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Index

See also Accommodations and Restaurant indexes below.

GENERAL INDEX Anexo Este (Chichén Itzá), 132 Aquaworld, 80, 81 The Archaeological Conservancy, 35 ARP, 24 A Area code, 47 Abbreviations, 47 The Association of British Insurers, 15 Above and Beyond Tours, 23 Association of British Travel Agents Access America, 15 (ABTA), 29 Accidents, auto, 37–38 Association of Independent Tour Accommodations Operators (AITO), 29 Cancún, 57–70 ATC Tours and Travel, 35 Chichén Itzá, 132–134 Atlantis Submarine, 83 Cobá, 125 ATMs, 12–13 hotel chains, 40–41 ATV tours, 83 Isla Mujeres, 102–106 Australia landing the best room, 42–43 customs regulations, 49 out-of-the-ordinary, 42 Embassy of, 50 rating system, 40 passports, 53 Tulum, 120–122 Aviacsa, 8, 36 Addresses, finding, 4 ADO bus terminal, 9 Aerolitoral, 36 AeroMéxico, 8, 36 Bahía de Mujeres, lighthouse, 97 AeroMéxico Vacations, 33 Bahía Dive Shop (Isla Mujeres), 97 Aero Tucán, 36 Ball court (juego de pelota) Aerovega, 36 Chichén Itzá, 129 AIM, 24 Cobá, 124 Air Ambulance, 51 Banderas reef, 97 AirAmbulanceCard.com, 22 Banks and ATMs, 12–13 Airport taxes, 36 Bar Hopper Tour, 87–88 Air travel, 8, 36 Beaches. See also entries starting Akab Dzib (Chichén Itzá), 132 with Playa Aktun Chen, 110 Cancún, 78–79 Alaska Airlines, 8 Isla Mujeres, 96 Alienet, 51 Tulum, 118 American Airlines, 8 water-safety pennant system, 78 American Airlines Vacations, 33 Beverages, 47 American Express, 47 Bicycling, Isla Mujeres, 94 COPYRIGHTEDtraveler’s checks, 14 Bird-watching, MATERIAL Isla Contoy, 101 American Express Travelers Cheque Bling, 88 Card, 14 Boat tours and excursions, 81–83 American Foundation for the Blind Captain Hook Lobster Dinner (AFB), 22 Cruise, 70 AMTAVE (Asociación Mexicana to Isla Mujeres, 81–82 de Turismo de Aventura y Lobster Dinner Cruise, 70 Ecoturismo, A.C.), 35 Boca Paila Fishing Lodge, 114 10_145722 bindex.qxp 9/11/07 10:14 PM Page 146

146 INDEX

Bribes and scams, 19, 21 Centro de Investigaciones, 99 Brisas Hotels & Resorts, 40 Chichanchob (Chichén Itzá), 131 Bullfights, 85 Chichén Itzá, 125–135 Bus travel, 10 accommodations, 132–134 to Mexico, 9 getting there and departing, within Mexico, 39 126–127 layout of, 127 restaurants, 134–135 Canada Chichén Viejo, 132 consulate, 48 Children, families with customs regulations, 49 information and resources, 25–26 Embassy of, 50 traveling without parents or with health insurance, 16 only one parent, 7 passports, 52 Chiles, 45 Cancún Convention & Visitors Cholera, 18 Bureau, 4 The City, 88 Cancún Hideaways, 58 Ciudad Cancún (Cancún City), 1–2 Cancún Island (Isla Cancún), 1 accommodations, 68–70 accommodations, 58–68 restaurants, 75–77 restaurants, 70–75 Click Mexicana, 8, 36 Cancún Mermaid Cliff of the Dawn (Isla Mujeres), 100 ATV tours, 83 Climate, 48 horseback riding, 84–85 Club and music scene, 87–89 scuba diving, 80–81 Club Nitrox (Isla Mujeres), 109 Cancún Municipal Tourism Office, 5 Cobá, 122–125 Cancún Online, 4 CoCo Bongo, 88–89 Cancún Tips, 5 Colectivos (vans), 9 Cancún Travel Guide, 4 Columbus Direct, 15 Captain Hook Lobster Dinner Community Tours Sian Ka’an, 115 Cruise, 70 Condo, home, and villa rentals, 58 Car breakdowns, 37 Isla Mujeres, 102 Caribbean Coast Travel, 34 Conjunto Las Pinturas (Cobá), 125 Caribbean Village (Isla Mujeres), 100 Connection kit, 32 Car rentals, 8–9, 38–39 Consulates, 48, 50–51 Car travel Consumer protection agency to Mexico, 9 (Procuraduría Federal del within Mexico, 36–39 Consumidor), 52 Casa de los Metates (Chichén Itzá), Isla Mujeres, 95 131 Continental Airlines, 8 Casa de los Sueños Resort and Continental Airlines Vacations, 33 Zenter, 98 Coral Negro, 86 Castillo. See El Castillo Coral Scuba Center (Isla Mujeres), 97 Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, 79 Crafts markets, 86 Caverns Credit cards, 13–14 Aktun Chen, 110 Crime, 19, 48, 53 Hidden Worlds Cenotes, 113–114 The Cross of the Bay, 97 Caves of the Sleeping Sharks (Isla Cruz Roja, 51 Mujeres), 97 Cuevas de los Tiburones (Isla Cellphones, 30–31 Mujeres), 97 Cenote Xtoloc (Chichén Itzá), 131 Culinary Adventures, 35 Centers for Disease Control and Cultural attractions, 85 Prevention, 16 10_145722 bindex.qxp 9/11/07 10:14 PM Page 147

