Discoverymundo Blog

Author: Johanna Lee

Disappear in Art at the 3D Museum in Playa del Carmen

Disappear in Art at the 3D Museum in Playa del Carmen

Redefining how we interact with artwork, Kurt Wenner’s world-famous 3D Museum of Wonders in downtown Playa del Carmen welcomes visitors to an immersive wonderland where touching & photographing exhibits lies at the very heart of the experience.The largest “illusion museum” in the world and first-ever in the Americas opened in February of this year, right here in Riviera Maya. Housed on the top floor of Plaza Pelícanos in the heart of downtown, the Playa del Carmen 3D Museum of Wonders redefines the very concept of an art gallery, inviting guests to interact, photograph, and actually become part of over 60 pieces of jaw-dropping artwork.What Makes it 3D?

Every exhibit at the museum is the work of world-renowned American street artist Kurt Wenner. Inspired by his time as an illustrator for NASA and love for renaissance paintings, he singlehandedly revolutionized the art form known as “three-dimensional pavement art,” or “trick art” in the 1980s. The concept is rather simple: employ shading, colors and perspective to create an optical illusion of depth and immersion. Couple the style with camera phones and social media, and you have a recipe for the next big thing in art – especially considering the fact that it upends every stale notion you might have of museums in general (look but don’t touch, no photographs, etc).Take the Best Pictures of Your Vacation

It’s hard to believe that here in paradise some the best pictures you’ll take are in a museum – but it’s true! Where else can you capture pics of friends and family trapped inside a bubble, surfing a monster wave, high atop a towering wedding cake, or seated at The Last Supper?

June 10, 2016
How to Savor Summer in Riviera Maya with Just 48 Hours

Want to get the most out of your Mexican-Caribbean vacation, but only have 48 hours to getaway? Worry not! This quick guide will help you plan the ultimate weekend escape in Riviera Maya – from the beach to the club, Mayan ruins to eco-park fun.

No matter where you live, the summertime blues eventually hit us all, leaving a void only a proper vacation can fill. But what if you only have a weekend or handful of days to escape? No worries, because Riviera Maya summer getaways promise both a laid-back, less crowded vibe than the rest of the year, along with all the same attractions that put us on the map in the first place. If you can’t picture fitting a day at the beach, sunset seafood, nightlife, touring Mayan ruins, and eco park fun into 48 hours, here’s a brief timeline to make it possible:

Day #1: First, Hit the Beach

Fresh off the plane or out of bed after a red-eye, you’ll need a day at the beach to get into a vacation state of mind. Choose from the vintage air of Playa del Carmen’s Central Beach or the trendy vibe to the north. Spend the day in the sand, then snap some pics of the sunset before feasting on the freshest seafood of your life. Local favorites include the hearty platters, tacos, and shrimp-stuffed avocados at La Tarraya (Calle 2 Nte & the beach); Mayan “Tikin Xic,” or chili-orange marinated fish, roasted in banana leaf at Carboncitos (Calle 4, btwn La Quinta & 10th); and octopus at Los Aguachiles (Constituyentes & 1 Av). After dinner, you’ll want to get your groove on to the beachfront beats at Zenzi (Calle 10 & the beach), or themed nights at Wah Wah Beach Bar (Calle 2 Nte & the beach).Day #2: Breakfast, Tulum, & Eco Park Fun

Start your second day on the hippest street in Playa del Carmen. Fifth Street, or “La Quinta,” is home to countless bars and restaurants, but we recommend the French fare at Chez Celine (Calle 34), Mexican/American staples and rooftop view at Sanborns (Constituyentes), or chilaquiles verde at Aldea Corazon (Calle 14). With a full belly, you’ll be ready to trample through the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum, less than an hour south of Playa. Cool off after that in the cenotes of nearby Xel-Há Waterpark, witness ancient rituals at Xcaret, and soar under the stars on the region’s highest ziplines at Xplor – all part of the same eco-park family, with one pass available for all three.

