Easier now for Ukrainians and Russians to travel to Mexico

[GQBlues]

Mexico is fine.

I wouldn't go to Kabul or Baghdad anymore than I would go to Juarez. That's just plain nuts and what would be the point of going to those places? Jaurez is so volatile it made it on Modern Warfare, where Kabul and Baghdad has not. But Mexico is huge and there's far more places one can go and find it sanely and safe. Matter of fact, fabulous.

We love skipping down to Cabo San Lucas whenever our schedule permits us to do so. It's roughly a 2 hour fly about and we find it fun and greatly relaxing....

Sure, you get by the seaside and the locals will gladly offer you anything from Jet skis, Cuban cigars, waterside horseback riding, parasailing, scuba diving; as casually as they'll offer weed, coke or heroin....

Dangerous, IMO, no. Fun? Definitely.

Per capita, Detroit, a city by itself, is far more dangerous than any other place there is...but it doesn't mean the US, as a country as a whole, is as dangerous...

[dbneeley]

First, let me say that I have loved Mexico since I first visited there when I was about twelve or thirteen. I have traveled extensively throughout the country and spent period of up to three months at a time there. My much-loved sister in law is Mexican, I lived on the border for some years and my brother and his family live in Brownsville as they have for over forty years. Although somewhat rusty, I also speak reasonably good Spanish.

During my trip this past Summer, I visited my brother and made one brief trip over the border to a pharmacy in Matamoros. I saw many soldiers there, all heavily armed--and while we were waiting in line to get to the bridge, there was a shot to our right and a man began running away, only to be stopped first by two bystanders and then piled on by a group of soldiers.

Apparently, this sort of thing is now common in most border communities as well as in Monterey. You may have read of the many who were killed this past week down in Acapulco--a heavily tourist-laden area. It seems that no place in the country is now immune from the violence.

This pains me greatly, but it would not be excessive to say that prudence should be a watchword if you plan to visit anywhere in the country these days.

David

[chivo]

David, all you did was visit a place where much of the notorious activity is. Any border town is considered dangerous as most of the murders happen there.

Mexico is fine.

I wouldn't go to Kabul or Baghdad anymore than I would go to Juarez. That's just plain nuts and what would be the point of going to those places? Jaurez is so volatile it made it on Modern Warfare, where Kabul and Baghdad has not. But Mexico is huge and there's far more places one can go and find it sanely and safe. Matter of fact, fabulous.

We love skipping down to Cabo San Lucas whenever our schedule permits us to do so. It's roughly a 2 hour fly about and we find it fun and greatly relaxing....

Sure, you get by the seaside and the locals will gladly offer you anything from Jet skis, Cuban cigars, waterside horseback riding, parasailing, scuba diving; as casually as they'll offer weed, coke or heroin....

Dangerous, IMO, no. Fun? Definitely.

Per capita, Detroit, a city by itself, is far more dangerous than any other place there is...but it doesn't mean the US, as a country as a whole, is as dangerous...

Exactly!

If you look at this murder statistic for 2010 which is the first one that popped up on google you'll see that there are more murders per capita in America than Mexico. What kills me is the arrogance of some Americans about this (and many other things like corruption, extortion, the drug trade, etc.) like it doesn't happen there. It's downright laughable. http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_mur-crime-murders

The fact is if you took away Juarez, the murder rate in Mexico wouldn't even be close to what it is in America. Actually Russia is worse than both countries . Gee maybe I should just stay in my house so I don't get killed

If one was to take it one step further and look at regions one will find that cities like New Orleans, Detroit, Los Angeles, etc. have a much higher incidence of murder than areas, even the highly publicized areas of Mexico, excluding Juarez.

More than a million Americans call Mexico home, although this cannot be documented because many live there unregister red, so this is an estimate, but most people in the know agree on this number for sake of argument. Still live there as we speak BTW.

Fear and paranoia are ugly things, mostly driven by ignorance.

Again, let's keep things in perspective.

P.S. Here's another stat about the most dangerous places to live. Juarez is #2. Oh look who's at #4, why it is New Orleans. What is funny is that my friend Natasha was just there and we talked by SKYPE over the New Year holiday and she told me that she just loves New Orleans. If only she knew
http://www.wonders-world.com/2010/03/top-5-most-dangerous-cities-for-live-of.html

[dbneeley]

Chivo,

As usual, the "devil is in the details" when quoting statistics.