GENERAL INDEX 147

Currency and currency exchange, El Mercado (Chichén Itzá), 130–131 11–12, 48 El Sol Golf Cart Rental (Isla Isla Mujeres, 95 Mujeres), 94 Customs regulations, 48–49 E-mail, 31–32 Cyber Isla Mujeres.com, 95 Embassies, 50–51 Emergencies, 51 Isla Mujeres, 95 Dady’O, 89 Emergency evacuation, 19 Dady Rock Bar and Grill, 89 Emerging Horizons, 23 Deep-sea fishing. See Fishing Enchiladas, 43–44 Delta Airlines, 8 Entry requirements, 5–6 Delta Vacations, 33 Espresso Maya Train, 34 Dengue fever, 18 Diarrhea, travelers’ (turista), 20 Digestive problems, 20 Families with children Disabilities, travelers with, 22–23 information and resources, 25–26 Diving. See Scuba diving traveling without parents or with Dolphin Discovery, 83, 98 only one parent, 7 Dolphins, swimming with Farmacía Cancún, 50 Cancún, 84 Farmacías del Ahorro, 50 ethics of, 29, 99 Female travelers, 26 Isla Mujeres, 83–84 Ferries Xel-Ha, 113 Isla Mujeres, 92–94 Drinks, 47 Puerto Juárez, 82 Drug laws, 49–50 Punta Sam, 93 Drugstores, 50 Fiesta Americana and Fiesta Inn, 41 Isla Mujeres, 95 Fishing, 79 Dry season, 7 Isla Mujeres, 98 FMT (Mexican Tourist Permit), 6–7 Fortress of Mundaca Eco theme parks and reserves, (Isla Mujeres), 100 110–114 Forum by the Sea, 86–87 Aktun Chen, 110 Frijoles, 44 Hidden Worlds Cenotes, 113–114 Frommers.com, 29 Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, 114–115 Xcaret, 110, 112 Garrafón Natural Reef Park, Xel-Ha, 112–113 79–82, 96 Ecotourism, 27–29 Gasoline, 37 Edificio de las Monjas Gay.com Travel, 23 (Chichén Itzá), 132 Glass-bottom boats, 83 El Caracol (Chichén Itzá), 131 Global Life Flights, 19 El Castillo Gnats, 17 Chichén Itzá, 128–129, 131 Golf, 34 Cobá, 124 Cancún, 84 Tulum, 118 Golf cart rentals, Isla Mujeres, 94 Elderhostel, 25 Gran Arrecife Maya (Great ElderTreks, 25 Mesoamerican Reef), 79 Electricity, 50 Gran Meliá Cancún golf course, 84 Elevation sickness, 17 Great Mesoamerican Reef (Gran El Garrafón Natural Reef Park, Arrecife Maya), 79 79–82, 96 Green Angels, 37 10_145722 bindex.qxp 9/11/07 10:14 PM Page 148

