Akumal

Akumal is a wonderful town just north of Tulum, Mexico. It is a beautiful area with great restaurants, dive shops, bars, and shops. We had heard wonderful things about it and knew that it was famous for sea turtles.


We took the collectivo from Tulum to Akumal for about 20 pesos per person. The new rule now is that any child over 4 pays the full fare, but they are entitled to a seat. Kids under 4 can sit in your lap at no cost. The collectivos are white vans with an orange or blue stripe on the side. There are also some that have a black stripe and those ones are fine too, they just go further south then Tulum to Carrillo Puerto from Playa del Carmen. The ones with the orange or blue stripe just go to Tulum centro and Playa del Carmen (and anywhere on 307 in between). These vans are very nice and run very frequently. All you have to do to catch one is stand on the side of 307(the main road) and they will pick you up.

After getting out of the collectivo we walked a short 5 minutes into the town. It was very cute and I could see that it split into many areas and I cannot wait to go back and explore the town more. But for now, we were focused on beach time. We walked the pathway to the beach and came upon the opening to the bay. It was beautiful.



The beach at Akumal bay was amazing. With the boats anchored around the bay and people able to walk 30 feet with the water at legs, it was perfect for kids. They were able to jump and play and swim around in as much safety as one could provide. The sand in the bay was perfect- once you got past the rocky part in the beginning.
And you could stand their and watch these large sand colored fish swim around and every now and then there would be these silver "flying fish" That is what Ruben called them. But the skim along the top of the water for like 15-20 feet.

There were so many people with their snorkel masks and it did not take long to figure out why. There are also a lot of sea turtles. We did not get to see these as we do not have snorkel equipment. Something we need to change because there is just way to much cool stuff to see in the water and such clean water to see through.



There were some really nice looking beach restaurants and beach clubs. We are on a budget so we did not get anything at any place this time. This time was a picnic trip. Once thing I noticed and I loved was that the recycle containers were far before the garbage can. They were broken down into categories (organic & paper, plastic bottles, glass) And that pretty much covers almost everything consumed by people hanging on a beach in the Mayan Rivera. This made the garbage can able to be small. I really loved that.

I cannot wait to go back to Akumal when we can walk around the whole area more.

The colors as you approach the water are beautiful.

Tulum Beach at Mezzanine***

There are many areas of Tulum Beach that are amazing. One of our favorite spots is the beach that is just to the north of the Mezzanine hotel. The beach is clear and open and the sand is amazing. I have not eaten or stayed at Mezzanine but it looks beautiful and from what I have heard from friends it has the best Thai food around.


To access the beach area in Tulum (at least for now) you must travel down the only road that goes to the beach. When entering Tulum from the north (Cancun and Playa del Carmen areas) you will come to what is currently the only street light in Tulum. On this corner there is Super San Francisco, a Hertz, and a 7-11. When you come to the light you make a left. --Going right will take you on the road that leads to Coba--

At the end of about 2km there is fork in the road. You must go left or right. Mezzanine is to the left. You will pass a few hotels and cabana spots and shortly will pass Mezzanine. To take a taxi here from town is currently around 40 pesos. Just after the hotel there is an opening and a small spot on the side to park a car.


When you walk onto the beach you come upon a totally open and wide beach. It is so beautiful. There are few makeshift palapas set up here as well. They make a nice area to get a little shade.

The reason that we love this part of the beach so much is because there are not a lot of people around. Sometimes it is nice to have a lot of people but sometimes it is nice to have a quite day at the beach.

There is access to Mezzanine if you wanted to get a drink or a bite to eat. We usually bring a cooler with sandwiches and sodas and or beers.

Cenote Cristal ***

Tulum has so many beautiful cenotes. Cenotes are underground freshwater sink holes that are all over the Yucatan peninsula. They are wonderful places to swim, snorkel or scuba dive. The water is so fresh and clear. It is a truly amazing experience to swim in the cenotes around Tulum.

One cenote that we love to go to is Cenote Cristal. Cenote Cristal is about 3km south of Tulum town. To get to Cenote Cristal you can take a taxi for about 40 pesos. We do not see the collectivos that go south to Carrillo Puerto as often and it less expansive for the 3 or 4 of us to take a taxi. Entrance cost to the cenote may vary but when we went to the cenote the cost was 40 pesos for an adult and 20 pesos for kids. The prices of the cenotes vary.