June 3, 2016
Visiting Cancun on a Budget

Cancun may seem like is not most people idea of a budget destination. But it is, even if you are not blowing your cash on a resort, you could easily spend up a fortune in tours or restaurants. But you don’t necessarily have to stay in the 5 star hotel, to enjoy a trip to Cancun. Playa del Carmen is still doable if you are on a budget. I spend last month in Playa so had to maximize the fun without spending too much. So here are my top tips for saving money in Cancun on everything from entertainment and transport to food and nightlife. Things to see and do
You can easily have fun in Cancun by going to the beach – snorkel in the coral reefs, the underwater museum close to Isla Mujeres, walk across the hotels avenue, visit the Mayan museum of Cancun, do some sport activities such as biking, running or skating and meet the unique shopping malls. There are many attractions inside Plaza La Isla Shopping mall, like swimming with dolphins or the Cancun Wax Museum. Cancun also has many casinos, all of them are free to enter and you just pay 5-50¢ per game.
If you plan to do a lot of the paid activities, it might be worth investing in a package. Tulum & Xel-Ha includes everything, the visit to Tulum where you can see the only archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean Sea, enjoy the amazing beaches and take advantage of the water park of Xel-Ha, where you will spend a day of adventure enjoying natural, ecological and aquatic attractions. You will explore inlets, coves, underground rivers called cenotes, mangroves and sail along the lazy river on inner tubes. Simply a paradise for those who enjoy snorkeling and diving in unique natural spots. Cancun Mayan Jungle + Tulum is another great package where you explore Tulum, visit the cenotes and zip line over the jungle.

Entertainment
Cancun is famous for its nightlife, whether that’s going to Coco Bongo of the incredible show of Cirque Du Soleil in Riviera Maya. Advance tickets can set you back hundreds of dollars, but you can buy them online. If you want to enjoy the completely atmosphere of partying in Cancun you can take The Bongo Tour package, it will let you enjoy 3 of the best nightclubs in Cancun in one night, plus more than 6 hours with open bar.
If that’s still to pricey, the check out Daddy’O packages or Han located in the center of Cancun. Mostly locals enjoy this club. There is also Xoximilco in Riviera Maya where you enjoy the Mexican fiesta! This is a great choice to make new friends, celebrate an important event, or just be a part of this tradition of Mexico in its golden age.
When it comes to saving money on club entry, it’s easier if you’re a woman. You’ll often be handed discount flyers on the street or approached by club promoters who can get your name on the guest list.

Top city views
The city’s tallest point is the tower in the KM 4.5 of the hotel zone. For a more central viewpoint head up to Malecon Tajamar in the center of Cancun, you can see all the view of the hotels by the lagoon and on the other side the center of Cancun, taking a walk and watching the sunrise is great in here. The most popular viewpoint is El Mirador at km 19.5, there is an incredible view of the Caribbean sea!

Eating and Drinking
For cheaper dining head off Cancun center. You can find delicious Mexican food menus. If you are hungry you can enjoy one of the favorite restaurants for locals in Cancun.

Traveling around
Cancun Airport is surprisingly close to all the hotels of Cancun. The cheaper option is an airport shuttle which will drop you at your hotel. After that you can take the bus that moves around all the hotel zone for 1 dollar per person.

May 27, 2016
Helpful Riviera Maya Packing Advice for U.S. Travelers
Take the stress out of planning your family vacation in the Mexican Caribbean with this convenient Riviera Maya packing guide & helpful travel advice.

What should I bring to the Mexican Caribbean? Where is Riviera Maya located exactly? Should I take cash? These are just a few questions you might have after booking your dream vacation in Playa del Carmen. It’s easy to fantasize about paradise, but as your travel dates move closer, feeling stressed about the unknowns is not at all uncommon. That’s why we’ve come up with a helpful guide to prepare you for your trip.