148 INDEX

Grupo Cobá, 124 Isla Cancún (Cancún Island), 1 GSM (Global System for Mobile accommodations, 58–68 Communications), 30–31 restaurants, 70–75 Isla Contoy, 80, 100–101 Isla Mujeres, 81, 90–109 Health Canada, 16 accommodations, 102–106 Health concerns, 16–19 beaches and outdoor activities, Health insurance, 15–16 96–99 Hidden Worlds Cenotes, 113–114 getting around, 94 High-altitude hazards, 17 getting there and departing, 92–94 High season, 7 layout of, 94 Hilton Cancún Golf & Spa Resort, golf nightlife, 109 course, 84 restaurants, 107–109 HomeExchange.org, 42 shopping, 101–102 HomeLink International, 42 sights and attractions, 99–101 Horseback riding, Cancún, 84–85 visitor information, 94 Hospitals, Isla Mujeres, 95 Isla Mujeres Farmacía, 95 Hot chocolate, 47 IVA (value-added tax), 12 Hoteles Camino Real, 41 IYTC (International Youth Travel Hotel Na Balam, yoga classes, 98 Card), 27 House rentals and swaps, 41–42 HSBC Bank (Isla Mujeres), 95 Hurricanes, 7 Jax Bar & Grill (Isla Mujeres), 109 Jet-ski tours, 81 Journeywoman, 26 IAMAT (International Association for Juego de pelota (ball court) Medical Assistance to Travelers), 16 Chichén Itzá, 129 Insurance, 14–16 Cobá, 124 auto, 39 Jungle Cruise, 81 InsureMyTrip.com, 14 Interactive Aquarium (Cancún), 84 Interjet, 8, 36 KoKo Nuts (Isla Mujeres), 109 International Association for Medical Kukulcán Plaza, 86 Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT), 16 International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), 23 La Adelita (Isla Mujeres), 109 International Society of Travel La Iglesia Medicine, 17 Chichén Itzá, 132 International Student Identity Card Cobá, 124 (ISIC), 27 La Isla Shopping Village, 87 International Youth Travel Card La Madonna, 89 (IYTC), 27 La Punta (Isla Mujeres), 97 Internet access, 31–32, 51 Layout of Cancún, 1–2 Isla Mujeres, 95 Liberty Travel, 33 InterVac.com, 42 Licuados (smoothies), 47 InTouch USA, 31 Liquor laws, 51–52 Ireland The Lobby Lounge, 89 Embassy of, 51 Lobster Dinner Cruise, 70 passports, 52–53 Lost-luggage insurance, 16 Isla Beckons, 102 Low season, 7 Luggage storage and lockers, 52 10_145722 bindex.qxp 9/11/07 10:14 PM Page 149

GENERAL INDEX 149

Nohoch Mul Group (Cobá), 124 Mail, 52 The North Temple (Chichén Itzá), 129 Malls, 86 Northwest Airlines, 8 Manchones Reef, 97 Now, Voyager, 23 Maps, 5 MasterCard, traveler’s checks, 14 Mayan Expeditions, 34 Observatory (El Caracol; Chichén Maya ruins, 116–135 Itzá), 131 Chichén Itzá, 127–132 Olivia Cruises & Resorts, 23 Cobá, 122–125 Om Bar and Chill Lounge (Isla Isla Mujeres, 100 Mujeres), 109 Tulum, 118–120 Open World magazine, 23 Mealtimes, 45 Out & About, 23 MEDEX Assistance, 16 Outdoor activities. See also MedicAlert Identification Tag, 18 Watersports Medical insurance, 15–16 Cancún, 83–85 Mexicana, 8, 36 Over-the-counter drugs, 17 Mexican fiesta nights, 89 Mexican Tourist Permit (FMT), 6–7 Mexican Youth Hostel Association, 27 Package tours, 33–34 Mexico Boutique Hotels, 42 Panadería La Reyna Mexico-Caribbean Food Festival, (Isla Mujeres), 107 53–54 Panoramic Tower (Isla Mujeres), Mexico Travel Link Ltd., 35 99–100 Mexico Travel Net, 33 Parque de las Palapas, 89 Mezcal, 47 Passports, 5–6, 52 Minibuses, 9 Pemex, 37 Money matters, 11–14 Performing arts, 89 Moon Palace Spa & Golf Club, 84 Phone Rental, 31 Mopeds, 10–11 Pinguinos (Isla Mujeres), 109 Mosquitoes, 17 Pisté, 127 MossRehab, 22 Platform of the Eagles Motos (motorized bikes or scooters), (Chichén Itzá), 130 Isla Mujeres, 94 Platform of Venus (Chichén Itzá), 130 Mundaca Fortress (Isla Mujeres), 100 Playa Caracol, 79, 93 Mundaca Travel and Real Estate, 102 Playa Lancheros, 96 Municipal Market (Isla Mujeres), 107 Playa Langosta, 79 Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano, 85 Playa Las Perlas, 79 Playa Linda, 79, 93 Playa Norte, 81, 96 National parks and nature Playa Tortuga, 79 reserves, 35 Plaza Caracol, 86 Newspapers and magazines, 52 Plaza de Toros, 85 New Zealand Pok-Ta-Pok Club (Cancún), 84 customs regulations, 49 Police, 52 Embassy of, 51 Post office (Cancún), 53 passports, 53 Post offices (Isla Mujeres), 95 NH Hoteles, 41 Prescription medications, 18 Nightlife Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor Cancún, 87–89 (consumer protection agency), 52 Isla Mujeres, 109 Puerto Juárez, 92 Noches Caribeñas, 89 Puerto Morelos, 80 10_145722 bindex.qxp 9/11/07 10:14 PM Page 150

