Akumal is located a few miles, circa 100km south of Cancun and among other things, it guarantees total satisfaction, thanks to the numerous activities you can enjoy and the great opportunities provided to you for relaxation and unwinding. It is on the Caribbean coast, located in a place known as the Mayan Riviera. Even though Akumal used to be very remote a few years back, the place still enjoys some level of serenity and quietness than most of the other tourist destinations in Mexico. As such, you get to relish a breathtaking beach ideal for sailing, swimming, and surfing in the quietest atmosphere without having to worry about fighting for an ideal spot in your beach chair or having to argue with underage drinkers.

The name Akumal means ‘a place of turtles’, and true to its name, the place is full of sea turtles. Actually, there is a not-for-profit NGO that specializes in marine research, preservation and protection of sea turtle thus if you have a soft spot for these amazing beach dwellers, you can take a break away from the beaches and water activities and visit the centre to learn a thing or two about turtles.

The coral reef gardens, famously referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Caribbean’, and which adorn the scenario are another main attraction that attracts divers from all walks of life. The Akumal reef forms part of the famous Mesoamerican Reef and covers a 450 miles stretch along the Yucatan Peninsula down to the Honduras. The reefs are home to a high miscellany of marine life made up of fishes, reptiles, and mammals, all which you can sample at the Akumal Mexico’s bays.
But when all is said and done, to ensure you immerse yourself totally into the laid-back and relaxing lifestyle that Akumal boasts of, ensure you rent a vacation property. Such a unique getaway truly deserves a unique accommodation, exactly how a condo, beach house, or villa can be classified in this part of the world. Rather than rent a normal hotel that will feel familiar, you should rent a true gem that will feel as unique as an Akumal vacation, and one that will compliment your needs and tastes.

You will be very surprised to find that even though the properties which are drop dead gorgeous may seem expensive, they are pocket-friendly and bargain friendly, especially if you do your homework early enough. Doing proper homework and research early enough will give you an unimaginable bargain for a charming vacation property with lots of stellar amenities and space that will propel your holiday into a stratosphere and make it a memorable one.

And it’s usually best to rent directly from the owners instead from some rental agency.

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Mexico is one of the most desired tourism places to visit in the world among most people. This city is huge and has many tourist spots that are fantastic tourist spots and also very popular as tourist destinations in the world. Mexico is one place that suits for any kind of visit, be it with your family, with your friends, alone or even a romantic honeymoon. The place has many wonderful landmarks and many beaches which drive a number of tourists from all over the world.

HOLIDAY AT MEXICO

Mexico also has a billion dollar industry which is dedicated strictly to please the visitors and tourists with full dedication in making them have a great time in the city. However the experience of a tour is best experienced if you have a pre packaged tour from a good tourist company. These tourism companies in Mexico would be surely dedicated and to make sure that the visitors have a great time on vacation in the city and go home with a complete satisfaction and memorable time and also with lots of wonderful images and videos of the amazing sights in the city.

VACATION

Every year, millions and billions of people turn over to this place from all over the world for holidays, making this place so special and famous. This is why it is obvious to say that Mexico is a stunning country where anyone would and should go to in their life to experience the ultimate tourism experience. This place is a very rich and diverse country, so you will sure have a lot in stake to see even on the end of your trip if you go to the place with few days in hand. For this reason, to have the best time in Mexico, visit the pace with lots of time in hand. You will surely love the place and the experience of being to such a fascinating city.

PLACES TO GO

Mexico is the best in providing friendly atmosphere and offers the best culture inherited from ancient times. The city also offers a great variety of food, a number of cultures that one would love to witness and also architectures and impressive and influencing traditions that are so unique that it would be a remarkable experience for someone who would visit the place for the first time.

Mexico has a number of places to visit but what makes it harder is choosing what all places to visit when you are in short of time or when you would expect to see the best part of the city. So here is a list of the best places that one must visit when they are in Mexico to see the most fascinating side of Mexico.

