In Mayan, Akumal mean, "land of turtles." And most tourists visit Akumal in hopes to come face to face with the majestic sea turtle. 

Akumal is a small beach town located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum and is 60 miles south of the Cancun International Airport. Most people either choose to lodge in Akumal or visit from one of the neighboring cities. No matter where you stay, Akumal is a popular day trip destination. With so much to do and see, here is how to spend a day (or 24 hours) in Akumal. 

Start the day with a Sunrise. 
Depending on the time  of year, you can expect the sun to rise between 7 to 7:30am during the peak tourist season (winter). If the sky is clear the sunrise is less impressive, but none the less it is a beautiful sight to see the sun rise over the trees. 

If you love flying solo, at sunrise you may be the only person on the beach. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere,  the beach gets crowded by mid-morning. 

8:00am - Breakfast 
Unless you have a kitchen and plan on making your own breakfast, head to the Turtle Bay Cafe, Lucy's Kitchen or La Buena Vida. La Buena Vida now serves breakfast from 8-11am daily. Here you'll find the traditional breakfast options, but with excellent views of the ocean. 

I'm partial to the Turtle Bay Cafe as they have a wide selection of pastries, juices, smoothies and egg dishes. But I do recommend the Turtle Bay Cafe for lunch. Almond and soy milk are also available for vegans. 

9:30am - Park Your Stuff on the Beach & Sign up for Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
Walk to the main entry way to the beach. You'll notice a small shack not too far from the ocean. It's nearby the Akumal dive center. Here, you can sign up for a guided snorkeling sea turtle tour. 

If you have your own gear you do not need a tour guide, but I recommend it. Getting a tour is somewhat of a waiting game. If a time slot is not available, you'll wait at the shack until a few more people sign up to get a group. Sometimes locals wander around asking, "Hey you want to snorkel?" 

Either way, expect to pay around $40USD. The guided tour includes gear and a life vest. The best part is that the tour starts and ends at the shack, so no long distance travel. The guide swims with a small life raft and takes the group around the buoys. Most tours will not let you swim with suntan lotion on. Listen to the guide and do not touch the sea turtles. The lotion and oil from our hands causes an allergic reaction on the turtle's skin. You'll  notice this on the tour where some turtles have goiters on their neck. 

Every tour is different and depends on the weather. I saw around 8 turtles where others have seen close to 20. They are so cute and will surface for air before heading back to the sea grass. 

Afterwards you can shower in the dive shop's shower in town. If not hang out til lunch. 

12:30pm - Lunch at Turtle Bay Cafe
This is my favorite restaurant in Akumal. The cutest part of this cafe are the colorful tables,
and the local stray cats that run around looking for food. I sort of wish I owned the place!

Each time my dad and I visited we both ordered a smoothie (they are about 24 ounces) and split a plate of guacamole. ​As you can tell, there is no shortage of American portions in Mexico. You will not leave hungry. I recommend the strawberry banana smoothie. The sun is interesting as it kills my appetite, but sometimes after being in the sun and swimming I'm starving once i get into the shade. I can't consume fried food in the heat so I recommend what we ordered below. It serves 2-3 people. 

1:45pm - Walk the Beach
After lunch, take a walk along Akumal's shoreline. It's the best digestion aide to get your metabolism going. Enjoy the gentle crashing of the waves as you pass various resort beach clubs. Toward the end of the hotel strip, the sand turns into rocks. I recommend bringing sandals or walking slowly to avoid sticks and stones nearly breaking your feet bones. Eventually, you'll notice a half "U" shape tree. This is the perfect tree for a selfie. 

2:45pm - Swim and Sunbathe
After a nice, long hot walk, take a dip during the peak of the heat. The pre-swim walk allows for your food to digest and now it's time to relax and enjoy the ocean. 

4:45pm - Ice Cream Snack at Lucy's Kitchen
Around 5pm, the beach loses sun since it moves behind the trees. This is a great time to pack up your stuff and head into the small beach town. Grab a homemade ice cream cone at Lucy's Kitchen. Located in Plaza Ukana, Lucy's Kitchen is a small street-side shop, similar to a grab-n-go establishment. There are a couple tables outside, but don't be shy, grab a scoop, or two, and start your shopping adventure. You can't go wrong the traditional chocolate or vanilla. 

