Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula

The first time I visited Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, in 1978, there were no resorts, only three hotels, almost no rental cars, few restaurants, and virtually no tourists. Things have changed. Hundreds of hotels filled with thousands of visitors that all arrive through a beautiful, modern airport. A four terminal airport that features a Starbucks, Margaritaville, and restaurants, among others, operated by Guy Fieri and Wolfgang Puck.

So when I visit, whether staying in the Cancun area, or a little farther south in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, or even farther south along the Riviera Maya, I like to leave the property and explore a little. On my latest, and most recent, trip, on the recommendation of my daughter, I decided to hire a car and venture out to a place I had never heard of: Isla Holbox.

The driver and I drove the new toll road, very lightly traveled, for almost two hours, and ventured off into small Mexican communities. Finally we arrived at Chiquila, a port town of about 1,100 residents. There I boarded a ferry for the thirty minute ride to the island. Upon arriving I found a town with no paved roads, dirt only. But it didn’t really matter. There are no cars or trucks on the island. Transportation is walking, bicycles, or provided by golf carts that serve as taxis.

I walked to the other side of the island. Beautiful, sandy beaches that were practically empty. Wandering through town, I found that it features some nice eateries. And since one of the main occupations of the locals is fishing, lots of seafood on the menu, including a local specialty of lobster pizza. Why not wash it down with one of the local beers, not a local brewery but beers of the Yucatan?

I did venture along the beach, on the dirt road, and stopped in to a couple of nice properties that attract a small contingent of visitors. Generally these are owned by folks from other countries that, for whatever reason, decided to forsake their pasts, move to Holbox, resettle, and start a business. The Casa las Tortugas, Hotel Las Hubes, and Casa Sandra are a few. Nice decors, on site restaurants with good food, and some amenities we have come to expect while on vacation.

After enjoying my stay I boarded another ferry, made my way back to Chiquila, found my driver, and headed back to the luxury, and crowds, of my beautiful all inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen. A fabulous day, the type of day that only makes you long for more.