150 INDEX

Punta Allen Peninsula, 114–115 Special-interest trips, 34–36 Punta Sam, 93 SS-Tours, 34 Punta Sur (Isla Mujeres), 99–100 State Tourism Office, 5 Pyramid of the Painted Lintel STA Travel, 27 (Cobá), 125 Student travelers, 26–27 Sub See Explorer, 80 Suntrips, 33 Quinta Real Grand Class Hotels and Sustainable tourism/ecotourism, Resorts, 41 27–29 Swimming, Isla Mujeres, 96 Rainy season, 7 Reefs, 83 Tabos reef, 97 Restaurants Tacos, 44 Cancún, 70–77 Tamales, 44–45 Chichén Itzá, 134–135 Taquerías (taco joints), 46 Isla Mujeres, 107–109 Taxes, 54 tips on, 43–47 airport, 36 RoadPost, 31 value-added tax (IVA), 12 Taxis, 9, 10, 39 Isla Mujeres, 93–95 Sacred Cenote (Chichén Itzá), 130 Telephones, 30, 54–55 Safety, 19–21, 53 Isla Mujeres, 95 Sanborn Tours, 24 Temple of Jaguars (Chichén Itzá), 129 SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Temple of Obscure Writing (Chichén Hospitality), 22 Itzá), 132 Scams, 19, 21 Temple of Panels (Chichén Itzá), 131 Scorpions, 17–18 Temple of the Deer (Chichén Itzá), Scuba Cancún, 79–80 131 Scuba diving Temple of the First Inscriptions Cancún, 79–81 (Chichén Itzá), 132 Isla Mujeres, 97 Temple of the Frescoes (Tulum), Sculptured Spaces (Isla Mujeres), 100 118–120 Seasons, 7–8, 53 Temple of the Grinding Stones Isla Mujeres, 95 (Chichén Itzá), 131 Senior travelers, 24–25 Temple of the Lintels (Chichén Itzá), Shopping 132 Cancún, 85–87 Temple of the Skulls (Tzompantli; Isla Mujeres, 101–102 Chichén Itzá), 129 Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Temple of the Warriors (Templo de los 114–115 Guerreros; Chichén Itzá), 130 Sian Ka’an Tours, 115 Templo de los Dinteles (Chichén Itzá), Smoking, 53 132 Snorkeling Templo de los Guerreros (Temple of Cancún, 79–81 the Warriors; Chichén Itzá), 130 Isla Mujeres, 96–97 Templo de los Inscripciones Iniciales Sociedad Cooperativa Turística (Chichén Itzá), 132 (Isla Mujeres), 98, 101 Templo de los Tableros (Chichén Itzá), Society for Accessible Travel & 131 Hospitality (SATH), 22 Templo del Venado (Chichén Itzá), 131 South Africa, Embassy of, 51 Tennis, Cancún, 84 Special events, 53–54 10_145722 bindex.qxp 9/11/07 10:14 PM Page 151

ACCOMMODATIONS INDEX 151

Tequila, 47 United Vacations, 33 Tipping, 46, 55 US Airways, 8 Toll-free numbers, 30, 55 USIT, 27 Toll roads, 37 Tomb of the High Priest (Chichén Itzá), 131 VacationSpot, 41–42 Tortillas, 43 Value-added tax (IVA), 12, 46, 54 Total Assist, 51 Visa, traveler’s checks, 14 Tourist information, 5 Visitor information, 5 Isla Mujeres, 94 Isla Mujeres, 94 Tour operators, 35–36 Voice-over Internet protocol Tours (VoIP), 31 ATV, 83 Von Hauste (Isla Mujeres), 101–102 jet-ski, 81 VRBO (Vacation Rentals package, 33–34 by Owner), 41 Town and Country, 33 Travel Assistance International, 16 Travel CUTS, 27 Water, drinking, 55 Traveler’s checks, 14 Watersports, Cancún, 79–81 Travelers’ diarrhea (turista), 20 Websites Travelex Insurance Services, 15 best, 4, 32 Travel Guard International, 15 for hotels, 42 Traveling to Cancún, 8–9 traveler’s toolbox, 32 Travel insurance, 14–16 Whale & Dolphin Conservation Travel Insured International, 15 Society, 29, 99 TravelSafe, 15 Wi-Fi access, 31–32 Tread Lightly, 29 Women travelers, 26 Trek America, 35–36 Worldwide Assistance Services, 16 Trip-cancellation insurance, 15 Tropical storms, 7 Tulum, 117–122 Xcaret, 110, 112 Tumba del Gran Sacerdote Xel-Ha, 112–114 (Chichén Itzá), 131 Turista (travelers’ diarrhea), 20 Turtles, 99 Yoga, Isla Mujeres, 98 Tzompantli (Temple of the Skulls; Yucatan Peninsula Travel, 102 Chichén Itzá), 129 Yucatán Spiritual Mayan Tours, 34

