Touring the Mayan Ruins of the Riviera Maya

A trip to Akumal and the Riviera Maya region of Mexico would not be complete without a visit to one of the numerous Mayan ruins in the area. This area is steeped in the history of this ancient civilization that still influences the art, cuisine and culture of the region today. Akumal and its surroundings were important trade routes for the Mayans and archaeologists are continuing to uncover many ruins of this once mighty civilization.

One of the most popular ruins to visit not only near Akumal but in all of Mexico is Tulum. There are also the Coba and Xel-Ha which are all conveniently located not far from Akumal and other areas in the Riviera Maya region. They are accessible by car or if you prefer, you can arrange to take a tour bus.

One of the biggest secrets to really enjoying the Mayan ruins in Tulum is to get there early in the day. The ruins open at 8:00 a.m., long before the sweltering heat of the midday sun. Most of the tour buses don’t arrive that early, so if you want to spend some quiet time taking in the site, you can rent a car and get there early in the morning. The tranquility coupled with the milder temperature will help you really enjoy the beauty and wonder of these ancient ruins.

Arriving early means you can explore a little bit on your own before taking a guided tour. The beauty of the ruins of Tulum are that they are situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, and you can take the steps down to a pristine private beach and enjoy some serene time before you take a more formal tour and learn about the ancient civilization that once thrived in this region. To really enjoy having some private time, get there early and get to the ticket counter as soon as possible so you can really enjoy the cliffs and beaches amidst the ruins.

Tour buses arrive at 9 a.m. and if you prefer that route, you can take a guided tour of the ruins. Each of the ruins are marked with plaques in several languages so you can take a self guided tour, or hire a tour guide to get some real insight to the Mayan culture and the history behind these majestic ruins. Tour guides are available just outside the ruins and most of them are multilingual so you can find one that speaks your language and can give you a full tour of the ruins and answer any questions you may have. You can also tour the ruins on your own. The ruins at Tulum has a bookstore where you can purchase a book about the ruins and guide yourself through the ruins. Either way, a tour of the Mayan ruins of this region is a must-see on any itinerary.

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The Centro Ecologico Akumal and the Place of the Turtle

Akumal is home to beautiful beaches, resorts and some of the best diving in the world. It is also a place that takes great pride in their ecological achievement and their preservation of natural habitats for turtles and other marine wildlife. The Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the ecosystem of Akumal from unsustainable development. They offer educational programs and volunteer opportunities for students and eco travelers who want to observe marine wildlife in their natural habitats and help maintain the integrity of the natural surroundings.

Akumal is known as the place of the turtle, and its turtle beaches are the temporary home to sea turtles that come to nest. The Centro Ecologico Akumal protects the natural habitat of the sea turtle and the greater Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Tourists will see a variety of sea turtles nesting, and eating along the beaches. The turtle beaches stretch from Half Moon Bay, Akumal Bay to Jade Beach, and there are plenty of opportunities to observe these turtles in their natural habitat.

The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers turtle walks and tours, as well as volunteer opportunities to preserve recently redeveloped wetlands, preserving the mangroves and aiding researchers and scientists as they study the coral reefs and natural habitats of Akumal.

Turtle season refers to when the Green and Loggerhead turtles come to Akumal to lay their eggs and nest. The season runs from April when the turtles come to shore, to November when they and their hatchlings return to sea. The Centro Ecologico Akumal has a turtle protection program that tourists can get involved in and it is a true wonder of nature to witness the nesting and hatching of a whole new generation of sea turtles. Tourists and residents alike take pride in the ecological integrity that Akumal offers, and there is a lot of dedication to these gentle, lovable sea creatures who have chosen Akumal as their place to create new life.

The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers tourists a chance to participate in the betterment of the environment through its many educational and volunteer programs. If you are looking to take a vacation to make a difference, Akumal may just be the perfect ecotourism destination for you. You can be an active participant in maintaining and preserving the integrity of the sea turtle habitats, as well as explore the ecological wonders of this region of the Yucatan Peninsula.

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Take a Day Trip to Akumal and Experience the Wonders of the Riviera Maya

The Mexican Caribbean has long been a popular destination for tourists with Cozumel, Cancun and Playa de Carmen booming with tourism and nightlife. While many people enjoy the exciting pace of these popular destinations, they also enjoy paying a visit to the small, laid back town of Akumal, known for its quaint shops and restaurants, the best snorkeling and diving in the region, and its jungles and Mayan ruins that harkens back to the days when Akumal was a major trade route for this ancient civilization.

