32 Best Stops Between Puerto Aventuras and Belize City
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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Puerto Aventuras to Belize City?
The direct drive from Puerto Aventuras to Belize City is 247 mi (398 km), and should have a drive time of 5 hrs 18 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Puerto Aventuras to Belize City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Tulum and Bacalar, as well as top places to visit like cenote santa cruz and Playa Akumal, or the ever-popular Punta Laguna.
Top cities between Puerto Aventuras and Belize City
The top cities between Puerto Aventuras and Belize City are Tulum and Bacalar. Tulum is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Puerto Aventuras and 5 hours from Belize City.
Tulum is a Mexican town located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It boasts well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city and beautiful beaches. The main attraction is El Castillo, a large stone structure situated atop a rocky cliff overlooking the turquoise sea. Additionally, visitors can explore Parque Nacional Tulum, which features mangroves and natural limestone sinkholes called cenotes.
Most popular city on this route
1 minute off the main route, 11% of way to Belize City
Bacalar, a serene town in southeastern Mexico near the Belize border, is renowned for its stunning Lake Bacalar, known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors due to its mesmerizing blue and turquoise shades. Visitors can explore the 18th-century Fuerte de San Felipe, now home to a piracy museum showcasing colonial-era artifacts. The colonial San Joaquín Parish Church with its vaulted ceiling is also worth a visit.
6% as popular as Tulum
2 minutes off the main route, 62% of way to Belize City
Best stops along Puerto Aventuras to Belize City drive
The top stops along the way from Puerto Aventuras to Belize City (with short detours) are Tulum, Playa Akumal, and Zona arqueológica de Coba. Other popular stops include Paradise Beach, Bacalar Lagoon, and Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka'an.
Punta Laguna, located just a 30-minute drive from Coba, is a hidden gem worth exploring. Visitors can embark on guided jungle tours to observe spider monkeys and listen to the howling monkeys. Additionally, they can enjoy a lagoon cruise and even try rappelling down a small cenote. This less-visited spot offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the region's abundant wildlife with knowledgeable guides leading the way through lush jungles and rare cenotes for a small cost.
The perfect place if you want to explore and do adventurous things alone. You can literally have the cenote all to yourself and spend as much time as you want with a special person. The skeleton below your feet adds to a great an unique experience. The price is unbeatable!
Albert Villafain — Google review
If you can get over the rudeness of the people managing this place (I think it's families owning the land), it's worth a visit. There are many monkeys so the chances of seeing them are high here. And multiple other animals, like spiders, butterflies etc. But even if they let you visit by yourself, you will definitely get lost so you need a guide. And this takes me back to the unpleasantness of the experience. First of all, prices aren't displayed anywhere so my guess is that they make the price by looking at the people visiting. They gave me an unreasonable price but I speak Spanish and pushed back and got a lower price, but the attitude of the man wasn't amazing. He yelled at one of the guys there to show us the place: let me introduce you to our guide. It had just rained, the ground was very slippery. He was walking way ahead of us, acting annoyed and unwelcoming and he was wearing flip flops - kudos to him because we risked falling multiple times - walking fast who knows how but disregarding the fact that we were struggling... the whole thing was rushed. He made noises to attract the monkeys, showed us all the animals and bugs on the way and without him we would have probably missed a lot (and gotten lost). Still, if you're around I'd give it a shot
Danila Massara — Google review
Hay que estar MUY en forma para hacer este circuito y no importarte las medidas de seguridad. Uno de los dos guías tenía 12 años. Hay que hacer toda la ruta en bañador y sin nada más, únicamente el móvil si se tiene funda acuatica. Los chalecos y arneses están muy viejos. La bajada al cenote es por rapel de 12 metros y la subida es por una escala vieja de 12 metros de madera que no está en muy buenas condiciones. Tuvimos un percance serio y no había equipo de apoyo, un compañero estuvo colgando de un pie 5 minutos y cayó al cenote desde 10 metros porque tardaron con la ayuda ya que no hay nada cerca.
Aparte de lo peligroso, el cenote es un círculo de unos tres metros y está a oscuras, no te dan linterna, ni máscara y tubo por lo que aparte de nadar no puedes ver nada.
La tirolina tampoco tiene medidas de seguridad.
Lo mejor de la ruta fue el paseo viendo los monos, pero no compensó el susto tan grande que vivimos.
(Translated by Google)
You have to be VERY fit to do this circuit and not mind the security measures. One of the two guides was 12 years old. You have to do the entire route in a swimsuit and with nothing else, only your mobile if you have a waterproof case. The vests and harnesses are very old. The descent to the cenote is by 12-meter rappelling and the ascent is by an old 12-meter wooden ladder that is not in very good condition. We had a serious mishap and there was no support team, a colleague was hanging by one foot for 5 minutes and fell 10 meters into the cenote because they took time with help since there is nothing nearby.
Apart from the danger, the cenote is a circle of about three meters and it is in the dark, they do not give you a flashlight, or a mask or tube, so apart from swimming you cannot see anything.
The zip line also has no security measures.
The best part of the route was the walk to see the monkeys, but it did not make up for the great scare we experienced.
Cristina CHIMENO — Google review
Definitely get the guide! We got Eloy, he was very thorough and knowledgeable. We saw many spider monkeys and even 4 howler monkeys. The experience is totally worthwhile. We paid 1000 pesos for 2 people with the guide.
katericious — Google review
Oh wow. Just indescribably beautiful. We did a guided tour, our guide was friendly and patience, full of great information and we saw the spider monkeys! The lagoon it's self is incredible. Make sure you have a swim, it's wonderful.
Beth Calvert — Google review
Saw loads of monkeys, had fun going down the zip line and rowing along the lagoon then the swim in the cenote was a good way too cool of
Dominic ?Dom? Fairhead — Google review
Está muy bonita la laguna, y te puedes meter a nadar. En cuanto a la selva puedes ver monos y el guía te cuesta unos 600mxn para 10 personas.
(Translated by Google)
The lagoon is very beautiful, and you can go swimming. As for the jungle, you can see monkeys and the guide costs about 600mxn for 10 people.
David Roldán — Google review
We originally wanted to go to the Monkey sanctuary closer to town, but after reading reviews, there are alot of extras for photos etc and it's not a natural setting. This monkey nature reserve was amazing!! Highly recommend having a guide so they can help you find the monkeys in the trees... we walked for a little while and found a whole bunch of them. It was so nice to watch them all climb and jump around with their baby's in their natural habitat. Highly recommend visiting!!
fit kitty — Google review
Had an amazing time and saw so many monkeys! 🐒 🙈 🙊 ❤️ Definitely ask for Julio... he knew where all the monkeys were hiding and shared a lot of good information with us as we walked the property..
Jay Shok — Google review
Always visit when we are in the area. 300 pesos to visit and 600 pesos for a guide for 2 people. It is worth getting a guide, they will find the monkeys and other animals. We did not do the canoe or zipline. The view of the lake is amazing.
Otto H — Google review
Amazing experience to be had here. You have lots of tour options, but this place is special!
Still occupied by the Mayan people, you can experience a piece of their culture. Francisco was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable. He found ALL the monkeys for us and even took us to their watering cave. It was magical watching mommas with their babies attached. One monkey even popped down close to pose for me.
The hike is breathtaking. Beautiful roots from the Ficus trees, moss and rocks. I loved seeing the huge caterpillars and grasshoppers. Francisco pointed out everything and told us a lot of the Mayan words.
Before the hike began we were blessed by a Mayan shaman. It was great because we chose to go in the private cenote. Since the Mayans consider it sacred, it was important to be respectful.
We went on a very cool zip line over the lagoon before canoeing to the side where the cenote is. It is a stunning Lagoon!
Now, my favorite part of this experience was the private Cenote. We rappelled down a very small hole into darkness to snorkel with a flashlight. It was AMAZING!
Don't miss this place if you're in the Riviera Maya
Melody — Google review
Beautiful fresh water lagoon, basically a cenote, with cristal clear water.
Mircea Pilaf — Google review
Really well maintained Mayan community best done with a guided tour. Our guide “Angel” translated in Maya their native language was very knowledgeable who mother and elders only speak Maya and not Spanish. They host night tours where you can see snakes and spiders. During our day tour we saw several spider monkeys in their natural habitats. They community of a couple people live in symbiosis with the nature and are very resourceful and self sufficient. Very friendly and highly recommended for an authentic jungle tour experience. Our guide also spoke perfect English as well as 4 other languages. By visiting and getting a to it your helping them maintain and keep their land whose being approached by larger resorts looking to turn the space into a tourist destination.
Chris P. — Google review
The best hours to visit Punta Laguna are 3pm and 4pm because the spider monkey families are meeting at the trees to get ready to sleep. The tour is very nice, a brisk walk through the forest where you can see the monkeys climbing the trees and learn about the flora and fauna in Yucatán. The guides are part of the community that protects this park and their knowledge is passed from generation to generation. There are plenty of activities to do and choose from, you can canoe in the lake, do a zip-line or just enjoy your hike while you enjoy nature.
Violeta Morales Fakih — Google review
such an incredible experience!!! peaceful space that’s well maintained and preserved by an intergenerational family. fair prices that go towards preservation of the environment, and well deserved given the passion and drive these folks have towards their community and the nature/animals they care for. the guides are knowledgeable and know the spider monkey families very well. plus swimming in the lagoons was a lovely treat! hidden gem that i recommend fully.
Alina Vartanian — Google review
We enjoyed walking in the forest with an excellent local guide who told us many things we didn't know before! We saw a group of howler monkeys and many groups of spider monkeys. *We only had time for the walk in the forest but there are more things to do here!*
Timo Lehti — Google review
Recommended for all nature lovers. If you are like us and don't mind driving to see animals in their natural habitat instead of cages, then this is a place for you.
Animals became active after 4-5pm. We came around 3:30pm and first spent 30 minutes walking with the guide looking for monkeys which were just sleeping on the trees. Then the movement started and they started cruising through the trees together. Mamas carrying the babies on their back, youngsters playing together.
At the end it was really nice to dive into the lagoon to get refreshed.
We paid 1300 MXN for the private tour of 3 people.
Andrey Tsykunov — Google review
Want to see monkeys in nature (not a theme park or zoo)? Head to Punta Laguna! Less than 1hr drive from Tulum area, this nature reserve is well worth a visit.
We arrived late afternoon, just as the spider monkeys appeared. We had a great local guide - his family had founded the nearby village - who was so knowledgeable about the nature and local area (and spoke great English). Just us and the monkeys. We then swam in the lagoon, which was had mostly to ourselves. Heaven!
This place is not at all commercial or touristy and supports the local community.
Bring cash as they don't accept card!! We didn't have enough cash with us so we couldn't pay for the zip line across the lagoon, or canoeing, or rappelling into the cenote activities but the fee other tourists we met there said it was great. I think it's 200 peso per person to enter the reserve. 400 peso for a guide to see the monkeys (not essential but worth it). And 800 peso per person if you want to do the zip line etc activity package. Great value and contributes to supporting the nature reserve. With more time, we may also have seen howler monkeys and other wildlife. Definitely a highlight!
Isabelle — Google review
Great place to meet Mayan descendants who leave nearby this natural reserve and guide tourists, encounter spider monkeys, slide on a zip line, paddle kayak, and swim in cenote and lagoon.
Anton Sochenov — Google review
This is a nature reserve where you can spent 2-3 hours in the forest to see some spider monkeys and learn more about them. The lagoon is beautiful, and there is a zip line there that you can take above the lagoon which provides a bit of excitement. The zip line was great fun and seemed well maintained. You need to row back across the lagoon with a kayak. Overall a good half a day can be spent here.
Mariusz Scislowski — Google review
4.6
(872)
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4.5
(545)
Quintana Roo Nuevo Durango - Coba, 77750 Q.R., Mexico
Cenote Santa Cruz is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Mexico. This cenote offers visitors the chance to explore deep wells and sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone structures, revealing stunning pools of water. Visitors can embark on a private tour led by knowledgeable guides who provide educational insights into the formation of the caves and various geological features. The experience includes walking and swimming through both dry and wet caves, with opportunities for adventure such as rope swings and jumping platforms.
Victor did a fantastic tour for my wife and I. This Cenote cave system is in prestine condition and is preserved by these nature loving guides. I highly recommend this guided tour.
Walking distance from the highway.
Chris Hardy — Google review
Our family loved this tour, especially that there were no other people. We had the place to ourselves, and Victor was super knowledgeable and friendly. He related well to our kids, and he told great stories. We would definitely recommend this tour with Victor!
Steve Smith — Google review
We absolutely loved our visit to this wonderful cenote. A real adventure experience travelling through a mix of dry and wet caves. Victor our guide was excellent and also very educational providing lots of information on how the cave formed and explaining the different kinds of formations. The kids loved the rope swing and jumping platform too.
James McPhail — Google review
Wonderful tour, took about 3 hours. Completely out of the sun, no need for sunscreen. Met our guide in Akumal Pueblo and followed him to the cenote site. Magical experience, best cenote yet and we’ve been to almost all of them in the area.
Rachel Roth — Google review
We had an amazing afternoon with Victor. We visited a beautiful cenote, you enter a cave at one place and will walk through the cave to another exit point. During the walk (which is mostly in the water), you’ll see wonderfull places. Victor is a fantastic guide, he made us laugh a lot and explained interesting facts about cenotes. We we’re alone in the cenote, which felt great as we prefer to avoid overcrowded tourist locations. Definitely recommend! But don’t forget to reserve at least a day upfront, as they don’t have an office on the indicated location, its a meeting point.
Stephanie Drijkoningen — Google review
What an incredible experience! Our guide, Victor was awesome. Taught us a lot and made us laugh. The cenote was beautiful. I would highly recommend this one!
Cynthia Eggertz — Google review
Its 250 pesos entrance for tourists. The cenote is not very big but has a bathroom and shower and a couple of water features. Its very beautiful to go for a swim
Simeon — Google review
A private cenote off the beaten track - a real gem!!. We were the only ones there and our guide Juan was great, knowledgeable and entertaining. It was excellent fun for all the family walking and swimming through the caves. The highlight of our holiday. Would recommend either booking direct or via somewhere in Akumal Beach.
David Lewis — Google review
4.5
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5.0
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Av. Gonzalo Guerrero 17, 77780 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico
Playa Akumal is a well-known public beach with fantastic tourist amenities that offers visitors the opportunity to snorkel and swim with various species of sea turtles. The beach's coral reefs provide natural protection, creating a beautiful bay that serves as an ideal location for swimming. This unique beach is a favorite spot for different types of sea turtles due to its natural characteristics.
Stunning beach, here we swam with the turtles and manta ray!!! The cost is very reasonable for entry and the tours too, absolute must do especially for younger children as your within an enclosed area so much safer than heading out by boat to a reef
Ben King — Google review
There’s a parking lot nearby that you can pay for the day, or if you drive closer to the entrance you pay per hour. (I would recommend the lot that is for the day) A beautiful beach with a restaurant nearby and you can rent chairs if you’d like. Cost 120 pesos per person for the entry fee. Beware that every person will try to sell you on the snorkelling gear and tours to see the turtles, but you can bring your own stuff and swim along the borders in the water (they have areas marked off where you have to pay to swim) We didn’t see any turtles when we went but we saw some cool fish. They have nice bathrooms there.
Julaine Huard — Google review
It is not a public beach but a national park so the entrance fee is 120 peso per person. Plus you need to pay for parking 50 pesos all day or 20 peso per hour. If you enter through the restaurant Lol Ha, the entrance is free, but you need to consume there.