You Are Here

Formally known as the “Cancun-Tulum Corridor,” Riviera Maya is located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. With white-sand Caribbean beaches and gorgeous weather all year, travelers need not pack much for their stay in paradise.

The EssentialsFirst and foremost, don’t forget your medicine. You’ll want to bring a few extra doses as well, in case you experience travel delays anywhere along the way. Second, everyone wonders about money: how much to bring and in what currency. The answer is easy. Bring a fistful of $1 US bills for tipping at arrival, then use ATMs to collect pesos at a real-time exchange rate. Don’t forget to tell your bank your travel plans, and ask if they have any partners in Mexico to avoid ATM fees. Other essentials include a photocopy of your passport (both emailed and a hard copy), as well as your glasses and prescription (just in case).

A Few More Things

Here are a handful of items you also might want not want to leave home without, along with a few you may not have thought of yet:
- 2-3 bathing suits
- Casual clothes (shorts, t-shirts, sandals)
- At least one “dressy” outfit for going out
- Light jacket, sweater, or coat
- Walking shoes / hiking boots
- Baby Powder (gets the sand off your feet)
- Sunscreen / Bug Spray
- Bottle opener / Corkscrew
- Zip-Loc Bags
- First Aid Kit
- Nice camera
- Sunglasses
- Hat
May 27, 2016
Punta Cana Airport Transfers Guide
There are many options for transportation from Punta Cana Airport to the hotels, this Punta Cana Airport Transfers Guide display a safe and comfortable way to get to your hotel or home, depending on your preferences, there are different services you can choose.

For Punta Cana Airport Transfers with a large group or family, Private Service may be suitable, as it is efficient and also provides a good amount of luggage space. The service include brand new models such a Toyota Van, which can seat up to 10 passengers, an exclusive and completely private transfer directly to your hotel, no timeouts or sharing and equipped with air conditioner. If you need a child seat in this service it can be included for free, you must contact Customer Service.You can also take the Shared Service. This is the most frequent service but it will allow you to share the shuttle with other people arriving at the same time. Vehicles departs every 15-20 minutes and driver will stop at scheduled hotels to drop off other passengers sharing this route with you. All of the vehicles are air conditioned and brand new model units. Notice that this service is available only from 09:00 to 20:00.

General Information about Punta Cana Airport Transfers and Punta Cana International Airport
- To enter the Dominican Republic, a valid passport with two blank pages is required. At the customs and immigration desk, you’ll receive a 30-day tourist card (US$10 cash fee) instead of a visa.
- By Dominican law, there’s also a US$20 departure tax.
- The airport has 5 terminals: International A and B for international travelers; FBO Terminal that is located west from terminal B, is for executive general aviation (national and international); National Terminal east of the FBO and VIP Terminal located east of Terminal A.
- If you are travelling from United States, Mexico or Canada, you are usually arriving at terminal A or B.
How to find Discovery Mundo Chaffeur?

Once you arrive and pass immigration, a representative of Discovery Mundo will be waiting for you at the terminal holding a a sign with your name. In case your flight is delayed, Discovery Mundo will be monitoring any changes and notice it to the chaffeur.

To see more about Punta Cana airport transfers, check out here.
May 26, 2016
Cancun Airport Transfers Guide

With several options for transportation from Cancun International Airport to the city, this Cancun Airport Transfers guide display all the different options to choose, depending on your preferences in terms of price, time and luggage needs. I have taken Cancun Airport transportation and I had a great experience. Here’s a Cancun Airport Transfers guide:

Private Service: You can opt to take the Private Service from Cancun Airport to any hotel in Cancun and Riviera Maya. This service has no timeouts and delays, completely private without sharing the vehicle with other travelers except for the ones traveling with you. The cars available for this service are all brand new models. If you need a child seat, it can be included with no extra cost.