In cases like New Orleans or Detroit, a very large percentage of murders happen in neighborhoods where most tourists would never go. In the case of Mexico, increasingly the problems are often not only where tourists or foreign residents might go, at times they are actually targeted at such people.

General violent crime statistics are often fairly useless when it comes to this sort of analysis, I'm afraid...and being "politically correct" can be a dangerous attribute at times. 

For example, I lived for some time in the Los Angeles area. In those years, there were huge problems in some parts of the city--especially in the South Central area--but few problems elsewhere. If you chose to live in one of the gang areas, you could be shot simply because you wore the wrong color jacket on the wrong side of a particular street. (That happened to the elderly father of an acquaintance of mine, in fact.)

As for Mexico, I am well aware of the expatriate community there. I am also aware that increasing numbers of them have had sufficient problems in their communities that they are beginning to return to the U.S. I have been in touch with three such families myself, in fact.

David

[chivo]

Chivo,

As usual, the "devil is in the details" when quoting statistics.

In cases like New Orleans or Detroit, a very large percentage of murders happen in neighborhoods where most tourists would never go. In the case of Mexico, increasingly the problems are often not only where tourists or foreign residents might go, at times they are actually targeted at such people.

General violent crime statistics are often fairly useless when it comes to this sort of analysis, I'm afraid...and being "politically correct" can be a dangerous attribute at times. 

For example, I lived for some time in the Los Angeles area. In those years, there were huge problems in some parts of the city--especially in the South Central area--but few problems elsewhere. If you chose to live in one of the gang areas, you could be shot simply because you wore the wrong color jacket on the wrong side of a particular street. (That happened to the elderly father of an acquaintance of mine, in fact.)

As for Mexico, I am well aware of the expatriate community there. I am also aware that increasing numbers of them have had sufficient problems in their communities that they are beginning to return to the U.S. I have been in touch with three such families myself, in fact.

David

If you think that South Central LA in the only area that's dangerous you don't know LA very well. But just for the record South Central makes up about 15-20% of LA's city limits with a population of around 600,000.

I could drop you off in other areas all around the metropolitan area that would be as if not more dangerous. Half of Long Beach has a higher murder rate than LA per capita (pop. about 500,000). Santa Ana in Orange County, parts of Ventura, Ontario and Riverside in San Bernandino County are incredibly dangerous areas to be in at night, not to mention other areas in LA like Echo Park, Rampart, Baldwin Hills, and Boyle Heights.

Just a little story. I got into a traffic accident by LAX airport on the other side by the 105 freeway. The other driver clearly ran the red light and barrelled into me. He refuse to take blame and I was left no choice but to call the police. The police politely informed me that if no one was killed in the accident they simply didn't have enough police to help me as they had much more important situations to deal with and no car would be dispatched to the accident...sorry. Thats how much crime is going on in that area.

That's why I used LA as an example (microcosm) for Mexico. 90% of my life was spent there.

I also spent some time in Houston and can tell you that some areas of that town are extremely dangerous to be in; South Belaire, 4th and 5th wards, some areas of Pasadena just to name a few places where me, you or anyone wouldn't want to be at night. Houston has had a few years where it was the #1 murder capital of America.

Again (and for the last time) if you exclude Juarez where 50% of the killings in Mexico take place you get an idea of how the killings are localized. In the 2 sensational articles posted in this thread not 1 American was involved. Most of the people who are murdered are involved in the drug trade, even the Americans for the most part that have been murdered that I have read about were connected with the drug trade. There will always be innocent bystanders.

Do you really think they just rounded up 50-60 people at once and murdered them? The cartels are run by smart people. They know that these types of killings will get headlines and attention. These are not random acts but calculated ones.

And if you want to hang in Cancun for the upcoming spring break, well its too late...booked solid.

[ECOCKS]

Struggling to recall even a hint of anything like this allegedly occurring in Ukraine...

Canadian tourist accuses Mexican police of raping her
Police deny reports woman beaten, repeatedly raped, robbed

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/01/17/mexico-alleged-rape-assault.html

So NOT the memory I would want to have of taking my gal (wife or GF) on a romantic vacation trip to Cancun.

[acctBill]

If you think that South Central LA in the only area that's dangerous you don't know LA very well. But just for the record South Central makes up about 15-20% of LA's city limits with a population of around 600,000.

