Mal País Things to Do

Definitely rent an ATV while in the area----the only way to get around and also for day trips to Cabuya and Montezuma---we rented from Quad Rental in Playa Carmen close to the crossroads----$130 for 2 days (48 hrs) plus taxes and credit card charges---also good for going to restaurants at night without walking the dusty roads.....wear goggles at all times if possible.

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Known by both names Secret Beach (Playa Secreto) and Swiss Beach, located past the fishing bay up the road past Sunset Lodge (closed)---get to the gate and park then walk to the beach from there....great place to get naked if you want---very private and gorgeous with palm trees and great views...

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This is an old hotel location that is literally falling apart---walk around the fishing village til you see the gate for the Sunset Lodge---go around the gate and walk around this weird decrepit hotel from 10 years ago---could be haunted but it does give a haunting view of Secret Beach, reached by the road going past the locked gate but only ATV or 4WD's...
Heard from a local that Mel Gibson (who has a house/villa up in the hills) might be spending some $$$ to redo this place)

These guys provide a great outdoor experience zipping through the tops of the trees safely in a harness seeing the jungle from the bird's eye view---lovely area right on the edge of the Cabo Blanco National Refuge.
They have tours at 9am, 11am, and 3pm cost is $40 per person
close to the end of the road from the crossroads

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We were lucky enough to have a great place right on Mal Pais beach and often enough, Howlers would come through the tops of our trees----a really cool experience. There were a couple of times we saw them hanging out in trees right next to the road, so anyone can see these magnificent animals when visiting the area...8am and 4 pm were good times to look out for monkeys...

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At the end of the road (sort of) is the Fishermen's Bay where they leave and come back after their day of fishing---a great photo spot and you can also get fresh fish when they come in (if they are wanting to sell that day---sometimes their catch is pre-sold). Walk around once you get there (by car or ATV) and check out the pelicans in the bay doing their own fishing.

The Perfect Sunset School is actually in Playa Hermosa but it is just a mile or so down from Mal Pais---you can learn Spanish or surfing here in a cool environment with gardens and jungle all around, and the gorgeous Playa right across the road with surf breaks known worldwide.
Rates for a week of surf school start at around $500 which includes breakfast and dinner and a shared room---see the website for more info....

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Tracy has a place on the road near the Vista de Olas signpost where she puts out her sign when business is open. She is one of the most complete massage therapists I have ever been to---technical and also personal, she gives a full body massage for $40 an hour but does raise her rates a little during high seasons. Absolutely one of the best massages ever, done outside with the parrots and other birds flitting through---like listening to Enya but live! Definitely recommended.

email--thrifty29@hotmail.com