VIP Service:The VIP Service takes you in a Brand New Model Suburban to your hotel without timeouts or delays. The vehicle includes DVD screen and air conditioning. . This service includes courtesy beverages per person on arrival; you will be asked for the drinks of your preference via email. In case of wanting an alcoholic beverage bottle like champagne or whisky, you can order it for an extra cost.

How to book?
It is always good to be prepared before even traveling. Discovery Mundo allows you to book online in a very easy way. You just need to have your flight information, the number of people traveling with you and choose the type of service you want. After choosing the type of transportation and pay the corresponding amount, you will receive a confirmation coupon in your email with your personal data, which you should review, print and bring it with you to present it with the chaffeur. Don’t worry about more costs, the price includes all the airport taxes and fees, also a travel insurance to guarantee your safety while traveling with Discovery Mundo.

How do I find my chaffeur?
When you arrive at Cancun International Airport, you must pass immigration and customs. At the exit door, a representative of Discovery Mundo will be waiting for you, holding a sign with the logo of the company.
If for some reason your flight comes late or earlier, Discovery Mundo will be making a flight monitoring and they will wait until your plane lands.

May 26, 2016
10 Things You Must Eat in Paris

Choosing what to eat when you travel is a very important focus. Even before buying the tickets and places to stay, I usually take a look of the typical food need to try. But because I can’t spend all the time or budget on food, it is important to prioritize. The best is to try the new things that take you in the moment and remind that taste nowhere else in the world you can find it, so I made this list of the 10 things you must eat in Paris:

1. CroissantsWe all love that delicious smell of a warm pastry. o when you visit France, try eating as many croissants you can get in your hands. They are perfect for breakfast and a great snack any time of the day. This makes my stomach rumble! Paris is full of places selling croissants, almost every corner. Some suggestions are: Erick Kayser, Gontran Cherrier, 1 4 3 RDT, Lemarie & Maison Grégoire. If you want to try one of the favorite elections choose the croissant au beurre, is made with pure butter and usually long and straight.

2. ChocolateThe French have transformed the chocolate to art, so it is in Paris that you are going to find the highest concentration of chocolate shops. This is a great chance to treat yourself sweet with the most intense tastes of chocolate in the world. Hot chocolate in Paris is also a real treat. Suggestions to find the best chocolate: Henri Le Roux, Le Chocolate Alain Ducasse, Jacques Jenin, Pralus & La Maison du Chocolate.

3. FalafelThis is something you will find listed in every guidebook of the foods you must try when visiting Paris. Tourists love Falalel, that’s why you are going to find crowds of people at the falalel restaurants. If you want to combine it try it will french fries on the side. The neighbourhood, the traditional Jewish quarter of Paris, is full of falafel joints, they run like a machine. Best Falalel: L’As du Falafel.

4. Praline BriochePraline Brioche is a rich yeast bread made of egg and butter. The pink things are chocolate covered hazelnuts. The pink is just sugar coating the nuts. Get this snack while you are in Paris and you won’t be dissapointed!

5. PizzaIf you spend a dinner out in Paris, for that budget you can probably buy a round-trip ticket to Naples and have all the world-class pizza you could ever want.. but because of the security and turbulence, I will suggest you some good places you can eat delicious pizza in Paris: Da Vito, Maria Luisa, Pink Flamingo, La Briciola, Pizza Chic, Al Taglio & Mama Pizzeria.

6. CaramelThere’s no better way to sweeten your taste with a caramel. If you have to pick only one place to do your caramel shopping, go to Jacques Jenin. You can take some gifts for your friends back home, they will love it!

7. Paris-BrestParis-Brest is among the most selling dessert in the pastry shops of Paris. The favorite selection is the wheel-shaped choux, made with praline buttercream and sprinkled with caramelized almonds. Who makes the best? La Pâtisserie des Rêves, Jacques Genin, Boulangerie Bo, Le Moulin de la Croix Nivert & Sébastien Dégardin.

8. MacaronsMacarons are a must in Paris. Of all the mouthwatering French pastries, the little round macaron is still one of the most popular ones. Suggestions: Ladurée, Pierre Hermé & Gérard Mulot.