A day trip to Akumal is only 20 minutes away from Playa de Carmen and offers quieter beaches, unspoiled ecological sights and some of the best diving in the world. Day tours can be arranged from Cancun and other destinations in the region and is the perfect opportunity to escape the overcrowded beaches of the more bustling resort towns. You can explore the lush jungles and the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, which is conveniently located just 20 minutes away. Exploring the jungle and the Mayan ruins can give you a taste of the ancient civilization that once thrived here and see a part of Riviera Maya that you can’t see in Cancun or Playa de Carmen.

Akumal is a diver and snorkeler paradise and has the world’s second largest reef located just off its coast. Cancun does not offer much in the way of diving and snorkeling, but Akumal has many opportunities to explore shipwrecks, caves and the largest number of cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula. Cenotes are naturally occurring sinkholes that dot the landscape surrounding Akumal. The Mayans believed them to be sacred, and they still provide fresh water swimming, diving and snorkeling today. They have many underwater cave diving experiences that hardcore diving enthusiasts or even the novice diver are bound to find fascinating.

A day trip to Akumal offers travelers the opportunity to explore the turtle beaches, the natural habitat of several species of sea turtles who come from the sea in April to nest and leave with their hatchlings in November. Akumal is a town that prides itself of its ecological heritage and preservation of natural marine habitats. It’s the perfect day trip excursion for the ecotourist, with a large natural aquarium where you can observe marine life in their natural protected habitat.

The quaint town of Akumal offers shops and restaurants that are sure to please any traveler. With the beaches and bays within walking distance, you can buy Mayan crafts and dine on traditional Mayan cuisine. Spending a day exploring Akumal and its pristine beaches and beautiful jungles may lead the day tripper to consider Akumal as a destination for a longer stay in the future.

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The Best Time to Travel to Akumal

Like many other vacation spots in the world, Akumal and the Riviera Maya region definitely has it high season and low season for travel. This is based mainly on the fact that this region of the Yucatan does not have the traditional four seasons, but two – rainy season and dry season.

Obviously, high season is when dry season is happening. Dry season begins in the middle of December and lasts through April. The weather is pleasant, with the average temperature being 80 degrees and every day is sunny. It’s almost guaranteed the every day will be a beach day, diving day or day for exploring the jungles and ruins of the area. It’s also guaranteed that hotel rooms and villa rentals are a lot higher in high season, and shop owners are less likely to want to bargain when selling their wares.

Low season is rainy season and that lasts from late April through November. It used to be the case that accommodations during low season were much cheaper to come by in Akumal and throughout the region because of rainy season, but with the area’s increasing popularity, hotels and other accommodations are less likely to come down too much in price as people are willing to chance taking the trip during low season. You will still have less crowds and it will be easier to find accommodation during the low season. However, extreme discounts like 50% off on hotels and other accommodations are a thing of the past.

There are deals to be found during low season if you are willing to take the chance on the fact that there will be rainy weather, and when there is no rain, temperatures can soar to a sweltering 110 degrees. There are fewer tourists in town during low season as compared to high season, so this can make access to the jungle tours, ruins, accommodations and wildlife preserves a little easier. While fewer hotels are slashing their prices during low season, there are cheap accommodations that can be found if you do a little homework.

If water temperature is important to you, travelling during low season may be a better option. While the weather during high season is dry and pleasant, many find the water temperature of the ocean too cold to comfortably swim and snorkel in. The low season offers hotter temperatures and the water is a lot warmer. People who want to take advantage of swimming in the natural sinkholes known as cenotes will appreciate an icy dip in these fresh water sources that dot the landscape surrounding Akumal. They can be refreshing on a hot 100 degree day, but may be too cold for bathers in the high season.

Choosing when the best time to travel to Akumal depends on your preference. High season offers sunny weather, dry conditions but very cold water for swimming. Low season offers extremely hot temperatures and the possibility of a lot of rain, but warm water for swimming and snorkeling. Whichever season you travel to Akumal in, you are bound to enjoy this beautiful town located in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. For more information on hotels and lodging in Akumal, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Jungle Tours of the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya region of the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its pristine beaches, fabulous resorts and a plethora of water sports and diving experiences. There is also a rich ecological landscape to be explored around Akumal and Playa de Carmen in the protected jungles of the region. In these jungles, the government has taken steps to preserve the land from development and maintain the integrity of the natural habitats of many species. From toucans to monkeys, you can see them all in their natural surroundings by arranging a jungle tour while you are staying in the area.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve is 1.3 million acres set aside by the Mexican government as an internationally protected natural habitat. In this jungle you will find mangrove swamps, savannahs, tropical forests, coastal lagoons and thousands of species of birds, fish, monkeys and other animals.

