Sunrise in the Yucatan

Yucatan Peninsula has become the newest and the most famous tourist destination in Mexico. Not only does its popularity stem from its excellent tropical location and the fact that it has many new and exciting options to offer the tourist but also due to the vast amount of activities that are provided to the visitors to this area. Every tourist or visitor which arrives in the Peninsula regardless of their lifestyle surely discovers that he or she is looking for an interesting and different vacation then what they normally engage in. Here in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico they can readily find this escape.

There are a lot of Maya archaeological sites throughout the Yucatan. The best known are Chichen Itza, Tulum and Uxmal. Indigenous Maya and Mestizos of partial Maya descent still make up a sizable portion of the peninsula’s population and Mayan language is still widely spoken although it is slowly dying out.

The Yucatán Peninsula once was a cattle ranching, logging, chicle and henequen production area. But recently it has turned its economy towards tourism, especially in the state of Quintana Roo. Cancún, Once a small fishing village, has grown into a thriving city. The Riviera Maya, which stretches along the east coast of the peninsula between Cancún and Tulum, currently has more than 50,000 beds including world class resorts and charming beach side villas and has become a major tourist destination. The best-known locations are the former fishing village of Akumal, Playa del Carmen, the ecological parks Xcaret and Xel-Há and the Mayan ruins of Tulum.

As an example if you happen to be one of the many eco-tourists which arrive daily you will find that the snorkeling or scuba diving in one of the countries many coral reefs can be a very exciting pastime. For the amateur or professional archeologist or even the curious visitor who likes to traces the various roots of the past with such artifacts as antiques or visits to historical ruins then you would certainly enjoy the Coba Great Pyramid or the Chichen Itza’s El Castillo.

The Mexican traditional market is full of antique items which you can purchase as souvenirs for friends, family or simply to place in your office as conversation pieces. Yucatan is also famous as a destination where those tense feelings just disappear and you can unwind and relax. The calm beaches coupled with many of the comfortable places for the visitor to stay in make this paradise a great means of relaxation. Children on the other hand will surely enjoy the themed ecological parks in the area such as Xel Ha or Xcaret. They will willingly get in touch with Mother Nature as they take some of the exciting tours offered within the parks.

Finally, for the mom and dad shopping and dining represent one of the essential elements for a great vacation in this area of Mexico. Hospitable Mexican people are all smiles as they show you their best buys or offer you some of their specialty cuisines. There are many activities that you can get involved with such as playing golf, swimming or even a romantic candle light dinner with the ocean as your backdrop.

Here in one package you have wonderful people, great weather, excellent cuisine and romantic surroundings. These are only a few of the important and reassuring reasons to choose the Yucatan when planning your next vacation.

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Whether you’re an experienced diver or wanting to learn the art, Akumal provides the perfect ecological setting to view amazing specimens of natural beauty underwater.  Akumal is a tourist resort community located 62 miles south of Cancun, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, with a small local population of 1,198.

The name “Akumal” means “place of the turtles” in Mayan language.  Surrounding bodies of water and fine, white sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for many sea turtles’ breeding grounds.

Akumal was founded in 1958 specifically as a community for scuba divers to experience the many species and types of turtles which call the area “home”.  Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay provide optimal opportunities to survey the land and underwater life via diving tours and expeditions.

For experienced divers, local dive shops offer a variety of exciting diving trips to the 30 reef sites which include shipwrecks, cenotes and caverns and a breathtaking amount of marine life that you can see. The dive shop makes all the arrangements and you can rent a tank, mask, flippers and anything else you need. You can book an all day diving excursion or if you are more adventurous, you can dive the caves, caverns and cenotes that make Akumal famous. People from all over the world come to explore the cenotes and caves of Akumal and this small village is truly a diver’s paradise.

Dive shops also teach courses so you can get certified to dive in open water. They teach at all levels from resort course to advanced cave diving.  And what better place to learn to dive than Akumal, one of the best places in the world to go diving? These PADI Certified Instructors will guide you through the process of certification so you can enjoy exploring the wonders of the reef that awaits you in Akumal.

Cavern and cave diving is a popular activity for tourists.  These caves are called “cenote”, which means “sacred well” in Mayan.  Dive packages offer several destinations and different depths of diving, group packages, equipment rental and instruction to fit varying diver needs.

One of the shallow diving sites which are very popular is Cuevas de Tiburones.  This site features reef overhangs which provide an optimum sleeping spot for nurse sharks.  Las Redes offers an abundance of marine life, schools of fish, barracudas, stingrays, lobsters and sea turtles.  Yal-ku is a popular feeding site chock full of Elkhorn coral structures, tunnels and lobster.

