Alan W. Says:
My wife and I are headed to Akumal, Mexico at the end of February for 10 days, looking forward to a laidback vacation.
The last time we were in the Riviera Maya was a trip to Cozumel in 1984. We might also pop over for a visit. I’m sure it’s changed a lot since then.
Can you recommend some things for us to do?
IL Mexico Correspondent Bel Woodhouse Says:
Hi Alan,
You’re right, Cozumel has changed a lot over the last 40 years along with the rest of the Riviera Maya region.
Playa del Carmen is now a thriving small city and Cozumel is the largest cruise port in Mexico and the Caribbean. So, if you’re looking for laidback, you chose right with Akumal.
It’s still quiet with the one main road and it’s beautiful to enjoy lunch overlooking Akumal Bay.
Around that area, I would suggest visiting Aktun Chen, a beautiful cenote about a five-minute drive south of Akumal. It has one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Underground Walks through the cave system, and a beautiful cenote to swim in.
There’s a small zoo with spider monkeys and giant pythons and the zip line through the tree tops is an easy one with fun suspended bridge if you like zip lining. It’s a lovely place to spend the day.
As for Cozumel, the island has been built up with shops along the boardwalk, hotels and a lot of restaurants catering to tourists.
For something fun maybe you’ll enjoy a ramble around town, there’s a great free walking tour if you’d like a little history and to see the mercado, our municipal market. Or if you hire a car for the day and drive around the island you’ll see the pristine beaches on the other side will be as you remember them.
Punta Sur, our large eco-park takes up the southern tip of the island with wetlands, a mangrove tour, lighthouse and a couple of restaurants on the beach to enjoy lunch. Also, one of my favourite places is the Mayan Bee Santuary about halfway across the island and there you will discover the beautiful relations between the Maya and the tiny stingless bee, the Melipona.
Read more about things to do on Cozumel here.
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