Travel Journal
June 2005

Touring Playa Del Carmen to Villa Vera

We just returned from three weeks in Mexico, thanks to our points ownership at Pacific Shores.

The first week we were at the Grand Mayan Cancun. We had been in the area before so we knew that we could stand out on the highway and catch a colectivo or bus to Playa Del Carmen for 10 pecos each. We like to explore on our own so we trekked off to Cozumel to snorkel for the day.

Then to Cancun another day and Playa yet another day. Playa comes alive at night and we would suggest a meal at Ajuas on Calle 4 if you like seafood and being entertained by the employees and people passing by. Several large supermarkets made grocery shopping easy and inexpensive.

The second week we shifted gears and went to Villa Vera Puerto Marina on Isla Mujueres. A taxi and ferry ride from the Grand Mayan. The contrast between the very large and impressive Grand Mayan to the Boutique Hotel on Isla Mujueres added an extra measure of enjoyment.

Villa Vera was walking distance, about 3 km, from town. We continued to do some of our own cooking but also enjoyed meals at the Sunset Grill and Casa O's.

The local bus was only 3 pecos to anywhere on the island. Golf cart rentals are popular and we weakened one day. We had a great tour in and out and around the narrow streets.

Villa Vera itself was very quiet. There were days when we were the only ones at the pool. They had a launch that would take you free across the inlet to the Beach Club where there was another bar, restaurant, pool and outside jacuzzi. It was a wonderful relaxing week looking out over the pool from the hammock on the patio.


The third week we were back at the Grand Mayan, looking very tanned at this point. If you visit the Grand Mayan, I can assure you that the sign "Do not disturb the crocodile" is not joke. There IS a crocodile in the lagoon. It was great to have Internet service in English for 70 pecos an hour. Then a few more days at the pool and side trips to Puerto Adventuras, Playa and Cancun and it was time to head back to the rain. Thanks to Pacific Shores for another great Mexican holiday.

- Bill and Linda Cornell