Driving to South Akumal from the Cancun Airport
February 25, 2009 by cattleto
Filed under Akumal Travel Articles
When vacationing in Akumal, you will find that rental cars provide an economical form of transportation in and around the area. You can take the direct route and go from the Cancun airport to Akumal via Highway #307.
Akumal is an easy drive on a well-maintained four lane divided highway from the Cancun airport. We are about 100 kilometers south of the airport, which translates to a 1 to 1½ hour drive.
From the airport, take the first right exit to Highway 307. Just follow the Playa del Carmen exit signs south onto the highway. There is a Pemex station and McDonalds on the right just after getting on 307 if you need gas or a snack. In 20 minutes, you can stop at Puerto Morelos for gas or a convenience store. Although many gas stations are available in Mexico, it’s always a good idea to stop if you have less than a quarter of a tank of gas left.
Further along highway 307, you will go through Playa del Carmen. There are many restaurants here as well as mega superstores. Don’t go over 80 kph as they use radar heavily. And watch out for topes (speed bumps)! They love them in this entire area.
After you pass Puerto Aventuras, you are only 10 minutes from the Akumal exit.
To get to South Akumal check your odometer at the overpass in Akumal and go exactly 4 kilometers past Akumal to the returno at Bahia Principe and then go back towards Akumal for 2 kilometers where you will see the exit for South Akumal (Akumal Sur).
If you want to go to North Akumal just make a U-turn at the first returno after the overpass and then turn right at the overpass. When entering the town of Akumal, you will pass an information station. This stand is an ideal place to pick up a regional map of the area for current and future reference during your trip!
Just before the Arch, you will see the Super Chomack on your right, and Mulgren’s Lavenderia, Oshun Boutique, and Minisuper Las Palmas on your left. The outdoor market may be open, and is a good area to buy some fresh produce for a sample of the local fare. If you failed to make reservations before arriving in Akumal, the information station will also be able to send you to a reputable local establishment.
Something to note about local drivers in Mexico is that observing stop signs is considered optional. Taxicabs seem to have the right of way, and it is best to simply stay patient and let the other drivers to do what they desire.
Defensive driving is the most important skill when operating a vehicle in and around Akumal. If you feel uncomfortable driving in a foreign place, perhaps you should hire a cab driver.
You can rent our villa in South Akumal.
Read Akumal travel articles.
Activities for Kids in Akumal Mexico
February 13, 2009 by cattleto
Filed under Activities, Restaurants
If you bring the children to Akumal on vacation, there are many things available which are perfect for the younger members of the family. It’s important to keep the kids busy and entertained in all of the fun activities available in Akumal.
Aside from touring the many Mayan ruins, snorkeling is perhaps the most interesting activity for all visitors to Akumal, and some of the locations are especially perfect for the children. With a few safety measures, the kids can partake in this activity with little chance of hurt or accident.
Well fitted life vests should be used by each child. Most villas provide these life vests free of charge. These will not only prevent deadly accidents in the water, but will help to cover their body and prevent sunburn in this area. Sunscreen should also be applied often to avoid major skin damage from the hot Caribbean sun!
Yal-Ku Lagoon offers an optimum location for young snorkelers. The calm waters of the area are free of choppy waters and big waves, allowing them to view the colorful ocean life easily. The bay in front of the villas in South Akumal also is perfect because of the reef blocking the waves.
A day at the beach is loved by everyone, and the children can occupy themselves with the white sand all day long. Buckets and shovels give the chance to make sand castles while you rest and watch the children play. A sandy beach in front of your rental is a major plus. Most rental villas also have a fresh water pool with a deck for the family to enjoy. Many also have kyacks for you to paddle.
Always discuss with the children the importance of being aware of your location before a day at the beach. They should not walk near turtle nests or dig around in them for fear of destroying eggs buried beneath the sand.
The Jungle Place is a fun place to take the animal-loving children in the family. It is a sanctuary for spider monkeys situated four miles south of Akumal at the town of Chemuyil. Here, they can view many of the local wild animals which are caged or chained for safety. They may also play with the monkeys and talk to the many big parrots located here.
Places like Xel Ha, Hidden Worlds, Dolphin Adventures and Actun Chen offer something for everyone in the family, and are good for even the smallest children. Hike the jungle to cenotes, tour a cave, ride the zip-line in the jungle, swim with the dolphins, tube on a river, jump from a cliff, or eat homemade ice cream available at many of the local eateries. They are all within a ten minute drive of Akumal.
Determining whether your children are adventurous, interested in animals and nature, or simplyhappy to play in the water all day will help you to pick the best for them to engage in. Discuss with your kids about what they would prefer to see and do while in Akumal, and try to oblige at least one thing that even the children want to do.