Discoverymundo Blog

Author: Johanna Lee

  • High Roller Cancun

    High Roller Cancun

    Located at La Isla Shopping Village Cancun and with 60 meters tall you can have a beautiful view of its hotel zone. It has joined to a selected group of cities around the world with the same exact attraction to enjoy a urban landscape: London, Paris and Vegas.

    The big wheel is built with the latest Dutch technology and has 42 glass viewing pods for up to six people. When you enjoy the ride it takes 25 minutes operating at day and night. An experience you will enjoy from the skies watching the stunning vistas of the Caribbean, Nichupte Lagoon and the Hotel Zone.  

    La Isla Shopping Village is set to expand and the High Roller will be moved eventually to the second phase of the shopping center which is under construction right now.

    High Roller Cancun is ready to receive 3 million visits per day. It is ensured that in case of hurricanes in Cancun between May and November of each year, will not be a problem cause it counts with a contingency plan to guarantee the security of the users. It was inaugurated on March and now it is open to the public, complying with all safety requirements. The director of civil protection send 4 supervisors that reviewed the structure on every detail, in order to determine the viability it’s your operation.

    We have heard or seen pictures of a high roller like the one in Cancun but with an enormous difference that at day let us observe the beautiful Nichupte lagoon with a crystalline color and on the other side the beautiful Caribbean Sea with its water turquoise color such characteristic of Cancun, on the other side if you decide to be part of this experience at night the view is incredibly joyful with the lights of the mall and the awesome hotels around the area.

    “La gran rueda de Cancun” looks  to be without doubt in the indicate place, corroborate cause Cancun falls in love with anyone.

    How much does it cost to go on the high roller?

    For locals: 99 pesos ( Showing Official ID )

    Nationals: ( The price is unknown for the moment )

    Foreigners: ( 19 USD )

    How long is the ride on the high roller?

    Depends definitely where you stay but for example from the hotels near the center of Cancun the ride takes 15 to 20 minutes. If you want to get transportation click here!

    How long does it take to go all the way around the high roller?

    25 minutes

    Important Facts

    • The project, to be known as Gran Rueda Cancún, or Big Wheel Cancún, will be similar to the Chicago Centennial Wheel, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and the Baku Wheel in Azerbaijan.
    • The Mayor of Cancun, Remberto Estrada Barba, described the wheel, as a “new world-class attraction that will soon become a must for the visitors”!
    • But it turns out that construction began without an approved environmental impact assessment. The firm had requested an exemption from that requirement from the federal Environment Secretariat (Semarnat).
    • But after evaluating the construction methods to be utilized the agency notified the firm in January that it could not be exempted because the wheel was to be erected in a coastal environment.
    • The Environment Secretariat also notified Profepa, the environmental protection agency.
    • In spite of that construction of the wheel has continued and is now 90% complete.

  • How to travel with Discovery Mundo?

    How to travel with Discovery Mundo?

    Discovery Mundo offers transfers to many destinations around the world. The most selling are Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Mayan Riviera, Punta Cana, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and Paris.When you already made your reservation you will receive a confirmation email with your transfer details. Make sure to review your email constantly in case that any agent wants to get in contact with you or so you check your confirmation email, you will also receive your “arrival instructions” depending where you travel.. you will receive your arrival instructions on how to get to your chaffeur. I will give some some neccesary details on how to travel with Discovery Mundo: 

    Firstly you have to get out of your airplane, the airport will guide you to the exit door. After passing through customs get to the exit door of the terminal.On the way there might be many scammers trying to sell you another services, even they can lie to you and tell you that your transportation will not come. I remember one day a scammer told a client his service was broken (the van broke) and it would come after one hour and a half, that was obviously a lie and he took a taxi!

