Learn More About Beautiful Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is a unique eco-park located south of Playa del Carmen, about 15 minutes from our villa in Akumal. It lies on the eastern coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, the archaeological site of the Mayans in ancient times.

Multiple leisure, ecological and natural wonders offer things to do for the whole family. The delightful open-sea aquarium allows visitors to see sea life in its natural habitat unaltered and not bothered.

Swimming with trained dolphins is also a traditional thing to do for visitors and it is usually not available in many places. Animal and nature people like to spend time in the ocean with these gentle creatures, and they will have a wonderful story to bring back to their family and friends!

Snorkeling is also ideal in the protected lagoon. The coral is dead there, but regular feeding keeps the many types of colorful fish returning for dinner. Some snorkelers will have another party feed the fish so they can photograph the fish from below.

There is a river which starts in a natural spring, and inner tubes are available to float down the stream. This is a relaxing complement to an afternoon nap in a hammock on one of the sandy beaches.

The more daring tourists enjoy climbing and diving from the high cliffs in Xel-Ha, touring the Mayan cave, and checking out the adjent Xel-Ha ruins. These ruins are largely untouched and totally natural, with a unique look into past centuries and architectural contributions of the Maya people.

Hammock Island, Xpa, Bay of Caprices and The Beach are favorite areas for visitors who want to lounge and relax at Xel-Ha. Chacah Garden, the Mayan Wall, the Apiary and Plant Nursery provide perfect natural attractions for plant life lovers. Natural wonders are also seen at the Inlet, El Dorado Cavern, Ixchel’s Gulf, the Mayan Cave, Chaac Mangal, and many lakes.

When staying in Akumal, Xel-Ha is a short drive that will please the entire family and offer plenty of varying activities for all. Day passes are affordable.  Xel-Ha is a one of a kind eco-park with things to do centering around relaxation, fun and exploring historical and natural wonders.

Water sport lovers will enjoy the inner tube ride, cliff diving and snorkeling in the lagoon.  Nature lovers will enjoy swimming with the dolphins and exploring the multiple forms of plant and animal life there, and those who want to know more about the historical roots of the Yucatan Peninsula have an opportunity to explore the Mayan ruins and see the architectural influences of that age.

Our kids and grandchildren usually plan on spending the entire day at Xel-Ha when they visit Akumal. There is so much to do they never get tired of going back. They enjoy riding a bicycle through a path in the jungle, jumping off the cliffs into the limpid blue sea, swimming with the dolphins, and walking through stingrays on the bottom of the ocean.

This year for the first time they signed up for the Sea Trek. You wear a technologically advanced helmet that looks like deep-sea diving equipment. Sea Trek does not require any previous training or diving knowledge. Instructors are nearby at all times during the walk, aiding them in every way and easing any concerns about the aquatic walk of your life. Everyone says it was a walk they would remember forever!

We highly recommend you visit Xel-Ha on your next visit to the Yucatan.

M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.

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Want to Know About Akumal Mexico?

The more you learn about Akumal, Mexico, the more excited you will be when you vacation in this  paradise. So, in the months or weeks leading up to your trip you should spend a litle time reading so that you can become more acquainted with Akumal.

To learn more about Akumal, Mexico, you can easily turn to the Internet. The Internet is a treasure house, providing historical and straight information as well as tips and reviews from other travelers who have been to the area. This site, AkumalVacation.com, has many good articles about the Akumal Mexico area.  This type of information can provide all you need to know about many parts of your vacation, including the best places to eat, stay, shop, and visit. We will tell you what we like best and what to watch out for, while the other sites will tell you all about other areas that you plan to visit.

In addition to this type of information, you can also learn more through Akumal hotel, resort, and tourism websites. Each site will provide you with pictures of their facilities, a list of local attractions and activities, and typically, a short history of the area. They may also provide information about items that they provide, which will not only help you discover more about Akumal, but also help you organize your daily activities while on vacation.

Although their objective is to talk you to visit Akumal, the information that they provide about their property and the area must be correct or they will begin to lose business. So, you can usually trust the information from a website, including the information that they show about local actitivies and the history of the area.

Alternatively you can learn more about Akumal is through a travel agent. It is the job of a travel agent to know a lot of information about their main destinations and to be able to give you the information. Even if you do not plan to use a travel agent, you can still find some information through them.

A trip to Akumal and the Riviera Maya area of Mexico would not be complete without a visit to one of the many 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 surrounding area were major trade routes for the Mayans and historians are continuing to uncoverstill uncovering many ruins of this once mighty civilization.

One of the nicest 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 Mayan Riveria region. They are an easy drive by automobile or if you prefer, you can arrange to take a tour bus.

A trip to Akumal, Mexico can be an educational and bonding experience for the whole family. Explore the history and the culture of Mexico. Learn about the sea and what activities you can enjoy there. Plan your trip based on the subject that interests you most. The more you learn about Akumal, the more fascinating it will be once you get there.

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Driving to South Akumal from the Cancun Airport

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.

