A quiet little town about 5 km. south of Akumal where many locals who work in Akumal and the surrounding areas live. There are terrific little restaurants serving local dishes, as well as the fabulous Pizzeria Leo, a local favorite. Also here, you can visit the Cenote Xunaan Ha, just a short walk outside of the town, nestled in the middle of the jungle full of exuberant vegetation. A perfect place to take a dip and enjoy the beauty of nature.

One of the most beautiful secluded beaches along the Riviera Maya, and a perfect place to snorkel, swim in the cenote, and have a wonderful beach day. Xcacel is one of the most important beaches for sea turtle nesting. Hundreds of turtles come every summer to lay their eggs here.

About 10 km. south of Akumal you will find Xel-ha ecopark. Here the sea conbines with translucent underground rivers and cenotes flowing into this unique lagoon. Wooden bridges curve around close by caves, cenotes and archaeological sites that add to the attraction. You can visit the sea turtle camp or take an afternoon siesta swinging gently in a hammock hanging under shady coconut palms. Xel-ha is a Mayan name meaning "Where the water is born". This natural aquarium is famous for its lagoon, where you can swim or snorkel in the crystal clear water with a variety of friendly tropical fish. If you like, you can grab a float or jacket and drift down a tranquil, spring-fed inland river past electric green mangroves to the main inlet. This is a beautiful park for lovers of the water and of nature.

Like any other part of Mexico, Tulum is a very special place, rich in history and exuding serenity. Is a community that is growing, and fortunately in a very conscience way. Tulum is just 20 minutes from Akumal (27 kms). In the Pueblo you can find dozens of restaurants, all of which serve excellent food with flavors from across the globe. Tulum pueblo has all the commodities, grocery stores, pharmacies, post office, Bank, bus station, gas station, car rental, telephone, fax, and email services and much more.

Just north of the Tulum Village, stands the spectacular Mayan archeological site of the Tulum ruins. Built high atop a rock cliff, it formidably embraces the Caribbean Sea. You can take a tram or a short walk to the ruins, and it is best get there early in the morning, before the crowds. Bilingual guides can be arranged at the entrance. While you are there, take a stroll through the open bazaar just outside the archeological zone. Souvenir shops display everything from silver and pottery to clothing and gifts. The shops stand alongside a smattering of snack bars and fast food stands. Tulum is also a destination because of its wide, sweeping beaches and warm Caribbean waters.

The village of Tulum is centered around the beach front hotel zone. Following a scantly paved beach road leads to charming cabañas, ecological bungalows and campgrounds strewn along a breathtakingly long stretch of secluded beach. The fabled Mayan City overlooking the exquisite turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Many come first to see the famous Tulum Ruins, but decide to stay after feeling some of the inexplicable magic that still surrounds the area. It may be the beautiful white sand beaches, the swaying palms, the breathtaking sun rises, or the friendly and proud people of the surviving Mayan community.

A small fishing village in side the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, where locals carrying fresh catch can be spotted. The reserve can be explored by taking a boat tour through the area. Travel through lagoons and freshwater canals abundant in flora and fauna. Bone and fly fishing are favorite pastimes here. The locals lodges, several organize deep-sea fishing trips. The beautiful beaches are the place to swim, snorkel or camp out.

Endless expanses of beach, hemmed in by the dense jungle and mangrove that lies between the open sea and Chunyaxche Lagoon. A great place to spot rare birds and soak in tropical nature.

This beautiful reserve is located 15 miles south of Tulum and has 61,700 hectares (1.5 million acres or 1,700 square miles). The nature of Sian Kaán Biosphere Reserve, is the largest protected areas in Mexico and the most extensive tract of wilderness within the Riviera Maya. Presently, the reserve comprises 10% of the total area of Quintana Roo. Sian Kaán means in Mayan "where the sky is born". Contained within are examples of all principal ecosystems found in the Yucatan Peninsula and an astonishing array of flora and fauna. Dry and wet tropical forests, beaches, sand dunes, mangrove, swamps, grasslands, freshwater and saltwater lagoons, and a 62-mile stretch of the great Maya reef mix and mingle into panoramas of extraordinary visual appeal. Approximately 1/3 of the reserve is tropical forest, 1/3 wetlands, and 1/3 is marine environment.

Sian Kaán was first decreed a protected area in 1982. In 1986 the Mexican government established Sian Kaán as an international biosphere reserve. The next year it was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. In 1994, the reserve was extended by 200.000 acres to its present form.

Visitors will have a chance to experience nature the way it has always been. Whatever your interest, indulge in the magnificent sights and rich experiences the Riviera Maya has just waiting for you.

Located south of Tulum, in the heart of Sian Kaán . Here explorers can watch tucans and other rare birds who show no fear of man. Hundreds of resident and migratory species nest around the densely forested edges of this lagoon.

Mangrove islands whose keys, Xobon, Tres Marias, Lagartijas, and Culebras, form a sanctuary for colonies of nesting sea birds. The perfect beauty and harmony of untouched nature are evident here.

Coastal bird sanctuary ringed by sandy white deserted beaches. It is part of Sian Kaán, yet very close to Punta Allen.