1. Dip into fresh Cenotes
When travelling to Riviera Maya you just can’t miss the opportunity to dip into one of the many cenotes. These crystal clear freshwater cenotes can be found in the jungle throughout the entire region and there are many located within a quick drive from Akumal.
Each cenote is different and beautiful in a unique way and offers different fun activities. From relaxing surrounded by the jungle to diving in the cenotes and caves. For those who love a punch of adrenalin rush, there are also cenotes with zip lines and jumping platforms.
All you need to enjoy this experience is a swimsuit and snorkel gear!
See our recommendation HERE.
2. Maya Sites
Almost everybody has heard of Chichen Itza, one of the world’s seven wonders and the most popular Maya site in the world. But, did you know there are still hundreds of undiscovered archaeological sites throughout Central America waiting to be found?
Visiting Maya sites is a wonderful cultural experience and each site has its own history to tell.
Did you know there is a small archaeological site in Akumal? How about the Xel Ha ruins just before Dos Ojos cenotes. Those are both wonderful sites if you wish to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the jungle.
For a day trip, we recommend exploring Coba ruins by bike and later freshening up in one of the large underground cenotes nearby.
3. Xplor
With one of the tallest zip line circuits in Latin America, Xplor park offers an unforgettable experience for everyone who loves a little bit of an adrenaline rush.
Enjoy a breathtaking zip line experience down the two circuits, get an off-road ride through the jungle on an amphibious vehicle and dive in among the stalactites and stalagmites in the unique underground river! Xplor offers those activities during the day and night so there’s no excuse to miss out on the adventure :)
4. Monkey Sanctuary
What makes living in the tropics surrounded by the mighty jungle so special?
Encountering a variety of different animals every single day. From iguanas that are sunbathing in our garden, majestic sea turtles in Akumal Bay, toucans and other tropical birds singing on the trees next to our house, and of course the funny and very agile spider monkeys that visit our offices daily for some Monkey Business.
The Akumal Monkey sanctuary is the best place to learn more about our local wildlife. The facility is located on the far end of the Akumal pueblo. Visit their site and enjoy a wonderful experience surrounded by different species of rescued animals. Hang out and learn all about spider monkeys, too!
5. Maya Culinary experience
Communities inhabited by the modern Maya of today, strive to preserve their ancient traditions and customs. They also wish to share their living culture with visitors to the Riviera Maya and the great state of Quintana Roo.
We are delighted to recommend a visit to our good friend Maria Benita Dzib. Maria’s family are residents in SAN JUAN DE DIOS pueblo located 9 km past the archaeological zone of Coba.
Visiting Maria and her family allows one to experience unique and memorable moments, from how to make a corn tortilla, indulge in traditional Maya cooking, demonstrations of huipil making (the traditional dress of the Maya women), uses of their local medicinal plants and beekeeping.
A custom lunch can be ordered in advance. Maria normally serves pollo (marinated chicken) or cochinita pibil (marinated pork), fresh ground corn tortillas cooked over an open fire, a variety of fresh garden salsas and garnishes. Delicious and Ice cold lemonade made from limes harvested from the family’s trees is also served using purified water. A more elaborate lunch can be designed to include rice, beans and traditional Maya sides with fresh honey in the comb for dessert.
This unique culinary experience will delight each group including those with the most sophisticated palate.
6. Day trip to Valladolid and archaeological site of Ek Balam
A perfect, fun and cultural experience you don’t want to miss. Visit the Colonial City of Valladolid and tour the Casa de Los Venados Museum that displays the largest private collection of Mexican handcrafted art in Yucatan.
Before reaching Valladolid you will visit the archaeological zone of Ek Balam that displays the finest surviving example of Maya stucco in the northern Yucatan. Afterwards, cycle to the local cenote, where you can enter either from the zipline, by rappelling or walking down the stairs to the water. Then back to Valladolid for a late lunch.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, bicycles to the cenotes, zipline, rappel gear, guide, lunch (restaurant, not buffet and includes one margarita, beer or soft drink), bottled water and snacks. The entire tour usually lasts the whole day. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, swimsuits and towels.