I could drop you off in other areas all around the metropolitan area that would be as if not more dangerous. Half of Long Beach has a higher murder rate than LA per capita (pop. about 500,000). Santa Ana in Orange County, parts of Ventura, Ontario and Riverside in San Bernandino County are incredibly dangerous areas to be in at night, not to mention other areas in LA like Echo Park, Rampart, Baldwin Hills, and Boyle Heights.

Just a little story. I got into a traffic accident by LAX airport on the other side by the 105 freeway. The other driver clearly ran the red light and barrelled into me. He refuse to take blame and I was left no choice but to call the police. The police politely informed me that if no one was killed in the accident they simply didn't have enough police to help me as they had much more important situations to deal with and no car would be dispatched to the accident...sorry. Thats how much crime is going on in that area.

That's why I used LA as an example (microcosm) for Mexico. 90% of my life was spent there.

I also spent some time in Houston and can tell you that some areas of that town are extremely dangerous to be in; South Belaire, 4th and 5th wards, some areas of Pasadena just to name a few places where me, you or anyone wouldn't want to be at night. Houston has had a few years where it was the #1 murder capital of America.

Again (and for the last time) if you exclude Juarez where 50% of the killings in Mexico take place you get an idea of how the killings are localized. In the 2 sensational articles posted in this thread not 1 American was involved. Most of the people who are murdered are involved in the drug trade, even the Americans for the most part that have been murdered that I have read about were connected with the drug trade. There will always be innocent bystanders.

Do you really think they just rounded up 50-60 people at once and murdered them? The cartels are run by smart people. They know that these types of killings will get headlines and attention. These are not random acts but calculated ones.

And if you want to hang in Cancun for the upcoming spring break, well its too late...booked solid.

Chivo what online travel agency did you use to check bookings for Cancun?   I just checked trips to Cancun, flight and hotel, originating in LAX and JFK to Cancun for end of February through end of March. Expedia and Travelocity both showed plenty of available flights and hotel rooms available.  

I also checked the seat availability on airlines that offered it, AA, Delta, United, all had seats available, even aisle seats.  Hotel rooms?  Lots still available, cheap rates, perfect for college kids on spring break.

On Expedia the resorts in Cancun are offering specials during spring break!!!  An example, just one of many - Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort, $828.96 per person double occupancy includes Flight + Hotel, Taxes & Fees.  Depart: 6 Mar 10:20 AM - 3:36 PM US Airways  Newark (EWR) to Cancun (CUN) Return:13 Mar  6:55 AM - 3:13 PM    US Airways Cancun (CUN) to Newark (EWR)  + US$150 Resort Credit. All this available during spring break.  This is a highly rated resort according to the reviews on Expedia.  

[ECOCKS]

Due to the economy and security concerns, there are fantastic buys, highly discounted on cruises and the all-inclusive hotels down there.

Just be sure you understand the change and continuing trend in the environment down there.

[GQBlues]

Bill-

There was a recent 'news' that came out saying cruise ships are leaving its ports in Long Beach, soCA which they attributed to lack of business due to the violence in Mexico. Many of the ships are in fact 'leaving' but not because of the MSN cited reason.

Many of the ships are getting pulled out because of a long overdue maintenance schedule. Many are also getting replacements with a more technologically, recently-fitted, sound fleet.

Here's a crusing blog/forum that touched on this, plus it also gives light to the paranoia being exchanged in this thread.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1340181

[acctBill]

Bill-

There was a recent 'news' that came out saying cruise ships are leaving its ports in Long Beach, soCA which they attributed to lack of business due to the violence in Mexico. Many of the ships are in fact 'leaving' but not because of the MSN cited reason.

Many of the ships are getting pulled out because of a long overdue maintenance schedule. Many are also getting replacements with a more technologically, recently-fitted, sound fleet.

Here's a crusing blog/forum that touched on this, plus it also gives light to the paranoia being exchanged in this thread.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1340181

That's what I've been hearing.  I was in New York for a few days earlier this month and saw many deals on flights and hotels for spring break in Cancun. 

[chivo]

Struggling to recall even a hint of anything like this allegedly occurring in Ukraine...

Canadian tourist accuses Mexican police of raping her
Police deny reports woman beaten, repeatedly raped, robbed

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/01/17/mexico-alleged-rape-assault.html

So NOT the memory I would want to have of taking my gal (wife or GF) on a romantic vacation trip to Cancun.