9. CheeseParis is the top gastronomic hit of France. And you can start by trying taste your way through each region’s stars, from the mildest to the sharpest cheese. You can try these different platters or dine on dairy delights at specificaly cheese restaurants. Of course you can match these with wines, chutneys and charcuterie. Best cheese bars and restaurants: La Vache dans les Vignes, L’Affineur Affiné, La Coop or Chez Hisada.

10. Duck ConfitThis platter was first created to preserve fresh duck meat for future consumption. Some Parisians cook their own, but most prefer to select the best chef. Best place to eat Duck Confit in Paris is Chez Dumonet.

¡Bon Appetit!

May 25, 2016
5 Reasons to Visit Santorini

Santorini’s group of islands is consisted of Thera, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni (Volcanoes) islands and is located in the most southern part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, 63 nautical miles north of Crete.
The Greek Island of Santorini is considered to be one of the most stunning places in the world, a mix of towering cliffs, inky waters and whitewashed villages. Here are the 5 reasons why you should visit the most beautiful archipelago in Greece:

1. The views

The panoramic views are breath taking as far as the eye could see. Sunsets in Santorini are truly famous! You must get there an hour to get a good spot. You will enjoy this whether you are a romantic or a zoombie movies type, the island offers the most incredible sunset colors you will ever see. Having a dinner with a view is another great opportunity, the scenery is surrounding you with a very romantic moment. There are many restaurants that offer “dinner with a view” such as Ambrosia, 1800 and Lauda in Oia, Archipelagos and V Lounge in Fira, and Kapari Wine Restaurant in Imerovigli.

2. The Beaches

Close to caldera, Thira slopes gently towards the sea, there are many incredible beaches to enjoy: the most famous are the Red Beach and Perissa Beach. You must go early before all the crowd gets there. The beaches are volcanic, not white sand, so they’re either red or black rocks, pebbles or grit, and get very hot on the feet. owever, the blistering atmosphere is unique, you can lay down on your sunbed and get a delicious greek drink.

3. The Food Santorini is an absotutely traveller’s delight! The dazzling light and the Aegean breeze combined with the island’s fertile volcanic soil nurture the local agricultural products, this creates many creations with unique taste. Some typical dishes usually made in Santorini are:

Tomato-kefides: Deep fried RED tomatoes of Santorini mixed with herbs, butter, onions and other secret ingredients. Flaming cherries jubilee: Grilled eggplant. This is treated with a lot of respect in Santorini.

Fish: If you want to try the best dish, go to Family Run Fish Tavernas located near the smaller beaches. Many times you will catch the owners catching their own fish and cooking a special recipe for you.

Flower bread: Forget the gluten.

Pan fired crusted feta cheese with honey: This is something you can’t miss. Perhaps you have seen it in many menus around the world but you must try it in Santorini.

4. The charming villages

Santorini is unique in many ways, specially for the charming little villages perched atop the soaring cliffs. There are many Cycladic small houses of decoration at the cliff edge of the caldera, their walls are pure white colors with azure-blue roofs; they face down the cliffs about to drop into the blue sea. Thira are is mostly for tourists but most of all the villages are quiet.5. The great local wines Santorini wine has been produced since ancient times, and the vines reap the richness of the island’s volcanic-ash soil. White wine is excellent! Sparkling wine also. For some reason the red wine is less desired. Santowines is the largest and most famous winery that produces some outstanding whites.

May 24, 2016
An ultimate guide to avoid Pickpockets
Long time ago, pick pocketing was the spank of many cities around the world. The skilled thieves practiced their tricks by stealing valuable things of the victims with no one around noticing. This is how everything started when the crooks cached up clothing accessories very easy to steal. Then, men and women were frightened and started tying pouches inside their clothes to avoid the temptation of the thieves. Over time, pickpockets adapted to this and learn how to inadvertently extract stuff from the trouser, waistcoat, and jacket pockets alike.

