Translating from Mayan as “place of the turtles”, Akumal is a laid-back beachside resort on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Following the wreck of a Spanish galleon in 1511, one of the stranded sailors married a local princess and helped the Maya fend off further invasions. A statue of this local hero, Gonzalo Guerro, stands at the entrance to Akumal.
Things to do in Akumal
No visit to Akumal is complete without snorkelling with sea turtles, which can be done directly off the shores of Akumal Beach. Further north is the crescent-shaped Half Moon Bay, where you’ll find healthy coral reefs and great visibility. Fresh and salt waters collide at the Yal-Ku Lagoon, providing a habitat for an abundance of marine life.
On the doorstep of Akumal is Aktun Chen, a natural park that encompasses freshwater cenotes, hidden caves and an underground river. Begin your visit with a guided walk through its five-million-year-old cave to admire its spectacular formations. You can swim and snorkel in one of the freshwater pools before flying through the rainforest on a zip line. Also on-site is a small wildlife park with agoutis, spider monkeys and coatimundis.
Akumal makes an ideal base for exploring the Mayan ruins of Tulum, which teeter atop a rocky site overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Photograph the famous Templo del Dios de Viento and gaze up at the imposing El Castillo, which served as a lighthouse to guide canoes to shore. Carved figures of gods and colourful murals decorate the Templo de las Pinturas.
Getting around Akumal
Akumal is around 25 minutes’ drive from Tulum and just over an hour from Cancun International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the Americas and Europe. Buses connect to Akumal and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.