The facilities are great, toilet, lockers and shower. You can buy snorkeling with turtles for extra fee, there are a lot of people offering this service. We didn't like it because they emphasize the importance of conserving nature and the turtles, still if you pay, they will take groups of dozens of people to see them.
Now the beach is moderately full with sargasso. If you walk 100 meters towards the hotel, you can put your towel on the sand, it is much cleaner.
Nikoletta Szabo — Google review
Good spot for snorkeling but not via the paid tour. If you join one of the paid ones, you'll be crammed with a lot of folks in a small area which ruins the whole experience.
My recommendation - bring your own mask and swim to the buoys. Then keep swimming south along the rope. You have good chance to see rays, tortoises and schools of fish. The area in front of the resorts south from the beach has coral reefs close to the shore with lots of fish next to them.
The paid snorkeling tours in my mind ruin the whole experience.
Steve Zamek — Google review
Drive all the way inside, park on the Happy Turtle parking, it's also $100 pesos, just like the ones on the entrance. But here the walk is minimal.
Bring your own picnic, beach towels, just no glass containers. Restaurant with touristy prices is available.
Don't hire the guides on the entrance. Big companies. Pay your entrance on the ticket office to this National Park.
Once inside enjoy the clean dressing rooms, bathrooms and showers. Hire the local independent guides to swim with the turtles. $600 pesos. Please only apply SPF until after you finish your tour. Help protect the turtles.
Pro tip from my guide. Get there at 4pm. Take the tour. At that time most of the crowds are gone, and many more turtles come back to hang out.
Jorge Aguilar — Google review
120 pesos per person for entry . If you want to see turtles ok then go to Akumal . If you want a quiet beach avoid this one . We literally had people one foot away on left and two feet away on right and about 1000 people on the beach . Yes you do see some fish off the shore as you get in but there are many more beautiful beaches than this one . If you go bring water shoes as dead hard coral if about 5 feet from shoreline ouch . March. 4, 2022
Bertha Figueroa — Google review
Very beautiful beach!
I liked how they try to preserve the nature and still let you snorkel around.
We got to see a few turtles very closely and it was amazing!
Don't buy tickets of the guys standind on the road, they will get you the same service you can get by yourself for more money.
Tom Tsausho — Google review
Public beach with a few restaurants and shops.
Quaint area with small shops, restaurants and dive shops. Unfortunately everything is overpriced.
We wanted to have a drink at the beach bar/restaurant but they were charging $8CAD a beer. Food was overpriced too.
Checked out the souvenirs shops and a small wall 3D picture box was $50CAD.
It’s too bad they are gouging the tourists - that’s why the restaurants are empty.
Mikica J — Google review
Amazing snorkeling experience. You need to go on a tour to actually have a chance to see turtles and stingrays. We paid 400 pesos each for a private tour. Only get the tours at the beach, not before the entrance or at the car park. Tell those guides that you're only going to swim and not see turtles, otherwise they will try very hard to convince you and waste your time.
Make sure to drive to the end to park at the official parking lot and to save walking. There is one car park for 40 pesos per hour or 100 pesos for a full day. I carried on driving and found free parking.
Make sure to ask different tour guides as some were going to charge 650 pesos and that would be with a group! The tours give you money back if you don't see any turtles, but you're pretty guaranteed to see them. Try and go early, before 10am.
Entrance to the beach costs 120 pesos each.
Masud Anwar — Google review
Lots turtles in the water. We snorkled not even 10 minutes before spotting the first turtle. We also saw a couple of stingrays and fishes. You can rent snorkel gears and have a guide for your group for $ 20 US per person.
Jihye Bajkor — Google review
We visited here with an Airbnb snorkeling tour. You need to pay an entrance fee otherwise. Lockers are free to rent but require a 100 pesos deposit.
We saw a ton of turtles, sting ray and various fish! The beach vibe is super nice and the water is beautiful!
Anna He — Google review
We had such a great time with a beautiful and clean beach. Snorkeling with a turtle is a must activity to do!
Deelada Kasa — Google review
Stunning strip of beach. Unfortunately in the last few years has been hugely commercialised. Local rates are cheaper for those that can speak Spanish. Car park right outside the entrance to the beach so don’t stop until you get to the end as a LOT of locals will try to make you park in their car park, and even present themselves as officials to make you stop.
We paid for a local guide to take us around a set route, we got snorkel and goggle hire as well as life jackets.
Make sure to put sun tan lotion on at least an hour before arriving as you are not allowed to put it on fresh as it leaches into the water and affects the wildlife.
There are lockers available and I would recommend using them if you are going to leave any belongings unattended for any length of time.
A level of fitness is required to snorkel as sea currents and general swimming is tiring.
Robbie Torres-Howarth — Google review
I personally did not go on this tour but my wife did and she loved it. She doesn't even know how to swim but the guide took great care of her. We told him that my wife doesn't swim and he use a life ring to pull her along. He was telling her when to put her face into the water to see the turtles and fish.
For me, I sat at the Lol Ha restaurant with a Pina Colada and waited for her. We have no picture of anything under water but there's no shortage of those pictures from other reviewers. I do have a few from my activity though and I'll share those.
Kit Cheng — Google review
I swam with the turtles here.
Go early. I went in low season (early September 2023) and arrived before they even open. The car path to Akumal Beach is chained off with a guy guarding it. You should say that you're doing a tour with the Akumal Dive Centre (the Akumal Dive Shop is a different place). THEN you can drive in and access the parking lot that's right next to the beach.
Akumal Dive Centre opens at 8am. Keep that in mind for your travel time.
If you want to go for a tour to swim with the sea turtles, Akumal Dive Centre sells them for 700 MXN. You get a locker rental, life jacket, snorkel gear, and then they take you on a one-minute boat ride out with a guide for a small group of people.
During the tour, you can't take anything with you - leave everything in the locker, and the key to the locker you'll hang right by the central desk. No sunscreen of any kind allowed so buy a rash guard / sun shirt.
However, you can also just swim out to see the turtles for FREE without paying for anything once you know what you're doing. You can simply go to the end of the line of boats on the beach, use the anchor chains to move up and you'll come across white buoys that demarcate the area that you're allowed to swim up to WITHOUT a life jacket. I have done this after the tour and still found a couple of sea turtles that swam in past the border.
If you go over the white buoys, you're required to have a life jacket. The dive centre rents them out for less price than a tour. Then all you have to do is see where the people are bobbing in the sea together - most likely they're looking at a turtle. Just go swim up to that area.
Otherwise if you go later in the day, especially in high season, other tourists will have kicked up the sand and drastically lower visibility of the turtles.
When you get hungry, I recommend going to eat at La Buena Vida or La Lunita - about 5 minutes drive up the road into Bahia De La Media Luna (Half Moon Bay).
Leemarc Lao — Google review
This is such a lovely place to go snorkeling. GO EARLY! We were one of the first groups out and we saw 6 sea turtles, a pufferfish, some rays, chocolate sea stars, some coral, and various tropical fish like blue tang. By the time we got back to shore at around 9:30, the beach was packed.
Jessica Pan — Google review
You need to pay 100 pesos to get into the beach (they got different prices for nationals, you can pay by card too), and if you have a car or scooter parking is paid as well (200 pesos for a car, all day). The beach is beautiful but throughout the day there's an incredible amount of tours to go see the turtles so there's dozens of groups of people passing by at all times, and when you look at the ocean you can see hundreds of people at any point floating doing those tours (and we were not even in the "high season"), so if you want a quiet and chill place, this is not it. There's also a lot of tour operators at the entrance trying to get you to sign up for one, feels like the beach is being over exploited. Photos/videos were taken after 5pm when activity was almost over for the day.
Jose Rossi — Google review
Amazing experience seeing turtles and stingrays! Would highly recommend it. You do have to pay for parking and an entrance fee to the beach. We went on a private snorkelling tour for 400 pesos each. The tour guide was wonderful. I would recommend asking around about the price of the tours to find the cheapest one.
Siama Begum — Google review
Very nice beach. The challenge I found was that there are boats all along the beach. It makes it commercial and not bearing in mind what’s best for people coming to enjoy the beach and swimming. The other issue I had was the monopoly over snorkelling business and the rule that you have to pay to a guide to be able to snorkel and enjoy the turtles. Unless they were lying to me in order to lure me into paying a guide!! A Very misleading situation.
Ghassan Shamseddine — Google review
nice beach but got rocks here and there so the entry is a bit rocky.
Parking costs 100 per day (there are several spots, drive as close to the beach as you can). avoid parking at 40/hour unless you really intend to eat there or stay an actual hour
Get some snorkeling 🤿 before you come! Saw a 🐢!!
Illya Stepanskyy — Google review
The beach is a lovely spot and costs 120 pesos to enter. A car park is nearby with plenty of spaces and costs 40 pesos an hour. The beach itself has a reasonable amount of shade with palm trees.
If you want to see the turtles, you will have to pay for a guide to take you out there (as they have sectioned off the water so that you can only go out to the main areas where turtles are if you pay a guide unfortunately!). There are still areas to swim in but the water is quite stirred up with sand due to all the boats and swimmers and there are not so many fish to see. However, if you are lucky the occasional turtle does make an appearance closer to the beach outside of the guide only swim Zones.
If it weren't for the guide only swim zones, I would have given the beach 5 stars. I think it is a shame that they make you pay to go on the beach and then have to get hassled and haggle with various guides just to swim in the good areas. The guides typically cost between 400-600 pesos from what gathered there and you will have to wear jacket to do this.
Victoria Bentley — Google review
I was expecting better. I didn't get a chance to go out and snorkel and see the turtles unfortunately. The water was not clear and there were a lot of rocks which I cut myself on. Plus side, There is a life guard with first aid who cleaned it with alcohol and provided 2 Band-Aids. Mostly tours come here to snorkel with groups of tourists. There is a $7 charge to enter the park. Showers, bathroom and a locker in included. $100pesos for parking. It used to be a free public beach. Would not come back
Rob A — Google review
It’s crowded and chaos when we drive over there. People on the road side want to stop your vehicle to get your business. The access to the beach is US$7 for foreigners. We paid $40 each person to get a guide for turtles view. If you want to go on your own, you need rent life jacket, which is mandatory to swim to see turtles. Turtles are not far from shore (50meters). The park lot is private and charged $100MX.
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a primate sanctuary that houses rescued animals and offers handmade indigenous crafts in its souvenir shop. The animals appear to be well taken care of and their health seems to be a top priority for the organization. Visitors can interact with monkeys but are given clear instructions and not pressured into doing so. Additionally, visitors can enjoy riding ATVs which adds an adventurous element to the experience.
Lucky to get in for the tour here without a reservation, they are highly recommended as our group was full as well. There is an interpretative centre and two monkey enclosures inside the main building with one very friendly little guy who will greet you.
The tour started on time with an introduction by our guide Angel. I had a great time listening to his knowledge and also the jokes cracked me up a number of times.
There is a huge mix of monkeys in the sanctuary along with other wildlife that is there for rehabilitation and to live a peaceful life close to nature. Holding the macaws and small python was also a once in a lifetime experience.
I enjoyed the emphasis Angel put on environmental stewardship and protection of the local ecology. His tips on leaving the sunscreen and bug spray well away from the water will be remembered forever. Angel truly is a kindred spirit I could totally see him as environmental minister for Q.R. or MX one day!!
Arroyo Spero — Google review
We had a wonderful experience here. Obneil provided a phenomenal tour and imparted a lot of knowledge about the animals. He knows all of them by name and shared interesting details about each of the species. It was really magical getting so close to the animals and even being able to interact with some of them. Love that they have an internship program for youth.
Highly recommend this place to learn about wildlife and appreciate that we could all be more conscientious about how we treat nature and its creatures.
Nahry Tak — Google review
Our guide was Katy - she was fantastic! The monkeys are adorable and it was both beautiful and heartbreaking to hear their stories and how they got to the sanctuary. It was fun and educational! That we got to have a monkey interact with us was the best part and holding the parrots 😍
Bella Thiessen — Google review
Absolutely loved our visit to the monkey sanctuary! From the moment we stepped in, the experience was nothing short of magical. The monkeys were adorable and so full of life; it was a joy to watch them play and interact in their natural habitat. Our guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, and really passionate about the welfare of these amazing creatures. The sanctuary is doing an incredible job at conservation and education, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves animals. Despite the heat, the entire visit was comfortable and engaging, thanks to the well-thought-out facilities and the shade provided by the lush surroundings. I highly recommend this sanctuary to anyone looking for a heartwarming and enriching experience. It's a perfect outing for families, friends, or anyone who wants to get up close with nature. Five stars all the way!
Steven Watt — Google review
First of all: the 3 star rating does not mean it is not worth being visited - I just want to add another perspective to those many many 5 star ratings.
If you are European, you will not expect the place as it is - like a little zoo, mostly nice but sometimes small cages for animals.
It is not deep in the jungle, there are plenty parking spots but most tourists come by with shuttle bus and take combined tours (+Cenote or +Quad driving)… again, little weird from European perspective for a Sanctuary and animal rescue but keep in mind that their most visitors/donators are US.
Unfortunately it is not possible to visit the Sanctuary on your own without tour but we have to admit that the tour is done very nice and we enjoyed it a lot. Our guide Jose knew a lot about the animals and explained a lot and even if the tour itself has its moments (petting monkey, holding snake or macaws) which seem once more odd or unusual for some it is fun and in my personal opinion ok as the affected animals were never able to return into the wild.
Some critics I read was about non-Mexican animals such as zebras or dear - they came from private collections or circuses so it is great that they take them.
Overall it was a very nice visit although it feels for us like some kind of mix between small zoo and sanctuary- but we fully appreciate what they are doing and therefore it is totally worth the entrance fees (and donations) to support them rescuing animals and bringing them back into wildlife if possible!
Fabian S — Google review
This place is nice and it's cool what they do for the animals. We did feel rushed through and didn't have much time to look at any of the animals. Our tour would go on tangents while talking and talking for a long time for 15 minutes but then only got 2 minutes to look at the animals. We did take a stroller through the sanctuary, which is nice because it's alot of walking for kids
Scott Ket — Google review
We had our guided tour with Patris, and he was an amazing guide. He was very enthusiastic and explained everything thoroughly.
The sanctuary was great and highly interactive, making it perfect for kids. We loved seeing the charitable benefits of the sanctuary. It's nothing like a zoo, and there was nothing negative about it. The only thing I would advise you to do is stock up on a lot of mosquito repellent as there were a lot of mosquitoes.
The WhatsApp service was excellent. Initially, we had booked without transfer because the taxi prices in the area were ridiculous. However, when we contacted the WhatsApp service, they arranged a transfer to and from our hotel for only $12.
Taking pictures was allowed for the majority of the tour, except for the monkey area where we were advised to put away most of our belongings. However, pictures were taken of us, and to be honest, the pictures are a bit pricey. I remember the package being priced at $50, but I ended up paying $30 for just the pictures, which is worth it for the memories.
Overall, it was a great experience with no disappointments. Once again, Patris was a great tour guide, and the place was very welcoming.
