Exchange Privileges

[dbourcy]

Hello,

We are traveling to the Maya during the first week of Dec.  Do we have exchange privileges with the Tucan/Quetzal?   

[MikeOKC]

You will have full exchange privileges.  Transportation to and from is on you.  Also you must be off the property by 6pm.  You are not allowed to eat dinner while on an exchange.

MikeOKC

[dbourcy]

Thanks MikeOKC.

If I am not mistaken we are allowed to eat lunch at the resort?  Does anybody recommend a visit to the resort.  I have read that the beach at the Tucan complex is more beautiful than the Paraiso complex.  We were thinking of spending the day and the resort and then heading into town at night.

[CoralReef]

Yes, you can eat lunch at the Tucan/Quetzal. We did so during our trip to the Maya in May.

We enjoyed visiting the Tucan for a change. I wouldn't say that the beach is *that* much prettier than at Playa Paraiso. A little calmer and more turquoise, maybe, but also more crowded. When we were there, there was a very steep dropoff (~3 ft.) carved into the sand between the lounge chairs and the ocean, but maybe that has improved after all the storms this fall. It was fun seeing the Tucan grounds, which are very jungle-y and have caves. Very different from the level, manicured gardens of the Paraiso complex.

Transportation is not included in the exchange, but you can take the free shuttle from the Maya to Playa del Carmen. The drop off point is only 1.25 miles ($4 taxi ride) north of the Tucan/Quetzal. You can also take the shuttle back to the Maya at night, although I think the last one leaves Playa at 9:30. Cabbing back would cost $20-25.