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Aktun Chen, located in the Mayan Riviera, is just 4 kilometers south of Akumal. This provides a great chance to take a fun tour of the place best known for its many underground caves.
The name “Aktun Chen” means “cave with an underground river inside” in ancient Mayan language. Nearly 988 acres of rainforest surround the cave where natives harvest the gum from a local tree called “chicozapote” as they have for centuries.
Several caves call Aktun Chen “home”, and rivers flow underground in all these caves. The main cave has an easy walking tour that may even be an option if you require the aid of a walking cane. Most who are able to walk on their own, even with manual assistance, are able to navigate the cave trails.
Indirect lighting from several openings in the cave prevents an uncomfortable experience for those who suffer from claustrophobia. Water and calcium carbonate formed the stalactites, stalagmites and natural sculptures seen there over the past five million years.
Regional and local animals is also easily seen at Aktun Chen. This includes white tail deer, spider monkeys, badgers, wild boars, wild turkey, iguanas and many species of birds.
When arriving at Aktun Chen’s main cave, a specially-trained guide will greet you in the reception area. The guide will then take you and your tour companions on an hour and fifteen minute tour of the 600 meters long cave system.
During the tour, you will have the chance to view a beautiful cenote with crisp, crystal water that is 12 meters deep. Local flora and fauna abound at this cenote, and offer an ideal photo opportunity for future memories.
At the end of the cave tour, a small restaurant is available for a quick bite to eat or a relaxing drink. This establishmenthas local cuisine for a unique taste of Aktun Chen.
When arriving and leaving the cave area which is surrounded and decorated with local tropical flora. This will also offer an ideal chance for you to take a photo of the pretty scenery or a memorable moment with your travel mates!
Eco trips are also available at Aktun Chen, offering several opportunities to hike and climb cliffs, as well as explore the local rainforests. The largely untouched environment in which Aktun Chen resides lets visitors to truly experience the local wildlife and plant life in its raw and natural state.
Akumal House for rent.
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Tulum, located 15 miles south of Akumal, was once called “Zama”, meaning “place of the dawning”. This beautiful location which sits on a bluff facing the east Caribbean sea offers many Mayan ruins and ocean views for a day or short visit.
It is usually accepted that Tulum was an major city in Mayan culture between 1000 A.D. and 1600 A.D. Only the wealthy Mayans lived there, where the vast views of the sea suggest the remains of an ancient country club. However, a 20-foot wall surrounds the city to prevent invaders from both land and sea from entering Tulum.
This location was one of the first Mexican cities discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors, though the high walls dissuaded them from exploring it. At that time, Tulum was the only city still thriving when it was found.
It was the chief center of resistance during the 19th century War of the Castes, though later surrendered and signed a treaty with the Mexican government in 1935. In recent times, Tulum has become a major tourist attraction in the Mayan Riviera for those who appreciate ancient architecture and craftsmanship.
Structures throughout Tulum feature several columns and intricate carvings. The most famous building ruins in the city include the Temple of the Frescoes, Castillo Pyramid, and the Temple of the Diving God.
The Temple of the Frescoes is well-known for housing multiple 13th century murals which picture ancient ceremonies highly regarded by the Mayans. One such mural depicts the Mayan goddess of fertility and medicine, Ixchel, which is extremely rare. Outside, pieces of the stucco are still painted red; it is believed that at one time the entire city was encompassed in this same paint.
The Castillo Pyramid is known as a scenic location offering multiple breathtaking picture sea invaders.
The Temple of the Diving God boasts a figure above the main doorway which shows a man diving headfirst toward the earth. Two similar frescoes are found at Coba in the Grand Pyramid, and are believed to reference the planet Venus. The image may also be called “the bee god” or “the god descending”.
Tulum offers a unique view into the lifestyles and living spaces of the elite Mayan civilization members. Contrasted with the intricate carvings and superb architecture, the surrounding walls speak to the city’s resistance to influence from outsiders over several thousand years.
It is only about a 15 minute drive from our villa in Akumal to the Tulum ruins.
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Akumal Bay is known for its many species of sea turtles which use the grounds for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to experience the animals in their natural habitat, including the many different species of fish and plant life.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to do during a visit to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good site choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time novices.
One popular site for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This site is an very rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the sea. The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.
Only very specific species can live and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many fish found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.
Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Some snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite worth while for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to original civilizations that once occupied the area.
Snorkel lessons are always a good thing forbeginners prior to traveling to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uneasy with the equipment or unclear how to best watch the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.
A fun activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a light is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.
Many fish which are not observed during daylight hours can be observed when snorkeling after nightfall. This is usually because they are night-feeders or sleeping during the day.
The octopus is a good example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at nighttime, and change color when a light is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a family-friendly activity also.
Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent after dark. This creates greenish lights shining either continuously or flashing at night – quite a show for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!
Rent our villa in Akumal Mexico.
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You can enjoy a memorable vacation in our private villa located directly on a white sandy beach in South Akumal, Mexico. Villa Paraiso is truly a “house in paradise” set in a lush tropical paradise usually associated with the South Pacific! The blend of brilliant sunlight, emerald and turqouis water, cool ocean breezes and lush tropical vegetation is breath taking. You walk through the garden filled with hibiscus, orchids and bougainvillea and into an authentic Mexican villa!
Our four-bedroom luxury home is decorated with rich red, green and white colors of Mexico and filled with local art. The ground floor has an open plan living and dining room area with a splendid view of the Caribbean Sea. Our colorful Mexican hand carved wooden dining table seats eight and the large fully equipped gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight. Why not have the staff cook for you? They prepare wonderful Yucatan style food as well as Mexican and American delights!
The four bedrooms all have comfortable king size beds. There are two identical master bedroom suites with sitting areas. One of the other bedrooms has a ocean view and the fourth bedroom has a garden view. The villa is complete with a computer with a DSL connection, WiFi Hotspot, satellite TV, VCR, stereo system, a pair of two person kayaks and a large selection of books to read. The entire house is fully air conditioned.
Step out of the living room or downstairs master bedroom onto the marble terrace surrounding the swimming pool with it’s Jacuzzi and waterfall. This is the perfect place to swim, sun and relax! The sandy beach in front of the pool is a perfect place to nap or read a book in the shade of a palm tree and listen to the ocean.
Mix yourself a cocktail at the wet bar and sip it in one of the double hammocks on the upstairs terrace while listening to the waves lap on the white sand beach.
In front of the villa is a spectacular reef that runs from Belize to Cancun. This world-famous barrier reef protects the lagoon and keeps the warm crystal clear water calm and safe for swimming, snorkeling, diving and leisurely cruising around in one of our two person kayaks. The roof-top patio is a perfect place to watch the sun rise over the Caribbean or set over the jungle while listening to the tropical birds sing. The area around Akumal is home to many spectacular Mayan ruins, golf courses and world class diving and snorkeling.
You can rent Villa Paraiso in Akumal, Mexico… a tropical paradise!
