Aktun Chen Photo by Gary J Wood

Aktun Chen, located along the Mayan Riviera, is just 4 kilometers south of Akumal. This provides a perfect opportunity to take a day tour of the location most known for its many explored caves.

The name “Aktun Chen” means “cave with an underground river inside” in ancient Mayan language. Nearly 988 acres of unexplored rainforests surround the town, aside from the harvesting of a gum from a local tree called “chicozapote”.

Three caves call Aktun Chen “home”, and rivers flow underground in these caves. The main cave offers 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 paths.

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 wildlife is also easily seen in Aktun Chen. This includes white tail deer, spider monkeys, badgers, wild boars, wild turkey, iguanas and multiple 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 traveling companions on an hour and fifteen minute tour of the friendly cave system over 600 meters long.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to view a beautiful cenote with crisp, clear water that is 12 meters deep. Local flora and fauna abound at this cenote, and offer an ideal photo opportunity for future memoirs.

At the end of the cave tour, a small restaurant is available for a quick bite to eat or a relaxing drink. This establishment offers local cuisine, tropical fruit and Mexican beer for a unique taste of Aktun Chen.

When arriving at and leaving the cave, you will notice the reception area which is surrounded and decorated with local tropical flora. This will also offer an ideal opportunity for you to snap a picture of the pretty scenery or a memorable moment with your travel mates!

Eco tours 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 allows visitors to truly experience the local wildlife and plant life in its raw and natural form.

Our villa is 3 miles from the entrance to Aktun Chen.  Why not rent our villa in Akumal.

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Photo by scumfrog

Tulum, located 15 miles south of Akumal, was once called “Zama”, meaning “place of the dawning”.  This breathtaking location which sits on a cliff facing the east Caribbean shoreline offers many Mayan ruins and ocean views for a day or short visit.

It is generally accepted that Tulum was an important city in Mayan culture between 1000 A.D. and 1600 A.D.  Only the elite Mayans lived there, where the vast views of the ocean suggest the remains of an ancient country club.  However, a 20-foot wall surrounds the site 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 major center of resistance during the 19th century War of the Castes, though later succumbed and signed a treaty with the Mexican government in 1935.  In recent years, Tulum has become a major tourist attraction in the Mayan Riviera for those who appreciate ancient architecture and craftsmanship.

Structures throughout Tulum boast 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 photo opportunities and climbing options.  Small windows in the structure were perhaps once used to view the ocean and secure the city against incoming sea invaders.

The Temple of the Diving God boasts a figure above the entrance doorway which depicts a man diving headfirst toward the earth.  Two similar carvings are found at Coba in the Grand Pyramid, and are believed to reference the planet Venus.  The figure may also be called “the bee god” or “the god descending”.

Tulum offers a unique insight 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, Mexico ruins.

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Photo by bettyx1138

Akumal Bay is known for its various species of sea turtles which use the grounds for breeding, feeding and rearing their young.  This provides an optimal opportunity to experience the animals in their natural habitat, including the many colorful species of fish and plant life.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the most popular activities to pursue during a visit to Akumal, but snorkeling offers a less physical demanding and technical option.  With a short instruction course and the ideal site choice, snorkeling is quite easy for even first-time novices.

One popular area for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon.  This area is an extremely rare environment where fresh water coincides with salt water from the ocean.  The combination of the two types of water is called a “halocline” effect.

Only very specific species can survive and prosper in this halocline lagoon, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an altered appearance of the water itself.  Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been featured on many travel channel specials in recent years.

Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and colorful fish displays.  Interested snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite interesting for a day of exploration.  Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to Mayan civilizations that once inhabited the area.

Snorkel lessons are always a good idea for first-timers prior to traveling to one of these sites.  Although the activity is not difficult, some find that they are uncomfortable with the equipment or unsure how to best view the underwater life while safely using it.

A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling.  Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.

Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be viewed when snorkeling at night.  This is typically because they are night-feeders or resting during the day.

The octopus is a perfect example of this phenomenon.  Octopuses only come out to feed at nighttime, and change color when a flashlight beam is focused on them.  Virtually all of the life seen at night is safe for swimmers, so night snorkeling is a family-friendly activity as well.

Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night.  This creates greenish lights shining either continuously or flashing after daylight hours – quite a show for someone who is only accustomed to snorkeling during the day!

Rent our villa in Akumal Mexico.

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Villa Paraiso in Akumal

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!