Discover New Horizons in Akumal

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• Akumal Artisan Market: This vibrant market features a variety of local vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, clothing, and jewelry. You can find unique souvenirs and support local artisans while browsing through the colorful stalls.

• Super Chomak: This supermarket offers a wide range of groceries, including fresh produce, dairy products, meat, and pantry staples. It's a convenient option if you are looking to stock up on supplies during your stay.

• Akumal Dive Shop: Akumal is a popular diving destination, and the Akumal Dive Shop provides equipment rentals, dive trips, and diving courses/certifications. They also offer snorkeling gear and guided snorkeling tours for those who prefer to explore the underwater world without scuba diving.

Dining

Akumal offers a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the highly recommended restaurants in Akumal:

• La Buena Vida: This beachfront restaurant and bar is a local favorite known for its laid-back ambiance and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. La Buena Vida serves a mix of Mexican and international dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. It's also famous for its signature cocktails and live music.

• Lol-Ha Restaurant and Beach Bar: Situated on Akumal Bay, Lol-Ha Restaurant offers a picturesque setting with panoramic ocean views. The menu features a selection of Mexican and international cuisine, including seafood, salads, sandwiches, and traditional Mexican dishes. Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Lol-Ha is a great option with its relaxed atmosphere and beachfront location.

• Turtle Bay Café & Bakery: Located in the heart of Akumal, Turtle Bay Café & Bakery is a charming spot known for its delicious breakfast and brunch offerings. From freshly baked pastries to hearty breakfast burritos, this café has a wide range of options to satisfy your morning cravings. They also serve salads, sandwiches, and smoothies, making it a great choice for a quick lunch.

• La Cueva del Pescador: If you're in the mood for seafood, La Cueva del Pescador is a popular choice. This casual seafood restaurant serves up a variety of dishes featuring fresh catch-of-the-day. From ceviche to grilled fish and shrimp, the flavors are sure to impress. The restaurant's open-air seating area adds to the relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

• Que Onda Restaurante & Bar: Que Onda is a vibrant and colorful restaurant offering a fusion of Mexican and international cuisine. The menu includes flavorful dishes like tacos, burgers, quesadillas, and more. With its lively atmosphere and friendly service, Que Onda is a great place to enjoy a casual meal or grab drinks with friends.

These are just a few of the excellent dining options available in Akumal. Whether you're looking for a beachfront experience, traditional Mexican flavors, or international cuisine, Akumal has something to satisfy every palate.

When visiting Akumal, there are several traditional dishes that you should try to experience the local flavors and culinary traditions. Here are just a few of our favorites:

• Cochinita Pibil: Cochinita Pibil is a classic Mayan dish that consists of marinated and slow-roasted pork. The pork is marinated in a citrusy and aromatic sauce made with bitter orange juice, annatto seeds, garlic, and various spices. It is traditionally cooked in a pit oven called a "pib" (hence the name). The result is tender, flavorful, and succulent meat that is often served in tacos or as a main dish accompanied by rice, beans, and pickled onions.

• Ceviche: Being a coastal region, Akumal offers an abundance of fresh seafood, and ceviche is a must-try dish. Ceviche typically consists of raw fish or seafood, such as shrimp or octopus, marinated in citrus juices, such as lime or lemon, which "cook" the fish. The ceviche is then mixed with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and spices to create a refreshing and tangy dish. It is often served with tortilla chips or tostadas.

• Sopa de Lima: Sopa de Lima is a traditional Mexican soup that originates from the Yucatan Peninsula and is a beloved local specialty. The soup features a flavorful broth made with chicken, lime juice, and aromatic spices. It is typically garnished with shredded chicken, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and a sprig of fresh cilantro. Sopa de Lima is a comforting and zesty dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of the region.

These traditional dishes provide a taste of the local culinary heritage and showcase the use of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and traditional cooking techniques. Exploring the local cuisine is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and savor the authentic flavors of Akumal.