Thaqib Hussain — Google review
We booked a tour through our hotel to see this place and interact with Monkeys, ATV, and visit a nearby Cenote. The ATV and Cenote tour was great. When we bought the package they showed us pictures and videos of visitors interacting and feeding Monkeys and they said you can do that too but when we got there, the tour guide said our policy has changed and we won't allow that anymore. However, I saw they separated a couple from our group, and they took them to the Monkey cages at the end of the tour. The guy who was handling the birds was so mean and unhappy. He wouldn't let us carry the birds for more than a few seconds. I took my nephew there for his 10th birthday, and he was so excited to see the birds and snakes. I asked if I could give my turn to him so he could hold the bird a few more seconds, and he refused even after I begged him.
Sarah Vafai — Google review
Atziri was amazing guide answered all the questions and made our family experience at the sanctuary a memorable one! Highly recommend to ask for her!
Crystal Meyer — Google review
Just wow! My wife and I had a great time seeing the monkeys, riding the ATVs, and visiting the Cenote. The gift shop had everything we needed (water shoes, hats, snacks) and surprisingly fair prices. The staff is really split into 2 sections. The inside staff who work with reservations, gift shop, pictures, etc, got us in even though we didn't have a reservation. They made things VERY easy. The outside crew who run the tours were very amusing and absolutely went out of their way to make sure everyone was having a good time, while also respecting the wildlife.
As for the tours and the wildlife, it was mildly expensive, but very much worth the price. Getting to interact with the animals was the most unique experience I've ever had in terms of getting to hold/have contact with the birds, monkeys, and snakes. The animal sanctuary is a great idea for kids ~8 (well behaved) and up. Saw some pretty authentic places to eat in town on the way in. They did include a box lunch which will hold you over.
The ATV ride to the Cenote was a ton of fun! Whether you ride ATVs or never have, you'll be grouped with people in your skill/comfort level and the guys running that part of the tour did an outstanding job taking care of everyone. There was a buggy for those who couldn't ride. DON'T BE AFRAID TO DO THIS! Once you're at the Cenote it's a short walk down into it and how far you go in, really depends on you. I'd probably recommend ~16 years old as a minimum age.
This wasn't a tour that takes your money on one end and spits you out the other. You can tell, with the little touches, the effort of the staff, the not too cool for school attitude of the outdoor staff, that wants everyone to have a good time, AND WE DID!
Mike Borisenko — Google review
We visited on March 6th. We choose the sanctuary instead of the theme type parks in the area as they rehabilitate animals and return those who are able back to their natural habitat. There were many areas that are under renovation which is great to see. It was a shame that some of those in our group touched the animals at times. I believe the trainers and others working there want the best for the animals. It was a informative walk through the grounds(except the zebras and ostriches). The corn snack after was nice. There were lockers to rent so you don't have to carry a bunch of stuff with you.
Katherine Unrau — Google review
My friends enjoyed our experience at the sanctuary. It was clean and the animals appeared healthy. During our experience with the monkey, they gave clear instructions and didn’t push her to interact with us. The atv’s were fun and adventurous! We visited the cenote and there were areas for us change to when we got there and when we left. Great value for the money!
Erianna Sherrod — Google review
I can not recommend this place enough! Obniel (my assigned tour guide) was amazing! He knows so much about the facility and the animals residing there. He told us lots of cute stories about each animal. You can tell everyone working there genuinely cares about the safety and comfort of all the animals there. I really admire that they are preparing some of the animals to be re-released into the wild! This activity lasted for about 1 ½ to 2 hours (maybe shorter depending on group size)!
Some may think the tickets are steep ($35USD per adult). However, it is well worth it to help maintain this wonderful sanctuary!
Furthermore, the town of Akumal is absolutely gorgeous! Even if you don't want to see the sanctuary, I would recommend going into Akumal. There are so many beautiful murals and artwork around the area.
Amiyra J — Google review
Sooooo worth coming here! They had different packages for different experiences but we just did the 2 hour tour of the sanctuary. Our tour Emanuel,(I think that was his name) had so much knowledge about each animal and species of monkey. This experience was so fun! We even got to hold a squirrel monkey, or really he climbed all over us.
Nicole Asaraf — Google review
This place is amazing. We had 7 adults and 7 kids and we all loved to. Patris was such a great tour guide. He answered all of our questions was very knowledgeable and kind. 100 percent recommend.
Clay Wilkinson — Google review
Everything was wonderful, we got an amazing guide, Patris! He taught us and reinforce the importance of respecting the wildlife. Moreover, if you do come to make this tour you are actually helping the rescued animals, since the money goes for them. You can actually interact with some of the animals and take pictures with them. You would be suprised with the variety and number of animals that are rescued! Definitely recommend it!
Jessica Kamiki — Google review
Really enjoyed our visit during a recent stay at a local resort.
Such an interesting and important place to support. Our tour guide was lovely. She was very kind and a wealth of information about all of the animals the sanctuary. Highly recommend taking the tour.
Steve Warren — Google review
This was a lot of fun! 2+ hours of guided tour, lots of monkeys. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable, got to hold a macaw and interact w monkey that sat on our laps etc. Marcos our guide was fantastic. While waiting for our ride (husbands were golfing), we walked into town and had nice lunch and drinks. My daughter and I had a great time and really enjoyed it. Bring bug spray there were a lot of mosquitoes. Water, drinks and nice bathrooms available along w comfortable seating.
Susan Taylor — Google review
Incredible place and wonderful experience. We did the ATV/Cenote/Sanctuary Tour and it was wonderful. They provided transportation to and from our hotel and lunch. Guides were excellent, informative, and bilingual. Interacting with the animals was fabulous - they obviously are working very hard to promote animals' welfare and conservation.
Shannon Barrett Crumlish — Google review
We went here last week. Really cool place. Our tour guide was very informative, knowledgeable and passionate about working with rescued animals.
We loved being able to see and touch animals. Great experience.
Challenges:
- the driver was 1 hr and 20 mins late in picking us up. During that time the resort staff was helping us locate the driver, he went to the wrong hotel and later he cancelled then he showed us. Frustrating time for us with a 4.5 year old.
Once the driver finally picked us up, we went to another resort to pick up a couple. It took him 3 different locations to locate them.
- when we got to the zoo we were told to wait in the waiting area for our guide. After waiting awhile I asked a staff and they said the tour started already. So a bit unorganized.
- once the tour was completed I asked about the Cenote and they said that it was not apart of our package. However, that is what the air Canada guy at our resort told us. My son and I took our swimming gear and towels with us and rented a locker. Super annoying.
Recommendation: the animals all had great enclosures except for the Lynx. She was pacing and looked stressed when we saw her. She needs a bigger space for sure.
Paramveer Cheema — Google review
It was a sheer delight to visit a sanctuary that showers such immense care on its inhabitants. The tour, guided by the knowledgeable Atziri, was a fantastic journey, not just in learning about the animals but also in feeling a deep connection with this remarkable experience. Some might ponder the size or pricing of this place, but it’s important to remember their mission: rescuing and providing a haven for Earth’s wonderful creatures. This sanctuary is a gem for children, families, and adults alike. The highlight for me was definitely witnessing the monkeys and birds - a true joy for any animal enthusiast seeking a unique and enjoyable outing.
What’s more, the cenote experience is a must-do! It offers a chance to refresh and rejuvenate with its enchanting and purifying waters. A pro tip: book the first tour of the day to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more exclusive experience. We did, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves!
Lastly, while the photos are priced per person, not per group, and may seem a bit steep at $35 US each, remember the noble cause you’re supporting. We chose to purchase them, not just out of our love for animals but also to hold onto a beautiful and lasting memory of this special place.
A (Whispering Willow) — Google review
Choosing to do the full excursion at Akumal Monkey Sanctuary was SUCH a wonderful time and one of highlights of our trip. We did the ATVs to cenote, cave cenote, animal sanctuary tour, monkey bonding and held parrots and a snake. All the employees here were very informative and we received excellent safety briefs and information prior to riding the ATVS. They were extremely observant, placing folks who weren’t as comfortable towards the back and those who were very comfortable towards the front. All the guides were informative and safety-forward. We received lots of information regarding the animals, their care, why they were there and how the space is committed to caring for animals. The goal is to release back to the wild or if the animals cannot be released, then the sanctuary will provide them with having as good life as possible. Everyone was so nice (very impressed with how many languages they spoke) and we had an absolute blast. Would recommend to anyone!
Kristen Fissell — Google review
We booked on the rescue tour with Cesar to see the animals rescue and rehabilitation deep in the jungle.
This trip over exceeded our expectations. Cesar, our guide had the most incredible relationship with the animals and was an absolutely fantastic host. He drove us into the jungle and told us all about the animals, where they had (unfortunately) come from and the process of rehabilitation if the animals were able to be reintegrated back into the wild. It was very educational and very moving and we learnt so much.
The day ended with a visit to their private cenote which was just beautiful.
We cannot thank Cesar enough for the tour but also the rescue centre for working hard to give the animals a better quality of life.
We would highly recommend.
Jordan Barbrooke — Google review
Please make this part of your trip, especially if you have children. The staff was wonderful and they are doing such important work for animal conservation in the Tulum/Playa region. Obniel was our tour guide and we never felt rushed. Their love for their work is very apparent and our kids loved seeing the different monkeys, goats, deer, otters and parrots. We highly recommend this if you are looking for a break from water activities
Sarah Schulman — Google review
4.7
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4.5
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Camino a Uxuxubi S/N Predio Santa Pilar Lote 16, 77776 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico
Aktun Chen is a picturesque rainforest park boasting an underground river for swimming, opportunities for cave exploration and a thrilling zipline experience. One of its main attractions is the stunning cenote, featuring natural formations of stalagmites and stalactites that have been shaped by the flow of water over thousands of years. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the caverns, estimated to be around 5-million years old.
Great excursion just across from Bahia Principe resort. Getting there: The dirt road parallel to the freeway on the west side is not a great option for walkers, mud puddles that are difficult to go around, but we made it. They pick you up at the entrance just north of the gas station on the west side of the freeway and shuttle you to two points along a rough dirt road. First is the check in and small zoo. Next they shuttle you up to the cenote. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour once in the cenote. Great service as they shuttled us back to the traffic circle on the east side of the bridge at Bahia Principe!
Michael Toland — Google review
In my opinion, the most beautiful cenote around. we definitely recommend taking a taxi for the visit, because it is located deep in the jungle. The entrance fee includes a life jacket and diving goggles. All things can be stored in safety lockers. Of course, the water is a little colder, but you can bear it :) it's worth it for the wonderful view. The water is crystal clear. You can swim through the whole cave and, as a surprise, there are large numbers of catfish living here! For myself, I would recommend a phone and a waterproof cover, there is not enough light for the Gopro. Really perfect place that I highly recommend!
Karolina Be — Google review
Be prepared to drive on a narrow dusty dirt road deep into the woods. Once you get there, there are zip lines, a walkthrough cave system (aka dry cave), and a beautiful cenote. Well worth the admission and the drive.
Paul STice — Google review
Absolutely mind blowing! Beautiful cave and cenote. Had a blast ziplining as well! If you do visit, please don't wear sunblock as you won't need it in the jungle/cave/cenote and it's very bad for the cenote Water. Do not touch the cave/cenote walls or roof. Totally worth the drive and money! It has been our best experience in the Cancun area.
elgoog — Google review
WOW! Such a unique experience. Having never been to a cenoté I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d compare it to a natural spring in Florida. The water was cold at first but the body acclimated fast. Lots of stalactites above you and stalagmites under the water. With the crystal clear water you can see anything light hits.
Travis — Google review
Absolutely amazing!
We bought our tickets online to save time. When you arrive to the gate off the highway, you tell the guard you are there for AktunChen and have tickets. He was very nice and opened the gate. You follow a dirt road pretty far into the jungle, but the road is clearly marked and easy to follow. It was take you to registration office where you check in. The staff are very helpful and nice.
The cave system and Cenote are stunning. This was one of my favorite parts of my vacation. We did the cave tour and the Cenote swim. The cave was very beautiful and our tour guid was good. The only downside was we did not get to see the water filled portion of the cave do to “construction”.
After you finish the cave tour, you drive to the local Cenote (about 10 minutes from the cave). There they have goggles and lockers for you to use. You are taken on a quick 20ish minute tour then you are free to swim as long as you want.
The whole experience felt pretty safe and well put together.
The Cenote was absolutely amazing. If you do one thing here, make it the Cenote. Bring a waterproof camera!!
Brandon Pengelley — Google review
We visited Aktun Chen in November 2023 and had a blast! The tour guides were great: Alfredo, the cave man, was hilarious and made very funny jokes! :D Jose, Alexis and Andreas did an amazing job keeping us safe and engaged during the zip line part of the tour. I also definitely recommend buying photos from them because they are just amazing quality and capture great views!
We loved it so much there that we had to come back the second time for zip lining a few days later!
I definitely recommend this park to everyone with kids as the minimum age is 4 years old for the zip line, which is not scary at all and is very safe.
The park is also a great place for watching monkeys in their natural habitat!!! For free!! If I knew I would have such a great experience watching monkeys here, I wouldn’t go to the Akumal monkey sanctuary as that was a total waste of money because all monkeys were caged:(
Aktun Chen is now one of our favorite parks and we will definitely be back again in the future! Thank you team Aktun Chen for making our experience unique and wonderful!!!
Irina Shubina — Google review
HIDDEN GEM - highly recommend! This was one of the best activities on our trip. All the staff are friendly and welcoming. The facilities are in great condition in gorgeous protected nature. There are no crowds so you get lots of personal attention from the informative and funny guides - especially Jaime. We want to come back for sure. Thanks for a great day!
B Illum — Google review
My first time zip lining and thought the instructions were excellent. The crew was super helpful and friendly. By the end of the course of 10 lines you felt like you had new friends!
The underground swimming was so awesome! The on site photographers did an great job but I felt their fees were a little high.
A great experience overall but don't take my word for it come see for yourself!
Glen Fournier — Google review
This place is gorgeous.... cool park for all ages. In the cenote we saw lots of fish. Outside we saw bats, monkeys, parrots and wild pigs. There was a baby monkey and the mom too.
Heather S — Google review
We decided to have a walk to Aktun Chen as we were staying nearby on the Bahia Principe resort. It's around a 20 minute walk to the entrance from the Coba Lobby or the Hacienda. You can then request a free pickup to take you to the reception as it's around 2km from the entrance (just speak to the security and wait in the little shelter).
We went fairly early on a week day and it was very quiet to start off. We did the cave tour and the cenote swim. Both were fantastic, probably the best ones we've seen in 2 visits to Quintana Roo. We didn't do the zip lines as we'd recently done the Xplor zip lines so I'm not sure what they were like.
I'd highly recommend a visit to this Park though as its great value for money. You can check out the various animals in the rescue centre while waiting between activities and there was no extra charge for this. There were Spider monkeys, a crocodile, tropical birds, snakes, tortoise and a few other animals to view.
The guide for the cave was great, I think his name was Fredo or Alfredo (sorry if I got this wrong).
He gave a fantastic tour and showed us some great sites in the caves as well as explaining a few things above ground too. The caves are huge!
The cenote is gorgeous, crystal clear water and had a fair few fish in there. After a short tour around the cenote we were left to enjoy it on our own.
One of the best things we did in Mexico.
Kelvin Harding — Google review
Beautiful underground river with crystal clear water. Swimming there was very tranquil, fortunately there weren't many people when we arrived so we could enjoy the area in peace and quiet.
Maggie Salak — Google review
Such an amazing experience! We came here while in Mexico for our honeymoon and couldn’t have asked for better! The cenotes and zip lining were a blast and so amazing! For the price, you can’t beat it! We highly recommended to anyone looking for a fun filled day!