You can arrange a tour of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve with one of the many providers in the area. The best way to see this area is by boat, and private guided tours are available with native tour guides. A boat tour will cross two lakes which are connected to the sea by ancient Mayan canals that were once an integral part of the trade routes for this ancient civilization. As you cruise along the guided boat tour, you will marvel at the beautiful flora and fauna such as orchids and other tropical plant life. You will also have the chance to explore many Mayan ruins located within the preserve. One fun part of the excursion is when you put on a life jacket and float down the canal. The beauty of these tours is that the proceeds go to help preserving this natural wonder. A day spent at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve is educational and fun and you will experience first hand one of the last undeveloped coastal areas in North America.

There are several other wildlife reserves in the region. There is the Xaman-Ha bird sanctuary in Playacar, just 20 minutes north of Akumal. This bird sanctuary is one of the natural wonders of Mexico and is host to hundreds of species of tropical birds. Another place to get the jungle experience is Jungle Place in Chemuyil. It is located 10 minutes from Akumal and is host to toucans and monkeys that you can interact with. It is inland and there is even lodging available if you want to spend some time in the jungle. They have monkeys in a cage where you can go in and pet them and interact with them and see how they live. This is a unique chance to safely interact with wildlife and learn about their natural habitat and even spend a few days in the jungle to get the full experience. The Riviera Maya region offers many jungle habitats and natural preserves for tourists to truly enjoy one of the last unspoiled, undeveloped jungle and coastline regions in Mexico. To find jungle accommodations and more information on lodging, visit HotelsCombined.com.

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Experience the Magic of the Mayan Riviera in Akumal, Mexico

Akumal, Mexico is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the heart of the Mayan Riviera. This quaint tourist destination is known for its beautiful beaches, small towns, and ecotourism. It is known as the place of turtles for its sizable sea turtle population, but it could be known as the place of divers, for it is a favorite spot for serious divers who want to marvel at the beautiful coral reefs and the diverse marine life that the Mexican Caribbean has to offer.

This area is located down the coastline from Cancun, and is a little more tranquil and less populated than some of the bigger destinations in the area. It has a variety of lodgings from all inclusive resorts to private houses for rent. There are a diverse range of activities for the tourist to engage in while visiting Akumal, and there is something for everyone.

The Yucatan Peninsula hosts some of the most beautiful and breathtaking Mayan ruins which are conveniently located nearby. History buffs and archaeological fans will enjoy viewing what remains of a splendid ancient civilization that is still being uncovered in the area. The ruins in Tulum are a very popular site with tourists.

Divers and those that want to learn have picked the perfect place to explore the ocean depths when they go to Akumal. There are plenty of dive shops and expeditions and if you have no experience, you can get your certification while exploring this beautiful area. Many of the dive shops also offer snorkeling trips and provide equipment rental. Whether you snorkel or scuba, there is plenty to explore in the world’s second largest reef just off the coast of Akumal. You can explore shipwrecks and caves or just marvel at the plethora of wildlife and beautiful colors that await you.

Sports fishing is very popular in Akumal, with many deep sea expeditions. You can charter a boat in Akumal Harbor for a day long excursion fishing the deep blue turquoise waters that are located just off the coast. You don’t have to travel too far off the coast to enjoy a day of deep sea fishing.

In addition to the sports activities, ecological enthusiasts will enjoy the many educational activities and exposure to protected ecosystems of this unspoiled area. Akumal is home to the world’s largest natural aquarium where you can observe marine life in their natural habitat. You can also visit the Centro Ecologico Akumal, a non-profit educational center which is dedicated to preserving the ecosystem from unsustainable development. A day spent there looking at the exhibits and participating in the educational activities invites opportunities to learn about how fragile and unspoiled this area is. For more information on where to stay and what to do in the Mayan Riviera, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Akumal is an Ideal Romantic Getaway and Honeymoon Spot

The quaint town of Akumal, Mexico in the Riviera Maya region offers couples the perfect locale for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Known for its laid-back style, beautiful surroundings and unspoiled Caribbean beaches, Akumal has been a popular destination for honeymooners who prefer the tranquil setting of Akumal to the more bustling beaches of Cancun and Playa de Carmen.