"after several rum and cola drinks"

Two drunk ass people getting into it with the local authorities, OK I believe them. And even if it did happen, I blame these idiots for not respecting and understanding where they were. I wouldn't do or act like that in my own country, much less someone else's.

Tell you what, why don't you come to Russia/Ukraine/Belarus, etc. with your honey and get drunk on your ass as well as in a drunken confrontation with the local police and see what pleasant memories you have? The more you post these idiotic articles, the more silly your point is. Oh, and keep raising the bold font, it really makes your point .

Chivo what online travel agency did you use to check bookings for Cancun?

You're right. Actually what I read was that it was 90% booked for a certain week. Remember that in reality spring break typically lasts for the WHOLE month of March. But, since we're being sensational, I thought why not stretch the truth...a little . So, I stand corrected and yes some hotels are still available, but that is hardly the point here as literally 1000's upon 1000's of people go there. If you wanted to tell me not to go because of the young crowds, then I would agree 100% (not 90% ).

Now for some on point perspective and not some sensational article that you can find on just about any country, anywhere (but since it's Mexico and Mexico is the squeaky wheel at the moment, it's "big news").

The murders started back in 2007 after Calderon took office and began a military crackdown on the cartels. Here's some action from last year's spring break, 2010. Do these people looked worried about being rounded up and murdered by the drug cartels?  Struggling to recall any of them being murdered also.

And the only thing sensational about these videos is the ass on some of those girls.

[ECOCKS]

Don't worry Chivo, when it comes to idiotic posts, you remain solidly in the Top 5. Keep trying to prove yourself useful for anything except providing traffic directions for the Russian-bound, someday it may pay off and someone will take you seriously.

[tfcrew]

"after several rum and cola drinks"

Two drunk ass people getting into it with the local authorities, OK I believe them. And even if it did happen, I blame these idiots for not respecting and understanding where they were. I wouldn't do or act like that in my own country, much less someone else's....And the only thing sensational about these videos is the ass on some of those girls.... 
 

How pius. Just what did you do New Years Eve...stay home and watch Girls Gone Wild?  You 'believe them'. Who, the couple or the sterling sweet Mexican officials? 
 
   
 

[chivo]

Don't worry Chivo, when it comes to idiotic posts, you remain solidly in the Top 5. Keep trying to prove yourself useful for anything except providing traffic directions for the Russian-bound, someday it may pay off and someone will take you seriously.

Now there's a strong case for your point. I see that name calling is where you're going as your facts carry little weight. OK ill play.

Dear EKOOK, I have been on this board for many years and rarely give my opinion on things just to give an opinion as my 420+ posts over that time would suggest. When I do I make sure I know what I'm talking about based on facts or firsthand experience. I don't just want to give an opinion for the sake of giving an opinion.

You on the other hand will give your opinion on a beetle race in the dead of winter or which way the wind blows and some of your opinions have been bizarre to say the least. Back away from the posts and start giving an opinion where you actually know what you're talking about based on facts instead of your usual tripe on every subject under the sun and on every fora known to man. That way most of your posts won’t seem so watered down and many won’t realize just how paranoid of life you are.

Judging by the PM's I have received over the years by mostly lurkers and a few members, your assessment couldn't be further from the truth, but in your bizarre world I’m sure it makes sense. And just for the record, 3 regular posters who easily are some of the most, if not the most respected on this board AJ, GQ and Gator don't exactly side with you in this thread.

I disagreed with you on this and gave my facts to such. You selected particular proof in isolated cases and make sweeping generalizations. My guess is you haven't been to Mexico in years, easily more than 10, but probably closer to 20. While you'll never admit the truth to this, I know for sure it's been more than 10. You also seem to have problems with anyone who disagrees with you.

Oh, and BOO!!!!!, hurry go get your gun .

How pius. Just what did you do New Years Eve...stay home and watch Girls Gone Wild?  You 'believe them'. Who, the couple or the sterling sweet Mexican officials?   

TFFcrew
I stayed home and brought in the New Year with my lady. We watched a variety show that they normally air here with famous Russian celebrities, in Russian BTW, which I'm sure you're proficient at.

I can only guess you've never been to any spring break anywhere. These type of activities go on at spring break jaunts everywhere ( like Lake Havasu, Arizona for instance). You need to get out more. The point which obviously escapes you and EKOOK, is that 100's of thousands go to Mexico without being in harms way, not what people do during their spring break.

