Hidden Cancun & the Yucatan: Including Cozumel, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Merida (Hidden Cancun and the Yucatan) (Paperback)

by Richard Harris (Author) "In Maya legend she is known as Xtabay-the forest goddess whose siren song lures solitary travelers deeper and deeper into the jungle, never to be..." (more)
Key Phrases: archaeological hotels, hotel zone, pollo pibil, Chichén Itzá, Quintana Roo, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Combining unique travel choices, outdoor adventures, and little-known locales into guides where vacations meet adventures, each title in the Hidden series also offers readers the comfort of detailed maps, internet information for each listing, author picks, suggested itineraries, and walking and driving tours. While Cancun has transformed from a small fishing village into multi-billion dollar tropical resorts -- and this book does recommend the best of them -- the true focus of this guide are the natural attractions, authentic historical sites, and outdoor activities of the Yucatan peninsula. Because so many of the Yucatan's attractions are obvious (Chitzen Itza's pyramids, the white-sand beaches), the less conspicuous can go unnoticed. For example, less than five percent of the visitors to Cancun make the short journey to the charming colonial capital of Merida. Hidden Cancun and the Yucatan always encourages readers to venture further, offering the descriptions and detailed information that will make them feel comfortable exploring lesser-visited areas. Details on 42 beaches, including 41 with swimming, 18 with snorkeling, 13 with windsurfing, 14 with beach hikes, and 12 with beach camping, are offered.

Product Details

• Paperback: 399 pages
• Publisher: Ulysses Press; 3rd edition (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569752923
• ISBN-13: 978-1569752920
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #597,742 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #24 in	Books > Travel > Latin America > Mexico > Cancun & Cozumel
  #29 in	Books > Travel > Latin America > Mexico > Yucatan Peninsula

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Read this BEFORE you plan your trip-- not much help after., September 15, 2004

By	V. Baldwin (boston, ma) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author has some good advice, lots of knowledge, his standards of cleanliness and quality are to be trusted, and seems to really like Mexico in general.

But listen,if you're going to Cancun to drink, lie in the sun, and never leave the grounds of your resort, then you don't need a guidebook, period. Cancun is like Orlando, FL. There is an Outback Steakhouse and a Burger King, for god's sake. The price you pay for this little slice of America is that once you're already in Cancun, it's an ordeal to get away from it. Just checking into a hotel seems like you've signed a contract in blood.
Which is why the author advocates AVOIDING Cancun, renting a car, and checking out the area AROUND Cancun. For this purpose, the book is excellent. Also, it's the kind of book you should read cover to cover before you ever buy a plane ticket or plan your trip. Like i mentioned above, trying to escape Cancun once you've figured out that it sucks is really difficult.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide book for the adventure minded traveler!, October 14, 2004

By	Bart Austin "THEY CALL ME THE FIREMAN. . .THA... (New Orleans) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book and "A Tourist in the Yucatan" (cool thriller set in the Yucatan) really made my recent Holiday in Mexico a complete success! I agree with the last reviewer, you don't need this guide book or any other if you don't plan on leaving Cancun, but if you want to see the real Yucatan this book is a great help. Good info on lodging, meals, the locals, the ruin sites. There is so much to do that you will want plane a second trip! I am going back next year!

0 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Library Book, September 1, 2005

By	Trebies "Treb" (PA) - See all my reviews

The book was stamped by a local library. Condition was average. Delivery was fast.