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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Activities for Kids in Akumal Mexico

If you bring the kids to Akumal on vacation, there are many things here which are perfect for the younger members of the group.  It’s important to keep the kids busy and interested in all of the fun activities here in Akumal.

Aside from touring the local Mayan ruins, snorkeling is maybe the most popular activity for all travelers to Akumal, and some of the locations are especially perfect for the kids.  With a few safety precautions, the kids can partake in this fun with little possibility of hurt or accident.

Well fitted life vests should be worn by each child. Many villas provide these life vests free of charge.  Vests will not only prevent serious accidents in the water, but will help to cover their body and prevent sunburn in this area.  It should also be applied frequently to avoid serious skin damage from the hot Caribbean sun!

Yal-Ku Lagoon offers an outstanding location for young snorkelers.  The calm waters of the area are free of choppy waters and big waves, allowing them to see the bright ocean life easily.  The bay in front of the villas in South Akumal also is excellent because of the reef blocking the waves.

A day at the beach is loved by everyone, and the kids can occupy themselves with the pliable 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 huge 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 enjoy.

Always discuss with the kids the importance of being aware of your surroundings before a day at the beach.  They should not walk near turtle nests or dig around in them for fear of breaking eggs buried beneath the sand.

The Jungle Place is a great place to take the animal-loving kids in the group.  It is a sanctuary for spider monkeys situated four miles south of Akumal neat the town of Chemuyil.  Here, they can see 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 colorful parrots located here.

Places like Xel Ha, Hidden Worlds, Dolphin Adventures and Actun Chen offer excitement for everyone in the family, and are good for even the smallest children.  Hike the jungle to cenotes, visit a cave, ride the zip-line in the canopy, swim with the dolphins, tube down a river, jump from a cliff, or eat homemade ice cream available at many of the local eateries.  They are all within a few minute drive of Akumal.

Depending whether your children are adventurous, interested in animals and nature, or simplyhappy to play in the water all day will help you to choose the best for them to partake in.  Talk with your family about what they would like to see and do while in Akumal, and try to do at least one activity that even the children want to do.

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Exploring the Mayan Ruins in Tulum Mexico

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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The Restaurants of Akumal

A Candid Review of Akumal’s Eateries

We take a look at all the places to eat in the town of Akumal, Mexico.  All are owned by locals who also operate them.  These are just our opinions… other people’s opinions may vary!

caption id="attachment_6" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Lol-Ha Resturant in Akumal"/caption

Lol-Ha on Akumal Bay Our favorite!  The Beach Bar has a large palapa style outside dining area surrounded by palms with a great ocean view and cool ocean breeze. The menu offers a wide selection of well prepared foods. For more elegant dining, the main dining area offers a beautiful indoor dining room and a full menu. Their breakfast is a delight. The staff are friendly and helpful.  Friday Happy Hour is a Local’s Favorite.  The Lol-Ha Pizzeria offers freshly baked pizzas.  Located on the right just inside the arch in central Akumal.

La Buena Vida, “The Good Life”  This restaurant has a gorgeous view of Half Moon Bay. The shrimp tacos are wonderful!  The beach bar has swings instead of bar stools.  A fun “night life” place that rocks from Happy Hour to closing everyday.  Wednesday is karaoke night.  Dining on the beach or upstairs in the dining room.  They have a gift shop across the street with some fun stuff for sale.  It’s located on the beach road in the north of Akumal.

Cueva de Pescador, “The Cave of the Fisherman”–Freshest fish in Akumal!  Pescador is a seafood restaurant offering local fresh seafood caught by their own boats daily.  Grouper, Red Snapper, Boquinete (a local favorite), Atun (Tuna) and Dorado (Mahi Mahi) are usually available depending on the season.It is owned by Carlos Danú, a professional fisherman in Akumal since 1982, who for a fee will take you fishing and cook your catch for dinner!  We have fished with Carlos several times.  Always fun and inexpensive compared to the States.  Book fishing trips at the resturant.  Located on the left in the center of Akumal.

Turtle Bay Bakery & Cafe. They bake their own breads, cakes, cookies and pastries daily. Come early for the best selection.  Their breakfast is a treat. Open for breakfast andlunch.  Dinner in the high season.  Located in the center of Akumal behind Cueva de Pescador.

La Lunita, an intimate beach cafe serves contemporary style Mexican cuisine. Indoor or beach seating.  La Lunita is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the winter. Dinner only summer and fall.  It’s located in Hacienda Las Tortugas condos on Half Moon Bay in north Akumal.

Que Onda! specializes in Italian cuisine and is personally attended by owners.. Enjoy fresh pastas made daily in house and a nice selection of Italian wines. Enjoy dining in a beautiful garden setting and with an illuminated pool. Que Onda is located in a tropical garden setting at the north end of Akumal near Yal-ku Lagoon.

Loncheria Akumalito is a small breakfast/lunch bar located next to Super Chomak Grocery.  It is inexpensive with simple, delicious meals.

Lucy’s Kitchen Shrimp Tacos and handmade gormet ice cream.  Located by the basketball courts on the left before you go through the arch.

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