Up in the 20th century, the american crooks started mastering the craft. Many pickpockets joined such as kids willing and able to form part of this crime that took years to perfect. By time, the main object to steal became wallets so tourists rather avoiding cash.

Pick pocketing has been a major problem in Europe. Actually, this has turned really bad in some popular attractions.
Many police departments declare pick pocketing as a very common complaint. But for the victim, creates a lot of worry and time to get their wallet stolen, thinking what goes inside it.

To avoid finding yourself in this kind of abuse, you must take some precautions that will incredibly reduce the call of the thief. In this post, I provide you expert-backed tips on how to avoid getting pick pocketed:

1. Watch out with scams

Thief can play different roles:
- The dropped cane: A handicapped person will fall something to the floor in front of you waiting for your distraction.
- The angry couple: Two people start fighting and talking loud calling attention of the crowd. When they don’t pay attention, that’s it.
- The helpful stranger: A friendly person will come to you for help cleaning some lint in your jacket, he can make a trick or have a conversation with you while another person joins the talk; then a third one takes advantage of the hoopla by stealing your wallet.
- The grabby children: While a beggar is chasing you to sell something, children clutch at your clothing.
2. Know Where Pickpockets Like to Work

There can be pickpockets everywhere, but there are some specific places where they are mostly located: Tourists attractions, tourist transportation, restaurants, bars & hotel lobbies.

3. Don’t look like a tourist

This doesn’t mean you have to wear exactly like the locals, but you can try not looking like a tourist with a lot of money. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches and maps appearing like you don’t know where you are.

4. Keep a daily budget

If you bring all your money it will obviously attract the eye of the thief. Try avoiding this and keeping a specific amount of cash for what you are doing that day.

5. Secure your backpack

Backpacks and other bags are the hit of the pickpockets. This is because they are not touching your body and it’s easier for them to take it or place their hand in your stuff. In case you are, you can put your valuable things at the bottom and keeping your bag in the eye all the time. If you are in a restaurant never ever place it in your back or feet.

6. Never put your phone on the table when you are eating

If you are of those who always need to see their phone while eating be aware that pickpockets are targeting you. When they see one, they’ll swoop in as a team, one guy acting as the distraction (selling flowers, newspapers, candy, etc.), while his accomplice grabs the phone.
May 23, 2016
Wild Mexico Awaits at Riviera Maya Botanical Garden

Four miles of trails to soaring views of the jungle & Caribbean Sea, thousands of exotic plants, wild animals, Mayan ruins & sacred cultural traditions take center stage at Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Gardens in nearby Puerto Morelos.

Step off the beaten path and into the Mexican Caribbean jungle, hidden away between Playa del Carmen and Cancún. A 150-acre wonderland of native and exotic wildlife, Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Gardens in Riviera Maya welcomes lucky visitors to a special mix of 250+ indigenous animal species – including spider monkeys, parrots, toucans, lizards, and wild deer – traditional Mayan customs, centuries-old ruins, and rare plants so gorgeous you won’t believe your eyes.A Fantasyland of Flora

Quite possibly the largest botanical garden in all of Mexico, you’ll see things here you may never see again. A rainbow of wild orchids welcomes visitors with otherworldly shapes and colors, quite like the mystical cactus and succulent forest. Then there’s the collection of Mayan medicinal herbs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the sacred beliefs of the nation’s early civilizations.Breathtaking Views & Mayan Traditions

With four kilometers of gorgeous trails, you can experience all the gardens have to offer in a way that best fits your interests. A few things you won’t want to miss, though, are the scenic “tree house” and tower hikes, atop which you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding jungle and Caribbean Sea. Of course, everything Mayan is a must-see as well, including traditional “palapa” housing, ruins dating back to 1400 AD, and a popular Chiclero Camp that demonstrates how they used to make chewing gum from local chicozapote trees.

May 20, 2016