Taylor Studyvin — Google review
A great place to explore some caves and experience a cenote. Had a great guide, German, who gave an informative and enjoyable tour of part of the cave system.
The cenote is large and there were not many other people about which made the experience even more memorable
Jose Nunez — Google review
Great experience and worth the price. Dry cave walk is the highlight, almost 40 min of walking underground. Have never experienced something like this. Thanks to Alfredo for amazing tour of cave.
Cenote swim was good also. Quite a large underground swimming area.
We walked her from Bahía resort. Included in our ticket was pickup from gate. They did make us walk a fair bit between the different attractions which was not great. Would be much easier to visit in a car. Spent about 4 hours total
Michael Knox — Google review
We had a wonderful experience. Would highly recommend the combo with zip-line, cave tour, and cenote swimming. Just FYI that it is a bit of a drive off the road to get to the park and then you drive again to get to the cenote, but don’t let that stop you from going!
Melissa Pellman — Google review
Amazing place! We family had a wonderful time today! All the staffs are enthusiastic and professional! Help my 8 years old daughter got her ideal up side down zip line picture! Fully recommend it!
DERONG LI — Google review
Aktun Chen is a must do bucketlist experience. Archeologists estimate the cenote is about 5 million years old. You enter the cenote via stairs and are surrounded by an underground walk, cenote, and river of about 100 meters or 300 feet long with depths of 1 to 10 feet.
I discovered the Cenote from locals in Akumal when I went swimming with the turtles. I came via Collectivo for $2/50 pesos each way from Playa, and when I arrived the guard called the park to arrange a shuttle (its 4km away from the side of the freeway entrance).
As of Sept 2023, I paid $28 with an advance ticket on the Aktun Chen National Park website. The ticket includes a guide for about 30 minutes, and then you are free to experience the Top 10 National Geographic walk and cenote on your own.
I arrived around noon on a Saturday and experienced my tour with three other people. My guide, Rogelio was awesome. He explained the stalagmites and stalactites, bats and catfish in the cave, and helped me with underwater photos and videos.
After our 30 minute tour, I experienced the entire underground river to myself for over an hour. Later, I relaxed in hammocks journaling for an hour or so. I went back to experience the cenote and the friendly bats for over an hour. A group of about five tourists came later.
It is definitely an off the beaten path cenote in Mexico.
Katrina Julia — Google review
Best part of our entire trip to Mexico! The guys who led our zip lining and cave tour were amazing! Pedro made the zip lining experience great! Do not miss out on the cenote here, it is huge and fresh water! Overall, a must do! Buy the photo deal, they take some amazing pictures!
Sarah F — Google review
Fantastic, adventurous park. We did the zip lining cave exploration, and cenote swim. Tour guides were awesome and friendly. Alfredo, Josue and Andrew notably. You can do a la carte or take the entire package and we took the entire package and really enjoyed. Photographers were great also and they give the option to take your own pictures or to purchase. We took her own and purchased also because they were action. Photos of zip lining and priceless. We will be sure to visit again when we come back to Cancun/Playa Del Carmen.
Jim Seriruk — Google review
4.7
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4.5
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Carr. Cancún - Tulum Km 107, 77780 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico
The Zona Arqueológica de Coba offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan city of Cobá, with its well-preserved structures and rich history. One of the highlights is climbing Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid in the area. Guided tours provide insights into the culture, sacrificial offerings, and historical significance of the site's symbols and natural resources.
Interesting ruins in the jungle. You can rent a bike but it's possible to do it on foot, whole route is no more than 5-6 km. Unfortunately the big pyramid is closed for climbing die to covid restrictions.
Tomek Bogda?ski — Google review
Lovely ruins, it was worth to come I definitely recommend if you’re near by is worth to visit.
We were amazed with the kindness of the guy that took us on the bike, he taught us some words in Mayan and the history of the ruins.
Big ruins there’s plenty of space to go around.
Catarina Alves — Google review
Well this is a very cool place to go visit. The tour we were with had a guide that was connected to the folks there.
Nevertheless was guide was pretty thorough about showing the archaeological site and the history and the significance of the different symbols and obsidian and some of the other natural resources in the area.
Be careful about engaging in any ceremony because it's likely to lead to a consultation where it may cost you a thousand or more dollars upon their recommendation. However just a note that it is just a recommendation you don't have to take the consultation and before you get a full consultation they give you an estimate and you can walk away if you like or go through with it.
DavidC EG — Google review
We regret very much not getting a guide as the places we got to see where fabulous, we did not have the knowledge that of what the are besides the very few information tablets around the area. We were able to get little information from the gentleman that rode us all around the ruins which was very convenient as the ancient city cover a good area. Get a tour guide!
Zacarias Michilinsky — Google review
Very nice place. It's nice that it's almost entirely in the shade, but it's still a walk of about 3-4 km. In this heat, I recommend renting a bike. They offer them for about 150-200 pesos. We didn't and we regretted it. It was possible to miss it, but in that heat it was possible to take it.
Zuzana Vitochova — Google review
Went there June 2023. These ruins are beautiful and literally in the middle of the jungle!!! Many options to view it…you can walk it bout 40min, bike or have a 2 seater umbrella bike with an onsite peddler…only $10 to view….
Michelle Harris — Google review
Definitely worth visiting and not thronged with crowds of people like Chichén Itzá. Not a difficult place to drive to if you are self driving around Mexico. Worth getting a guide and taking the bicycle taxis which will shuttle you around the extensive archeological site
Mathew Taylor — Google review
Really neat place to visit and wasn't too crowded. You can't climb the big tower steps but there are some smaller ones you can get on. This place was very cheap to get in and I would recommend renting a bike. It's not too far to walk but the biking was a fun experience. Bike rental was also cheap. Definitely worth visiting.
Benjamin Burk — Google review
Beautiful place full of history. There are so much details that you could easily spend at least 5 hours to inspect most of the site. You wouldn't have check everything out. One of the most impressive archeological site in the area. Luckily it was not too crowded when we were there in the afternoon.
Also no need to go from the first pyramids to the other with a bike. They will convince you that it is far away but if you are healthy and can walk 20-30 minutes you won't need it.
If you are driving there, it is pretty easy from Valladolid, the road is in great condition and you do not even need a GPS, everything is well indicated. Parking was 80 pesos.
Rob — Google review
Mayan culture is very interesting. Coba has some very old temple's, walls and other buildings. I would recommend walking to the larger pyramid and taking the tricycle back- don't forget to tip your cyclist!
Mike Coe — Google review
Lucky me - I visited the spot back in 2019 when climbing the pyramids was still allowed (meanwhile it‘s prohibited). Very impressive archeological site on extended grounds in the middle of the jungle. You can easily get around by rental bike or walk. Make sure to come as early in the morning as you can - the later the more people.
ed da — Google review
One of the oldest Mayans settlements still in existence and has the tallest pyramid in Latin America. Nohoch Mul sits way above the trees and given how flat Tulum is you can really see from miles making it an excellent guard post and temple for the ancients. In 2021, and earlier, it was possible to actually physically climb up this temple but now you can just view it, which was a bit disappointing. We visited the site with a tour so we did not pay the entry fee. It was part of our tour ticket. There is an area in the front that sells gifts, water, and food right near the large parking lot. At the entrance you can rent bikes or a two person rickshaw driven by a Mayan local, which is free, but we tipped them a lot for all of their hard work. The site is very large and spread out, so it really was nice to have wheels to get around otherwise it will be quite a walk.
This site is much older than Chichen Itza and was most likely abandoned due to infighting, deforestation, and drought. You can see a few small scale Mayan ball court here, but obviously the largest version is over in Chichen Itza. It’s really humbling to see how great of engineers and architects the ancient Mayans were and being able to physically walk on site is truly a memorable experience. I would definitely recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water. We did not deal with any insects during our visit, but it was about 95° out in Fahrenheit so it was extremely toasty given the humidity.
Overall, this is a must visit site when in Tulum, especially if you have any interest in Mayan history. This was the oldest and first Mayan settlement, so it’s very important to see where a civilization started to really understand it. I would recommend to anyone and feel that it is a great place to visit for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Zan Lee — Google review
Really nice shady place to visit and walk. We drive here from Tulúm, which was an easy drive. We paid for parking and then the tickets to enter required two payments. Kind of confusing but expected having read other reviews. We did not hire a guide or a bicycle. We walked to all the ruins and spent about 2 hours exploring the site. So impressive. I enjoyed being out in nature.
Andria Martin — Google review
Nice ruins that are almost entirely hidden in the forest. During our visit there were minimal people, it was possible to enjoy some places almost alone. As always there is a separate charge for parking, entrance and government fee. The main pyramid is the biggest attraction, but Grupo Macanxoc is also worth a visit for the inscribed stones.
It is possible to rent bicycles, but we did without them - it takes about 6.5 km to visit all the sites and thus takes two to three hours. There is no place to buy water in the area itself, so have plenty of it with you.
Jakub Chramosta — Google review
I paid for the bike taxi service. It was a good price, but honestly, even as a pregnant woman with asthma who had forgotten my inhaler, even I could have ridden a bike by myself the whole way as it was completely flat. I would recommend just renting their bikes, which is also a very good price. The ruins were really cool to see. It includes huts and stone buildings. There was even a tunnel and a court that was used to play ball games. One important thing is that if you rent something from them, you can only pay with cash and not with a card. There is a public restroom right outside that you need to use before you pay to enter or after you leave.
Savannah Warren — Google review
Got a tour and highly recommend it. There aren’t much in the way of signs/info. So if you want to really learn about the history and culture a guide is the way. Otherwise it was a pretty cool place to explore. Tons of shade and enjoyed biking. Since Covid you aren’t allowed to hike up the big ruin, but there were others you can walk on to get up close and see the architecture of it all.
Parker Moses — Google review
Amazing archeological site. Not many people around. The ruins are in the middle of the jungle so even on a hot sunny day you are in the trees shade. There are 2 main areas and they are about 1km away from each other. You can easily walk the whole site which would take under 2 hours. You can also either rent bikes or hire a taxi-bike
Nikko — Google review
Highly recommend getting a tour guide and renting a bike or a bike cart for this archeological site, there’s a lot to learn and no signs or pamphlets if you don’t go with a guide. There’s a bathroom and some stores at the entrance but none inside the site. Wear comfortable apparel and shoes.
Natural swimming pool in a rocky subterranean cave, with life jacket rentals & changing rooms.
Amazing off-the-track Cenote. It is a round cave half filled with clear water. One can jump into the deep water from a well maintained wooden platform. Perfect temperature for a refreshing swim - and when we were there we were almost alone! The guy supervising the cave was super friendly and really nice to chat to. Do not miss this gem when visiting the nearby Coba ruins!
Harald Ringbauer — Google review
Entirely enclosed with very clear water. It was a bit crowded when we were there. Life jackets were optional but I’d definitely wear one next time—it’s so deep! I preferred the open cenotes more but the staircase down was pretty cool to walk down. Not for young children without life jackets, but these are available with admission.
Suzanne Mendez — Google review
Fresh, clean and beautiful! This cenote is made from limestone so you will not see much wild life in the water. In fact we only saw two fish. The water is crystal clear and you can see the bottom of the cave. You are asked to shower before and you can rent a life jacket. The cost was a good price. Water was not cold. I highly recommend.
Aimee — Google review
Great place to visit and have a relaxing swim in fresh water pool in a cavern. Just be careful with whom you book your tour.
JB Davis — Google review
Hidden cenote that is off the beaten path. 100 pesos to enter. Life jackets are available but not mandatory. Went early afternoon on a weekday, and at most, their were 8 other people swimming. At one point I was the only one swimming. Spent 2 hours. Bring your own food/snacks as their are none available to purchase.
Also FYI their generator is a little loud but it didn't bother me.
Jesus Castillo — Google review
Deep cave center. Have to walk down 50 feet but it's totally worth it. No fish there but highly recommended for diving. Tickets usually 100 pesos and lifejackets are available.
Shreyash Joshi — Google review
Very clean remember two years ago there wasn’t the fan which was noisy. cold water very nice though. Paid 100 pesos per person and you can rent vest and snorkel gear. 67 stairs to walk down to the cenote. They have showers and changing room and clean bathrooms.
Brandi Stoddard — Google review
Awesome experience. Seeing the bottom of a well filled with fresh drinking water is a gift from nature. You must go! We booked with a guy outside of Emporio Cancun. He was cheaper, but we opted for the hotel presentation. Not so bad with free buffet style breakfast.
Zianne London — Google review
The cost is $100mxn pesos per person and $50 mxn pesos for life vests. Being a decent swimmer, I still got one, as the cenote can be a little intimidating. Must have good knees to go down 18 meters of steps and then back up. Once you are in the cave, you are in awe. Place was not crowded. It is not an all day thing , but it is beautiful. Not for the claustrophobic. There is underwater life of fish. Pretty cool experience over all.
Wendy Villanueva — Google review
Nice place, you will need to take a shower before going downstairs. You can borrow their swimming vests for $2, you will need it for sure if you don't know how to swim. I'm giving it 4 stars cause although it is beautiful, the place smelled a little weird, might be for the wood.
Ali Mdez — Google review
We visited this small kozy cenote late in the afternoon. Drove there by car, had to pay just 100 pesos each to go in. Cenote is beautifull and not so crowded (maybe because we were quite late). All in all great petite place to visit!
Tom Hinskens — Google review
Nice cavern Cenote with very clear water near Coba. Price without swimming is 100 Pesos, if you like to swim you to pay an upcharge of 50Pesos for the mandatory vests.
Vanessa Lucky — Google review
Beautiful cenote deep underground with deep, clear waters. We paid 100 pesos per person to enter, worth it! And it was not busy at all :)
Lianka Bruijnen — Google review
Incredible and must visit. Quiet Cenote, off the beaten track a little. 100MXN entry. It is sooooo deep!
Holly Graham — Google review
This is a closed cenote meaning they it is in a cave.
The price is 100 pesos per person and lifevest is optional.
The water is super clear and the cenotes maximum depth is 30 meters.
There is a platform for jumping.
You need to go down z17 meters of steps
We were the only ones there when we visited
Patrick Hohberg — Google review
This was our least favourite of the 3 cenotes you could visit in the area. Mainly because there was a generator running for the lights (we assumed) and the noise was awful. We left right away and went back to the other ones.
This one was also incredibly busy compared to the smaller ones across the street.
Also disappointing that you have to buy tickets to all 3 now. You used to be able to buy one ticket that was a pass for the 3.
Firelight Leadership — Google review
Very refreshing water and warmer than other cenote’s ~ 25 C very clean but a little stuffy.
Two Eyes Cenote, also known as Cenote Dos Ojos, is a popular cenote located between Tulum and Puerto Aventuras in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is renowned for its extensive underwater cave system, making it a top destination for snorkelers and scuba divers who come to explore its passages, chambers, and caverns.
Very beautiful place …. We had a dive in the cenote… fabulous experience…
Dr Fady Hachem — Google review
Lovely Cenote with two areas to jump in the water. To explore more you need to dive or pay for a guided snorkel tour, the tour looks a bit overpriced and doesn’t have good reviews.
Jourdain W — Google review
Such a great experience! Beautiful water with a swing to get into the water. Perfect temperature with some fish and the caves pockets had some baby bats too. Just an awesome way to spend a day!