Along the coast of Sea of Cortez: in this part, you can find a number of beautiful beaches, ports and villages where it would be best to spend the holiday with the best moments.

• La Paz: La Paz is typically the true Mexico. It gives you an old world charisma with a primitive lifestyle of the place making it a place with preserved culture of Mexico. This place is stunning in its beauty.

• Isla Partida: This place is a wonderful island and one of the most beautiful places in Mexico which cannot be missed at any cost. Many water sports and adventures can be experienced and also scuba diving is allowed to explore the blue deep water and have a thrilling experience.

• Puerto Vallarta: Said to be the liveliest and most sophisticated towns of Mexico which is encircled by wooden hills and a stunning bay on either sides of the place.

• Acapulco: This is a party pace in Mexico. The most vibrant places of the city can be found in this place and the beaches give an exuberant effect to the party place with their golden sand and the posh cafes and pubs to chill and enjoy your time

• Manzanillo: This part of the city is a very busy port town. The place is best to spend time along the beach in the sun and also to have a great time in nightclubs and restaurants to witness the energetic nightlife.

• Mazatlan: Mazatlan is a destination that is one of its kinds in the world. It is also a historic town and the beach here is very popular. The town has marvelous cobbled streets and alleys that lead to the historic buildings. There are also small hotels that serve the best food in Mexico and the town also has museums that preserve the ancient culture of Mexico and displaying the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

COSTS

People using dollars, euro and pounds will have a lot to spend in Mexico. And I mean, they will have a lot money in exchange since peso’s exchange rate against US dollar remains almost stable in all times thus making almost anyone think of Mexico as an affordable traveling destination for a holiday. Living expenses here in Mexico can be as low as just $75 to $125 for each person a day which is quite less compared to other tourism spots. People traveling with strict Budgets can manage to stay in hostels managing accommodation as well as meals for a day for as low as $40.

HOW TO GET THERE

Passport:

Tourists from US and Canadian will be allowed to enter Mexico without a passport provided they have a SSN card or any photo identification such as a driver’s license along with a proof of citizenship.

However like other tourists and other travel routines, it is always better to travel with a passport since almost every place is used to the passport facility and protocols. This will reduce chances of delay.

Sea:

People willing to visit Mexico over water can travel via a cruise ship. The Caribbean cruise is for this purpose and travels from South Eastern US or you can also catch the Mexican Riviera cruise that leaves from California, both of which may cost around $1000 US per person.

By land:

To reach the place by land, by your own vehicle, the documents required are listed below. These are strictly mandatory and a temporary vehicle import permit is also to be issued before you leave to Mexico. These permits can be issued at any of the offices when you are about to cross borders near posts that are a few kilometers into Mexico. The fee will come to around US$29.70.

Original documents of the tourist card obtained at the border, registration certificate for the vehicle, a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card, a proof of citizenship such as passport or voter’s card and a driver’s license are all mandatory.

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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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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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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!

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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.

The first, and most important, tip is not to drink the water. Many people have heard that you should not drink the water in Mexico and they have heard it for a reason. Instead, have access to plenty of bottled water and remember that ingesting water can also happen when you are brushing your teeth, making your morning coffee, or taking a shower. While it is okay to bath or wash dishes with the tap water, you want to make sure that you do not directly swallow the water.

The next tip for your stay in Akumal is to pack a flashlight. From night travels on dimly lit roads to the frequent power outages and lack of generators, having a flashlight with you is always a good idea. Although this flashlight does not need to be big, it should have a fresh set of batteries and be able to fit in whatever you plan to take with you, like a purse or a bag, throughout the duration of your vacation.

Another tip for your stay in Akumal is to make sure your health insurance covers you while on vacation. If something were to happen, most businesses that provide medical services will not cost what they would in the United States. However they will still need upfront payment for service to be performed. You can then take the receipt to your insurance company and request a reimbursement.

