This is what the Yucatan Peninsula is known for.

Beach at Playa Del Carmen where turtles swim with people.

Rent your snorkeling gear and a safe to keep your phone and keys. Go swim with the turtles to your heart's content.

Our colorful hotel was facing the beach. We had beach access from our room on the ground floor. The room had a small kitchenette, living room and bedroom, sound of beach waves and a hammock. There was even a tiny corner store in the same building from where we got our bread, milk and coffee! 

For me, it was the perfect getaway spot. I could just lay there reading books, listening to music and hanging near the beach. I even went for a swim in the ocean. Unfortunately, for Nitin, it was a hell of a time with his swollen, painful knee. ​

Headed for a run, in our typical style, to explore the village.

An eventful trip to Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico that had to be cut short due to undesirable circumstances, but was still full of memories. This was not the first time we had hit a problem during our trip. But this was a set back with Nitin's ACL getting torn on the 2nd day of our 10 day vacay. In between trips to hospital, we managed to lose his new iphone and see a little bit of the country before we decided to return early to avoid further exacerbation of his injury.  

Broken leg but high spirits!

Exquisite Tulum ruins of Mayan Era

With a small entry fee, we spent a few hours exploring this well preserved Tulum campus. Nitin, being the person who never gives up, was excitedly hobbling around on one leg with his new friends in the form of crutches.

Nitin enjoyed the company of big fat Iguanas in Tulum.  He may be smiling here, but they were ready to crawl on him, which was really scary :)

Next we head to the interiors, to Valladolid, a village with colorful buildings and tourist friendly spots.

Our hotel was like a spiritual swelling. It was a sanctuary of tall trees, large veils and several bushes. 

Here on Sunday evenings, the village comes alive. Vehicles are prohibited from the main square, food vendors and musicians take over. Families and couples come out, enjoy food, dance a little and have a merry time. I don't think we have seen such a custom anywhere else in all these countries we have traveled to. We loved it.

Just like in all other Spanish colonies, the Playa de Armas has a beautifully lit Cathedral. Surrounding buildings are often museums and cool cafes for tourists to hang out. 

Continuing the running journey through the new town. This outdated church opposite to our hotel offered prayer services every evening after dark. The courtyard came alive with children playing and screaming. It reminded me very much of India when I was growing up and our only pass time was to go out and play with children from the neighborhood.

As we inched closer to ending the trip, we decided to make a quick trip to one of the nearby Cenotes. 

We enjoyed a long swim with the black fishes in this cool Cenote.