Driving alone is one of the best ways to explore Riviera Maya during your stay in Akumal. Here are some basic guidelines on how to get to Akumal and what to expect if you're driving a car rental in Riviera Maya to Akumal. Basically, you're hopping on the highway that connects Cancun to Quintana Roo's capital Chetumal. In average, it's about 50 minutes to an hour and 15-minute drive total. Of course, traffic during rush hour may give or take an extra 20 minutes to your overall time.
Exit The Airport, Take A Right Towards Playa-Tulum, And Just Head South
Most car rental agencies have their offices located within CUN with the same general proximity to all terminals. Regardless of which terminal you arrive at, follow the signs to Playa Del Carmen and Tulum and stay on the right lane. Eventually, you will turn right to merge onto the highway, and it's a straight shot from there to Akumal. If you need to fuel up you'll see several gas stations and convenience stores on your right so you can zoom to Akumal nonstop.
NOTE TO DRIVERS: As of March 2022, there are 4 major work sites along the road where opposite traffic lanes merge into a two-lane road causing potential traffic back-ups. These sites are not particularly well signaled and often, the temporary lanes are not necessarily marked nor illuminated at night.
Once you're headed south on the highway, stay on the overpass bridges for Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Aventuras. Continue driving south until you see the sign for Akumal about 6 Km before the pedestrian crossing bridge quickly followed by Akumal's iconic mural bridge.
There are actually two ways to turn towards Akumal from the highway.
The Traditional Way
You can go under Akumal's mural bridge, take the "retorno" just past the Gulf gas station and then turn right at the bridge and drive towards the arch. This is the traditional way, but you may spend a bit more time waiting for a gap to cross the highway between high-speed oncoming traffic to go by or busses going into the resorts.
The Scenic (and usually faster) Route
Stay right on the highway and slow down as you turn right towards Akumal Pueblo. You will enter the town, so keep your speed low as locals may be playing soccer on the street. On the first block into Akumal Pueblo, you'll see a huge painted turtle and conch, where you'll turn back and stay on the bridge. This is also known as the "cheater's" way into Akumal, is a bit more picturesque and allows you to glimpse Akumal's mangrove and landmark arch at the entrance.
If you're ready to join us in Akumal or need more details and information for your upcoming vacation contact us and our team will gladly help you find what you are looking for in Riviera Maya.