Furthermore, on your way to Akumal, and even while you are there, you should insure that you have the proper documentation for everyone in your family, including any minors who may be traveling with you. Not only will they need their passport, but each airline traveling to and from Akumal may have a unique set of requirements so it is important that you know what those are ahead of time.

The last tip for your stay in Akumal is to know when to go. Akumal typically has a low season and a high season, which means that it will either be rainy or dry. The dry season is usually from December to March and will prove to be the best time for your vacation. You can find several hotels and accommodations for throughout the year at HotelsCombined.com.

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The first of many shopping tips for your Akumal vacation is to purchase all of your souvenirs from one of the many gift shops in the center of town. These shops include everything from souvenir t-shirts to hand-crafted jewelry. They also include the popular sarongs, which make great gifts and do not cost a lot, and original pieces of art. This folk art ranges in price, but can often be more on the expensive side.

If you plan to purchase alcohol on your trip, one of the best shopping tips for Akumal is not to search too hard for anything other than beer. “Cervesa” can be found anywhere throughout Mexico, but wine and other types of hard liquor may be harder to locate. Therefore, your shopping tip for alcohol in Akumal is also to try something new. Although beer may not be your favorite, you should embrace the local customs and have a few drinks with your meals during your stay.

Another one of the shopping tips in Akumal is to be careful of the groceries that you purchase in town, especially local fruits and vegetables. From convenience stores to pueblos to supermarkets, there are several places that you can buy the items that you need. If you cannot find the produce that you need in Akumal, feel free to travel a short distance to Playa del Carmen. However, no matter where you purchase your fruits or vegetables, you should always soak them in an anti-bacterial solution for approximately 15 minutes before you cook or eat them. This will help ensure that they are safe to eat and that you will enjoy the rest of your trip.

The last shopping tips in Akumal are related to clothing. Purchasing local clothing can be an exciting venture and help you feel at home in the Akumal area. There are several local shops from which you can choose and many high-end stores, like Sak’s 5th Avenue, if you want to travel to nearby Playa del Carmen. The items you purchase can be what you need while on vacation, just for fun, or to take back with you. Regardless, you should be able to get a good deal on any item that you buy.

Rent our luxury Villa in Akumal, Mexico.

One health tip that is a must not just for Akumal, but for all of Mexico is not to drink the tap water. This sounds like a cliché, but it is one that is true. Drink only bottled water or purified water and even use that to make your morning cup of coffee. It is okay to take showers or wash dishes with the water, but to avoid any illness, do not ingest the tap water. Hotels and other accommodations usually offer plenty of bottled or filtered water to their guests.

Another important travel tip especially for Akumal is to bring a small flashlight with you, especially if you do not plan to rent a car. While everything is within 15 minutes walking distance, at night you will most likely be walking along unlit roads. There are no streetlights along these roads, so it’s important to have this flashlight handy so you can see where you are going and motorists can see you traversing along the road. Some of these roads, especially the North Akumal road, need paving and can be rough walking at night. You need the flashlight to make sure you don’t trip over anything or fall into a pothole. Put a flashlight at the top of your things to pack list, especially if you do not plan to rent a car.

In terms of renting a car, you can decide to rent a car and there are plenty of rentals in town, or you can take advantage of the many taxis or collectivos available. Collectivos are white vans and are less costly than taxis or car rentals. They can be hailed from the street and are often available to take you to popular tourist destinations. For only $2, you can take a collectivo from Playa de Carmen to Tulum. This is definitely a bargain for the traveler on a budget who doesn’t mind sharing a ride with others. If you are going to rent a car, especially during high season, it is best to make your arrangements in advance as availability can be limited when there are a lot of tourists in town.

If you follow these tips, pack a lot of sunscreen, and travel smart and safe, you can enjoy your trip to Akumal and not have any unfortunate incidents or illnesses.

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