Cancun Mexico

Paradise Found - Beaches, Ruins, and Adventure

by and - last updated on 1/16/2025

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This trip to Mexico was taken by Celeste & Chelsea. This was because William, Jeremy and myself were in Vail, CO enjoying the snow. I am saddened to say that there were no pics taken while we were at Vail, however, as you will see in this post, Celeste & Chelsea took some good pics & had a fantastic time.

Cancun, Mexico, nestled along the Yucatan Peninsula's Caribbean coast, is a world-renowned destination celebrated for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. With its turquoise waters and powdery white sands, Cancun's beaches are legendary, offering endless opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore the region's rich history and Mayan heritage at nearby archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Cancun's bustling hotel zone is lined with luxurious resorts, bustling nightlife, and an array of dining and entertainment options. Adventure seekers can embark on thrilling excursions, such as snorkeling in the Great Mayan Reef or swimming in cenotes, natural underground sinkholes unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Cancun offers an unforgettable escape in a tropical paradise.

Waiting for the Tour Bus to Tulum Waiting for the Tour Bus to Tulum

Playa Del Carmen, waiting for the tour bus to Tulum to explore the Mayan ruins there. The ruins at Tulum are approximately 131 kilometers south of Cancun, and the route passes through Playa del Carmen.

Teaching a Giraffe to Talk? Teaching a Giraffe to Talk?

Chelsea is explaining to this giraffe, that she has been really good all year, and there is no reason why she should not get lots of nice Christmas presents.

What is the right way to eat Tacos? What is the right way to eat Tacos?

Chelsea is explaining to Celeste how to eat tacos. Celeste is listening politely, as she enjoys her meal.

Riu Palace Riviera Maya Pool Area 

Resort Pool Area Resort Pool Area
Resort Pool Area Resort Pool Area
Resort Pool Area Resort Pool Area

This is a nice set of pictures of the Riu Palace Riviera Maya Resort that Chelsea & Celeste stayed at, you can see the Gulf of Mexico in the background. Ah, Mexico in the winter time is nice!

Resort Beach Area Resort Beach Area
Resort Beach Area Resort Beach Area
Resort Beach Area Resort Beach Area

When you get to the beach early enough, you get your pick of the beach chairs! This rule applies equally to cruise ships ! All joking aside, the beach was a really nice place to relax and work on one's tan.

Am I lost?
Hmm, turn left at the Lemon Shack? Hmm, turn left at the Lemon Shack?

Celeste is apparently reading the resort documentation - probably to determine what the next fun thing to do would be.

Do I Have to Pay for These? Do I Have to Pay for These?

I think Celeste was about to pick up a lime from the basket, when Chelsea snuck up and took this picture!

Hiking around the Resort 

A description and images from a 2007 Trip to Mexico.Hiking around the Resort
A description and images from a 2007 Trip to Mexico.Hiking around the Resort

Chelsea & Celeste were out exploring the resort and came across this interesting spot. While the Lipford girls were exploring, a nice tourist took this picture of them. Beautiful day for a stroll!

Some of the Local Critters 

A description and images from a 2007 Trip to Mexico.Some of the Local Critters
A description and images from a 2007 Trip to Mexico.Some of the Local Critters

One of the local Mexican critters letting the Lipford Girls know that they were getting too close.

The turtle didn't mind people, and swam over to have it's picture taken.

Where is that Waiter? 

A description and images from a 2007 Trip to Mexico.Where is that Waiter?
A description and images from a 2007 Trip to Mexico.Where is that Waiter?

Everyone waiting for the bar waiter to show up again. Gives you an idea of how laid-back it is there doesn't it?

Quick, somebody get up and go grab that waitress! If we don't get our drink order in, it could be 10 minutes or more before she comes back again.

Somebody hand her the suntan Lotion! 

A description and images from a 2007 Trip to Mexico.Tanning Time

A vacation moment; Chelsea is working on her tan, relaxing.

Daytime Entertainment 

Daytime Entertainment Daytime Entertainment
Horse Show Entertainment Horse Show Entertainment
Entertainment has Arrived Entertainment has Arrived

Entertainment during the day consisted of various types of performers, some on horseback and others in costume - performing various types of typical local activities. All of these performers were very good and as these daytime shows were included in our resort fees, we were able to enjoy them without additional cost.

Evening Entertainment 

Evening Entertainers Evening Entertainers
Evening Entertainer Costume Evening Entertainer Costume
Evening Entertainment Dancers Evening Entertainment Dancers

As you can see in the above images, there were a number of performers all in costume, ready to start the evening's entertainment. Once everyone went inside the entertainment area, they put on quite a show. Unfortunately, the lighting inside was very low level and most of our images were washed out due to the high intensity entertainment lights.

They had some nice hats there! 

How to buy a Hat How to buy a Hat
Does this hat look Good? Does this hat look Good?
I Like this Hat! I Like this Hat!

Image # 1: Does this hat look good on me? Should I bring it back to Virginia when we leave?

Image # 2 and 3: After Chelsea saw how nice Celeste looked in that hat, she thought that she might want to get a hat for herself.

And this concludes their trip to Mexico, they flew back to Virginia where by now, William, Jeremy and I had also returned from Vail, CO. Needless to say, their tans were a lot better than ours!

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