5:15pm - Go Shopping
Since it's still too warm to eat, head to the beach market shops that are near Lucy's Kitchen, The Turtle Bay Cafe and nearby the beach entryway. You'll find everything from Mexican silver to sea-troves of cheap and really expensive gifts.

Sadly, the silver is American priced. I looked at a quarter-sized Mayan pendant that was quoted around $70-80 USD. The market stalls nearby the Turtle Bay Cafe sells handmade and traditional gifts that are cheaper in price.

If you love vanilla, stock up on some Mexican vanilla. Vanilla is sold at any mainstream gift shop or food market. Try El Pueblito Minisuper.   

You must go to MexicArte. The boutique-style shop features more modernized gifts, but not all gifts are indigenous to Mexico. You may find the occasional scarf made in India or China. 

For Mexican folk art, check out Galeria Lamanai. 

7:00pm - Dinner at El Ultimo Maya
If you want an affordable, local establishment head to El Ultimo Maya. Guests choose from a variety of fajita, quesadilla and taco options. Veggie options available. Here, you'll find nothing but authenticity. They offer heartier meals like lemon and Parmesan pasta (choose either veggies, meat or seafood) or plenty of sea-fare for the sailor to get his chops wet with king prawns, fish or ceviche.  

8:45pm - Drinks
Slog down an ice cold brew or fruity mai-tai at Tequillaville or La Buena Vida. These establishments are open later either til 10pm or 11pm respectively. 

Akumal is a quiet town unlike Playa del Carmen where people party until sunrise. 

10:30pm - Lights Out
Head back to your hotel, apartment or home and say goodnight to a very long and stressful day at the beach. 

What you do recommend to do in just one day in Akumal? 

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Tulum is a hippie-inspired town located at the south end of the Riviera Maya. Sadly, Tulum is nothing like it was back in the 90's where you could eat a smorgasbord of food for two dollars. Today, Tulum features a variety of international cuisine, some that will break your pocketbook. But, the good news is that there are plenty of local establishments still around. Tulum is evolving to an international foodie paradise, so where ever you go, go hungry. My dad and I explored Tulum with no preconceived notions. And these are my favorite little places that we stumbled upon during our stay.   

Vegans and vegetarians alike will have no problem finding something to meet their demands. It is easier to be vegetarian than vegan, so if you are one of those flexible-vegans, it's well worth it to experience the local flavor.

El Gourmet
El Gourmet is an award-winning Trip Advisor favorite. I stumbled across this place as my dad and I met a newly-wed American couple who said this is one of the best rated restaurants on Trip Advisor. And damn. They were right. The caprese sandwich is a vegetarian favorite and the slight drizzle of olive oil and italian herbs takes an old recipe to a whole new level. The baguette, soft yet firm and chewy, is the best you'll ever experience outside of Europe. Visitors can choose from a variety of European delicatessens and cheeses. I recommend the soy chai latte. 

El Vegetariano
Located off the main drag, El Vegetariano is the perfect place for a healthy meal. Even if you love meat, don't skip this restaurant just because of the name. In fact, my dad (meat guy) loved the hearty vegetarian pasta so much that we ate here twice. The vibe is exactly what you'd expect from a vegetarian restaurant. Part indoor, part outdoor, free-flowing tree huggers wearing bohemian pants hang here morning, day and night. Every meal comes with chips and SPICY salsa. Buyer's beware for those who can't handle spice. 

Mateo's
Mateo's is a Mexican bar and grill located near the shore. Most seating is on the main level, but there is an upper level deck where guests enjoy the sunset. Surrounded by graffiti and tiled walls, the vibe suits anyone looking to relax with a drink or some tacos. The portions are hearty and I recommend the pineapple coconut smoothie. It's literally paradise in a cup, and the "coolest" drink in Tulum. It's so amazing that I recreated it without honey to put in my cookbook. Don't be shy and try the vegetarian burger or burrito. The portions require you to unbuckle your bathing suit, but it's well worth it. 

