As per usual I went against all my friend’s advice and went backpacking in Cancun SOLO! You heard that right S-O-L-O! Now many of you would ask why I would go alone? Simply because all my favourite people were busy: adulting, having babies, getting married and unavailable to accompany me. I felt a bit silly going to a resort by myself and I am not a resort girl so backpacking was my best bet and it was the best decision I made!
Favourite Words of Choice:
Picante= Spicy/Hot
Hola = Hi
No hable Espaniol = I don’t speak Spanish
Stay: Selina Hostel $15 CAD Night *Note I am not affiliated with Selina Hostel in any way and this is not an #AD
Selina offers female only dorms and has a very fun, friendly and clean adult vibe with amazing music. Selina also offers Vegan and Vegetarian Options at its own restaurant. Book Here: https://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/kim-mayab-cancun.en.html?aid=1820024&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1
Must Do’s:
1. Go on a Eat Mexico Food Tour
I got invited to do a complimentary food tour with Eat Mexico and it was amazing! I would not mind paying for it if I had to. I had never thought about doing a food tour ever before but it’s the perfect introduction to local foods and especially for me because I eat halal. The tour guide was able to modify the tour to accommodate my religious food needs and it was really appreciated! After I did the tour I knew what I liked and did not like and was able to go back to the same local places to eat! I also met some great friends! Book here: https://eatmexico.com
2. Visit Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is a set of Mayan Ruins in the province of Yucatánand takes a few hours from Cancun to get to. The ancient city is one of the largest in Mexico, developed and lived in by the Mayan people in 600 A.D. It’s a must see if you go to Cancun and day trips can be arranged for an affordable price through the hostel.
3. Swim in a Cenote (Usually part of the Chichen Itza Day Tour Package)
A Cenote is a natural sink hole/ underground river. The water is cold and the colour is a beautiful turquoise with beautiful fishes swimming. It is a very majestic feeling to swim in a Cenote. Little did I know but discovered recently Cenotes were also used to sacrifice objects and human beings as a form of worship by the Mayan people to the Rain God.
4. Visit Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an Island popular for its snorkelling and beautiful waters. There is a lot of cool art work and little cafes and restaurants to check out here. I would recommend staying a night here to get the most bang out of your buck. Easiest way to get here is taking a local taxi to the terminal Puerto Juzarez where boats run often to the island. There are a ton of Iguanas on the island which are really cool to observe.
5. Take a picture with the Cancun Sign & Explore downtown Cancun also knows as Zona Hotelera