There are also some rules to remember when going to a cenote. One of the biggest ones is that you should not wear sunscreen or bug spray. There are some all natural ones on the market but really none is best. These cenotes are so beautiful and full of so many beautiful animals and we really do not want to damage that. This cenote is smaller then some others. I over heard a snorkel guide saying that the use of fins in this cenote may be damaging to plant and animal life in the water so you may not want to use them.

After paying our fee and walking down the pathway we came upon the cenote. It was beautiful. There were not a ton of people and it was very relaxing. There are 2 step entrances into the water. Do be careful because they do get very slippery. There was a rope to hold onto that crossed one section of the water and I saw a rope down at the bottom as well for those who are diving.

This is an amazing website that gives wonderful detail about many cenotes in this area. http://www.cenotesoftherivieramaya.com/5-5-caveguide.htm It gives the most in depth information on cenotes that I have found on the web.


Cenote Cristal is directly across the street from Cenote Escondido. Payment into Cristal gains you entrance into Escondido as well.

Getting around Tulum

Getting around Tulum can be quiet easy. There are few ways to get around Tulum.

ADO & MAYAB Busses: These busses run all over the Yucatan to many popular tourist locations as well as all over the whole area of Mexico. They are usually the least expensive option to get around.

Collectivos around Tulum: These are wonderful van taxis that run the distance between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (and even south to Carrillo Puerto) They are a very inexpensive and easy form of public transportation.

Taxis: These taxi drivers can get you all over Tulum for a great price. Many drivers also offer tours great tours. Contact us for specifics.

How to get to Tulum & the Rivera Maya by airplane

When people fly to the Rivera Maya they usually fly into Cancun. This is a small airport and is very easy to get around. I have flown on 3 different airlines to get to Cancun, US Airways, American Airlines and Mexicana.

Mexicana allowed me to check 2 bags per person at no charge from the USA. I was a little over weight and had to pay on one of my trunks but it was not much. They did it per kilo which was nice because I was not very far over. I also paid $100 to bring my cat.

**** Side note about bringing animals into Mexico**** I was not sure how easy it would be to bring my cat to Mexico but I knew that she had to come. It was pretty easy too. I had to bring a copy of her shot record. My vet had this ready to go for me when I left Oregon. The other thing that I needed was a "Health Certification"-- This can only be issued no more the 72 hours before departure. The Health Cert. is a simple examination of the animal. I got 2 copies of this just in case. I also bought a hard airline case from the vet as well. I was not sure if Calvin was going to go with me or go in cargo. At the airport, I paid my $100. But they said that I needed to use my soft case because the hard case could not go under my seat. That was fine with me. I wanted Calvin with me. The hard case was checked and did not cost me anything. Calvin was wonderful. I am really lucky I have a really chill cat. All be it HUGE!!! She is almost 20 lbs. Once I got to Mexico I had to go with a woman at the airport to register Calvin. This process took only a few moments and was very easy. And they were very nice to my cat.****

Anyway. Mexicana was also very kind in that they checked some bags at the gate because with 3 carry-on suit cases, 3 "personal items" 2 kids and a cat. It was more then I could handle. The people were also very nice. None of my trunks had been searched when I came in. They had all been taped shut in San Francisco.

Mexicana is my favorite airline to fly to Mexico. And if you keep your eyes open, you can find some great deals to Cancun from the USA on Mexicana

I have also flown American Airlines. I had a wonderful experience on this one as well. I was able to check 2 bags for international flights with no charge. the flights were on time, but I was left with little time for my connections.

I have also flown US Airways. The people were very nice and I got a great deal on my tickets. But when I left Mexico to go home and visit I was not charged anything for my bags. Not sure if the people forgot, didn't care or where in love with the babies but I did not pay anything. But when I was flying back to Mexico from San Diego there was a $15 for the first bag for each person and $25 for the 2nd bag. This wiped away any discount that I got on my ticket. I think that their overweight charges are also pretty high ($65 for 1st bag 51-70 lbs. and $115 if over 70 lbs.)They also charge $1 for coffee and tea, $2 for a can of soda or juice and $7 for wine, beer or cocktails. and $5-7 for some food. That seemed a little steep to me. But in these times I guess it makes sense.