Antojitos la Chiapaneca
This local favorite is one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Tulum. This is a place where you find true locals. The tacos are so cheap, I think a vegetarian taco cost around 7 pesos or 50-ish cents. And for seven pesos don't expect luxury but the furnishings that would supply your college balcony. The lines can be long, but the staff are quick. In the front, you'll notice a pork-turning spit topped with a pineapple, that a guy carves and plays tricks with the pieces of pineapple. Once you get your tacos, you can fix it up with various types of salsas and dressings. 

Local Fruit Markets
In downtown Tulum, you'll find several fruit and vegetable stands. Some stands are small that smell minimal items like bananas and tomatoes, where others are actual markets. You'll find a stand on the opposite side of the street of, and nearby Antojitos la Chiapaneca.   

La Hoja Verde
Formally known as Pachelle, this vegetarian restaurant serves a combination of western, middle eastern and Mexican cuisine. Whether you want a light fare such as hummus with a green juice or something dense like a veggie burger, there are plenty of selections for a feast or famine appetite. 

La Fournee
This small little bakery is one that I recommend for baguettes, bread and chocolate croissants. I visited here often for baked goods for next morning's breakfast.  For a slice of Paris, try one of the sweet, chocolate crepes. 

Thai Tulum
Now, this is not the most epic Thai food you'll ever eat in your life, but for Mexico it's pretty good. When you stay in the RM for three weeks, there are only so many bean burritos and pico de gallo cups one can eat. Trick your palate with eastern fusion for a good, hearty alternative to carbo-load for tomorrow's day at the beach. It's tasty, affordable and simple, like it's decor. 

Restaurant Don Cafeto
If you love spicy pico, pickled vegetables and live music, head downtown to Don Cafeto. This restaurant is open from breakfast to late-night dinner. They offer various vegetarian options, but is certainly a meat-dominated restaurant. I LOVED the flan. Nothing quit fits the local vibe more than a slice of flan accompanied by local musicians. Arriba! 

Mezzanine Thai Restaurant & Martini Bar
Mezzanine is a deck bar and restaurant inside of a luxury boutique hotel that overlooks the ocean and the beach. The cool views and chic vibes make it an ideal mid-afternoon coffee (or margarita) pause (as the Germans say). The ambient music inspires the sunny atmosphere, and if you're lucky a live DJ will play some down-tempo beats. The overpriced menu mainly serves Thai along with some local favorites like tacos, guacamole and plenty of meat options like cerviche. Like anywhere in the world, you get what you pay for, and here, you definitely pay for the view. 

What's your favorite spot in Tulum? There are so many vegan and veg-friendly places in Tulum that you'll have no problem finding food that suits your palate. 

The Lemon Tree is a partner with GPSmycity.com and now you can download this Top 10 Foodie Spots for Vegetarians on the travel article GPSmycity.com app! Upgraded articles are accessible offline!
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If you're searching for white sand and coconuts falling into your lap, then head to the Riviera Maya,  Mexico’s sun-kissed gem boasting endless miles of salty seashores and beautiful bikinis. The Mayan Riviera stretches over 90-miles between Puerto Morelos to Tulum, Mexico. Those who travel to this region instantly fall in love with the energy and beauty of the oceans. White-sands, friendly-smiles and affordable accommodations attract foreign backpackers and world travelers to unite with the rising sun. These seven beaches are the best, and most beautiful, shorelines in the Quintana Roo region.

Xcacel Beach
Located just south of the Chemuyil exit is the government-run Xcacel beach. Preserved for its nature, Xcacel is most famously known for sea turtle nesting. This stunning beach is perfect for those who enjoy remote destinations without hotels and cafes in the backdrop. Early in the morning you maybe the only visitor on the beach. The beach is easy to miss since it's off the  main highway. Keep your eyes peeled for a billboard and a tiny wooden sign with an arrow on it. 

Visitors are asked to donate 15-25 pesos per person as an entrance fee to the beach. The beach is open between 9:00-5:00pm.