Daydreanne Loftis — Google review
Did Dos Ojos, Jaguar and Nicte-Ha, thought the second eye on Dos Ojos was the most amazing! The three cenote combo was 600p power person but totally with it. We did it by ourselves, which means we were limited on what we could see. NOT an issue on the second eye, first eye was more limited. Next time we would get a guide, but even without it was amazing.
Andrew Greif — Google review
I’ve been living here for longer time and I can tell you that visiting all of those cenotes in the camp it is definitely the best experience of this type.
Patryk Karpi?ski — Google review
Large park area with two cenotes (eye 1 and eye 2). Both are half open, go on a sunny day, the view of the sun rays hitting the water is just amazing. Eye 2 is bigger and more interesting. Entry ticket to both cenotes is 350 pesos (better to pay in pesos). Water is very fresh and cenotes are beautiful. You have changing rooms, showers and toilets available. For adventurous people, you can go diving with a guide. Or you can use your snorkel and enjoy. Life jacket is mandatory. We arrived around 9:30-10, there were only a few people, it started to get crowded when we left around noon. Would definitely recommend a visit.
Michelle Almakari — Google review
Excellent experience. You can get a guide and go down under for $800 or just swim and explore for $400. We did the e explore and enjoyed fully.
Kevin Markman — Google review
Overprice please, not much to see , you can always find another better cenote for 1/3 of the price, did not like a little to small this was my first visit and fourth Cenote place I have visited
Edward Crespo — Google review
Amazing place, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
Thamiris Sipriano — Google review
One of the two e-ticket rides of Tulum. $350 MXN per person (pay in pesos as their exchange rate is bad and will save you $2 or $3 if you do so) includes a life vest and a wristband into the 2-eyes cenote. I wouldn't go on a weekend. We went on a Tuesday afternoon and it was fairly crowded. It is a short walk from the parking lot to the showers and bathrooms, and a short walk to eye 1 and eye 2. You can swim through a large portion of eye 2. Eye 2 was my favorite. Also, try to get a snorkel if you like snorkeling / bring one from home. It is absolutely fabulous.
Alex Yu — Google review
Wasn’t very convinced by the pictures but so glad I went. Two beautiful cenotes, lovely experience overall. 1h - 1.5hrs in total. Water is beautiful, not cold, experience is straightforward. You only need a guide if you want to do some proper diving.
Anca P. — Google review
Both cenotes are good, the price was listed at 350 pesos on the website but once there we were told it was 400 per pesos for the basic entry, this includes you safety vest and that’s it. If you want a guided tour that will run you 800 pesos a person which includes the snorkel gear, fins and the guided tour, beware if you don’t have a car you will have to walk 3 kilometers to the cenote or if the taxi is available they will charge you 50 pesos per person, each way, all and all it was fun , but overpriced..not worth the 800 pesos we paid.
7 3 — Google review
My first cenote scuba dive but I was overblown by the beauty of this place. We had bought a dive package from A' HA' Scuba Diving that included everything.
As we arrived pretty early we had the first dive to ourselves and it was magical. Our guide took us slowly around and made sure we saw as much as we could.
Water temp was around 25c and we were never below 10m of depth making this a great cenote for both beginner as much as more experienced divers.
F Nelin — Google review
This was an absolutely amazing experience. My wife and I loved every minute of it. Words cannot accurately describe it. Before you go, know that the cenotes are a couple of kilometers from the highway. You can get transport from there, but it's 50 pesos per person.
My one criticism of the experience is that it should be made apparent that there really is no open air cenote. Some people have posted pics of open air cenotes, but that is NOT dos Ojos. It's another cenote down the road called Jaguar.
If you don't do the guided tour I think your experience will be underwhelming. Some of the people in our group opted out of the tour due to physical limitations. Consequently their experience was not great.
If you do the tour, it's 10/10. If not, you could find it just ok, or even a bit disappointing.
Peter Sickles — Google review
Great cenote dives. Just there could be more tables for divers to change / set up their gear. A rinsing station would be nice.
Xterra Pixel — Google review
Definitely cool and worth seeing, although I wonder if similar experiences could be had cheaper. $400MXN per person for access to the site.
Descent through a cave to an underground swimming hole popular for snorkeling & jumping from rocks.
Nice cenote with really deep water. It's almost uncomfortable to swim above the depth sometimes, even though you can still almost see the bottom - or maybe that's why :) It's one of the bigger ones, so it's very easy to swim in. What's unique about it are the two jumping platforms from which you can dive into the water. However, being wimps, we didn't jump in.
There are very few people in it, we were alone most of the time, so you can fully enjoy the majesty of the cave. Entrance was still 100 pesos and vests were optional.
Jakub Chramosta — Google review
Fun cave cenote. Entrance fee is 100 pesos per person. Worth it I think! It’s dark inside but with the artificial light you can see something. Not that many stalactites and such, but they have two places to jump down into the water (both are quite high).
Tanja Swinkels — Google review
I was genuinely scared because this place feels very spooky but after 30 min or so, I started loving it. Super calm and quiet Cenote, we were mostly alone (1 other couples) however when tour bus arrives , it gets super crowded. Shower and toilet in place but no lockers. The entrance is 100 MXP and if you want life jackets that is 50 pesos extra.
mahoor rz — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous! Crystal clear water and fishes galore. 2 diving spots at 15ft and 30ft. Steep stairs. Recommend to take a dry bag, towels and water shoes.
Nathalie Ramirez — Google review
The Cenote is beautiful inside, water has a 4 mt. depht and has a temperature of around 17°C.
Life jackets are not mandatory but I think they should because you can easily fall in the water.
There is a small and narrow ladder and down in the Cenote the space is limited.
Sara Casarin — Google review
This was our favourite of the 3 cenotes. It was quiet. We were there in the afternoon and only saw one other group (that was just leaving). We had the entire place to ourselves.
It is very small but fun because of the jumping platforms.
Firelight Leadership — Google review
Super awesome fun, cool. It's a perfect temperature deep pool full of crystal clear water. In a cave. With two different heights to jump from.
Adam Habig — Google review
Crystal clear water; cool and refreshing after a day of visiting ruins. There are two platforms if you date to do some high dives. The lower one is around 15 ft, and the upper one approaches 25 ft. The water is more than deep enough for either dive.
Nate Swiss — Google review
We loved this cenote. We went there and it was empty. The stairs are a little bit old and you feel the dense air but the ater… wow! So clear. It’s really beautiful and purifying .
Iris Carvalho — Google review
The best out of the “three cenotes” in the area with the 3m and 5m jumps. Great way to continue the day after visiting Cobá. The cost is 100MXN per person. Life vests are optional at no charge. You have to shower before using the cenote. We were there on Monday around 3pm and it was quite busy, but it was a very fun crowd 😁 recommend visiting “El Ranchito” restaurant after.
Orkhan B. — Google review
Fabulous and affordable cenote near Coba. (100 pesos) The water was so clear and peaceful. It’s in a cave with an incredibly high dome. Very few people. We had fun jumping off the two platforms. This one is a lot like the other cenote, Multun-Ha across the main road. No jumping platforms at Multun but it’s just as beautiful and refreshing.
Andria Martin — Google review
One of a kind experience of jumping off crazy high platforms into a cool cave! Best cenote in the area! Not much crowds there too! (We went midday on Tuesday) The road is mostly drive able for any car but still drive at your own risk. (It is a dirt road) I recommend this cenote!
Dripthany — Google review
This is a must visit cenote! We drive from Tulum and it was so worth it! 100 peso per person. Giant cave with super clear and deep water. Two jumping platforms. We had so much fun we didn’t want to leave!
Will Smithey — Google review
Worth a swim after wandering Coba ruins. It's entirely enclosed but well lit with light and ventilation. There are many steep steps down which could be an issue for some people, but worth it if you're able. There's a jumping platform at 10m and then 5m. The water is clear and cool with fish swimming around. It's quite a unique experience that I would highly recommend.
Neil N — Google review
Just go. You won’t be sorry. Steep steps to walk down but clean and not slippery with sturdy handrails. Water is cool, clean and crystal clear. Mot mots and bats flying around. Well lit and well ventilated.
Karen Giles — Google review
Fantastic experience! Spiral staircase to descend is a little dated, but sturdy. The view and water is stunning. The water is extremely clear. Was told the depth of the cenote is about 45 feet. Very much worth the stop.
They have bathroom changing areas as well, and life jackets to rent.
Very, very beautiful!!! Totally worth it. A bit pricey though, but a life jacket and snorkel kit is included. Bring an ID to secure the snorkel
Hayat Katerji — Google review
Overpriced, overcrowded, underwhelming: no changing rooms, you have to change clothes in a dirty toilet without shelves, no towels. Tourist trap. Go to Akumal, pay a fraction and see more. This here is just an empty cool pond.
Beda Hammerschmidt — Google review
MXN 500,- per person,
MXN 250,- per child.
MUST wear swimwest & shower (incl. hair) before swimming in the cenote.
you can see turtles there. feel sorry for them bc of the overtourism which infects their habitat :-/
the ppl, who work there are very unfriendly and not helpful.
Sabrina Z — Google review
Beautiful cenote but very overpriced
Sóley Jónsdóttir — Google review
Beautiful cenote. Worth it for the wildlife alone! So many turtles and fish and bats and birds. We’re able to swim so close to the turtles. Beautiful. There was a line waiting when they opened. It’s a busy one so get there early.
Open 8:10am-4:45pm
300 pesos or $15 USD
Includes a life vest
Stephanie O'Callaghan — Google review
Swimming with the turtles was more fun for adults and scared the little patooties around. The place is magical like you entered a different dimension! The entrance fee was very affordable too! We drove 2 hours from Cancun to Tulum and also paid a visit to this most talked-about Cenote.
Ja Ric — Google review
At 500 pesos, very overpriced for what it is. We spend about 2 hours here, snorkeling, laying on the grass and taking some pictures. Beware that if you want to use their snorkeling equipment, you will need to leave your ID with them or a very big deposit.
You can reach this place by bike from Tulum, the road is not that bad.
Bollejef — Google review
Amazing cenote with sump-turtles. Really beautiful place and great with an open space on top where we could enjoy the sun before going back in the cenote.
Sebastian Demant Pedersen — Google review
Really cool place, definitely recommend to go there. Entry cost 180 pesos, well worth the money. You can find turtles and "pedicure fish", it was quite busy when we got there by still really enjoyable. Bring your snorkelling stuff or you can rent them anyway there. Definitely do it:)
Anaïs C — Google review
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77764 Quintana Roo, Mexico
I'll never travel to Belize City without this trip planner again
The Tulum Archaeological Zone is an ancient Mayan city situated on a bluff with a view of the Caribbean Sea. It was a significant trading port during the Mayan post-classic period, attracting both land and sea routes. The city's ruins offer stunning views and architectural wonders to explore.
Very awesome! It's so breathtaking and beautiful to see. Just trying to imagine the history in this area overwhelming. I highly recommend everyone to visit and experience. I'd say average 1-2 hours to see all the ruins, ready some historical data, and just take in the beautiful scenery.
Llorito Castanares Todd — Google review
Very nice and spacious. Ruins are preserved quite well and the views of the water and beach below are stunning. There are a few nicely cut out viewpoints for the ultimate photos. Oh! And many awesome iguanas posing for your photos and walking around minding their business.
Great way to spend part of your day. ( there’s also guides around if you want the true historical tour )
Rodino Janowski — Google review
Interesting stop as part of a tour. Suggest a hard pass unless you find viewing the ruins a must see. Non stop vendors enticing you to stop for pics with monkeys, iguanas, or parrots. Oh, and don't forget the excruciating heat. Bring water, a fan and a quick ride back.
Christopher Martinez — Google review
Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 . 600-800 year old Mayan ruins. A gem from Mayan history. Hire a guide who can provide you historical insights. Beautiful seaside property. Strategic coastal location aided trade and connections. Unique defensive walls and fortifications for protection of inhabitants.
Haroon Sarwer — Google review
This place is awesome. Step back in time to a different life. The tour guide’s are so knowledgeable and each one tells a little different story. The views are so beautiful. The beach was wonderful. We spent about an hour and a half walking around the ruins.
GREG SOUTHERN — Google review
A small set of ruins set up high on cliffs that provide a beautiful and dramatic view of the gulf. Stairs down to the beach are inaccessible now though. Absolutely worth a visit you can walk the entire complex in about 45 minutes maybe an hour if crowded. Several large buildings are very impressive though you cannot go into anything everything is at a distance. It will take longer to get in though. You absolutely want a local driver or a tour as there are multiple entrances and the rules change on a whim. Also expect a search of your vehicle by armed security or army. We went via private vehicle with a local driver (shout out to Edgar) who navigated everything for us with no issues but would have been lost on our own even with decent Spanish. You purchase tickets at a small trailer and then take them to the entrance line. While they say credit cards are ok I recommend pesos or dollars. In my opinion you do not need a tour guide at the site. Everything has placards in Spanish and English and most of the guides were just repeating what they said. Many wonderful photo opportunities. Pack water and use the restroom before you arrive as it will be dreadful hot/humid and there are no concessions bathrooms or souvenir shops anywhere on site. There are beaches outside the ruins that you can access separately, and nearby on the main road is a large tourist area with restaurants and shops.
Trey Tollison — Google review
A lovely set of ruins but with a few drawback to the experience. The ruins are impressive and the site itself well maintained. If you have a guide they will explain the history and point out some of the interesting architectural delights that is part of the Mayan ruins. Some of the sculptures are well maintained. To keep everything well maintained, the key buildings are roped off (only the local lizards can pass). That goes double for the local beach which is beautiful but inaccessible. One of the main reasons is the rubbish that littered it so beware that you won't be able to bring plastic bottles into the site. There's not much shade so bring a hat but the tour we were on wasn't that long. Outside the site, you'll find they are building a nice pathway to the ruins and there may be a wait to gain access. Where the car park is you'll find also the usual tourist shops, an original Mayan Starbucks and Hagan Dazs. It's probably best to come with a tour group just from a transport perspective as it doesn't look very accessible to those without the local knowledge. Still the ruins are impressive and it's a good half day out. Just was expecting a little more.
Julian Johnson — Google review
Tulum was beautiful. We visited as part of a tour and we think that is the best way to go if you want to learn more about the history. It is a popular attraction. I recommend going as early as you can to avoid crowds. Also note that it’s very hot and a bit of a walk. So wear a hat and comfortable walking shoes - I did neither and that is my only regret.
Amy Rash — Google review
Absolutely Fabulous, definitely a gorgeous historical site. If you care about the history I'd recommend reading up on it before visiting. The guides are well educated but they each decide which buildings and stories/histories to highlight so the more you know in advance the better. Bring plenty of water and an umbrella if possible. It was scorching in the beginning of our August visit. Requires about 15 of walking to get there and the grounds are not that big but wear comfy shoes. We were there for about an hour. Strongly suggest going and seeing the overlook of the Beach. The ground is uneven but it's easy as long as you don't have mobility issues.
Ryan L — Google review
Amazing place! Anyone who loves history, must come see this.
Pay for the tour guide at the entrance. Every building, road, sign, picture, just about every stone has meaning behind it. It is just great to have someone tell you and story and meaning behind it.
edhem besirevic — Google review
I loved this place, which is very small, perfect to do two different activities in the rest of the day. My recommendation is to take a guided trip. You will understand and appreciate more the ruins if you know the maya history.
