person and therefore can accomidate larger groups.  I think that this is the very best option for seeing the ruins.

I know drivers that do tours to :

Tulum Ruins

Coba Ruins

Cenotes

Chichen Itza

Sian Ka'an Bioreserve

Playa del Carmen

and to the Cancun airport

etc.  The taxi drivers are very flexible, most speak English and they provide a more relaxed and personal day.

Colectivos in Tulum***

Colectivos in Tulum are a very easy and cost effect way to get around the Rivera Maya.  These vans run the distance between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.  Different syndicates (like Unions) run even further North from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and many run south of Tulum to Carrillo Puerto. 

I really love taking the collectivos.  They are easy and cheap.  You can simply flag one down on the main road and tell them where you want to get off.  These are especially great for people that are staying in the Rivera Maya and want to visit the ruins on Tulum.  It currently costs about 30 pesos from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.

I have heard that travel agents in the USA and Canada are advising people not to take the collectivos because they are unsafe and I can assure you that is not the case.  This is the most common form of transportation for people here and I have NEVER had a problem with them. 

The collectivos are a great way to do day trips from Tulum and throughout the Rivera Maya.  They only run along the main avenue in Tulum and on the highway.  In Playa del Carmen they end at 10th and Juarez.  These are the ideal way to get to Akumal from Tulum or between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. 

They start pretty early- I think around 6 and run till around 11ish at night.

ADO bus lines around Tulum***

The ADO bus line is the main bus line that runs around Mexico and the Rivera Maya. I get a lot of questions about these buses and their safety. I have been on the the bus many times back and forth to the airport and to smaller towns around the Yucatan. The buses are very safe and very comfortable. You can read more about how to go to the Cancun airport from Tulum on the ADO buses here.

There is also a new shuttle ADO bus from Tulum to the airport 4 times a day. Check the schedule at the bus station in Tulum to see if this cost effective option will work for you. This is definatly the cheapest way to get to the airport.

To some of the smaller towns you may also end up on the Mayab bus line. These buses will stop more frequently and might be in a little less of great shape. But they are still very nice and comfortable. There are many stops at other towns which offers a good chance to get out and use the restroom and buy some of the amazing Mayan food being sold by vendors near the station. Many times people will come right up on the bus and pass through with sopes or sodas for sale.

You can buy your ticket from the bus station or from the bus driver themselves. If you are at the station, buy it from the window. The buses like everything else around here operate on Mexican Time. you really need to be flexible and not get upset. Trust me- there is nothing that yelling at the ticket person that the bus is an hour late or came and left 45 minutes early is going to do. Just be flexible and have a good attitude. You can get a good idea of bus prices at the ADO website. Mayab is usually a little cheaper.

In Tulum it is on the main avenue right next to Charlie's. Charlies is also my favorite place to meet people who are coming on the bus because you can never be quiet sure what time they will get there. So I always tell people to take a right out of the station and go into the first restaurant.

I alsways feel very safe on the bus but I also use common scense.

Dutzi Design Inc.***

Okay… this is a long one but it is worth every line

It is not very often that you hear about something that someone is doing and it just makes you smile from the inside. Well, the project of Dutzi Designs Inc. is one such story. !!!


The project is that of Ariane Dutzi. Ariane lives here in the Yucatan and has started a line, Dutzi Designs Inc., to help the communities of the Yucatan. As a former fashion editor from New York and Paris, she moved to Mexico where she is making an impact in the beautiful community that she is now a part of.


When the Swine Flu scare erupted in Mexico last April it created a mass exodus of tourists in the Yucatan and the communities of the area really suffered. As the “infodemic” spun out of control, a whole bunch of totally healthy people sat in the deserted towns of the Yucatan and then found themselves without people to sell their handiwork to. Ariane has since developed the Dutzi Design Rescue Bag. Complete with a label befitting of the project, a small outlined face of a pig, these bags are as eco-friendly green as they are well made and beautiful.


