September 2021 - Coba Tulum Experience

Swim With Turtles in their Natural Habitat

If you ask local people about the Mayan Riviera, they will say that it is full of special places, beautiful places, where free spirited people stay in tune with nature and discover their inner selves. And they are right! If you ask then for a recommendation for an amazing day trip, they will tell you to go to Akumal aka the place of the turtles. I can only say: follow their advice!

The beaches in the Riviera Maya have so many things to offer. All of them are different, and all of them are worth a visit, if only you had more time… So, what about Akumal? Well, it is a small fishing village perfect to enjoy a beautiful day on the beach. But wait, what was it about the turtles? Here you go.

Where is Akumal?

You won’t get lost looking for Akumal. Although it is much smaller in size than the rest of the popular destinations in the Riviera Maya, it’s shown right there on the map, close to the same main highway. In between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Going with a tour is the most convenient option and the only way you can really y appreciate the turtles swimming right next to you.

What to expect?

As a local, I have visited Akumal many many times and every time I go back, I fall in love with the place over and over again. First, there is this gorgeous beach, and it is never too crowded. Its restaurants are delicious and several of them are located right on the beach. On the other side of town there’s a magical jungle. If you are an animal lover or you are traveling with kids, I also recommend paying a visit to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary nestled in the middle of the jungle. You will see snakes, parrots, all kinds of monkeys, rabbits, and many other species that were rescued and now they are cared and loved in this new home.

Swimming with the turtles in Akumal

So what about the turtles? As you can imagine, swimming with wild turtles in their natural habitat is a wonderful thing to do. However, the impact that mass tourism brought to the bay caused a lot of damage. Thus, now the access is restricted and you need to pay to enter the area. If you go on your own, there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the turtles. So my advice is to book a guided tour. They’ll give you a snorkeling equipment and will take you to the secret paths where you will be able to swim around the protected turtle area and explore it on your own. You will get to see different kinds of turtles, colorful fish, coral and even sting rays.

It is important to read the information about the area and the marine life to respect their environment correctly.

Are you ready to swim with the turtles in their natural habitat in Akumal with us? Book your tour today!

Ek Balam: A Visit to an Impressive Archeological Site

From the spectacular beaches, the imposing Mayan jungle, the archaeological sites, and a great variety of restaurants, hotels, and places to enjoy, there is always something exciting and fun to do in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Also, its privileged location allows visitors to go far from this touristic corridor to explore other wonders along the Yucatan Peninsula.

If you’re looking to have an adventure exploring beyond the Riviera Maya, keep reading as we’ll talk about one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. No, we’re not talking about Chichen Itza. This time we’ll leave that remarkable vestige aside to learn about Ek Balam.

About Ek Balam

Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” in Mayan. Historians say that this impressive site lived its splendor even before Chichen Itzá. Despite the deep-rooted beliefs and faith of the Mayan culture, they were also a civilization of science that sought to explain natural phenomena. Ek Balam functioned as a school for scribes (wise men entitled to interpret texts, natural phenomena, messages from the gods, etc.). In addition, the site was a celestial observatory. It is believed that the buildings, temples, and even gardens were built under solid mathematical planning in sync with phenoms such as sunset and the four seasons. So, you can already imagine the unique vibe felt when visiting a place like that.

What to do in Ek Balam?

The site is still not as popular as Chichén Itzá, so chances are that you may find the place for yourself, allowing you to explore freely and taking photos without many tourists in the back. You can even climb the huge central pyramid to admire the imposing view of the entire citadel and the jungle.

Explore its surroundings

After the cultural experience, there is nothing better to cool off than swimming in a cenote. Close to Ek Balam, in the nearby town of Chemax, you can visit the Cenote Maya, the largest cenote in the peninsula since it has a diameter of 65 meters. You could say that swimming in the crystal clear waters of this cenote is an experience that transports you to another time, another dimension. The Cenote Maya is an excellent activity to do after the archaeological adventure. You can enjoy the zip lines and some platforms for diving or snorkeling in fresh, calmed waters, and even visit the famous Nohoch Mul Temple of Coba, located 48 kilometers away.

How to get there?

Ek Balam is located north of the colonial city of Valladolid, halfway between Merida and Cancun. To get there, it is best to take a tour to Ek Balam and the Cenote Maya. While it may take time to get there from Cancun or the Riviera Maya, it is an experience that we definitely recommend living in the Yucatan peninsula.

Book your tour today to experience the best vacations of your life!