    Discovery Mundo for all destinations promises that will be waiting the client outside the terminal door holding a sign with the logo of Discovery Mundo and the name of the reservation, if you want another name in your sign you can write it on the comment box.When you are outside the terminal, in case you have not find your chauffeur, get in contact with us on any of the following numbers and wait for a response:

    • Call from U.S & Canada
    • toll-free: 1 (866) 238-1312
    • whatsapp: +1 (786) 238-3845
    • Call from other countries
    • united kingdom: 44 800 011 9894
    • cancun: +52 998 980 0345
    • mexico: +52 55 4161 4826
    • rest of the world: +52 998 980 0345

    When you exit the airport terminal, feel free to say hi to the drivers and ask for a picture to be featured on our social network!!

  • Beware of the Scammers at Cancun Airport

    Beware of the Scammers at Cancun Airport

    This article is dedicated for you to be careful when you travel with Discovery Mundo and you can easily find your driver when you get to Cancun Airport, or it will also help you if you decide to travel to another airport when you book your transfer with Discovery Mundo.

    If you want a detailed experience on how to travel with Discovery Mundo and skip this article you can watch the next video:

    https://youtu.be/2tTBsA63cN0

    The Scammers of the airport are pirates that want to steal money from you and do not want you to take the service that you payed, a lot of times they want to cheat on you and tell you your transportation will not come, that they left, the van broke and even they say that the company will give you a refund.. Which is not true if you read on our terms and conditions.

    You have to be very careful with this scammers so they don’t cheat on you.

    Who exactly are this people?

    Pirates are people that are at the airport selling illegal transportation, they confuse travelers, sometimes saying that there was a problem with the purpose of you buying their transportation. You can’t trust them so if anything happens don’t forget to call to one of our numbers:

    • toll-free
      1 (866) 238-1312
    •  whatsapp
      +1 (786) 238-3845
       
      Call from other countries:
    • United Kingdom
      44 800 011 9894
    • Cancun
      +52 998 980 0345
    • Mexico
      +52 55 4161 4826
    • rest of the world
      +52 998 980 0345

    Where do you find this people?

    This people are found right next where you pick up your bags or before exiting the terminal door. Depending on the airport. In Cancun Airport how you see on the video, they are after picking up your luggage. There are many companies right after the exit door and reps walking with uniforms convincing the people to go with them.

    Why you should be careful with them?

    Because I don’t think you want to waste your money, and if you already did your reservation with Discovery Mundo, the service payed will be the best! Never pay anyone at the airport, if someone is trying to confuse you… Call us immediately to one of our phone numbers.

  • What To Do In Cancun Like A Local

    What To Do In Cancun Like A Local

    The ones that live in Cancun notice that you can not take all the tours and expensive activities every time of the year. More than anything because of the price. But skipping this there are a lot of activities you can do; like assisting to one of the many beaches, go to restaurants, nightclubs or more. Here is a list that I specifically made to those that are interested in doing local activities in Cancun, if you want to live here or you are a curious traveler this article is for you:

    Visit The Main Malls – Las Americas, Gran Plaza, Plaza Kukulkan, Plaza La Roca y Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center

    The ones that live in Cancun like me, we love to visit Plaza Las Americas cause it has a tone of stores where you can get pretty clothes, souvenirs, musical instruments and a lot more. In my opinion I think that of all mentioned the best is Puerto Cancun cause it’s new, it recently opened at the end of 2017 and it has the best brands, it is next of a lagoon where you can see the sunset, buildings inside that big land development that is Puerto Cancun, it has a Movie Theater with normal and VIP rooms, playground for kids, ice cream shops and in Christmas they decorate it with a huge Christmas tree full of ornaments and colors. If you would like to visit any of this malls you can easily get a taxi from your hotel or home; I recommend you to take a private service with Discovery Mundo for 29 USD roundtrip clicking here.

    Sign Up For A Gym

    If you are a fit traveler looking to stay fit anywhere you go I recommend you the hotel zone of Cancun, it measures up to 23 KM of extension to travel in bike, roaller blading, by foot or however you like at any time of the day. Otherwise if you want something more private you can subscribe to a gym, the hotels count with their own gym or I would recommend the one in Plaza Las Americas named Energy Fitness.