•••voltai•••• AR. — Google review
There are several things to consider, but those will depend whether you hired a tour previously or not, because there’s a parking fee, an access fee, and a tour guide (optional). I strongly recommend to use sunscreen, mosquito repelant, bring water and maybe an umbrella for those who burn easily.
Eber H. J. — Google review
We took the Tulum Express tour, and it was nice with direct hotel pick up and drop off. It was nice because we got to go and still have 1/2 the day. The view of the ocean and turquoise water is amazing!! We came early and it was already hot and didn't have to wait to get in, but as we left the line was almost a mile long to get in and was very warm. I recommend bringing lots of water, use the umbrella, and go early. It's worth the trip.
April Maxey — Google review
Very scenic. Crowded with street vendors at the parking lot entrance. Best with a guide for the facts on what you are looking. Federal property with tons of rules and authorizes on site enforcing them. Easy to stay on pathways and easy to navigate.
Ari Villafuerte — Google review
Great time. The tour of the ruins and the boat tour of the ruins was great.
Advice: Don't bring plastic water bottles or you will have no water.
kyle rhubottom — Google review
The place is spectacular...
First there's a 500m walk before entrance you can choose to take the "train" (a bus jungle styled) for 25 pesos round way.
Even arriving early in the morning there's a lot of people but it doesn't take much time to get in. Theres a temperature check before tickets, then tickets which is not too crowded since most people have it in advance, and then the ticket check and you're in.
You should take the tour following you're left side all the time, since this one will take you up to the breathtaking ocean views and you'll get to explore the whole place.
It says is stroller friendly, it is not. You can so a smaller tour if in wheelchair or with a stroller without getting up up near the ruins.
Outside you can find souvenir shops, restaurants and shops, shops, shops. Also people with costumes and some art to take pictures with.
A must visit when in Tulum !
Alejandra Morales — Google review
✨Be prepared to be amazed and walk a lot 🚶🏼♀️I end up my day with 18k steps. To get the tickets 🎟️ you can buy them at the entrance for 85 pesos, there is also an option with a guide tour for 200 💸(I suggest that one - you avoid the long line). Purchase the water in the bookstore before to get in 💧you will need it. All the info ℹ️ an map 🗺️ can be found in the QR at the entrance. 🌂 Take a umbrella with you if possible to protect yourself from the sun ☀️. The ruins are next to the beach 🏖️ so the view is amazing. 🚶🏼♀️Near by you can access the Santa Fe Tulum beach 🌊 I got there walking from the ruins.
Hope you find this useful ❤️
Vanessa C Moya — Google review
This place is amazing!! You really need a guided tour to explain all the history you are seeing! But it is a very long walk to get them and then a lot of walking inside so may not be great for anyone with children who can't walk all of that.
Janna Murphy — Google review
The view from the top of the plateau and the dramatic coastal landscape was more impressive than the ruins themselves. It’s worth a day trip from Cancun but I wouldn’t stay longer than a couple hours 👍
Jessica Lau — Google review
The ruins are gorgeous! If you're going to go into the park with a GoPro they will ask that you pay an additional fee to the park. I believe it was like 20 pesos or something? Not super expensive! I so highly recommend going here, it is breathtaking.
Christina Cola — Google review
A Scenic Marvel with Some Considerations
The Tulum Ruins offer a unique combination of history and natural splendor, set against the backdrop of the stunning Caribbean Sea. The ruins themselves are impeccably maintained, a testament to the preservation efforts. However, I found that they didn't personally engage me as much as I had anticipated.
What truly stole the show was the panoramic view of the Caribbean. It's nothing short of a masterpiece, with its turquoise waters and the rugged coastline creating a truly breathtaking scene. This alone makes the visit worthwhile.
It's worth noting, though, that accessibility could be a factor for some visitors. The walk from the parking area to the ticket counter is quite long, and from there, it's another substantial trek to reach the ruins themselves. While the journey may be a bit taxing, the payoff at the end is undeniably worth it.
For history enthusiasts, the Tulum Ruins provide an intriguing glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. The well-preserved structures and informative guides offer valuable insights into their way of life. However, for those seeking a more interactive experience, it might leave something to be desired.
In summary, Tulum Ruins offer a captivating blend of history and natural beauty, with the view being the true highlight. Be prepared for a bit of a trek, but rest assured, the enchanting scenery at the end of the journey makes it all worthwhile.
Vinutha Goutham — Google review
Great experience long wait to get in but they are making a lot of improvements. Hopefully, that will remedy the situation. I think the main problem was all people with tickers were in a very long line, and those without walked past us to go to the front to buy tickets, then just merging into the line in front of us.
Leon Miles — Google review
Fantastic ruins of the Mayan people! Great tours are available that explain what each of the buildings are. More places are being excavated and the understanding of the culture keeps improving! I highly, recommend if you love learning about history
Juan Carlos Nieves-Perez — Google review
Definitely a very nice place to go. Located in a nice, cozy cove, this place is great to go to with a tour guide. Price is right on, and the wait is a bit hot but bearable. The whole experience, though, is very hot and warm. Additionally, they don’t allow plastic water bottles to cool off. Overall, very nice place to learn and explore Mayan history.
Harvey Shao — Google review
Archeological park definitely worth the visit. It should be around 530 Mexican pesos. You pay a surcharge if you want to use professional cameras. All around it is full of souvenir shops. The park is beautiful, as well as the ruins. The atmosphere recreated is really engaging. Better to go with a tour guide, or hire one on the spot.
Claudio Cafarelli — Google review
This was an awesome adventure to vist this world renowned archaeological site. It is just a short ferry ride and then drive to Tulum. It is definitely worth seeing. Remember it is hot here most of the year so stay hydrated. The staff here are very nice and professional and there is plenty of shopping at the entrance to the site.
Chris Lee — Google review
A must see site in the region. It takes about an hour to explore the ruins. Please be aware that plastic bottles are not allowed inside. There is very little shade. Please come prepared.
Dennis Bauszus — Google review
Very beautiful! No plastic bottles or food are allowed inside. Only reusable bottles and canned water (which they sell)
Jade Stark — Google review
Amazing, beautiful and lovely to see! Not as accessible as it could be. Ticket sales are annoying. Arrive on site, pay to park if needed (probably same cost as a taxi from town to the site). Pay a national park fee at a side booth. Go through security entrance. Walk a ways. Pay for an entrance ticket. Walk a ways. Hand your ticket over. Walk a ways. Explore the grounds up and down several stairs and slopes. We went without a guide, pausing near tour groups to hear info as we wanted. Loved seeing the amazing turquoise waters below the cliff side citadel and iguanas everywhere.
The Tulum Archaeological Zone is an ancient Mayan city situated on a bluff with a view of the Caribbean Sea. It was a significant trading port during the Mayan post-classic period, attracting both land and sea routes. The city's ruins offer stunning views and architectural wonders to explore.
Very awesome! It's so breathtaking and beautiful to see. Just trying to imagine the history in this area overwhelming. I highly recommend everyone to visit and experience. I'd say average 1-2 hours to see all the ruins, ready some historical data, and just take in the beautiful scenery.
Llorito Castanares Todd — Google review
Very nice and spacious. Ruins are preserved quite well and the views of the water and beach below are stunning. There are a few nicely cut out viewpoints for the ultimate photos. Oh! And many awesome iguanas posing for your photos and walking around minding their business.
Great way to spend part of your day. ( there’s also guides around if you want the true historical tour )
Rodino Janowski — Google review
Interesting stop as part of a tour. Suggest a hard pass unless you find viewing the ruins a must see. Non stop vendors enticing you to stop for pics with monkeys, iguanas, or parrots. Oh, and don't forget the excruciating heat. Bring water, a fan and a quick ride back.
Christopher Martinez — Google review
Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 . 600-800 year old Mayan ruins. A gem from Mayan history. Hire a guide who can provide you historical insights. Beautiful seaside property. Strategic coastal location aided trade and connections. Unique defensive walls and fortifications for protection of inhabitants.
Haroon Sarwer — Google review
This place is awesome. Step back in time to a different life. The tour guide’s are so knowledgeable and each one tells a little different story. The views are so beautiful. The beach was wonderful. We spent about an hour and a half walking around the ruins.
GREG SOUTHERN — Google review
A small set of ruins set up high on cliffs that provide a beautiful and dramatic view of the gulf. Stairs down to the beach are inaccessible now though. Absolutely worth a visit you can walk the entire complex in about 45 minutes maybe an hour if crowded. Several large buildings are very impressive though you cannot go into anything everything is at a distance. It will take longer to get in though. You absolutely want a local driver or a tour as there are multiple entrances and the rules change on a whim. Also expect a search of your vehicle by armed security or army. We went via private vehicle with a local driver (shout out to Edgar) who navigated everything for us with no issues but would have been lost on our own even with decent Spanish. You purchase tickets at a small trailer and then take them to the entrance line. While they say credit cards are ok I recommend pesos or dollars. In my opinion you do not need a tour guide at the site. Everything has placards in Spanish and English and most of the guides were just repeating what they said. Many wonderful photo opportunities. Pack water and use the restroom before you arrive as it will be dreadful hot/humid and there are no concessions bathrooms or souvenir shops anywhere on site. There are beaches outside the ruins that you can access separately, and nearby on the main road is a large tourist area with restaurants and shops.
Trey Tollison — Google review
A lovely set of ruins but with a few drawback to the experience. The ruins are impressive and the site itself well maintained. If you have a guide they will explain the history and point out some of the interesting architectural delights that is part of the Mayan ruins. Some of the sculptures are well maintained. To keep everything well maintained, the key buildings are roped off (only the local lizards can pass). That goes double for the local beach which is beautiful but inaccessible. One of the main reasons is the rubbish that littered it so beware that you won't be able to bring plastic bottles into the site. There's not much shade so bring a hat but the tour we were on wasn't that long. Outside the site, you'll find they are building a nice pathway to the ruins and there may be a wait to gain access. Where the car park is you'll find also the usual tourist shops, an original Mayan Starbucks and Hagan Dazs. It's probably best to come with a tour group just from a transport perspective as it doesn't look very accessible to those without the local knowledge. Still the ruins are impressive and it's a good half day out. Just was expecting a little more.
Julian Johnson — Google review
Tulum was beautiful. We visited as part of a tour and we think that is the best way to go if you want to learn more about the history. It is a popular attraction. I recommend going as early as you can to avoid crowds. Also note that it’s very hot and a bit of a walk. So wear a hat and comfortable walking shoes - I did neither and that is my only regret.
Amy Rash — Google review
Absolutely Fabulous, definitely a gorgeous historical site. If you care about the history I'd recommend reading up on it before visiting. The guides are well educated but they each decide which buildings and stories/histories to highlight so the more you know in advance the better. Bring plenty of water and an umbrella if possible. It was scorching in the beginning of our August visit. Requires about 15 of walking to get there and the grounds are not that big but wear comfy shoes. We were there for about an hour. Strongly suggest going and seeing the overlook of the Beach. The ground is uneven but it's easy as long as you don't have mobility issues.
Ryan L — Google review
Amazing place! Anyone who loves history, must come see this.
Pay for the tour guide at the entrance. Every building, road, sign, picture, just about every stone has meaning behind it. It is just great to have someone tell you and story and meaning behind it.
edhem besirevic — Google review
I loved this place, which is very small, perfect to do two different activities in the rest of the day. My recommendation is to take a guided trip. You will understand and appreciate more the ruins if you know the maya history.
•••voltai•••• AR. — Google review
There are several things to consider, but those will depend whether you hired a tour previously or not, because there’s a parking fee, an access fee, and a tour guide (optional). I strongly recommend to use sunscreen, mosquito repelant, bring water and maybe an umbrella for those who burn easily.
Eber H. J. — Google review
We took the Tulum Express tour, and it was nice with direct hotel pick up and drop off. It was nice because we got to go and still have 1/2 the day. The view of the ocean and turquoise water is amazing!! We came early and it was already hot and didn't have to wait to get in, but as we left the line was almost a mile long to get in and was very warm. I recommend bringing lots of water, use the umbrella, and go early. It's worth the trip.
April Maxey — Google review
Very scenic. Crowded with street vendors at the parking lot entrance. Best with a guide for the facts on what you are looking. Federal property with tons of rules and authorizes on site enforcing them. Easy to stay on pathways and easy to navigate.
Ari Villafuerte — Google review
Great time. The tour of the ruins and the boat tour of the ruins was great.
Advice: Don't bring plastic water bottles or you will have no water.
kyle rhubottom — Google review
The place is spectacular...
First there's a 500m walk before entrance you can choose to take the "train" (a bus jungle styled) for 25 pesos round way.
Even arriving early in the morning there's a lot of people but it doesn't take much time to get in. Theres a temperature check before tickets, then tickets which is not too crowded since most people have it in advance, and then the ticket check and you're in.
You should take the tour following you're left side all the time, since this one will take you up to the breathtaking ocean views and you'll get to explore the whole place.
It says is stroller friendly, it is not. You can so a smaller tour if in wheelchair or with a stroller without getting up up near the ruins.
Outside you can find souvenir shops, restaurants and shops, shops, shops. Also people with costumes and some art to take pictures with.
A must visit when in Tulum !
Alejandra Morales — Google review
✨Be prepared to be amazed and walk a lot 🚶🏼♀️I end up my day with 18k steps. To get the tickets 🎟️ you can buy them at the entrance for 85 pesos, there is also an option with a guide tour for 200 💸(I suggest that one - you avoid the long line). Purchase the water in the bookstore before to get in 💧you will need it. All the info ℹ️ an map 🗺️ can be found in the QR at the entrance. 🌂 Take a umbrella with you if possible to protect yourself from the sun ☀️. The ruins are next to the beach 🏖️ so the view is amazing. 🚶🏼♀️Near by you can access the Santa Fe Tulum beach 🌊 I got there walking from the ruins.
Hope you find this useful ❤️
Vanessa C Moya — Google review
This place is amazing!! You really need a guided tour to explain all the history you are seeing! But it is a very long walk to get them and then a lot of walking inside so may not be great for anyone with children who can't walk all of that.
Janna Murphy — Google review
The view from the top of the plateau and the dramatic coastal landscape was more impressive than the ruins themselves. It’s worth a day trip from Cancun but I wouldn’t stay longer than a couple hours 👍
Jessica Lau — Google review
The ruins are gorgeous! If you're going to go into the park with a GoPro they will ask that you pay an additional fee to the park. I believe it was like 20 pesos or something? Not super expensive! I so highly recommend going here, it is breathtaking.
Christina Cola — Google review
A Scenic Marvel with Some Considerations
The Tulum Ruins offer a unique combination of history and natural splendor, set against the backdrop of the stunning Caribbean Sea. The ruins themselves are impeccably maintained, a testament to the preservation efforts. However, I found that they didn't personally engage me as much as I had anticipated.
What truly stole the show was the panoramic view of the Caribbean. It's nothing short of a masterpiece, with its turquoise waters and the rugged coastline creating a truly breathtaking scene. This alone makes the visit worthwhile.
It's worth noting, though, that accessibility could be a factor for some visitors. The walk from the parking area to the ticket counter is quite long, and from there, it's another substantial trek to reach the ruins themselves. While the journey may be a bit taxing, the payoff at the end is undeniably worth it.
For history enthusiasts, the Tulum Ruins provide an intriguing glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. The well-preserved structures and informative guides offer valuable insights into their way of life. However, for those seeking a more interactive experience, it might leave something to be desired.