I don't know about you, but it isn't pius to be respectful in another's country either, it's normal and should be normal in your own country also. Sorry, I don't think I'm special by NOT disrespecting the local authorities and acting like a fool when I drink. I have been stopped here in Russia after I have been drinking for no apparent reason and have been asked for money, also for no apparent reason. Should I argue with the nice officers, or should I know what I should do in this situation right or wrong? It does at time depend on the situation, but if I'm drunk, well.

If or when I have a similar situation here as these two people did, I will walk away, usually as fast as possible. It has happened before and while I might (probably not but...) act differently in my country, I won't in another. I don't care whether I'm right or wrong, I get out or away from the situation as quickly as possible. What is better to you, being/staying alive and safe even though the authorities or another person is wrong, or being "dead" right?

The ugly (North) American I see is alive and well.

It really doesn't matter who I believe in this situation. The point is you don't put your drunken self, much less sober self, in these situations in another country whether you think you're right or not. These people, if they had any brains at all should have just walked away, with no harm done but deal with some other drunk’s advances. And yes if you're 51 and still wear your hair in a ponytail with pierced ears, maybe you need to recognize that 1) you're 51, and 2) maybe, just maybe you might be stereotyped in another country.

The Mexican authorities have never been the most hospitable people since the beginning of time. When you travel, know where you're going and who you're dealing with.   

[ECOCKS]

Name-calling? So when you say my post was idiotic (or deliberately abuse a user name which I think is also violation of the rules here), it's okay because you are so smugly self-righteous, but if I say it I'm somehow name-calling? Right. That whole reality thing is so troublesome to you I am sure.

But it is true that the friends network is active. The mutual friends/acquaintances we have enjoyed passing along particulars of your life leading to this point. It reinforced the impression I already had formed of your personality and skills, while confirming the initial gauging of your credibility. The number of folks who buy into your advice pay the price I am sure and I wish them the best of luck, they'll need it.

How cute that you want to claim "votes" of who supports you and who doesn't on an Internet forum with about 40 regular users, it would seem you're the one who lives in a paranoid state where any little demonstration that you might have validity and credibility in your life is grabbed and bandied about for bragging rights, ah well....

Try to develop your own strength of character to where you can be confident of your position in your own mind based upon your own research and beliefs. Try talking about the topic rather than the source.

As for Mexico, you need to learn to read. Rational people form their own opinions and live their lives as numerous folks here have advised. It's equally obvious to me that I have been there more than you have over the last 10 years although that, in itself means nothing. Data, news and analysis of credible individuals is out there for those who care to research them and learn for themselves. You don't want/want to go there? Fine and dandy, state your opinion and analyze your facts as to how you arrived at it. The trend is clear and the facts of corruption and danger are prevalent in the headlines, government statements and tourist industry summaries. People should understand the situation and make their assessment as to willingness to accept risk.

Oh, and "Boo!" now go grab your head and pull it out of your ass.

[tfcrew]

 
  TFcrew
 I can only guess you've never been to any spring break anywhere.     

Went to Ft Lauderdale years ago. Those beach cops there had no mercy either I noticed.
Never have been much of a drinking guy.

[Jumper]

My point in this thread earlier  was pointing out the irony of a safety issue in Mexico
to the average FSU inhabitant traveling to a resort there.

The thread was not about was Mexico  a safe place respectively for an American family to visit.

The thread started as showing that FSU residents could now get a visa to vacation there more freely.

So the respective safety should be between the FSU residents daily lives,  and typical vacation or holiday risks of travel to ,and at  a mexican resort.
(or Turkey,Egypt , cyprus, Dominican Rep,  or any other popular Russian place to go )

Sadly todays events dont do much to change my mind that the average FSU citizen is as safe or safer at any resort in Riv maya mexico, as they are in their average housing situation in the FSU or traveling to any of the other popular holiday destinations.


In the FSU certain things are simply taken for granted by any RW ,to not walk home alone late ..
to have several locks on your door.
there are sound reasons for that.

Should they be aware of dangers in mexico? absolutely.
 should they feel it an unsafe place to vacation in a resort there, in relative comparison to their typical residential area of a provincial FSU city?

Compare average FSU daily life - you know the FSU women that men  might invite to vacation in mexico?
- to relative safety of a normal Mexican resort.