Other shallow dives are found at Dick’s Reef and Motorcycle Reef.  Motorcycle Reef is named so for the 15-year-old motorcycle which is now covered with live coral and plankton that nourishes local ocean life.

Deep divers enjoy an afternoon at Tzimin-Ha, which features ruins from a 20-foot fishing boat wreck.  Dives up to 100’ deep are found at Trigger Fish, which is a favorite deep dive spot for locals.  Here, widespread patches of coral contrast with the sandy white beaches among various forms of tropical fish for a colorful array of rare surroundings.

Xaar Beach and Gonzalo’s Reef offer various types of feeding grounds for several different species of sea turtles for a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience.  Xaar features reef fingers reaching 30’ up from the ocean floor, as well as turtles, nurse sharks and stingrays.  Gonzalo’s Reef is famous for its large and vivid reef fingers; visitors are virtually guaranteed a view of Hawksbill, Green, or Loggerhead turtles which use the area for feeding and play time.

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Akumal Villa Rental

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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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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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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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!

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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!

A trip to Akumal and the Riviera Maya region of Mexico would not be complete without a visit to one of the numerous 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 surroundings were important trade routes for the Mayans and archaeologists are continuing to uncover many ruins of this once mighty civilization.

Photo by scumfrog

One of the most popular 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 Riviera Maya region. They are accessible by car or if you prefer, you can arrange to take a tour bus.

One of the biggest secrets to really enjoying the Mayan ruins in Tulum is to get there early in the day. The ruins open at 8:00 a.m., long before the sweltering heat of the midday sun. Most of the tour buses don’t arrive that early, so if you want to spend some quiet time taking in the site, you can rent a car and get there early in the morning. The tranquility coupled with the milder temperature will help you really enjoy the beauty and wonder of these ancient ruins.

Arriving early means you can explore a little bit on your own before taking a guided tour. The beauty of the ruins of Tulum are that they are situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, and you can take the steps down to a pristine private beach and enjoy some serene time before you take a more formal tour and learn about the ancient civilization that once thrived in this region. To really enjoy having some private time, get there early and get to the ticket counter as soon as possible so you can really enjoy the cliffs and beaches amidst the ruins.

Tour buses arrive at 9 a.m. and if you prefer that route, you can take a guided tour of the ruins. Each of the ruins are marked with plaques in several languages so you can take a self guided tour, or hire a tour guide to get some real insight to the Mayan culture and the history behind these majestic ruins. Tour guides are available just outside the ruins and most of them are multilingual so you can find one that speaks your language and can give you a full tour of the ruins and answer any questions you may have. You can also tour the ruins on your own. The ruins at Tulum has a bookstore where you can purchase a book about the ruins and guide yourself through the ruins. Either way, a tour of the Mayan ruins of this region is a must-see on any itinerary.

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Akumal is home to beautiful beaches, resorts and some of the best diving in the world. It is also a place that takes great pride in their ecological achievement and their preservation of natural habitats for turtles and other marine wildlife. The Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the ecosystem of Akumal from unsustainable development. They offer educational programs and volunteer opportunities for students and eco travelers who want to observe marine wildlife in their natural habitats and help maintain the integrity of the natural surroundings.

Akumal is known as the place of the turtle, and its turtle beaches are the temporary home to sea turtles that come to nest. The Centro Ecologico Akumal protects the natural habitat of the sea turtle and the greater Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Tourists will see a variety of sea turtles nesting, and eating along the beaches. The turtle beaches stretch from Half Moon Bay, Akumal Bay to Jade Beach, and there are plenty of opportunities to observe these turtles in their natural habitat.

The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers turtle walks and tours, as well as volunteer opportunities to preserve recently redeveloped wetlands, preserving the mangroves and aiding researchers and scientists as they study the coral reefs and natural habitats of Akumal.

Turtle season refers to when the Green and Loggerhead turtles come to Akumal to lay their eggs and nest. The season runs from April when the turtles come to shore, to November when they and their hatchlings return to sea. The Centro Ecologico Akumal has a turtle protection program that tourists can get involved in and it is a true wonder of nature to witness the nesting and hatching of a whole new generation of sea turtles. Tourists and residents alike take pride in the ecological integrity that Akumal offers, and there is a lot of dedication to these gentle, lovable sea creatures who have chosen Akumal as their place to create new life.

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The Centro Ecologico Akumal offers tourists a chance to participate in the betterment of the environment through its many educational and volunteer programs. If you are looking to take a vacation to make a difference, Akumal may just be the perfect ecotourism destination for you. You can be an active participant in maintaining and preserving the integrity of the sea turtle habitats, as well as explore the ecological wonders of this region of the Yucatan Peninsula.