    Scuba Diving 

    It doesn’t matter if you are a traveler or you’re going to live in Cancun. Scuba dive is an experience you can’t lose. It exist the shark season and whale sharks. You can click here to see scuba diving tours or contact us in our phone numbers on the main page.

    Go To The Beach

    If you are staying in a hotel, the private beaches they have are the best and are cleaner, some of them have their own volley ball courts and their own activities. For the locals the most visited beaches are: Playa Forum, Playa Marlin, Playa Tortugas and Playa Delfines.

    Where To Eat

    The typical mexican food is one of the reasons why tourists come to Mexico! And Cancun has many good places, I recommend you La Parrilla. The best tacos in Cancun on my opinion and many others are tacos árabes, you can also find 3 or 4 very good places in Ave. Tulum to try.

    For a morning reunion of coffee, recommendatios are Marakame, Cafe Nader and Cafe Antoinette. The real drinkers of coffee go to Tradiciones Art Cafe. If you want to reserve a private transfer to this places from your hotel or home click here.

    Bovinos is a Brazilian churrascaria considered to be one of the best in Cancun. For Japanese food inclusing sushi, locals and tourists love Ironi.

    Nightclubs

    The most cool and fun for the locals are Han, Distrito Cavana and Antique. If you like to sing don’t fortget to go to Chantant in Puerto Cancun, is an excellent place to have fun.

    Tours

    The tours are incredible, there are thousand of tours you can take advantage of.

    Click here.

  • Excursion to Chimborazo Volcano

    Excursion to Chimborazo Volcano

    On November 1, while I was packing the necessary stuff to take to the excursion, through the materials I brought a thermal lycra, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, a wool coat which brings more warm, a ski mask, a pair of extra socks in case I needed them, glooves, boots, chocolates and gum. 

    Once I had my backpack ready I tried to rest to be able to go with enought energy to the volcano, as que trip was going to be difficult for the heighs we would be and the time trip (10 hours roundtrip), but I couldn’t and I was awake until the time I had to get to the ofices Explor It in Alborada 1era Etapa Mz. O Villa 26, Calle Principal Av. Agustin Freire in Guayaquil City.

    Once I got to the offices at 2:00 am Pablo welcomed me, who introduced me before to the tour guides that will go in the buses accompanying the tourists, once in the buses we headed to the meeting point in Atarazana at Primax gasoline where there were the majority of passengers waiting in a long line, we took list and while that we where sending one by one to the buses so they could accomodate and rest until the next stop, we would head to Montalvo crossing Babahoyo. 

    In the way I could talk to Juan chofer in one of the tree buses, who was telling me that he traveled almost to the entire Ecuador working as a chaffeur and it is true that one has to figure out to talk about anything, that is how the chaffeur doesn’t sleep in the way.

    Around 6am some of the passengers were waking up and with Ricardo guide we delivered snacks to the travelers and then we made a stop passing Guaranda so the women could go to the restroom, that stop took longer and guides as passengers took advantage of the ocassion to take breakfast. 

    Credits to Fabian Vega

    Once in the vehicle we counted the people to know if there was anyone left in the touristic stop where you could see a nice landscape. From Guaranda we could observe far away the Chimborazo in a very sunny and clear day, waiting for us to measure our strengths.

    Once we head to the entrance of the reserve we register all the passengers and took the native guide who made the greeting in quechua and told us the love story of Chimborazo and Tungurahua mama, we could see that they had a headache and felt dizzy (the chaffeur too) so I started to shared chocolates and gums that I saved the night before in my package knowing that probably someone else would want them.

    Once we made the register of all the passengers we started to ascend until reguge Hermanos Carrel 4.950 meters over the sea level, in this point you could already see at least 70% of the people of our bus presenting different symtoms because of the heigh, once everybody left the bus the guide Ricardo gave indications to the passengers so they could enjoy the visit to the volcano.