Ultrafemme, 86 ona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), 2 United Kingdom Z consulate, 48 ACCOMMODATIONS customs regulations, 49 Ana y José (Tulum), 120 Embassy of, 51 Azulik (Tulum), 120–121 passports, 52 Blue Bay Getaway & Spa Cancún, sustainable tourism/ecotourism, 66–67 28–29 Cabañas Tulum, 122 travel insurance, 15 Casa de los Sueños Resort & Spa United States Zenter (Isla Mujeres), 102–103 consulate, 48 Cuzan Guesthouse (Punta Allen), 114 customs regulations, 49 Dreams Cancún Resort & Spa, 64–65 Embassy of, 50 El Bocadito (Cobá), 125 passports, 52 10_145722 bindex.qxp 9/11/07 10:14 PM Page 152

152 INDEX

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Villas Arqueológicas Chichén Itzá, 134 (Cancún), 58 Villas Arqueológicas Cobá, 125 Flamingo Cancún, 67 The Westin Resort & Spa Cancún, 66 Hacienda Chichén Resort, 133 Xbalamqué (Cancún), 69–70 Hilton Cancún Beach & Golf Resort, Zamas (Tulum), 121–122 58, 60 Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland RESTAURANTS (Chichén Itzá), 133–134 Aioli (Cancún), 70–71 Hotel Belmar (Isla Mujeres), 105 Angelo (Isla Mujeres), 107 Hotel Cabañas María del Mar (Isla Azafrán (Tulum), 122 Mujeres), 105 Café Cito (Isla Mujeres), 109 Hotel D’Gomar (Isla Mujeres), Casa de las Margaritas (Cancún), 105–106 71–72 Hotel Dolores Alba (Chichén Itzá), 134 Casa Rolandi (Cancún), 72 Hotel Francis Arlene (Isla Mujeres), Casa Rolandi (Isla Mujeres), 107 106 Charlie’s (Tulum), 122 Hotel Hacienda (Cancún), 69 Club Grill (Cancún), 71 Hotel Margaritas (Cancún), 68 Doña Tina (Tulum), 122 Hotel Na Balam (Isla Mujeres), 104 Don Cafeto’s (Tulum), 122 Hotel Posada del Mar (Isla Mujeres), Fiesta (Pisté), 135 106 Gustino (Cancún), 72 Hotel Villa Rolandi Gourmet & Beach Il Giardino (Tulum), 122 Club (Isla Mujeres), 103 Labná (Cancún), 76 JW Marriott (Cancún), 60, 62 La Destilería (Cancún), 74 Le Méridien Cancún Resort & Spa, 62 La Fisheria (Cancún), 74–75 Marriott Casa Magna (Cancún), 65 Laguna Grill (Cancún), 73 ME (Cancún), 65–66 La Habichuela (Cancún), 75 Oasis Viva Beach Cancún, 67–68 Lorenzillo’s (Cancún), 71 Posada Dos Ceibas (Tulum), 121 100% Natural, 76–77 Radisson Hacienda Cancún, 68 Paloma Bonita (Cancún), 73 Rancho Sol Caribe (Punta Allen), 114 Périco’s (Cancún), 75–76 Refugio del Pirata Morgan Pinguinos (Isla Mujeres), 108 (Cancún), 69 Pizza Rolandi (Cancún), 77 Rey del Caribe Hotel (Cancún), 68–69 Pizza Rolandi (Isla Mujeres), 108 Ritz-Carlton Cancún, 63 Puerto Madero (Cancún), 74 Riu Palace Las Américas (Cancún), Roots (Cancún), 77 63–64 Thai (Cancún), 75 Royal (Cancún), 64 Zazil Ha (Isla Mujeres), 108 Secreto (Isla Mujeres), 104–105