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Private Villa for Rent in Akumal, Mexico

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!

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.

Benefits of a Villa Rental in Akumal, Mexico

There are many benefits of renting a house in Akumal, Mexico that put renting a home for your vacation at the top of the list. And it’s usually best to rent directly from the owners instead from some rental agency.  You can rent our house in Akumal, Mexico directly from the owners.   Here are just a few of the benefits that you   may enjoy:

1. The most important benefit of a home rental in Akumal is privacy. Privacy is important if you want to relax and rejuvenate or just spend much needed time together. Whether you are a couple that wants privacy for a romantic getaway or are a family that wants privacy to relax and getaway with the room to spread out and enjoy yourself, a villa rental can do that for you.

2. Another home rental benefit is space. When you have a home, you are going to have more space for your stay than you will with a hotel, condo or resort. Not only does this give your family or group of friends the room to spread out and do their own thing, but it also means that you will not be sharing a swimming pool or other facilities with anyone else throughout the duration of your stay.

3. As you look at the benefits of a home rental, you cannot forget the availability to cook your own meals or even hire your own private chef. Whether you just want to enjoy a simple breakfast or a snack later in the day, a fully furnished kitchen can be a top feature for any home. With all the cooking utensils that you may need, you can cook as little or as much as you wish for your vacation.

When you take a large group to Mexico, cooking a few of your meals can beneficial in terms of time, budget, and levels of stress that you experience on your vacation getaway. In addition to your kitchen, some home rental properties also provide an outdoor barbecue grill for you to cook some of your meals. Outdoor cooking and dining can be a fun way to break up different meals throughout your trip.

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Top Three Accommodations in Akumal, Mexico for Your Stay

As you search for your accommodation options for your vacation to Akumal, Mexico, you will find that there are three main options from which you can choose. From these three options, you can choose which ones fit best for your group, length of trip, and vacation budget.

The first type of accommodations in Akumal, Mexico is hotel rooms and suites. Hotels and suites provide guests with much diversity in rooms, prices, and availability. Hotels also provide several amenities for guests to enjoy from a breakfast spread to pools and hot tubs.

Similarly, the second type of accommodations in Akumal is found in resort locations. Much like hotels, resorts provide individual rooms and a number of amenities for all guests to enjoy. However, the difference between hotels and resorts come in the activities that a resort will provide for its guests.

Resorts often provide group activities as well as resources for individuals to plan their own activities throughout their stay. Some activities will be at an additional cost and others are included in the vacation package. They will often provide tour leaders and professionals for various activities for a positive experience.

The last type of accommodations for Akumal visitors is home or condo rentals. Once a group or family commits to this type of accommodation, most will choose a home rental over that of a condo because it affords them more space, in the form of living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

However, many couples will choose to stay at condos simply because they do not need the space and because many condos are available at a more economical price. There are several different types of home and condo rentals, including those that provide daily maid service, those that provide some activities and equipment for guests, and those that provide their own stretch of beachfront property.

While most hotels and resorts are run by a corporation, many homes are being run differently. Although there are some that are run by an agency, there are homes that are provided by the homeowners, which offer guests a more personal experience. Not only do many homeowners provide extra touches and considerations not available in hotels or resorts.

To find a complete list of the best deals on accommodation in Akumal, Mexico, travel sites like HotelsCombined.com can provide those for you. Upon entering your travel information, you will find out the most recent deals available from various travel groups available online.

What to Pack for Akumal, Mexico

Knowing what to pack when traveling to Akumal, Mexico can prepare on how to handle anything unexpected on your trip. These tips will help you have the safest, happiest vacation possible.

The first step in learning what to pack in Akumal is preparing for what you plan to do. Once you know what you plan to do, you can easily move on to figuring out what to pack for your trip. Even if you only have a broad idea, like that you want to take a few day trips, you want to spend time in the water, and that you want to try some interesting restaurants, you will know that you need to pack your beach gear, some good walking shoes, and a nice outfit for your dinner plans.

Now that you know what to pack for Akumal for all of your daily adventures, you can begin packing your clothing and accessories. Knowing your plans is extremely helpful so that you bring along the right items, especially if you are going on a family vacation and need to pack for several people. At the top of your list should be a hat, sunglasses, and waterproofs sunscreen for each member of your group.

Clothing for your trip should be light weight, like sundresses, shorts, and cotton shirts. Linen and khaki can also be much cooler than a pair of jeans either day or night. While you want to plan a number of clothing items that will keep you cool, you should bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

Part of your packing will include items that prove that you know that you will not always be able to anticipate what to expect in Akumal, Mexico. This list of items include a flashlight if you plan to be out at night, insect repellant in case you take a trip to the jungle, and a carry-on bag to keep your passport, cash, and other important documentation on you or with you at all times. Copies should also be made of all of this documentation in case something was to happen to them.

No matter where you go on vacation, knowledge is power. This includes what you need to expect in Akumal. Although it may turn out that you are over prepared, that is far better than not being prepared nearly enough for whatever situations may arise.

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