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Location Overview / Where is Xcalak located?:
Xcalak (pronounced ISHKALAK) is located 250 miles, 4-5 hours, south of Cancun a the southern most tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Xcalak is a palm-studded coastal region called Costa Maya.
Xcalak is far south. Make sure you have enough gas to get there and back though there is a gas station in Felipe Carrillo Puerto - about half way there. You should fill up your tank each time you pass a gas station.
Off the beaten track, but noted for its excellent scuba diving and fishing, Xcalak offers an alternative to the "tourists" and high rise hotels found in Cancun and Playa. Xcalak, with a current population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1955. It is not far to the border of Belize by boat. Here is a good offsite map: http://www.xcalak-info.com/xcalakmap.pdf (archived here)
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Camera Tips Always keep your film, tape, or computer disks out of the sun. Carry an extra supply of batteries, and be prepared to turn on your camera, camcorder, or laptop to prove to security personnel that the device is real. Always ask for hand inspection of film, which becomes clouded after successive exposures to airport X-ray machines, and keep videotapes and computer disks away from metal detectors.
Forgot Night Light Wish you had a nightlight in that strange hotel room? You don't have to pack one. Before you go to bed, turn on the bathroom light, then shut the bathroom door.
Money Money can be changed in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Felipe Carillo Puerto and Chetumal. However in Felipe Carillo Puerto you won't find a money machine.
In most hotels in Xcalak you can pay with pesos as well as dollars. Not many places accept credit cards.
Money and Banking There are no banks in Xcalak. You should do your banking in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. South of Tulum most places will NOT take credit cards. The closest bank is in Felipe Carillo Puerto that includes an ATM machine. Currently (2005) only Hotel Tierra Maya and Playa Son Risa take credit cards. Cash or travelers checks are the common rule.
Temperature The difference between winter and summer temperature is relatively small, about 5 degrees C. The maximum is around 28 degrees C and the minimum is around 23 degrees C.
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site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss,
injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from
information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any
critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.
This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety,
customs, accommodations and transportation.
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