Escaping the N.D. cold in Mexico

By MICHELLE FARNSWORTH For the Tribune | Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 2:00 am | (10) Comments

During the dreary months of a brutal North Dakota winter, there is warmth and solace south of the border in Mexico.

The Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, or the Riviera Maya, long has been a popular destination to regenerate and seek cultural adventures.

Travel Web sites can help narrow the decision-making process as to destination and accommodations. Reading reviews written by previous guests can be extremely helpful in determining the perfect spot for a holiday.

A trip to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is only a few clicks away. Making reservations online is easy and hassle-free. Many travel Web sites offer incentives and affordable packages to include airfare and accommodations.

Cancun is located along the golden coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is an easy destination from the Midwest, with direct flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.

Some travelers believe Cancun is fast becoming the “Las Vegas” of Mexico, featuring clubs open all night, buffets and shows.

But if Senor Frogs and staying up all night is not your idea of relaxation, there are other destinations farther down the Riviera Mayan coastline.

Playa del Carmen or Xaman Ha in the Mayan language is an old fisherman’s village located approximately 45 minutes south of Cancun. Playa del Carmen is no longer that same sleepy little village, but a center of an international, multi-cultural atmosphere.

Playa del Carmen tempts with culinary delights: Sushi, Italian, Thai and all natural cuisine is found on the popular main thoroughfare of “LaQuinta Avenida” (5th Avenue).

Shopping, bars, clubs, art galleries and many social events have made Playa a great spot to retire at or visit.

Accommodations in Playa include everything from youth hostels to five-star mega resorts, boutique hotels and condos for rent.

A beach-side resort is a popular choice and convenience to the main attraction in Playa — amazing white-sand beaches that stretch for miles. Having the luxury of walking out of your hotel and feeling the soft sand between your toes and crystal blue waters steps away, is an attraction luring tourists from around the globe.

In addition to the obvious beach walking — soft sand between your toes and crystal blue waters — many enjoy poolside lounging and sunning with salt-rimmed margarita or Mexican cervezas.

And then there is snorkeling, scuba-diving, parasailing, fishing and jungle exploration tours.

A main attraction is the architectural wonders of the pyramids and temples that the ancient Mayan civilization built enhancing the already stunning landscape.

The Riviera Maya is rich in history and culture and the people reflect a proud, humble, hard-working heritage. Taking the time to learn a little Spanish helps travelers communicate with their host country, but locals are eager to help out by happily correcting and encouraging the beginner.

Going farther south is a more secluded get-away in Tulum (Spanish for “wall”). Tulum was once an ancient walled city and Mayan ruins are a popular draw to this most southern end of the Riviera Maya.

Tulum is low-key, quiet and many smaller eco-friendly resorts line the secluded beaches. Eco-friendly resorts emphasize minimal usage of electricity, with power switching to candle light in the evening hours. Another typical characteristic is no high-end amenities, TVs, phones, clocks or radios in the rooms.

These resorts are advertising a Zen-like, back to basic atmosphere. Although most have sparse, simple furnishings and accommodations, what they lack in decor, they make amends for in their beautiful locales, vibe and intimate restaurants with unique local flavors.

Driving along the winding jungle-lined road, the resorts hang unusual and creative signs announcing the name and a glimpse into their version of bliss.

For the traveler who wants to really get away from it and perhaps experience complete solace, Tulum offers beach yoga classes and traditional Mayan meals made with the freshest ingredients.

Along with the fast-pace of Cancun, solitude of Tulum and international style of Playa del Carmen, there is the island of Isla Mujeres, located back up the coast to Cancun and a short 20-minute ferry ride across piercingly blue waters.

The “Island of Women” is for many travelers worth the extra step it takes to find a gem in the rough. “Isla,” as it is referred to by its repetitive followers and locals, is located due east off the Yucatan Peninsula; Cancun can be seen in the distance.

Although small in stature, five miles long and approximately a half mile at the widest point, Isla provides a reprise from the hustle and bustle of its sister across the Bay of Women (Bahia Mujeres).

The climate is almost perfect and the water is warm, blue and crystal clear. The white sand beaches are filled and visitors can walk out 200 yards to a depth only chest-deep.

Isla’s economy is based primarily on fishing and tourism. It was once a quiet fishing village with virtually no tourism, but was “discovered” in the 1990s by Cancun day trippers.

Isla is still without the standard fast-food chains or big mega resorts. Most of the lodging in Isla is smaller, boutique, locally owned and operated hotels. They offer the simple Isla style and charm, most with a traditional breakfast.

The primary modes of transportation are mopeds or fancy golf carts, the best way to explore the island.

Isla’s main street, Hildago, is alive with many restaurants, shops and a few small hotels. Walking Hildago Street at night is a favorite activity and way to enjoy a fish taco meal, music and island breezes.

The heart of the island is found in the town square, typical of these communities. Church and community activities take place in a predominately Catholic culture. Families selling simple meals, children playing ball or a town dance bring everyone together.

Adventure can be found snorkeling, zip lining through Garrafon Park, swimming with dolphins or chartering a fishing boat in search of barracua, mackeral or mahi mahi.

Choosing any of these spots along the Riviera Maya will thaw, re-energize and uplift the frozen spirits of the Midwest soul.

(Michelle Farnsworth of Bismarck is a mother of two boys and stays and works from home to enjoy the fruits of her labor.)