The whole project really is something special. As a way of helping the Mayan community that lives in the areas around Valladolid, about 70 women as well as some men make each and every bag. The project is not only a means for so many women to help provide for their families, but also helps preserve the beautiful culture of the indigenous Maya. With all of the proceeds from the sales of the bag going directly into the project, this community of women continues to be able to help sustain themselves especially in a time where so many of us here in the Yucatan are feeling the devastating consequences of the hype of the swine flu.


Here is a bit of history about how such a special project came to be. Ariane is an amazingly beautiful woman who after being born in Germany moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne. After graduation Ariane got a job as a foreign correspondent for a German publication. Due to her location in Paris, fashion was the tallest order. During the reign of top supermodels and skyrocketing talent in the design world, Ariane had the privilege of interviewing and working with some of the most talented designers in the world. Having had studied history Ariane had an interest in fashion’s history and the artisans that made such wonderful pieces.


She told me a beautiful story about one example of stories that she loved to do. It was of the artisans who made the soles for Chanel shoes and Gucci shoes. It was only these very specific artisans that did the soles in a traditional way. The use of chemicals, if any at all, where minimal and the result was sole for a shoe fit for Hera herself. As I am sure anyone who owns a pair of Chanel shoes will attest to. She told me how the stories of these artisans, their craft and the devotion they give such a craft really intoxicated her. It intoxicated me just listening to it. After her move to Mexico, she found a similar passion for the artisans in her new home country. But more on that in a minute, I jump ahead of myself.



Ariane then came to Mexico for a vacation in the beautiful town of Cuernavaca just outside of Mexico City. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year long perfect weather, it was over… the love obsession had begun.


Ariane took this time in her life to figure out the passions that she wanted to follow. Not quiet sure which way she was going to take herself, she headed to Tulum. Working in the hotel industry, Ariane got to stretch her creativity and interest in design in to decorating and furniture design. She helped design, promote and staff not just one Coqui Coqui hotel… but 3, Tulum, Coba and Valladolid. After investing much energy and love into these projects Ariane once again went to New York for inspiration for her next path.


This next path turned out to be working with an old friend from the fashion industry to open a vintage discovery showroom. Not a store, but more an inspirational space for designers and artists to come and get inspired. Working with wonderful textures and colors and looking at things from the past in a new light is what sparked the fuse that lead the way for Ariane’s next direction. It was hear that she began to learn the skill of noticing 1 small detail or 1 texture and create a whole concept out of it.


Now back in Mexico, she began to make beautiful bags from vintage materials. Being very drawn to burlap, the bags began to take shape organically as she rediscovered the Mexico that she had left. The straps are all hand made by the indigenous Maya who have crafted such belts for generations. More and more Ariane needed help to craft the bags that had become so popular. At one point, Ariane had to make a choice. Was she going to commit 100% and dive fully into her project and trust in the Universe to take care of her or go back? Luckily for us all she chose to invest fully into the project.


As she needed more and more help she befriended and employed more and more Mayan women from her community. What blossomed out of this first year was a workshop in which women in the community began to learn about their finances and how to have some control over them.


The most important thing about the workshop as it developed was that these women were able to remain the women that were before with the duties that they had before. To celebrate all of the things that makes us all such remarkable women. We have the special gift of taking care of our families needs, being there for our families and wanting to be able to enjoy our families and Ariane did not want these women to give any of that up just so they could work as well.



I have not even started to tell you about the amazing bags themselves… these bags, made of vintage burlap or 100% recycled white raffia. They are absolutely beautiful and are not only made by hand with love and care but, probably because of that fact, are incredibly well made.


In addition to the “Rescue Bag” Ariane’s whole line of couture bags are being sold in stores and boutiques all over New York as well as in Paris, Santa Fe, Malibu, CA, Mexico and over the internet. One of the best ways to get your own Rescue Bag is to drive over and see the project for yourself. Valladolid is a beautiful town about an hour from Tulum and wonderfully worth a visit. What a fantastic souvenir of a trip to the Yucatan. Luckily you can also buy one online and have it sent to you. Check out the website with information about how to purchase your very own bag.


