My husband and I spent time south of Cancun during February 1994. In addition
to just wandering off on any of the many dirt roads that leave the paved main
road down the coast, we'd suggest a visit to the Botanic Garden just south of
Puerto Morelos, a small town 17 km south of Cancun, best known for the
vehicle ferry to Cozumel. Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera is a nice chunk
of rain forest (our guidebook says 150 acres and 3 km of trails and that
habitats range from semi-evergreen tropical forest to mangrove swamps). Many
plants are signed in English, Spanish, and Latin. Our book says the entrance
fee was US$2 and that it is open daily 9 am - 5 pm. As usual for jungle, it
is very hard to see the birds, but they are there. Be prepared for rain and
having nearly no place to hide except under leaky palm fronds.

We can't really help with transportation details. We had a trailer at the
north end of Puerto Morelos and bicycled to and from the botanic garden.
Cancun surely has car rental facilities. There is bound to be bus service
south from Cancun, but you'd have to cue the driver to drop you across from
the garden. And as to when you might be able to flag down a bus to get
back... Our guidebook says buses from north and south stop at Puerto Morelos
frequently and that from Cancun it's about a 40-minute drive.

Kit Ellis
Gig Harbor, WA