    Credits to Fabian Vega

    While Juan, our chaffeur, rest a little group he was with the native guide to the second refugee and suddenly the snow started to fall over the volcano making the landscape more beautiful than it was, the native guide said that Tayta Chimborazo was happy and that he receive us with love.

    Once we head to the second regufee we drank hot chocolate to be able to retake the energies and get back to the bus to Guayaquil, of course passing first to what it was the Laguna de Colta and the first Catholic church of Ecuador, the Balbanera, built on August 15, 1534.

    Memory Tomb

    From this experience I can say that I learned how works the planification of the operation from the perspective of the travel agency and also the managemenet of the groups, observing the work of the national guides and native guide.Without doubt I can say that the work of the guide is very heavy, tired but also fun, very richful and full of nice emotions that makes the work easy and the relation with the people that you work with and the tourist that want to visit different places that Ecuador can offer.

    Looking for airport transfers in Guayaquil, Ecuador? Learn more!

  • 8 tips to plan your travel abroad

    8 tips to plan your travel abroad

    If you are planning to travel outside of your country for work, leisure time or adventure, don’t forget to follow this suggestions that can help you avoid surprises.

    Sometimes the best you can do is to choose a particular destination to be sure it suits you. You may find that is a beach destination, snowy, etc. 

    In any case, I wrote this article to talk about the things you can take note when you travel outside your country to help reduce the stress and increase your enjoyment of travel: 

    1. Check-in with your doctor and insurance carrier

    You may want to check and make sure that you have all of the vaccinations you need with renewal. You have to ask to your medical insurance provider or doctor if your policy will apply overseas in case of an emergency. If it doesn’t then it’s probably going to have an extra coverage. 

    2. Have a copy of your passport or many

    You don’t want to miss it but in case it gets stolen or lost you definitely have to make sure you can get back to your country. You can also leave a copy at home with someone you trust.3. Revise the monetary conversion

    Check out which monetary conversion will be in your vacation country.  Make sure you do your math before you travel to get a sense of where the conversion rate is at.

    4. Have local cash

    It is important to always have cash on hand and not every place takes credit cards. 5. Buy tickets now for places you know you want to visit or see. 

    If you buy in advance you will be able to skip lines, save time and find more deals. Booking online is the best way to plan your vacation. If you are looking for activities and tours around the world feel free to visit here. 

    6. Pack everything well and maybe you can bring an extra bag 

    Don’t be one of those travelers decked out in J’adore Paris apparel because the airline lost your luggage and you have nothing else to wear. Bring all your closet if you need to, but don’t miss that five sweaters you want to launch.

    7. Check out the country extra fees

    Some countries ask for paying a fee before entering the country. Check online which will be the amount you’ll be asked for. 8. Save on transportation

    If you buy transportation at the airport it is almost sure it will cost you a lot. Some transportation companies higher their prices because their schedule and services. So if you want to save on airport transfers book now. 

  • The Ultimate Guide to Riviera Maya

    The Ultimate Guide to Riviera Maya

    It is very common to hear that Mexico is a good destination to visit in vacations; Riviera Maya specially has something for every type of traveler, whether you are looking for a relax vacation at a luxury resort (like Grand Velas) or a fun filled day out. Your feet might get icthy and get very tanned after hanging around at a resort day after day. Mexico is an ideal vacation spot: you can relax one day and spend the next day exploring. This is the best trip! There is really a lot to see and do in this part of Mexico, you will never get bored with all the things to do in Riviera Maya! 

    Parks

    Around Riviera Maya there are many parks to visit, fun for all ages.

    Xelha

    It is one of my favorites, it’s an all inclusive park where you can eat and drink during your time in the park. You can snorkel, float down the river in a tube, explore a cave, zipline,  jump from a cliff and the best part is they are all included in your ticket. 

    There are some optional activities you can do; swim with dolphins, walk on the bottom of the sea, scuba dive in the sea or cenote, with stingrays and relax at the spa. There is so much to do!

