malbuquerque Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 I know there's been a couple of threads about Cancun recently but they focusedmore on other aspects of the trip (e.g. gear, safety, etc). So I'm posting thisslightly different question. What I would like to hear from those who have photographed there is which sitesshould be a priority during a 4-day trip this month, at what time of the day avisit is recommended and what are the technical aspects for shooting in theseplaces. In particular, what are in your opinion the best archeological sites orsmall towns (for photography) that can be reached in a day, what are the bestones to shoot during sunrise and sunset, an which locations are worth getting toat a given time of the day to catch the best light and avoid the crowds. Anysuggestions on shooting cenotes in the Yucatan? I tried to stay away from Cancun but most good hotels were sold out, so I'llhave to drive out of Cancun's hotel strip to get away. Your recoemmendationswould be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearhead Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 The sites close to Cancun are over-run. Is there a reason why you have to be in Cancun? I'd recommend driving across the peninsula and staying near the Pu'uc Route. Some spectacular sites and far fewer people since Club Med doesn't take people there. I went to the Cenote Zaci in Valladolid. Spectacular, and despite being huge and very well-known, no other visitors. I paid a local boy $2 for the "tour." Music and Portraits Blog: Life in Portugal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikep Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 Jeff hits the nail on the head. Not much to see in the 34 year old man made for the tourists and college kid town. venture out to the historic sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malbuquerque Posted March 16, 2007 Author Share Posted March 16, 2007 Jeff, Mike, thank you for your responses. I thought I'd have to get somewhat far from Cancun to find nice spots for photography. But unfortunately, this is going to be primarily a beach holiday for the family and we have paid for the Cancun hotel already. I don't mind driving 2 or 3 hours out and then back. So my first inclination was to drive to Chichen-Itza and stop along the way in Ek Balam. I could probably add to that a stop at the cenote Jeff recommends. I was also planning on visiting Coba and the Tulum ruins, but can't decide what would be the best time of day to be at all these places to get the most out of them. Besides these nearby sites, any other comes to mind? Is it worth going to Isla Contoy Bird Sanctuary or Rio Lagartos Nature Reserve to see the flamingos? Any particular small village that might have an old Mexico feel as opposed to a big American resort feel? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearhead Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 The best time of day for the archaelogical sites, especially the ones closer to Cancun, is as early in the morning as possible. There are two reasons for this - 1) it's a lot cooler at 9AM than later in the day, and 2) the tour buses from Club Med don't usually arrive until after 10. In order to see Chichen Itza early, I stayed down the road, but I guess that isn't an option for you, so rent a car and drive out early. Also, at Chichen Itza, you can avoid the crowds by wandering out of the main plaza towards some of the less restored areas. Some interesting buildings, although nothing as spectacular as the ball court or the one with all the pillars. Music and Portraits Blog: Life in Portugal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc_cc4 Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Hey, I also recommend driving to Talum, Uxamal, Merida. But a MUST this week and next week is Chichen Itza. During this time, morning and afternoon light produces the famous serpent ascending El Castilo's staircase. If you miss it, you can also see the sound and light show in the evening which recreates such phenomenon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim_Tardio Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Go to the airport near Cancun and book the short flight to Havana, Cuba. Spend a few days there instead. <p> Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearhead Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Uxmal and Merida are not a day trip from Cancun. Music and Portraits Blog: Life in Portugal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy_english Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 When driving in the "hotel zone" beware of the posted speeds. They change from 60 to 40 & back to 60 in just a short distance. The cops make their living of of "60 40 60 40". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drayphoto Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Take the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. It is wonderful. It is an old fishing village that has not been completely over run. Just google Isla Mujeres and you will see what I mean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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