CANCUN The Adventurer's Path

By Jayger Mcgough

On your mark, get set, GO! Many come to Cancun to party, drink or just lay on the beach. But if you’re the type that enjoys going off the beaten path, this is for you...

48 Hours in Cancun…What to do?

Day 1: Mayan Ritual, Speed Boats & Snorkeling

Parque Maya Tours is an ecotourism park in Central Cancun that pays homage to the ancient Mayan culture. We checked in for our tour and then walked down a jungle path to a sitting area where locals were dressed as Mayan warriors. The locals performed a ritual dance that was common amongst ancient Mayans. We then joined along the adventure by running across the park and crossing a wooden suspended bridge…Now that was fun.

After the Mayan ritual, it was speed boat time. Everyone was divided into two people per boat and we drove off to a stunning snorkeling spot off the Yucatan Peninsula. On our way to the snorkeling spot we got to see plenty of bird’s species that live by the ocean as well as tall mangroves. While snorkeling, to say we saw thousands of colorful fish would be an understatement. Make sure you bring your GoPro or underwater camera with you because you will get to see Nemo, Dory and maybe even a few turtles if you’re lucky. Keep an eye out for underwater statues while snorkeling too...They are quite the sight.

After a few hours of snorkeling it was lunch time. So we zoomed back to land and we ate some of the best steak taco’s one could ask for. Make sure to try the traditional Mexican tea, Rosa de Jamaica, which is made by boiling dried Hibiscus flowers and adding some sugar and water once the drink has cooled down.

Massage Time at the JW Marriot Spa

After a long day on the ocean…What better way to finalize your day than by having a relaxing massage. There are a wide variety of spa treatments you can choose at the JW Marriott, I went for the JW Marriott Signature Treatment. The 80 minute treatment begins with a cleansing ritual designed to connect you with nature and the cosmos. This ritual is followed by an external body scrub using herbal products, then a full massage that focuses on your most tense areas. The name of this treatment is Ichtaca, which means secret in Mayan. It's the secret to relaxing, cleaning out toxins from your body, and achieving total tranquility.

After the treatment, we were welcomed with chocolate covered strawberries and mimosas… Can life get any better?

Day 2: Cenote Time

Our day started out with carefully packed picnic lunches prepared by Chefs at the JW Marriott Cancun…How thoughtful! We then drove for about 30 minutes to Cenote Zapote, an ecopark located in Puerto Morelos, along the famous “Ruta de los Cenotes”(Route of Cenotes).

Cenote Zapote Ecopark is one of the most unique Riviera Maya tours, we visited five different cenotes that day.

The first cenote we visited was an open cenote with a high jumping platform and an underwater cave system. Look carefully below and you might see some turtles and tiny fish. If you’re adventurous, you can jump from the 10 meter platform.

The other cenotes we visited during the tour were all unique in their own ways. Some looked like we were on a different planet, make sure to visit all 5 when you come on the tour.

Lunch Time

The tour includes lunch, and you’ll get to enjoy it at a large outdoor pavilion with long wooden tables. Most tours provide food that is less than stellar, but the food on this tour was absolutely delicious! You’ll get to enjoy authentic Mexican tacos, beans, rice, and best of all handmade tortillas.

Where Shall I stay?

Hands down, I’d stay at the JW Marriott Cancun. Why? Located in the Hotel Zone, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort is an upscale escape that emphasizes spacious accommodations. Most rooms have balconies and ocean views, and those with Club 91 perks have access to an all-day lounge on the 14th floor with varied food stations and services of a private members club. Make sure you have breakfast here and ask for Chef Luis to make his signature omelet…it is to die for.

The fitness center includes tennis courts and an Olympic-style swimming pool.

Along with its own beach, there are several other swimming pools, including free-form outdoor pools for families and adults and a 14-foot-deep dive pool with an artificial reef.

We spent a few hours relaxing by the Bali bed’s and enjoyed lunch by the ocean.

Closing Thoughts [Luxury tourism expert's personal opinion]

With its gorgeous turquoise seas, powdery white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the Caribbean is a vacationer's paradise. Adventure awaits you in Cancun…Whether you are coming for 48 hours or for 5 days, you are guaranteed a memorable time if you include some of the adventures described above. What are you waiting for? Book that flight…Carpe Diem!