In summary, Tulum Ruins offer a captivating blend of history and natural beauty, with the view being the true highlight. Be prepared for a bit of a trek, but rest assured, the enchanting scenery at the end of the journey makes it all worthwhile.
Vinutha Goutham — Google review
Great experience long wait to get in but they are making a lot of improvements. Hopefully, that will remedy the situation. I think the main problem was all people with tickers were in a very long line, and those without walked past us to go to the front to buy tickets, then just merging into the line in front of us.
Leon Miles — Google review
Fantastic ruins of the Mayan people! Great tours are available that explain what each of the buildings are. More places are being excavated and the understanding of the culture keeps improving! I highly, recommend if you love learning about history
Juan Carlos Nieves-Perez — Google review
Definitely a very nice place to go. Located in a nice, cozy cove, this place is great to go to with a tour guide. Price is right on, and the wait is a bit hot but bearable. The whole experience, though, is very hot and warm. Additionally, they don’t allow plastic water bottles to cool off. Overall, very nice place to learn and explore Mayan history.
Harvey Shao — Google review
Archeological park definitely worth the visit. It should be around 530 Mexican pesos. You pay a surcharge if you want to use professional cameras. All around it is full of souvenir shops. The park is beautiful, as well as the ruins. The atmosphere recreated is really engaging. Better to go with a tour guide, or hire one on the spot.
Claudio Cafarelli — Google review
This was an awesome adventure to vist this world renowned archaeological site. It is just a short ferry ride and then drive to Tulum. It is definitely worth seeing. Remember it is hot here most of the year so stay hydrated. The staff here are very nice and professional and there is plenty of shopping at the entrance to the site.
Chris Lee — Google review
A must see site in the region. It takes about an hour to explore the ruins. Please be aware that plastic bottles are not allowed inside. There is very little shade. Please come prepared.
Dennis Bauszus — Google review
Very beautiful! No plastic bottles or food are allowed inside. Only reusable bottles and canned water (which they sell)
Jade Stark — Google review
Amazing, beautiful and lovely to see! Not as accessible as it could be. Ticket sales are annoying. Arrive on site, pay to park if needed (probably same cost as a taxi from town to the site). Pay a national park fee at a side booth. Go through security entrance. Walk a ways. Pay for an entrance ticket. Walk a ways. Hand your ticket over. Walk a ways. Explore the grounds up and down several stairs and slopes. We went without a guide, pausing near tour groups to hear info as we wanted. Loved seeing the amazing turquoise waters below the cliff side citadel and iguanas everywhere.
Paradise Beach is a stunning coastal destination in Tulum, known for its pristine white sand, palm trees and clear turquoise waters. The area offers many casual dining options and sunbed rentals for visitors to relax and enjoy the view. It's also an ideal spot for snorkeling tours to see the local marine life, including Tortuga. While it can get crowded during the daytime, heading far left provides an opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking view without any crowds.
Beautiful beach, take a snorkeling Tour to See Tortuga. It gets bit crowded at daytime. Beach Bars overpriced. Go far left to enjoy beautiful view
Massimiliano Magnini — Google review
Good place to go for the beach
it’s clean and A day bed with a table and umbrella will cost 300-500Pesos depending on the season
the beach is pretty clean here but be wary of the restaurant they have a service fee added to your bill which takes the place of a tip but all the waiters will want a tip
no tip bad service
Chad Lawrence — Google review
Beautiful water and sand. The Go Snorkeling was beautiful with clear water. Got to hang for the day and walk to different beaches and the ruins from here.
Kevin Markman — Google review
Great experience!! Beautiful beach with so much to do
Damien Love — Google review
A really nice beach located north of the Hotel Zone in Tulum. Parking is first-come-first-serve along a narrow beach lane so unless you show up early you'll probably need to pay around 100 MXN plus tip to a beach club attendant to be able to park. The beach itself is gorgeous and free to enter, if you choose there are chairs and sun loungers you can rent from a beach club, they are 100-200 pesos per day. Drinks are very reasonable, and tasty. The pina colada was the best I had in Quintana Roo. The water is nice though some sargasso is present and you'll notice it but it's not bad at all. The beach is swept of sargasso on regular basis, but you'll still notice some in the sand. Came back here for three days in a row, I guess we liked it.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
Completely filled with sargazo, no cleaning, horrible smell. No sign of paradise at all.
This is Paraiso for the owners of hotels and beach clubs with the prices they give taking into account very poor condition of the sea and the beach. Shame!
Anikeyev92 — Google review
We had an awesome time. Parking wasn’t too bad nor expensive, there was plenty of parking available. The line to get to the beach was long ~45 min in the car waiting. @the beach we were approached to do a private or group snorkeling session and we chose the private for $~135 USD, we have never snorkeled before and weren’t really given directions, just told to follow the guide but we caught on quickly. It was awesome to see the turtles and sting rays. I wish we had a GoPro but unfortunately we didn’t, but if you do you’ll get some great footage. The food was a really good price, we got a mixture which was filet mingnon, shrimp, lobster and veggies for ~$40 (that being said do NOT go to Parole restaurant they wanted $200 for a small lobster tail)
Sarah Elizabeth — Google review
One of my favorite beaches in Tulum. Lots of restaurants to eat at and hang out at the beach. They offer parking, $200 pesos.
Cynthia Q — Google review
Nice beach but seaweed/sargassum makes it dirty and stinky. Riff in about 2 min by boat where you can find not colorful corals but swim with sea turtles and manta rays. No showers or changers at the beach
Bandi Koeck — Google review
It is used to be a beautiful Caribbean beach around 5 years ago. Now it is spoiled with sargassum. Apart from nature problems, in beach clubs like everywhere in Tulum tourists are seen as bags with money. Everything is overpriced and they try to scam you all time. The beach can be accessed with your own car , by scooter or bike. Even though it is a state natural reserve they are only private parkings that charge you 250 or 300 pesos a day. If you come by taxi be prepared to pay a fortune to go back. There is no bus or any ither public transportation. You are left with no choice. From February and till end of summer it is full of sargassum and no one cares to clean it. It is a pity that all private beach clubs and hotels do not take care of the beach and just use nature to put their business. I hope people will realize it and stop going for locals finally to realize that they are in charge of providing conditions for tourist. Tons of sargassum do not even let you approach the water. Instead of cleaning it , they came up with idea of taking you 50 meters away from the shore by boat for you to be able to enter the water. Xpu ha beach is much nicer experience.
Валентина Рогачева — Google review
The best beach I’ve visited in the area. Even in winter season you can enjoying visit it.
We were into a beach club with live music and amazing food but you can visit it for free.
Just remember carry on your own drinks 🍺 and food 🥘 is a touristic place and for that reason the prices are highest.
Victor Moreno — Google review
Nice beach. I was on private side . 500 pesos to spend in a day incluse bed toilette good food.
Nicolas Freyermuth — Google review
Beautiful beach, we went twice during our trip. The walk up and down the beach is beautiful and you can see ruins from the water.
Alexx Harley — Google review
A really lovely beach but you need to wait in line for the queue to enter and pay for the “national park” that the beach sits under. The queue can take as long as 45 mins and they only take exact cash (no change given) or card. The amount is 60.50 pesos which is not a lot but the queue can be long. It’s not a beach you can just turn up to. Parking is also 150 pesos.
Nimmi Patel — Google review
I really liked this beach club. Clean, attentive staff. The territory has everything you need for a great holiday. I recommend. The beach is clean without algae.
Victoria Kokhan — Google review
The beach is beautiful! The reason for three stars is that businesses have grabbed and exploited this beautiful area. Unfortunately, the local businesses charge to park your vehicle, and charge a minimum "consumption fee" to stay on "their" beach. Overall, prices are excessive for beverages and food!
Ångel I am who I am — Google review
Indeed a lovely beach. Located in the Tulum natural park is a semi wild beach with beautiful sand, shallow water and reef barrier good for snorkeling
Catalin Marica — Google review
Had a great time with the whole family. Kids loved the inflatables on the water and the food was yummy. Service was great!! Ask for Omar - so much fun and can’t wait to come back.
Ancient Mayan site with temple ruins & artifacts dating from 300 BCE to 1500 CE.
I really enjoyed visiting here over Tulum as it was a lot quieter and shaded. It's much smaller but the towers are much taller and impressive. Beautiful architecture on the rest of the pyramid. It costs about 65 pesos and has a free toilet facility.
Luke Barnaby — Google review
Fantastic ruins and a park that’s small enough to get through in the couple hours with the boat tour. Bring bug spray.
The lagoon boat tour was wonderful as you have the opportunity to “swim” in the natural canal. It’s “swimming” because the current is so strong it feels like a lazy river! Enjoyed the whole experience a lot.
Sarah Candee — Google review
So beautiful and you can walk about 10 min to the back of the site and continue to the biological sanctuary, which is then another 20 min walk to the beach.
There is a platform on the way that you can climb for about 5 stories and get a fantastic view!
Michelle Lin — Google review
This was great! Would do again just for the lazy river part! Be prepared to walk a-bit on some wooden plank walkways! Definitely well worth the trip! Completely incredible to see what they could create back then with what they had! Definitely wish could have a guided tour to know
More about the history!
J McCracken — Google review
Must see!!! One of the earliest and longest inhabited ancient Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula. It's an easy drive from Tulum. Around $3.50 to enter.
Brian Lawson — Google review
70 pesos per person to enter. Plus 50 pesos for drones or (professional) camera equipment. Plus 50 pesos to walk the wooden path from the ruins to the lagoon.
Well worth the entry fee and a few hours exploring. We did see a snake whilst walking along the path, can you spot it in my photo?
The park has written signs in three languages so you don’t need a tour guide, although they do work the area.
Parking is free at the entrance and there is a refreshment place and souvenirs across the road.
Jourdain W — Google review
Definitely add on the boat tour. It was 1,000 pesos when you buy it from the park. It's so worth it to see that part. There is another smaller ruin they take you to, and the view of the biosphere is amazing. You get to float a section of it, which is refreshing after you walk the ruins and the path through the park. They don't allow sunscreen or big repelant if you are going on the boat tour. There are definitely mosquitoes during the walk through the trail.
Kristiana Spehr — Google review
Fantastic place. Simple, silent, you feel the nature. When you go inside, you'll find a wooden door where you can go to a lagoon through forests and costs you extra 50 pesos. Definitely go there. It's an amazing adventure to walk there. You feel like in jungle 😍
Alexandru Tomuz — Google review
Cool little historical spot to check out for a couple hours. Not a hugely popular spot so you'll have a relatively private time. There are a few different ruins, some nice wooded trails with great trail maintenance. Then there is also a lagoon you can walk to using a wood plank path that's about 1km long. Fun little day trip with multiple street taco spots nearby.
Alex Trimpe — Google review
I really enjoy bringing people here. It is smaller than other Maya ruins but in some ways more approachable. There is ongoing restoration and the setting is very jungle like. Less commercialization and fewer people.
Diana Harris — Google review
Incredible sights. Would recommend using bug spray! Make sure you also book the boat tour through the laguna and lazy river, as that was the absolute best bit!
Pablo Orlando — Google review
Super cool if you’re into historical sites. Definitely recommend going on the earlier side and bring bug spray. You can pay on site to enter its about 70 pesos. If you would like to explore the wooden bridge that takes you to the lagoon it’s about another 50 pesos to enter that part and another 50 or so if you want to take a boat ride on the lagoon. There’s also a cool wooden tower you can climb along the way!
Jordan Watson (Ace King) — Google review
This is a really cozy site! There is a jungle walk possible after seeing the ruins. And thereafter there's a boat tour on the lagoon that you could take.
The ruin entrance costs $70, the jungle walk is $50, and the boat tour $160.
Sofia T A — Google review
Amazing. Vast in thr jungle with some bright colors and relifs. Caves and affordable. Monkey's can be heard. No wifi. It links yo an amazing walk and boat tour where manatee and turtles are. Check out the full review on tiktok annastravels and on ig annastravelsnyc
Anna Hess — Google review
I drove and used google maps to get to the office. Talked to one of the guys inside the booth to purchase the ticket and also the boat ride to the lagoons. Ticket price is 70 mx for the ruins and additional 50 if you proceeded to take the pathway at the back of the ruin. If you’re not going to take the boat ride, I suggest to only purchase the ticket for the ruins. There’s not much to do aside from the sketchy tower that you can climb when you’re close to the dock where they take you to the lagoon if you purchase the boat ride. The best is if you take the boat ride. It’s 1000 mx per person. They’ll take you to the 2 lagoons then lastly to the shallow canal where they let you float around for almost an hour.
Donald Harvey — Google review
Cost for Ruins = 75 MXN per person.
Cost for Bridge and Walk to Lagoon (chance to see wildlife) = 50 MXN per person.
Cost for Lagoon Exploration Ride = 1000 MXN per person. (1 hr, swim in lagoon).
We only did the first two. Would recommend the first, but not the second, unless you intend on the lagoon excursion. If not, save your pesos, the walk is too long for little ROI.
We met a father/daughter who said the Lagoon excursion was worth it.
Ali V — Google review
The tour for the site at the time we arrived was $70MXN. There is an additional cost to walk the trail that leads from the end of the archeological site down to the lagoon behind it and the cost was $50MXN. We highly recommend the trail; it takes you through the jungle and you can see a few very small cenotes (not swimmable) and wild life. Also, if you can, book the lagoon tour with them directly. They sell it for a third of the cost of third party tour operators and the money goes towards the Mayan community in the area that protects the site. Raul was our tour guide and provided us with a great experience. The cost of that tour is $1000MXN.
Gabriela Carrillo — Google review
As an explorer, here's my spin... I would have never found this on my own on how to get here unless you take an inflated tour. Found some travelers that has gone here before and tagged along for the adventure. Went to the local bus station ADO and found the bus that was heading that direction, paid 35pesos directly to the bus driver was what we were told at the ticketing booth. The Arqueologica de Muyil (75pesos) was being rebuilt on most of the ruins, the paths were not marked out properly, but it was not too big a site. The strangest extra 50 pesos to walk on a shabby not well maintained boardwalk through the jungle was simply a scam, a rickety tower that is downright dangerous and really the view on top was not worth it. We took the boat tour to the lagoon river (you get to float in the river for about half hour in crystal clear water) was pretty good but pricey, good for the experience.
Eddie Wong — Google review
Pretty good time at the ruins overall. It’s a small park; the ruins are for sure the highlight for me, and you can explore them all within about an hour and a half. Reasonable price and there are quite a few good food/drink options for such a rural area. But in my G-d’s honest opinion… don’t waste your money on the rest of the park. The lagoon is nice or whatever but unless you’re going to spend $800+ per person (not per boat) to go farther across the lagoon, it’s not worth it… but the ruins were great, and I did enjoy the walk and the view! We just couldn’t justify paying $1600p for a two hour boat tour, and we weren’t allowed to just rent our own kayaks. And as you can see, they are speed boats, so it isn’t like the guy would have to be rowing extra weight to justify the cost (we are both very thin anyhow).
The hardest part for us was getting home. You can catch the ADO bus from the cement parada but Lord only knows when it’s coming, and if it will stop! We ended up hitching a ride back to Tulum with a random van driver. (NOTE: This is NOT recommended for people who don’t speak Spanish or women traveling alone!) If I were alone I wouldn’t do that, but I do speak Spanish and was with my boyfriend. We were fine, BH, but please be aware that if you didn’t drive, getting home can be a challenge (regardless of whether or not you bought round-trip ADO Bus tickets!)
