Akumal, at a different pace
Akumal is that corner of the Riviera Maya where time moves more slowly. Without Playa del Carmen's party scene or Tulum's crowds, it offers the best of the Mexican Caribbean: a bay full of turtles, hidden cenotes, white sand beaches, and a calm that wins you over.
If you have three days, that's enough to experience the essentials without rushing. This is the itinerary we recommend to our guests.
Before you start: how to get to Akumal?
Akumal sits on the Cancún–Tulum highway (Km 104), in a prime spot along the Riviera Maya:
- From Cancún International Airport: about 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
- From Tulum Airport: about 1 hour by car.
- To Playa del Carmen: about 30 minutes. To Tulum: about 20 minutes.
Day 1: Turtles, bay and sunset
Your first encounter with the bay
Swim with turtles. Start early: the bay opens around 8:00 a.m., the sea is calm, and there are fewer people. Put on your vest, wade in from the shore, and enjoy watching green turtles feed among the sea grass. Keep a distance of 3 meters and don't touch them.
Unwind on the beach. After snorkeling, stretch out on the white sand, read, and take a dip. It's also a good time to check out the hotel's amenities: pool, kayaks, and spa.
Dinner with a Caribbean view. End the day at our rooftop restaurant, with Mexican cuisine made from fresh ingredients and a view that turns any dinner into a memorable moment.
Day 2: Cenotes and adventure
Fresh water, jungle and ruins
Cenote route. Cenote Dos Ojos, about 10 km away, is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Yal-Kú, north of Akumal, is perfect for a relaxed snorkel among colorful fish. If you're up for it, Casa Cenote offers kayaking through mangroves.
Tulum or more cenotes. You're just 20 minutes from Tulum: you can visit its oceanfront archaeological site or add another cenote to the day. Our Concierge can plan the route with transportation and a guide.
Rest at your villa. Head back to your private villa, take a dip in the pool, and unwind. Another day of paradise awaits tomorrow.
Day 3: Wellness and unplugging
Wrapping up the trip, unhurried
Yoga or spa. Start with a private yoga or meditation session facing the sea, or with a relaxing massage at the spa.
Yal-Kú Lagoon or beach. One last morning of easy snorkeling or beach time, with no clock to watch.
Shopping and farewell. Take a stroll through town, pick up a handmade souvenir, and toast to an unforgettable trip before heading out.
Tips for your trip to Akumal
- Best time to visit: May to October for peak turtle activity; November to April for dry weather and calm seas.
- Bring cash: many cenotes and small businesses don't accept cards.
- Biodegradable sunscreen: required to protect the bay and cenotes.
- Book ahead during high season: December–March and summer.
- Longer stays: Akumal is perfect for a week or more; our villas come with a kitchen, coworking space, and gym.
Your home on the sea in Akumal
To enjoy this itinerary without a worry in the world, where you stay makes all the difference. At Las Villas Akumal you'll find 26 private oceanfront villas, a turtle nesting beach, a rooftop restaurant, spa, pool, kayaks, coworking space, and gym. Whether as a couple, a family, or with friends, everything here is designed for your total relaxation.
26 private villas
Your own space, a fully equipped kitchen, and Caribbean views from the first sunrise.
Rooftop restaurant
Mexican cuisine made with local ingredients and unobstructed ocean views.
Spa, coworking and gym
Wellness and productivity without ever leaving the property—ideal for longer stays.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Akumal?
With 3 days you can enjoy the essentials: turtles, cenotes, beach, and food. For a more relaxed experience or a longer stay, 5 to 7 days is ideal.
Is Akumal good for families?
Yes. Its calm, protected bay, the turtles, and the cenotes make it perfect for traveling with kids, especially if you stay in a fully equipped villa.
What's near Akumal?
Tulum is 20 minutes away, Playa del Carmen 30, plus dozens of cenotes and archaeological sites like Tulum and Cobá.
What's the best time to visit Akumal?
May to October for more turtle sightings; November to April for dry weather and calm seas. Both seasons have their own charm.
Where should I stay in Akumal?
The best option is to stay right on the bay. Las Villas Akumal offers private oceanfront villas just steps from the turtle beach.
