When vacationing in Akumal, you will find that rental cars provide an economical form of transportation in and around the town.  You can take the direct route and drive from the Cancun airport to Akumal via Highway #307.

Akumal is an easy drive on a well-maintained four lane divided roadway from the Cancun airport.  We are located 100 kilometers south of the airport, which translates to a 1 to 1½ hour drive.

From the airport, take the first right exit road, Highway 307.  just follow the Playa del Carmen exit signs south onto the highway.  There is a gas station and McDonalds on the right just after getting on 307 if you need gas or a snack.  After 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 fuel left.

Further along highway 307, you will pass through Playa del Carmen.  There are numerous eateries here as well as mega superstores.  Don’t go over 80kph as they use radar extensively.

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 Pricipe and then go back towards Akumal exactly 2 kilometers where you will see the drive 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 stand.  This stand is an ideal place to pick up a local 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 great area to buy some fresh produce for a taste of the local fare.  If you failed to make reservations before arriving in Akumal, the information stand will also be able to refer you to a reputable local establishment.

Something to note about local drivers in Mexico is that observing stop signs is considered optional.  Taxicabs have the right of way, and it is best to simply stay patient and allow the other drivers to do what they wish.

Defensive driving is the most important skill when operating a vehicle in and around Akumal.  Study the local driving laws prior to getting behind the wheel.  If you feel uncomfortable with driving in a foreign land, the task is best left to local professionals, and perhaps you should hire a taxi driver.

You can rent our villa in South Akumal.

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

Aside from touring the local Mayan ruins, snorkeling is perhaps 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 injury or accident.

Well fitted life vests should be worn by each child. Most houses provide these life vests free of charge.  These will not only stop deadly accidents in the water, but will help to cover their body and stop sunburn in this area.  It should also be applied frequently to avoid major skin damage from the tropical Caribbean sun!

Yal-Ku Lagoon offers an optimum site for young snorkelers.  The calm waters of the area are free of choppy waters and multiple waves, allowing them to see the bright sea 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 all, and the kids can busy themselves with the pliable sand all day long.  Buckets and shovels provide the chance to make sand castles while you rest and watch the kids play.  A sandy beach in front of your rental is a huge plus.  Most rental houses 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 kids the importance of being aware of your surroundings before a day at the beach.  They should not walk on turtle nests or dig around in them for fear of destroying 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 something for everyone in the family, and are good for even the small kids.  Hike the jungle to cenotes, visit a cavern, ride the zip-line in the jungle, 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.

Determining whether your children are adventurous, interested in animals and nature, or simplyenjoy to play in the water all day will help you to pick the best for them to partake in.  Discuss with your kids about what they would prefer to see and do while in Akumal, and try to do at least one thing that even the kids want to experience.

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