    XcaretAt Xcaret you have the option of buying your tickets by clicking here. You can enjoy the delicious food, drinks and also the plus facilities. It’s quite alike to Xel Ha, with the same optional ativities but you can swim with sharks here!

    It has an evening show you can not miss. It has an extra cost and you can choose to enjoy and it has a dinner combined with favors and aromas. It’s an espectacular show! 

    XplorThis is another fun-filled park, you can enjoy six amazing activities: zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, rafts, swim in the underground rivers, spelunking and hammock splash. Unlimited drinks and lunch buffet is included. You will be walking in caves all day and wearing a helmet, don’t forget your camera for great pictures! 

    Xplor Fuego is a challenge in the dark like you have never imagined! For more details click here. 

    Mayan RuinsWhen you visit Mexico and Riviera Maya, you have to see about the history and Mayan civilization. There are some great ruins, you can get there in a transfer or book a private tour that includes transportation. 

    Chichen Itza

    It is the most known ruin in mexico and one of the Seven Wonders of the World! The Kukulkan Pyramid is known as “El Castillo”. Join on a guided tour, it includes transportation that will pick you up in your hotel and drop you. 

    Tulum

    Each Mayan city has a specific purpose, Tulum is no exception. It has a seaport, tradind mainly turquoise and jade, and is the only Mayan city at the seashore. Bring your swimwear, sun lotion and head down to the beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean after exploring the ruins. 

    Cenotes and diving

    Riviera Maya is the perfect destination for divers looking to dive in different sites. It has the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also known as the Great Mayan Reef and it is located right off the coast. It is the second largest barrier in the world. 

    If diving is not your thing, you will want to experience and underground dive at least once in your life! You also have the option to get refreshed in a swim or snorkel, the water visibility is breathtakingly clear. 

    ShoppingIf you want to go shopping take a look at Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue, the main shopping road in Playa del Carmen. Here you are going to find hundreds of restaurants, bars, shops and clubs! For other markets you can consider to visit Cozumel, Puerto Morelos or Tulum. 

    Nightlife

    Mexico is a popular destination for Spring Break, specially Cancun & Riviera Maya. Head to the nightlife area in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Don’t miss Coco Bongo! It’s an ideal place for partying with spectacular famous shows. If you want to visit 3 of the best nightclubs in Cancun in one night, plus more than 6 hours with open bar click here.

  • Transportation guide in Cancun

    Transportation guide in Cancun

    Cancun is a very big destination with many ways to get around. I will tell you different ways you can get transportation in Cancun to move around the city. From cheap to expensive options.

    When you arrive at Cancun Airport

    When you arrive to Cancun airport there are many ways to move around. First, you will see many reps trying to sell you transportation to your hotel, this is the most expensive option since they don’t offer the same fares than when booking online.

    Your hotel transportation

    If you are staying in a hotel, check if it does not include free transportation.

    ADO transportation

    I recommend ADO bus is a cheap option that will take you outside at the main street of the hotel. You can find it at the terminal of Cancun airport and you will share the ADO bus with a lot of travelers.

    Airport transfer

    The best and safest way is to book an airport transfer online. You get pick up from the airport terminal to the door of your hotel. Private and VIP transfers are 100% secure, private with professional drivers and not shared with anyone else. If you want to check the best fares visit www.discoverymundo.com/transportation

    Moving around in the City and Hotel Area

    Most travelers like to stay in a hotel or resort of the hotel zone. How you want to move depends on your interests; the weather, air conditioner, security and time.

    Public Bus

    The public bus is the cheapest option to move around in Cancun. Fares are 12 pesos per person (less than 1 dollar). You must have change in your pocket and be careful with the bus when stepping in, they move fast and you can fall so be quick and take your seat. If you want to move to downtown to Cancun most of the buses that go to KM 0 rides to the downtown.

    Taxi

    You can find a taxi super easy in Cancun, by asking in the front desk of your hotel or get one at the main street. I recommend you to ask any local how much is a rate to where you want to go and agree with the taxi, you can ask him before getting inside.