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The Mexican Caribbean has long been a popular destination for tourists with Cozumel, Cancun and Playa de Carmen booming with tourism and nightlife. While many people enjoy the exciting pace of these popular destinations, they also enjoy paying a visit to the small, laid back town of Akumal, known for its quaint shops and restaurants, the best snorkeling and diving in the region, and its jungles and Mayan ruins that harkens back to the days when Akumal was a major trade route for this ancient civilization.

A day trip to Akumal is only 20 minutes away from Playa de Carmen and offers quieter beaches, unspoiled ecological sights and some of the best diving in the world. Day tours can be arranged from Cancun and other destinations in the region and is the perfect opportunity to escape the overcrowded beaches of the more bustling resort towns. You can explore the lush jungles and the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, which is conveniently located just 20 minutes away. Exploring the jungle and the Mayan ruins can give you a taste of the ancient civilization that once thrived here and see a part of Riviera Maya that you can’t see in Cancun or Playa de Carmen.

Akumal is a diver and snorkeler paradise and has the world’s second largest reef located just off its coast. Cancun does not offer much in the way of diving and snorkeling, but Akumal has many opportunities to explore shipwrecks, caves and the largest number of cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula. Cenotes are naturally occurring sinkholes that dot the landscape surrounding Akumal. The Mayans believed them to be sacred, and they still provide fresh water swimming, diving and snorkeling today. They have many underwater cave diving experiences that hardcore diving enthusiasts or even the novice diver are bound to find fascinating.

A day trip to Akumal offers travelers the opportunity to explore the turtle beaches, the natural habitat of several species of sea turtles who come from the sea in April to nest and leave with their hatchlings in November. Akumal is a town that prides itself of its ecological heritage and preservation of natural marine habitats. It’s the perfect day trip excursion for the ecotourist, with a large natural aquarium where you can observe marine life in their natural protected habitat.

The quaint town of Akumal offers shops and restaurants that are sure to please any traveler. With the beaches and bays within walking distance, you can buy Mayan crafts and dine on traditional Mayan cuisine. Spending a day exploring Akumal and its pristine beaches and beautiful jungles may lead the day tripper to consider Akumal as a destination for a longer stay in the future.

Why not rent our house in Akumal Mexico and bring the family?

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Like many other vacation spots in the world, Akumal and the Riviera Maya region definitely has it high season and low season for travel. This is based mainly on the fact that this region of the Yucatan does not have the traditional four seasons, but two – rainy season and dry season.

Obviously, high season is when dry season is happening. Dry season begins in the middle of December and lasts through April. The weather is pleasant, with the average temperature being 80 degrees and every day is sunny. It’s almost guaranteed the every day will be a beach day, diving day or day for exploring the jungles and ruins of the area. It’s also guaranteed that hotel rooms and villa rentals are a lot higher in high season, and shop owners are less likely to want to bargain when selling their wares.

Low season is rainy season and that lasts from late April through November. It used to be the case that accommodations during low season were much cheaper to come by in Akumal and throughout the region because of rainy season, but with the area’s increasing popularity, hotels and other accommodations are less likely to come down too much in price as people are willing to chance taking the trip during low season. You will still have less crowds and it will be easier to find accommodation during the low season. However, extreme discounts like 50% off on hotels and other accommodations are a thing of the past.

There are deals to be found during low season if you are willing to take the chance on the fact that there will be rainy weather, and when there is no rain, temperatures can soar to a sweltering 110 degrees. There are fewer tourists in town during low season as compared to high season, so this can make access to the jungle tours, ruins, accommodations and wildlife preserves a little easier. While fewer hotels are slashing their prices during low season, there are cheap accommodations that can be found if you do a little homework.

If water temperature is important to you, travelling during low season may be a better option. While the weather during high season is dry and pleasant, many find the water temperature of the ocean too cold to comfortably swim and snorkel in. The low season offers hotter temperatures and the water is a lot warmer. People who want to take advantage of swimming in the natural sinkholes known as cenotes will appreciate an icy dip in these fresh water sources that dot the landscape surrounding Akumal. They can be refreshing on a hot 100 degree day, but may be too cold for bathers in the high season.

Choosing when the best time to travel to Akumal depends on your preference. High season offers sunny weather, dry conditions but very cold water for swimming. Low season offers extremely hot temperatures and the possibility of a lot of rain, but warm water for swimming and snorkeling. Whichever season you travel to Akumal in, you are bound to enjoy this beautiful town located in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. For more information on hotels and lodging in Akumal, visit HotelsCombined.com.