Akumal is a small town, but offers many lodging choices that can set the tone for a romantic trip. Couples have their choice of all inclusive resorts, hotels, or condominiums. Many people choose to rent a private villa which affords them more privacy and adds a special touch to their honeymoon. There are many private villas and houses for rent through agencies and owners.

Akumal is the perfect place to go for romantic strolls along its beautiful unspoiled beaches and through the quaint town. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon for the couple that wants to unplug and forget the world for a while. There are also many activities to engage in and lots to see and do while staying in Akumal.

One favorite thing to do is to take a romantic cruise at sunset on Akumal Bay. You can hire a catamaran and take a private cruise of the bay and watch the sunset. You can make reservations for just the two of you so you can enjoy a private sail in the beautiful bay and take in the sunset as it bathes the area in beautiful colors that compliments the beautiful jade green landscape and turquoise water.

There are many bars along Half Moon Bay where you can also enjoy the sunset in their unique crows nest tables that offers a superb view of the bay. The best time to go is just before sunset, where you can grab a bottle of wine at the bar and sit together and watch the sun go down on the bay.

The beaches of Akumal are not crowded and afford the honeymooners ample privacy and time to sunbathe and swim in the beautiful water. Couples can also enjoy the snorkeling and diving opportunities that Akumal is famous for. Akumal is home to many beautiful lagoons and has the world’s second largest barrier reef conveniently located just off its coast. Whether you are experienced divers or want to try something new and adventurous, there are plenty of dive shops that can arrange diving and snorkeling excursions and instruction, along with sea kayak and canoe rentals.

Akumal has a quaint charm and is a peaceful haven for honeymooners and romantic getaways. For couples who want to spend time in a laid-back atmosphere with natural beauty and lots of activities to explore, Akumal is the perfect destination for the trip of a lifetime. For more information on romantic accommodations in the area, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Where to Stay When You Travel to Akumal

While Akumal may be a small town compared to other resort areas in the Riviera Maya region, it offers tourists a big range of lodging options. The beauty of vacationing in Akumal is enjoying the quaint town and the convenience of being close to nearly all of the attractions and sightseeing activities available. Choosing your type of lodging is strictly a matter of personal preference and you will not be disappointed no matter what type of lodging situation you choose.

There are a diverse range of hotel rooms and suites available in Akumal and the surrounding area. There are luxury all inclusive hotel resorts, with all the amenities and activities where you pay one price and enjoy everything, room, food, drinks and organized activities without having to reach for your wallet. Once you check in, everything is covered. The only thing you may have to pay for is day trips and diving and sailing excursions. Akumal also offers cheaper, quaint hotels for people on a budget. An important consideration when selecting a hotel is location. You should do some homework and find out if the hotel is located near a good snorkeling beach or a good swimming and sunbathing beach if these things are important to you. Also, if you want to be in walking distance to the shops or restaurants, this is another important consideration.

Akumal also has many private homes and villas for rent. There are a lot of advantages to renting a private villa. They are more private than a hotel and a resort, and many are located in secluded areas by the lagoon and the rocky cliffs, away from the public beaches and the crowds. Private homes and villas can be rented through agencies or private owners and offer you more spacious accommodations. They may have their own swimming pools which is a nice amenity. They also have kitchens so you can prepare your meals if you do not want to dine out every night. If you are a big group or a family, staying in a private villa may be the best choice, as there are more bedrooms and bathrooms that can accommodate larger groups.

There are many different kinds of rentals, ranging from villas to condos. Some of these private rentals offer maid service, and are equipped for the various water activities that can be found in Akumal. There are many beachfront properties for people that want to wake up and walk right out to the beach in the morning. Renting a private home or condo can offer you some special touches that a hotel or resort cannot. The owners care about their homes and take pride in offering their guests a luxurious and comfortable environment to enjoy the Riviera Maya vacation experience. The choice of where to stay in Akumal is up to you and what your preferences are for accommodations. The town has many lodging choices for every type of traveler. For more information on the variety of lodging and hotels available in the area, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Akumal is a Caribbean Diving Paradise

Divers throughout the world know that the small village of Akumal offers some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Located just of the coast of Akumal is the world’s second largest reef which offers a diverse range of diving experiences ranging from ship wreck diving to cave diving and snorkeling excursions.