Sunbath with lizards, walk the white-sand, swim with stingrays or jump in the cenote for a primitive experience - Xcacel Beach

Boca Paila Beach
Boca Paila is a remote destination located in the Kian Sa’an biosphere. Guests drive or bike along a dusty pot-holed road to find remote shorelines, untouched by tourism. DO NOT drive fast. These are serious pot holes that you leave you wheel-less in the middle of nature. You can also rent a bike in Tulum and pedal the dusty, windy street. 
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Beach goers experience solitude, creating a man versus nature exploration. The ocean showcases traditional aqua-green flows of gently rolling waves.

Tulum Beach
Tulum attracts nature-lovers, yogis and energy healers to explore the magnetic pulse of the ancient Mayan culture. It's not uncommon to find people practicing yoga  or worshipping the sand. 
Beyond the Ruins, Tulum homes 60 archeological structures. Most beachgoers head to the protected, nature-preserved beach, which is the north end of the Hotel Zone. The beach is filled with open air and beautiful sunrise views. The sun sets over the palm trees, which lights up the sky with effervescent colors. Biking and hitch-hiking are popular modes of transportation to get to and from the beach and Tulum town. It's a great place to catch a rainbow on a cloudy/rainy day. 

Akumal
Akumal is 60-miles south of Cancun and is the ultimate sea turtle destination. Calm blue-green waters wade slowly atop white-sand shores while palm trees flow with the gentle wind. Fish swim in ankle deep water and snorkels swim to over-head-deep water in search for sea turtles grazing on sea grass. Guests can see many “No Tocar La Tortuga,” signs which means, “do not touch the sea turtles.” Touching turtles produces lesions and skin diseases from the oils and suntan lotion from human skin. The locals hope tourists follow these rules to keep the environment intact.

Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a popular destination welcoming families and a mature crowd. The Puerto Morelos atmosphere is one to experience. Pelicans hangout at the pier, waiting for leftovers from the local fishermen. Stingrays swim between anchored boats and bury themselves underneath the sand. The snorkeling is the best in the area. The protected reef is a short boat ride from the shoreline boasting vibrant colors, fish and marine life. If snorkeling is not an option, there are plenty of nearby cafes and on-beach massage tables to occupy the time.

Playa del Carmen
Playa attracts the younger, backpacker crowd who seek sun, sand, sea and parties. Every January, thousands of edm and shit-bangin' shufflin' techno junkies (aka myself) head to the PDC for the BPM Festival for countless days of nonstop partying. 

The main tourist area, along Fifth Avenue, homes cafes, shops, massage parlors, bars, clubs and hotels. The atmosphere is vibrant and eclectic; perfect for those who want to party until sunrise. For those who desire a more-quiet experience, head north of Mamita’s Beach or south towards Playa Car. The yellow sand glows beautifully with the sunrays. Playa offers open-air views, perfect for watching a sunrise at any location in Playa.

Tulum Ruins Beach
The  most quintessential Mayan beach is the Tulum Ruins Beach. Clear ocean-blue water washes up on white sandy shores just below the cliff-perched ruins. History and magic comes alive when sun-worshipping the ancient Mayan energy. The beach is smaller and homes plenty of fertile plant life growing along the rocks. Tulum Ruins beach accessible either from the ruins or from a rocky cliff-side trail from the main Tulum beach. It’s a perfect spot for photographers to capture contrast amidst the structure, sky and sea.

What's your favorite beach in the Riviera Maya?! 

Keep posted for the link to the gpsmycity.com post where you can download this article to use offline during your trip! 

I first visited the Riviera Maya in 2003. At 18, I saved enough money from working at a garden nursery and spent a week in Cancun. For many years, Cancun was my only memory of the RM. 
 
Just before my 30th birthday, I took an agonizing 12-hour flight from Germany to Cancun. Before meeting my dad, I spent a couple nights in Playa del Carmen, which is a step up from Cancun. 
 
Crowded streets chocked full of Australian and European backpackers that hung out at street side taco stands, sipping on the good life, a Corona. Where am I? Thailand?

Normally, Mexico is the big and exotic destination for Americans, but I had no idea that young backpackers also flocked to the RM. Young at heart, I felt alive, not worrying about turning the big 3-0 and remembered my backpacking adventures around Asia. Oh the life to be young and free….
 