[Gator]

My RW SO and I just returned from Tulum, Mexico.  We were attacked one evening by the local members of the notorious and well documented ANOPHELES family!!! 

They came from the mangroves propelled by the diurnal coastal wind shift.  The next night we confronted them successfully with Off, calamine lotion and tightly secured bed netting (we were staying on the beach in a eco chic dacha with lights for just 5 hours per night http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150813-d520443-Reviews-Cabanas_Retiro_Maya-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html#REVIEWS ).

Stayed a few days at the larger resort town of Carmen de Playa near Cozumel.    More laid back than the hustling Cancun, yet plenty of entertainment and fusion restaurants galore.  Young Italians everywhere.   The predominant expat population is Italian.  Police armed with automatic weapons everywhere.  At one busy intersection, I saw police on one side and on the other it appeared that drug dealers were selling to Gringos. 

My recommendation is Go!

[Gylden]

Gator, Did you happen to drop by Casa Cenote?

[Gator]

Gator, Did you happen to drop by Casa Cenote?

I saw a couple of cenotes but can not remember their names.  Very impressive even though I am from Florida where we have plenty of sinkholes.

[Gator]

Upon our return, just 3-4 km from my house a mother shot and killed her two children.  Trouble can be found anywhere.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/jan/28/281239/police-investigating-double-homicide-in-new-tampa/ 

[SANDRO43]

Stayed a few days at the larger resort town of Carmen de Playa near Cozumel. 

Is that Playa del Carmen ?

[Jumper]

Is that Playa del Carmen ?

Sandro  lol
Yes i'm sure it is Playa del Carmen
It is one of my favorite vacation locations.

Gator, where did you stay in Playa? (i'm only guessing near a golf course)
did you take the ferry over to Cozumel?
Hit the touristy Xcaret?

[Gator]

Yes, it is Carmen's Beach or Playa del Carmen.   

To address AJ's questions about what we did -  hang out doing nothing.  I was still recovering from a concussion and got dizzy when climbing the Mayan ruins.  So my pace was not as active as I normally prefer, and this was to her liking  (she has always complained in the past about my wanting to do too much rather than just rest in nature).  I watched the NFL playoffs and she did not complain (she could be a keeper).
 
No golf  and no all-inclusive hotels.  We took the public bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, and after a few days I rented a car so we explored on our own.  Driving was easy, and I even used a rental car company with a remote dropoff. 

No Xcaret or other Disney type experiences.   Besides the Mayan ruins, we ventured into the Sian Ka'an Biosphere (million acres south of Tulum) for some kayaking (with a guide).  The long bumpy ride getting there  made me dizzy, so it was a joy to paddle for a few hours.  Although nothing special to see considering that I am surrounded by much of the same wildlife and mangroves here, my RW liked it.  It was refreshing to observe the Mexican restrictions on development to protect this valuable nursery for the sea (e.g., only 8% of a privately owned parcel can be disturbed). 

I was thinking about a ferry ride to Cozumel but I got turned off upon seeing the cruise ships' ferry dump hundreds of tourists at the dock in Playa del Carmen.  I had planned a ferry to Punta Allen (well south of Tulum) but we were too lazy.

In Playa del Carmen we stayed at the Hotel Adventura Mexican.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150812-d226759-Reviews-Hotel_Aventura_Mexicana-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html 

It was perfect for my simple tastes, and not expensive, and was an easy walk from both the older central part and the newer areas with better restaurants.   The only drawback was a three block walk to the beach.  Yet I have stayed at all inclusive hotels in Turkey with a longer walk.

For a good time at night I suggest the Coco  Bongo Night Club.  It did not start until around midnight and we ere always asleep (but everyone who went loved it).  $45 per person including all the drinks you want if you tip.   We were in Miami earlier and she had a great time at the Cuban night clubs which started around 9:30-10:00 and served a delicious mojito. 


Entering Mexico was not difficult although not as easy as the DR.   The Passport Control Officer found my RW's tourist visa to the USA and wrote the numbers down before stamping it (less than  one minute).



   

[SANDRO43]

Yes, it is Carmen's Beach

In English it would not be Carmen's Beach but Carmel Beach : Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of Cancún and the patroness of the Carmelite Order, named from Mount Carmel in northern Israel - in Hebrew Har HaKarmel (הַר הַכַּרְמֶל‎‎) means God's vineyard.

Mount Carmel