This village is located 65 miles south of Cancun and just 50 miles from the airport, so getting there is convenient. There are a variety of lodging choices to make your stay more comfortable. Then there are the dive shops. Akumal has many dive shops which not only offer equipment rental and tours, but they also offer the novice the opportunity to get their PADI certification.

Akumal is small and unobtrusive and offers the diver an alternative to the often crowded resorts of Cancun and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean. For the causal snorkeling, Yalku Lagoon offers the perfect place to snorkel the day away. There are two very tranquil bays that are perfect for snorkeling and observing marine life.

For serious divers, area dive shops offer a variety of exciting diving excursions to the 30 reef sites which include shipwrecks, cenotes and caverns and a breathtaking array of marine life that you can experience. The dive shop makes all the arrangements for you; you can rent a tank, mask, flippers and anything else you need. You can arrange an all day diving excursion or if you are more adventurous, you can explore the caves, caverns and cenotes that Akumal is famous for. Divers from all over the world come to explore the cenotes and caves of Akumal and that is what makes this small village a diver’s mecca.

Dive shops can also help the aspiring diver gain their certification so they can dive in open water. They have courses at all levels from resort course to advanced and what better place to learn to dive than in one of the best places to go diving in the world. There are qualified instructors who will guide you through the process of certification so you can enjoy the wonders of the ocean that await you off the coast of Akumal.

There are so many excursions from Akumal for the diver to enjoy. There is a day long diving excursion to Cozumel Island, or you can explore the lagoons and reefs that are teeming with tropical fish and colorful coral that are bound to hook even the most seasoned diver. Akumal may be a small village, but it offers big opportunities for divers and snorkelers who want to experience all the beauty that this region of the Yucatan has to offer. For more information on where to stay while in Akumal, visit HotelsCombined.com.

Activities and Things To Do in Akumal, Mexico

If you like history, sports or a wide variety of ocean and land based activities you will have a great time in Akumal Mexico. There is a huge array of activities that will please everyone no matter how discerning the traveler.

Akumal is a divers paradise.  With the world’s second largest reef just offshore and several sunken ships in the area, the choice of dives is unlimited  There are numerous PADI Certified dive shops in the area with resort diving, certification courses, open sea dives, night dives, cenote dives or cave dives.  Diving and snorkeling are both readily available for anyone who wishes to visit the area reefs. You will be able to rent all of the equipment you need and have an experienced diver take you out to explore the ocean.

There are plenty of fishing activities to keep you occupied for days at a time. You can charter a boat in Akumal Bay to take you deep sea fishing.  The run to deep water is measured in yards instead of miles!  Or make the short run south to Xcalak for world class bone fish and permit fly fishing.  Local guides are available.

You might enjoy visiting the exibits at Centro Ecológico Akumal, a non-profit organization which provides academic studies, ocean research, marine studies, environmental education and cultural exchange. CEA has a wide range of programs aimed at studying and protecting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System from the effects of unsustainable development.  CEA is a good place to visit if you want to learn more about sea life and how it can be protected.

Xel-Ha, Mexico’s Natural Wonder and the largest Natural Aquarium in the world await your discovery.  You can easily spend the day enjoying and exploring a wide variety of fish and animals in their natural habitat which has been protected for your enjoyment.

History buffs will particularly love the wonderful ancient Mayan Ruins in the Akumal, Mexico area. There are several of these sites in the area that are currently being uncovered by archeologists. A particularly popular site location is the Tulum ruins.

When you visit the Mayan Ruins you will see some of the expansive jungles around the Akumal area. A day trip through the jungle is a great experience and an adventure that you are sure to remember.

You can participate in kayaking and cave diving activities in Akumal. Cave diving is an exhilarating experience that you won’t soon forget and is especially enticing for the adventurous traveler.

No trip to the area would be complete without including many of the shopping opportunities in and around the Akumal area. Here you can find local crafts, necessities and even high end formal wear in the shopping area’s located in the town of Akumal. If you want to add a cultural touch to your home then you will particularly be fond of the vast selection of traditional Mayan crafts and linens.

After your shopping trip you are sure to enjoy the local cafes and fine dining restaurants in this charming village. With menu selections ranging from fresh seafood and fish to the more traditional Mayan dishes there is plenty for the traveler to choose from.  You will relax, refresh and be revitalized in Akumal, Mexico!

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