I instantly fell in love with Playa del Carmen (though my love affair deepened once I got to Tulum) as the air had this sultry sensation between man, earth and guacamole. 
 
Jet lag, I arose close to five in the morning where I made way to the beach. Not surprised, I as well as many other techno-loving partiers enjoyed the sunrise while dancing and still drinking beer. If there is such a thing as heaven and earth, I think I found it. My eyes gazed at one of the most dramatic skies I've ever seen. I peeled my eyes to the sky waiting for some Mayan God to burst from the dark and stormy rain clouds.

My soul felt at home and my pocketbook yearned for further exploration. 
 
Blistering my feet in flip-flops, I paced up, down and around every street in Playa del Carmen. Broke and unemployed, I needed to control my inner “consumerisitic” warrior from shining. From handmade necklaces that draped over one’s backside to la-la-luxurious $250 swimsuit wraps, I found an entirely new wardrobe and apartment décor collection. Sadly, I had to walk away from any "bad" decisions.

Hand painted pots called my name and misogynistic cat-callers whistled to every “chica bonita” who walked past. 
 
Playa del Carmen is a place for partygoers and the young at heart. Here, visitors can rent affordable guestrooms or apartments that are neatly decorated with tropical flowers and Mexican-style tile.

I visited during the annual bpm festival where world-famous DJ’s from around the world play in beach clubs and bars from sunrise to sunrise. It’s a nonstop party palace, which also attracts the euro-trash beefcakes who strut their shit shirtless with beer in their left hand and fist-pump to the beat of the music with the right. 
 
But, let’s not forget about the “Americanas”…
 
To me, Playa is a fusion between the trash of Cancun and the class of Tulum. I took a beach walk one afternoon since I wanted to photograph the beach. Near the ferry dock is the popular Senor Frogs establishment. At about 1pm, drunken beer-belly American men grounded the shit out of women to 1992 “big butts” hip-hop music just like a local trying to mortar some cumin. In fact, they had about a 10-person dry-humping train that choo-choo’d for more shots of tequila.

Onto more prominent things, if you head to the gated Playacar community you will secretly find some old ruins. Well, I don’t know how good their security is because all you have to do is walk through someone’s backyard from the beach to get into the community. 
 
But, the Mayans must’ve noticed the magnetic energy that surrounds this area. With broken ruins and bursting palm tree-like leaves, a little peaceful sanctuary exists away from Playa’s main drag. 
 
Such roots. Such history. Life is amazing. At one point of human existence, intelligent tribes came here to discover the “x, y and z’s” about life. Now several blocks away, over-intoxicated drunkards pissed on the palm trees near these very ruins.

What the fuck is going on with the world? I didn’t have the answer and I knew consumerism played a roll into the dramas of life. Until I knew the answer, I cleansed my soul in this powerful ocean and looked forward to heading south. 
 
For some reason, a small part of me felt at home. Playa is the perfect mix of peace and quiet and party-time bars that remind me of my study abroad trip to the Gold Coast, Australia. It's amazing how memories are stirred from a place's sight, sounds and scenery. Although playa can be expensive, at least the guacamole is tasty and affordable. 

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I don't know why, but I love photographing street art. If you've ever visited the Riviera Maya (especially Tulum) you know that the air feels different. The energy, the vibe - the place is magical. It's a place where your soul rebirths and life is given a second chance to awaken rejuvenated, refreshed and clear-minded. 
I try to understand alot of life from a spiritual perspective. And well, I do believe energy enhances creativity in ways that are unexplainable. 

During my trip throughout the Riviera Maya, I could not help but get inspired and feel re-energized while gazing the street art. I found a deep connection to this art because I love and have always been fascinated with the ocean. Two of my favorite animals are sea turtles and dolphins. 

Not all graffiti is the same and the colors, precision and designs created gave me a whole new level of respect for street art. Whatever energy is flowing in the RM, it definitely shows through the art. The last six images are from my iPhone 4, so the quality is not the best, but you'll get the "picture." 

I actually watched the guy paint the dolphin wall for a couple of days - amazing stuff as you'll below! What is your favorite type of street art? 

Love it? Let's connect! Let's see some of your favorite street art pics, feel free to tag me with your best shot!