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!

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Photo by von Kinder

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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