Medical Resources:

In the event of a medical emergency in Akumal, there are medical facilities available nearby, including hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. Here are a few options:

• Hospiten Riviera Maya: Hospiten Riviera Maya is a private hospital located in Playa del Carmen, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Akumal. This hospital is well-known for providing medical services to both local and international patients. They have English-speaking staff and offer a wide range of medical specialties, including emergency care, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more. Address: Carretera Federal Cancun - Playa del Carmen, Km. 269.3, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico Contact: +52 984 803 1000

• Hospital General Playa del Carmen: Hospital General Playa del Carmen is a public hospital that serves the local community and tourists in the area. While English proficiency may vary among the staff, they are accustomed to attending to international patients. The hospital provides emergency services, specialized medical care, and various departments, including surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and more. Address: Calle 34 Nte., Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico Contact: +52 984 206 4900

• Red Cross (Cruz Roja) Tulum: The Red Cross is a reliable emergency medical service provider in Mexico, and the Tulum branch serves the surrounding area, including Akumal. While English-speaking staff might not always be available, they are trained to respond to emergencies and provide initial medical assistance. Address: Av. Satélite Sur, Tulum Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Contact: +52 984 871 2137

In a medical emergency, it's recommended to call emergency services immediately, either by dialing 911 or the local emergency number in Mexico (066 from a Mexican cell phone). Emergency response personnel can provide guidance and arrange for appropriate medical assistance to be dispatched to your location.

It's also a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies when visiting any foreign country. Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage and emergency contact information before your trip.

*We are in no way associated with these facilities nor can we guarantee your medical care.

Communicating:

When traveling to Mexico, it's helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your communication and interactions with locals. Below are some common Spanish phrases that can be useful during your trip. We also suggest downloading Google Translate and/or SpanishDict, which are helpful apps for translating on the go!

Greetings:

• Hello: Hola
• Good morning: Buenos días
• Good afternoon: Buenas tardes
• Good evening/night: Buenas noches
• How are you?: ¿Cómo estás? (informal) / ¿Cómo está? (formal)

Polite Expressions:

• Please: Por favor
• Thank you: Gracias
• You're welcome: De nada
• Excuse me: Disculpe (to get someone's attention) / Perdón (to apologize or ask for forgiveness)

Basic Communication:

• Yes: Sí
• No: No
• I don't understand: No entiendo
• Could you speak more slowly, please?: ¿Podría hablar más despacio, por favor?
• Do you speak English?: ¿Hablas inglés? (informal) / ¿Habla usted inglés? (formal)

Asking for Help:

• Can you help me?: ¿Puede ayudarme?
• I'm lost: Estoy perdido(a)

Ordering Food and Drinks:

• I would like...: Me gustaría...
• The bill, please: La cuenta, por favor
• Do you have a menu in English?: ¿Tienen un menú en inglés?
• Water: Agua
• Coffee: Café
• Beer: Cerveza
• Wine: Vino
• Tacos: Tacos :)

Getting Around:

• Where is...?: ¿Dónde está...?
• How much is it?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
• Taxi: Taxi
• Bus: Autobús
• Destinations:
• Bathroom: Baño
• Restaurant: Restaurante
• Beach: Playa
• Grocery store: Super / Supermercado
• Store/shop: Tienda

Emergency Situations:

• Help me!: ¡Ayudame!
• I need a doctor: Necesito un doctor
• Call the police: Llame a la policía

Remember, making an effort to speak basic Spanish phrases shows respect for the local culture and can go a long way in building connections and receiving assistance. Locals will appreciate your efforts, even if your Spanish isn't perfect.

Although Spanish is the dominant language spoken in the region, you may encounter bilingual individuals or those who primarily speak Mayan, especially in more traditional or rural communities. Mayan is still a relatively common language in Akumal and the surrounding region because the area is located in the heartland of the ancient Mayan civilization. The Yucatan Peninsula, where Akumal is situated, was once part of the extensive Mayan territory, which encompassed parts of present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.

The Mayans were an indigenous civilization with a rich cultural heritage and a complex society that flourished between 2000 BCE and 1500 CE. They developed advanced systems of agriculture, architecture, mathematics, writing, and astronomy. The Mayans had multiple city-states throughout the region, each with its own ruler and governing structure.

While the ancient Mayan civilization declined centuries ago, the Mayan people and their cultural heritage continue to be an integral part of the Yucatan Peninsula's identity. Many Mayan communities still exist in the area, and they have preserved their language and traditions throughout generations.

The presence of the Mayan language in Akumal and the wider region is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mayan civilization and the cultural diversity that exists in this part of Mexico. It adds to the richness and uniqueness of the local culture and provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about and appreciate the indigenous heritage of the area.

Notes on getting around

While Uber is available in larger cities and popular tourist destinations in Mexico, such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, it may not have a presence in smaller towns or remote areas like Akumal. However, it's always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information as services and availability can change over time.

In Akumal, you may find local transportation options such as taxis, shuttle services, or private car hires that can help you get around the area. It's advisable to inquire locally or through your accommodations for recommended transportation services available in the region.