These bags are perfect for both men and women. I especially love the bike messenger bag for men. These bags reflect both a consciousness for the earth and an effort to protect and cherish it, but also for the wonderful communities of Mayan women in the Yucatan.


I am so excited to see that the very first couture Dutzi dress has just been made. I cannot wait to see as more and more clothing comes from these guys. The furniture designed by Dutzi Designs is stunning as well. I will be getting more info about the clothing and furniture and will post again. Stay tuned.

So…. Do you want to help… can you help… If yes… here are a few ways that you can…
• If you, or anyone you know, own a shop or a boutique and would like to carry Dutzi Designs in your store, you can get in touch with Ariane (or me if you want)
• You can order a bag online directly from the source.
• If you are vacationing in Mexico, you can arrange to see the project and the beautiful town of Valladolid and pick up the absolutely BEST souvenir in Mexico.
• You can simply donate to the project via their website
• If you are getting married and are looking for the perfect bridesmaid gifts, these stunning bags and clutches are the perfect reminder of a perfect Mexican wedding (and the Karma points!!!)
• If you are looking for the perfect auction item… imagine a beautiful Dutzi Design couture bag filled with stunning crafts, clothing and tokens of the beautiful Mayan culture. I would be happy to help you put something together (I am sure Ariane could help as well.) What a perfect way to help 2 causes at once.
• Tell everyone you know about the project because it is a really special one.

Amazing Mayan meal in Hondzonot

I am sorry that I have been out for a while. There have been a lot of great things happening in Tulum and when there are lots of fun things happening I run out of time to write about them. But here we go...


In July I was invited with some friends of mine to join them and the members from the DIF here in Tulum to go out and join a Mayan community for a beautiful meal. I was excited from the moment I heard about it. A project that I am working on with friends -that I will explain when it is time- led to us having lunch in the village of Hondzonot in the Zona Maya. This is about 1.5-2 hours into the jungle from Tulum and it was a beautiful experience.


After we arrived we were greeted by the kindest group of women and some men as well and shown into the room at DIF (Desarrollo Integral de la Familia) The spread that appeared shortly in front of us was amazing.

Magnificently prepared food that was as colorful as it was plentiful. It was a meal that I will not soon forget. Sylvia from the DIF said some beautiful words and we were all there to celebrate the importance of these Mayan communities and the treasure that they are to our area as well as to the world. I can not wait to work more closely with and explore some of the communities around. The food was as you can imagine AMAZING!!!!


Even looking at the pictures this much later makes me hungry.

Yaaj- Ximbal Jungle Tour

I had the wonderful experience of taking a Yaaj-Ximbal tour. This was a truly amazing experience and opened up a whole side of Tulum that I have not seen before. I am so thankful for this unreal opportunity and would strongly recommend that people take the tour.

The day started with my friend picking me up and taking me to the store where all the cooks buy the food fresh for that days meal. I rode out with the crew to one of the locations so that they could work on preparing the food. While we were getting the food out to the location, the rest of the guests were getting picked up at their hotels.

As we all met up and were introduced to the tour guides and each other I could tell that I was in for a treat. We were riding in very comfortable Land Rovers and I knew that these vehicles could handle any road in Mexico.

Thanks god because as we set off into the jungle it became very clear just how off road we were going to get. The road was very bumpy and all over the place but in a very fun and safe way.


For anyone who has ever been on the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland can totally relate to the journey. This is just real and much more fun. There was a younger child in our group but I am not sure how much fun it was for him.

I would say that for both the parents and the kids to have the best of the experience probably kids 10 and older would be good. (If you need a babysitter you can contact mindyintulum@yahoo.com for babysitters in the area.)

