AKUMAL CHEMUYIL XCACEL XEL-HA

This small town, one of the more diversified place on the Riviera Maya, has attracted people from all parts pf the world who are in search of a quiet and isolated life.

Akumal or "place of the turtles" is still a favorite of the endagered marine turtles and is wonderful for honeymooners or visitors looking for a peaceful and tranquil retreat. Akumal has all the comforts a tourist requires; hotels, private houses and condominiums as well as restaurants with international specialities.

Akumal is also well known for its ecological center, called Ukana - I, which is used both for research and as a commuunity center. It has contributed to strengthening concerns about the environment in this small town and offers a variety of workshops.

North of Akumal is Yalku Lagoon, a beautiful body of incredibly clear water that flows into the sea.

Back on the highway and a bit further south is Aventuras Akumal with beachfront condominiums and a lovely beach.

CHEMUYIL AND XCACEL

The bays of Chemuyil and Xcacel are favorites both of locals and tourist. Chemuyil is a bay with soft white sand bathed by calm turquoise water and surrounded by the jungle.

The water is shallow, with excellent visibility and a clean ocean floor. This makes it an ideal placer for young children. There are both camping facilities and hotel acommodation available, along with restaurants with restaurants with excellent seafood.

Xcacel is also one of the preferred spots of the marine turtles and a camp has been established for the care and preservation of these fascinating animals.

Because of the brilliant white sand and calm waters, it a wonderful place to spend a quiet afternoon. Towards the south, a small cenote completes and perfects the scenery of this special corner of the Caribbean. There are camping facilities and a small restaurant with wonderful regional cuisine.

XEL-HA

Xel-Ha, or "place where waters is born", is one of the magical spots of the Riviera Maya. It is an incredible natural aquarium where the ocean combines with the fresh water currents of the springs and underground rivers, forming an incredible and incomparable ecosystem, with a number of small island and a constant sttream of bubbles which surge from the river floor.

This stunning creation of nature is surrounded by a thick jungle, caves, cenotes and archaeological sites. Tree roots stretch underwater in intricate knots along the sides of the river and the lagoon, creating a labyrinth of hideaways where 24 different species of multicolored fish dart in and out.

The many activities in Xel-Ha include snorkeling in the lagoon and river with their unrivaled ecosystem, floating on the water in rubber tubes, swinging on vines over a cenote and sunbathing on the shores of the river, lagoon and ocean.

PRINCIPAL ATTRACTIONS

Archaeological sites:

Visitors can find vestiges of altars dedicated to Yum Chac, the God who appeared in the form of water in cenotes, lagoons and bays and see an ancient wall of this former Mayan Port.

Macaws:

One of the attractions hard for visitors to miss in the elegant and noisy macaws. Brought up in Xel-Ha, these birds are very friendly and accustomed to humans.

 Info | People | Attractions | Climate | Playa del Carmen | Playa Paraiso, Xcalacoco | Tulum, Coba, Bocapaila, Punta Alen | Xcaret, Calica, Paamul | Xpuha, Kantenah, Puerto Aventuras | Xcacel, Chemuyil, Akumal |