    Bus Tour

    This buses often come with a package tour; like to Chichen Itza, Xelha, Xplor, Xcaret, etc. They offer the tour with transportation in a shared decorated bus. Find the perfect tour at www.discoverymundo.com/tours

    Ferry to Isla Mujeres

    If you want to travel to Isla Mujeres you must take the ferry. The best fares are from Puerto Juarez, 23 USD Round Trip. They travel each 30 min from the port and take you the island. Another port is in Playa Tortugas at KM. 6.5. If you want to book ferry tickets visit www.discoverymundo.com

    Hotel transfer

    A van will pick you up in your hotel to your desire destination: it can be the airport, the ferry or a restaurant. If you are many, I recommend this option because it’s cheaper and completely private equipped with air conditioner and a car seat if needed. Find your transfer at www.discoverymundo.com

  • Amazing cave activity in Cancun

    Amazing cave activity in Cancun

    One of the best activities in the Riviera Maya is to experience the amazing cave activity of Xplor, an underground world to have fun, you can’t miss this unique adventure.
    © Marion Lee

    There are two ways to take this tour. From the day, surrounded by trees and caves you can discover the huge rock forms. At night, you can enjoy this experiences surround by torches of fire, fireflies and stars iluminating the caves, roads and bridges.

    It is said that long time ago an asteroid of 10 km of diameter fall from the atmosphere to the Yucatan Peninsula. It formed a new era and created different forms of life. Since then, different little formations created beautiful forms made of stalactites and stalagmites that decorates the underground of Xplor.© Marion Lee

    Xplor is a huge park where you can find ziplines, amphibious vehicles, swimming in the underground river, walk in the caves and huamacuatizaje (which means flying over the jungle in a hammock).

    All of this activities are 100% adventure and you will have the experience of your life, surrounded by nature.

    For energy recover, there is a palapa of fruit smoothies. There is also a buffet with many elections of dishes to choose.

    Get ready to watch the sunset from the heighs, to feel the adrenaline and discover the jungle.

  • Cancun Shopping Malls

    Cancun Shopping Malls

    Cancun is a Mexican City in the Yucatan Peninsula with stunning shopping malls. Whether you are searching for the channel bag or that zara t-shirt. 

    Plaza Las Americas 

    Plaza Las Americas is a shopping mall located in Cancun downtown. It is 4 min away from the hotel zone. It has many shopping stores from perfumes, jewelry, department stores, men clothes, women clothes, pet shop to a food court, cinema and the fun Sky Zone. A place to jump in the big trampolines!

    Plaza Las Americas is one of the biggest shopping malls in Cancun with departments on the top, a big parking lot and the best gym in Cancun, on the front you will see Malecon Americas with a big fountain and Malecon Tajamar in the front where you can go biking, jogging, walk your dog or appreciate the landscape. 

    Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center

    This is a beautiful Mall built this year! It is a fusion of the sea and the city in one place. It is the ideal place to meet with friends and family! It has more than 122 locals: cinema, shopping boutiques and a big variety of restaurants of high cuisine, entertainment, hotel and apartments.  

    La Isla Shopping Village 

    Plaza La Isla, located in Zona Hotelera km 16.5. It’s a great place for families and friends! If you are looking to buy mexican handicrafts there is Mexican Fiesta. There is the restaurant area next to the lagoon where you can have a drink, watch a fotball game and see the sunset. There are many people crossing over the lagoon in their luxury boats and also pirates and dancing boats. 

    Kukulkan Plaza


    It is located in Zona Hotelera Km 18.5. It is the most luxury mall in Cancun. With the best brands and a supermarket inside. You can find the best luxury shopping stores you will love: jewerly, horlogerie, classy beauty, stylish bags, icon sunglasses, trendy shoes, ready to wear, beach wear and art venue. There is the restaurant Ruth’s Chris Steak House Cancun on the outside of the mall. They say it is a great place for dinner! 

    Looking for airport transportation from your hotel? see more details.