As we forged ahead on the trail we were pointed out various trees and important foliage and given a lot of history and mythical tradition along the way. There were many beautiful sites to see along the trail.


There were stunning cenotes filled with lilies and beautiful foliage all around. At one point we came to a watchtower that was built of Zapote trees. This wood is amazingly strong and durable not to mention stunningly beautiful. The views from this tower were so beautiful.

Just beneath the tower is a cenote that also has a repel from the middle of the tower. I can imagine that would be very cool to do. We explored a cave and the Aluxes that lived there. These are mythical spirits, resembling trolls, that are believed to live all over the Yucatan. They are associated with nature such as jungles and caves which are numerous in the Tulum area. These mischievous little spirits are known to move things around a lot and cause quite a ruckus. Taking the form of stone during the day, they awaken at night to cause their mischief. You can see the old man in stone in this picture.

After continuing on our journey we made our way over to the location of the cenote, dry cave and zip line. This was very cool. With the help of our tour guides we got into our harnesses.

There was a group of 12 of us. All 4 daughters ranging with high school age all went on as did almost everyone else in the group. Including the 7 year old boy although he went tandem with one of the guides.



The zip line was very easy, fun and was over quick. Definitely not too bad for all who go on the tour. The "Mayan brakes" were large pieces of wood that would help to slow you down. One of the guides was also down at the bottom with the secondary and emergency breaks. I felt very safe and we all had a really good time.

This is probably a good time to mention one of my favorite parts of the tour... There is professional photographer following you around through out the whole thing taking great pictures. This is particularly handy at the moment when you are flying down the zip line. But you also get to pose at the bottom just in case your face is doing some crazy face.

After the zip line you continue the tour into a dry cave. For people who do not want to do the zip line there is an easy way to join the group at the bottom. The dry cave was beautiful. You could clearly see the stalagmites and stalactites. They are so beautiful and the guides are really full of knowledge and are a lot of fun.

We headed off to get in our swim suits for the cenote part of the day. Almost all of my favorite days involve a cenote and this day was no exception. We walked down a long steep stair case and came into a beautiful cave. The water was as clear and perfect as you could imagine.

There was a very nice area to swim right then we were taken around a little area, through a tunnel area that showed some really beautiful roots, stalagmites and stalactites.

There was one point were once the roots of the trees above ground reach the water they eventually build a base. These bases are floating. It is a very cool site. I wish I had a waterproof camera with me at the time. It was very beautiful and such a unique look at the under side of Yucatan. I am not a cave diver as of yet but the guides did take me and show me some of the entrances to the caves. Once I try my hands at diving I really want to go back and explore.

After we all climbed up and dried off it was time to eat. I have been on tours before that included lunch and it was usually some bagged lunch or something. This meal was amazing. There was a very large grill on which a very traditional meal was being prepared.

There was pot of black beans, fluffy rice, a fantastic salsa and warm tortillas. There were 2 different meats on the grill. One was a marinated chicken and the other a flat steak. There was also a large amount of cut fruit and salad. Lunch was truly amazing and the perfect conclusion to the day.



The group loaded up into the van to get taken back to their hotels. It was a wonderful tour and one that really shows a side of the jungle that not many people get to see. Tulum and the whole Rivera Maya have so much to offer and this tour really puts some of the best parts into one trip.

Some important things to note when you go... 1) Take bug spray but please make sure that it is eco-friendly and or biodegradable. You will be in contact with a very delicate eco system. The waters of the cenotes feed the lively hood of the entire Yucatan peninsula. It is important to respect them and care for them. and 2)I would start your day off with a good meal. Lunch is the last part of the day and you do not want to be hungry. This tour is a full day thing.


This tour is amazing. Again, probably best for kids 10 and over although they will accommodate children, it will probably be more fun for parents and kids if there is a babysitter. Again... if you are looking for a babysitter you can email mindyintulum@yahoo.com to find a babysitter in the Tulum area.

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.