the ferry from puerto juarez is fine but if you're staying in the hotel zone you can also catch the ultramar from the embarcadero at km 4.5, saves you a taxi ride and it's the same price. also for chichen itza, the guided tours often stop at a cenote on the way back, but if you go on your own you can skip the tourist trap lunch stop and eat at the little fondas just outside the entrance for half the price

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yeah the bus tip is key, the R-1 runs all night so you can stumble back from coco bongo without paying for a taxi. also for day 3, if you do chichen itza bring a bathing suit and towel, the cenote ik kil is right on the way back and most tours include a stop there, it's the big open one with vines hanging down, totally worth the plunge even if it's crowded

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Great guide, really solid. One thing I'd add for the markets is that Mercado 28 shuts down around 6 or 7 PM on weekdays, so don't save it for last. Also, if you're at Parque de las Palapas, grab a marquesita from one of the carts near the church, it's a crispy rolled crepe with Edam cheese and Nutella or cajeta, like 30 pesos and way better than the touristy ones in the hotel zone.

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honestly the guide's pretty spot on. one thing i'd mention is that coco bongo's cover is steep but the show itself is worth it at least once, just don't go expecting a normal club night. it's more like a cirque du soleil show with drinks. if you're on a budget, the cover at mandala gets you into the city too since they're connected, so you can bounce between both without paying again.

for a different vibe, check out the rooftop at the ritz carlton if you want something classy. it's pricey but the view of the lagoon at sunset is unreal and they don't let the crowd get too rowdy. also, if you're downtown and want cheap food after drinking, the taco stands on avenida 20 de noviembre are open til 3am and way better than the hotel zone stuff. just bring cash, most don't take cards

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the guide's right about taxis but just a heads up, the hotel zone ones will try to charge you more after midnight. always ask the fare before u get in and if it sounds high just wait for the next one. also if you're staying in the hotel zone and wanna avoid the $15 rides, the R1 bus runs all night down kukulcan for like 12 pesos. it's safe and full of other people going to the same clubs, just watch ur phone.

for downtown i'd add that la vaquita gets packed on weekends and the bathroom line is brutal. bar bar is more chill but the karaoke crowd can be hit or miss. if you want something in between try la santa, it's a block off tulum and has a mezcal selection that's way better than most spots, plus it doesn't get that touristy until later

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This is a solid guide, really covers the main spots. One thing I would add is that many of the Hotel Zone clubs, especially Mandala and Coco Bongo, offer guest list entry if you find their promoters on social media before your trip. You can often skip the cover charge or get a discounted open bar wristband if you arrive before 11 PM. I've done it a few times and it saved me about $30 each night. Also, for a more relaxed start to the evening, the rooftop bar at Selina Cancun in the Hotel Zone has great views of the lagoon and a younger crowd, good for pre-gaming without the hotel lobby prices.

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