Once landing in Cancun it is a very simple process. Many flights are directed towards the customs area and the lines move pretty fast. They often check your immigration and customs forms when you get off the plane so corrections can be made before people hit the line.Have your passports open to the photo page and your forms out and ready. Once you are through this point you will be in the baggage claim area. Grab your bags and if needed use one of the free carts that are around. you will then go to customs. This process is easy. You just put your bags on the scanner and wait--behind the yellow line!!! (They will yell at you otherwise)Once you give your docs to the customs agent you will push the magic button. Sometimes it is red and sometimes it is green. If it is red you will be searched. They are fast and respectful of your things when they search. You will also not be allowed to bring certain food items. I forgot about an apple in my little cooler and had to throw it out but no big deal.

Getting out of the airport and to the Rivera Maya

Now, I have not gone to Cancun's hotel zone but I am sure there is a a shuttle or bus that gets you there. I will look into this.

To get to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun airport there are a few options. My favorite, because it is the cheapest, is to go to the ADO Bus line desk after you get out of customs. They have a ref logo and are clearly marked. Be prepared that the people here may or may not speak English. The bus from the airport to Playa del Carmen is 90 pesos. Kids are half the cost and under 3 can sit on your lap for free. The buses are nice and clean and run frequently. The bus gets out in downtown Playa in the middle of 5th Avenue, the main tourist hub of Playa del Carmen. It is about 45 minutes from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

You can take a taxi from the airport and it should run you about 400 pesos.

There are also shuttles that can pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in various areas of the Rivera Maya. It is a good idea to have an idea of what cross streets and major landmark are near your hotel. I have had friends frive around for quite a while looking. I will get more info and prices and update this post.

You can also rent a car in the airport. There are many major names that you will be familiar with right in the airport. Be careful because there are some, and while they are great (we used Breeze and got a great deal) but they are not in the airport. When we used Breeze they had someone in the airport and they took us over to the office. My husband was there and is Mexican so that made the communication easier.

To get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen you can take a taxi. That will run you about 400 pesos. Sort of expensive when you consider the other options.

You can take ADO from 5th Avenue & Benito Juarez for about 45 pesos I think. Not bad at all.

But there are also collectivos. These are van shuttles that run the length between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The collectivos are set up in Playa del Carmen at 30th and Benito Juarez. They are right next to Tres Hermanos shoe store. It costs 30 pesos per person to get to Tulum from Playa. They will let you off anywhere along the main road. If you are only going part of the way the cost will be a little less. Kids over 4 pay full fare but they are also allowed a seat. Kids 3 and under can sit on your lap for free.

Nero di Sole

Nero di Sole is a wonderful Italian restaurant in the middle of Tulum Pueblo. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Tulum. It serves wonderful wood oven pizzas, traditional Italian dishes with plenty of fresh seafood and wonderful desserts. The ambiance in this spot is wonderful. The lively colors, beautiful paintings and hip accessories, not to mention the great addition of the digital jukebox!!!

I have stopped here many times to split a pizza with the kids for a snack as we walk through town. The toppings are fresh and the kids eat every bite. The traditional lasagna is also a big favorite.

The other day was my husbands and my 7th anniversary, we went here to eat and had the most amazing dinner. The prices for the food we got was fabulous.

We split some marinated shrimp with what was supposed to be feta cheese but it was not. These are just the types of things you get used to here! It was probably some mozzarella shreds. Oh well. We also had a caprese salad. The tomatoes were fresh and ripe and the fresh basil was perfect.



For dinner my friend ordered the red snapper. It was perfect, fresh and flavorful and had a wonderful sauce. My husband had steak medallions in a green peppercorn sauce and he was so happy with his dinner. He said that it was his favorite dinner to date. I got shrimp in a garlic sauce. It came with a large amount of shrimp and the garlic was right on. All were served with roasted potatoes and a little veg that was more of a garnish. At the end we were stuffed but we just had to have the tiramisu. I love this dessert. I would have taken pictures of the dinner but we were all having so much fun I totally forgot.


This restaurant also has a hotel attached. I have not seen it yet or known anyone who has stayed there. I will go and take a look at the rooms and post the photos.

If you have stayed here what do you think?

Tulum- The Town

We live in the amazing town of Tulum. This blog is an opinion based - "here is life in this town" type of a deal. After moving to Tulum, Mexico we found so many wonderful things about this small little piece of paradise. I will be putting up posting about places we eat, events that we go to and ones that are coming up, interesting facts about every day life, and some useful tips about to get to Tulum, get around Tulum, and enjoy Tulum. Please leave comments about your experiences as well. I would love to know.