Gorgeous ruins though, A+
Shark Bolan — Google review
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4.5
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Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico
If you’re looking for a top notch family owned and operated fly fishing outfit look no further! Victor, Claudia and Edgar made our group feel like part of the family. From booking to lodging to fishing everything was perfect! They also introduced us to another local family. Lucy will invite you into her home every morning for authentic and delicious breakfast. Then she makes your incredible shore lunch daily. Our guides Oscar, Carlos and Victor couldn’t have been more knowledgeable about their home waters. They knew all the right spots for the Bone fish, Tarpon and Permit! When traveling to fish beautiful Punta Allen (just south of Tulum) you will have a few different guide services to choose from. From my experience Victors Fly Fishing Club is the only choice. Victor is a 50+ year resident of Punta Allen and a absolute legend in the sport of fly fishing. But I’m sure he would be quick to mention he couldn’t run this operation with out his amazing family! And that family and team work made for one of the best fishing experiences of my life. Couldn’t recommend Victors Fly Fishing Club highly enough!
Randy J — Google review
Look no further for fishing in punta allen. If you want bones snook tarpon & permit this is the company for you. OMG! We loved fishing with Senor Victors's guides, Carlos & David. Senor Victor & Claudia are here at communicators very attentive & directed us to good accommodations The two guides worked well as a team to place us on the fish. David would be working hard on the polling platform to sight the fish and position the boat so we had the best angle to make a good cast. Carlos was great at choosing the right flys , helping sight etc. Señora Lucy made us good hearty lunches each day. For you ladies, tip these guides have bladders of steel so if you have to go just tell them and they will help make it happen for you to find a safe place to relieve yourself.
Coach Celia Dubey — Google review
Another fabulous trip to Punta Allen, fly fishing with Victor's flying club. Victor and Claudia are terrific host. Just rely on then to take care of all the details.
All expectations were met and exceeded !
Fly fishing, clean,cozy accommodations, great food , local people , culture etc.
Definitely planning to return next 2023...God willing!
Regards to all,
Joe Gallagher
Joseph Gallagher — Google review
If you’re looking for a top notch family owned and operated fly fishing outfit look no further! Victor, Claudia and Edgar made our group feel like part of the family. From booking to lodging to fishing everything was perfect! They also introduced us to another local family. Lucy will invite you into her home every morning for authentic and delicious breakfast. Then she makes your incredible shore lunch daily. Our guides Oscar, Carlos and Victor couldn’t have been more knowledgeable about their home waters. They knew all the right spots for the Bone fish, Tarpon and Permit! When traveling to fish beautiful Punta Allen (just south of Tulum) you will have a few different guide services to choose from. From my experience Victors Fly Fishing Club is the only choice. Victor is a 50+ year resident of Punta Allen and a absolute legend in the sport of fly fishing. But I’m sure he would be quick to mention he couldn’t run this operation with out his amazing family! And that family and team work made for one of the best fishing experiences of my life. Couldn’t recommend Victors Fly Fishing Club highly enough!
Randy J — Google review
Wow. Second year with Victor's - last year only day trips in Boca Paila area but this time stayed in Punta Allen to fish Ascension Bay with a few friends. Victor's Fly Fishing Club is a small family run company and is very professionally run by Victor's daughter, Claudia, who is MOST friendly and helpful with planning everything! It was so easy to book everything, especially after her help from last year. From the moment we were picked up at the Punta Allen "Harbor" by Victor's son, Edgar, and dropped off at our house (which is owned by Victor/family) just a few blocks down the road, I knew Claudia had set us all up for a special time. The house is perfect for four guests - two bedroom/two bathroom, kitchen and dining/seating area. There are solar panels on the roof so 24 hour electricity and cold air conditioning when sleeping too. We ate at a couple restaurants recommended to us by Claudia/Edgar/Victor that were within easy walking distance - this was some of the best food I've had in Mexico! We were picked up every morning, by Victor himself, and had breakfast at "Lucy's". Wow. Ask for the mole (especialidad de la casa)! I also found out who makes the awesome tortas for lunch daily as well! Punta Allen is a super charming little fishing town, very safe and very friendly locals! We even caught the local soccer match the first night we arrived. Victor let me use his personal bike one afternoon to cruise around town, definitely go check out the lighthouse at the end of the road! I then came back from that ride and found some cigars for our group, left as a gift to us personally from Edgar! One of our group members wanted to fish an extra day at the "last minute", Claudia was able to set this up and Victor/Edgar took my friend out personally for the day! A huge part of what made this trip so special for all of us was the incredibly personal service provided to us by Victor/Claudia and their entire family and everyone with Victor's. Our guides Oscar and Carlos worked very hard getting us on the fish and were so helpful and very patient with my fly casting (trout fisherman using a 5 wt, not used to the 8-10wt rods, in the wind!). I learned a lot from them every day. They also offer spin casting to those that don't fly fish. Remember, it's up to the guides to get you the "opportunity" and on you to make most of it/catch that fish... Oh yeah, we also caught TONS of fish every day! Couldn't even keep count. Cannot wait to be back! Kinda did not want to write this so I can keep this place to myself but owe it to them after such an amazing and personally touched experience. MUCHAS GRACIAS Claudia, Victor, Oscar, Carlos, Edgar (and everyone else)!!
Brian Howard — Google review
The BEST!!!!
Our trip to Punta Allen was magical and Victor's was a huge part of that magic! My husband, Matt, got to fulfill his bucket list item of saltwater flats fishing with the amazing people at Victor's. All of the guides are outstanding! Claudia, Victor's daughter, was so incredibly helpful to us as we planned our trip. We started planning a year in advance 😂 and she was so patient with me and all of my questions and changes over the year--I love her and just can't say enough about her kindness. Needless to say, my husband is now addicted and won't stop talking about coming back next year to fish with David (one of the excellent guides at Victor's). So, here we are.....now planning our trip for next year!
I can't recommend Victor's highly enough. There are some bigger and flashier fishing outfits in Punta Allen, but Victor's is so wonderful and personalized, and it was EXACTLY what we were looking for. We will be back!
As a side note, the people of Punta Allen are an absolute treasure! They welcomed us with open arms and accepted us into their community for the week that we were there. We already miss them and are itching to go back and hang out with our newly made friends!!
Beth H — Google review
Got a half day with Victor and it was fantastic. Easy booking and great contact throughout.
Was an experience I will always remember. And if I get the chance I would be back for a full day in a heartbeat!
Thanks again,
Nick
Nick Broome — Google review
Another fabulous trip to Punta Allen, fly fishing with Victor's flying club. Victor and Claudia are terrific host. Just rely on then to take care of all the details.
All expectations were met and exceeded !
Fly fishing, clean,cozy accommodations, great food , local people , culture etc.
Definitely planning to return next 2023...God willing!
Regards to all,
Joe Gallagher
Joseph Gallagher — Google review
Wow. Second year with Victor's - last year only day trips in Boca Paila area but this time stayed in Punta Allen to fish Ascension Bay with a few friends. Victor's Fly Fishing Club is a small family run company and is very professionally run by Victor's daughter, Claudia, who is MOST friendly and helpful with planning everything! It was so easy to book everything, especially after her help from last year. From the moment we were picked up at the Punta Allen "Harbor" by Victor's son, Edgar, and dropped off at our house (which is owned by Victor/family) just a few blocks down the road, I knew Claudia had set us all up for a special time. The house is perfect for four guests - two bedroom/two bathroom, kitchen and dining/seating area. There are solar panels on the roof so 24 hour electricity and cold air conditioning when sleeping too. We ate at a couple restaurants recommended to us by Claudia/Edgar/Victor that were within easy walking distance - this was some of the best food I've had in Mexico! We were picked up every morning, by Victor himself, and had breakfast at "Lucy's". Wow. Ask for the mole (especialidad de la casa)! I also found out who makes the awesome tortas for lunch daily as well! Punta Allen is a super charming little fishing town, very safe and very friendly locals! We even caught the local soccer match the first night we arrived. Victor let me use his personal bike one afternoon to cruise around town, definitely go check out the lighthouse at the end of the road! I then came back from that ride and found some cigars for our group, left as a gift to us personally from Edgar! One of our group members wanted to fish an extra day at the "last minute", Claudia was able to set this up and Victor/Edgar took my friend out personally for the day! A huge part of what made this trip so special for all of us was the incredibly personal service provided to us by Victor/Claudia and their entire family and everyone with Victor's. Our guides Oscar and Carlos worked very hard getting us on the fish and were so helpful and very patient with my fly casting (trout fisherman using a 5 wt, not used to the 8-10wt rods, in the wind!). I learned a lot from them every day. They also offer spin casting to those that don't fly fish. Remember, it's up to the guides to get you the "opportunity" and on you to make most of it/catch that fish... Oh yeah, we also caught TONS of fish every day! Couldn't even keep count. Cannot wait to be back! Kinda did not want to write this so I can keep this place to myself but owe it to them after such an amazing and personally touched experience. MUCHAS GRACIAS Claudia, Victor, Oscar, Carlos, Edgar (and everyone else)!!
Brian Howard — Google review
Was vacationing in grand sirenis/ akumal and took a day trip to fish with victor's fly fishing club. My two guides were hilarious and great help. Charlieeee-boy! Thanks for sharing your habañero at lunch.
I got on some good and fun fish but probably would have been happy just to hang with victor's team all day.
I'll be back and I recommend this for any fisherman or anyone who wants to see another side of Mexico further from the resorts.
Quentin Rodriguez — Google review
Great fishing trip yesterday.Cosma is a great guide.looking forward to fishing with you in January!
I love the sound of line flying off the reel!
David Dunn — Google review
4.9
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5.0
(44)
Punta Mosquiteros, 77768 Javier Rojo Gómez, Q.R., Mexico
Located at the southern end of the Riviera Maya, the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve is a protected jungle preserve that offers guided boat tours, wildlife sightings, walkways and Mayan ruins. This natural treasure has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its diverse flora and fauna both on land and in the sea. The area comprises of various ecosystems including a rich coastline of the Mexican Caribbean.
Absolutely one of the most beautiful places on earth. Here you have the opportunity to see lots of wildlife like crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, turtles and more then 300 different species of birds. The turcoise water around Punta Allen is absolutely stunning!! Highly recommended visiting Sian Ka'an.
Matthijs van veen — Google review
We went there with a tour organized by the local community. The staff was super friendly and open to share thoughts.
On our boat trip we stopped on a beach that was full of littering. When talking with the tour guides they said that the place was completely abandoned by the administration. Even though they do their best to preserve it, it is only that much they can do.
I hope everyone who visits this place reports it to put some pressure on the admin. 🙏🏽
Irene Jim?nez — Google review
Give yourself a day to explore The Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka'an. Be forewarned that the dirt road/path is full of potholes. It takes a while to drive through the dirt road envelope by a heavy tropical forest, mangroves, lagoons, and marshes. There are many beaches to find and wildlifes to see.
Some areas are privately owned, but we found a little nice beach area that we were able to enjoy.
The drive to this reserve was 2 hours from Cancun, but we spent nearly a whole day here exploring and driving through the area and back.
Noreen Roberson — Google review
Amazing beautiful place. The drive to the pick up place (where we met our captains) is hell. 10 km by the most rocky jungle road took us around an hour but it’s so worth it. The nature is stunning. We saw 3 dolphins playing for 20 minutes! Lots of birds! No crocodiles or turtles for us but still amazing!!!
Scott Landon — Google review
This place is only for extremely patient people, that's for sure. To get there you need to either drive or go on a tour, but either way the trip is very long due to the fact that the road is not paved and it's EXTREMELY bumpy. So the driver is forced to go super slowly while the vehicle is shaking for 3 hours on the way there and 3 on the way back (from playa del carmen , a little les from tulum). It's worth doing it at least once though, because the lagoon is spectacular. You can see dolphins, turtles and manatees with their babies, in their natural habitat!
Danila Massara — Google review
You can skip it! 100 pesos entrance fee for a bad road which is mainly closed on both sites. Everything is private and the beaches plus the nature is full of plastic. I think mexicos beautiful nature is close to be past thing. Its sad but when you see what you can buy here in the supermarkets its not a surprise. Plus most of the people here just only think on profit and don't care about their nature.
Alexander Kiesche — Google review
Today 22 April 2023 it was world's earth day and we did a beach clean up in the Reserva Sian Ka'an.
We first stopped at the narrowest part, where at one side was the mangrove and at the other side the sea & beach.
Here we saw a crocodile and a manatee. As all volunteers came together we went to the actual place where the clean up was.
There were a lot of volunteers participating. We went with 7 persons of Infinity2diving from Tulum.
We gathered all together a lot of plastic garbage.
Petra (Pitch) — Google review
This is an amazing natural reserve area where there is an abundance of wildlife, including manatee, dolphins, crocodiles and many species of birds. Among the birds that were present during the dry season, when we visited, were frigates, egrets, osprey, and pink spoonbills which were nesting at the time. Fauna include of course the mangrove (red and black), air plants and banana orchids (not in bloom but still interesting) This is a must see and even though the tours are expensive at around 150 usd per person, you will get more out of it with a guide. Theoretically having that guide would mean that the tour would be more eco friendly and cause less stress to the animals. There is an unfortunate tendency for the boat drivers to surround the animals, which must cause stress. Luckily right now there are a limited number of boats but sometimes they many arrive at once and there were a few times when i wanted to leave to give the animal more space. The Mexican government needs more oversight on the Form of rangers to curb some of the less desirable behaviours before it gets more out of hand.
Paul Taylor — Google review
Really sad to be giving this one star. The road here is absolutely ridiculous. Really. This is not hyperbole. You'll be lucky to get back with your car intact. But even if you do, it's 4 intensely nervous hours of driving through potholes that you will never get back. Even with a jeep it's just not worth it. And that's 4 hours just to get nowhere and back. Seriously, just say no. Plenty of other places to explore.
Arnon Cahen — Google review
A wonderful park which definitely deserves a visit. Make sure you get a good tour that takes you snorkelling to the reef
Elena Macciò — Google review
We love visiting the Sian Ka'an and have returned multiple times. Luis, Mirian and Daniel in the buffet restaurants take very good care of you and are attentive. Victor on the animation team leads very goof aqua gym sessions, paying attention to any injuries and giving advice rather than pushing you. Love this hotel!
Tony B — Google review
Turtles, crabs, dolphins, crocodiles and Coral reef. Bird Islands (mangrove Islands) and lots of beautiful scenery. I fully recommend visiting.
Marketa Koulova — Google review
2.5 stars. this is a conflicted review.
we had an amazing guide/captain who took care of us and tried his best to show us the marine animals in the lagoon. we saw a manatee, a stingray, a lot of birds, an underground cenote,and learned a lot of interesting facts. the floating river in the middle of the mangrove forest was amazing, especially because we were the only people there. overall, it’s a beautiful place to see and i would recommend a visit.
shame about all the plastic trash washed up on the otherwise beautiful beach. i didn’t understand why they’re even showing this to tourists. our guide told us that the trash comes from the island of cozumel and washes up on this side. they don’t clean it up and just leave it there while also maintaining an image of an ecological and protected biospheric reserve that doesn’t even have functioning toilets. there should be stricter laws regarding trash and pollution in the whole of yucatan, not just in e.g. tulum where they don’t allow plastic bottles anymore. but most of all, the constant development and construction of tourist resorts and hotels needs to stop. the road leading to the mayan ruins and sian ka’an was lined with half-finished construction zones. they should never have allowed cozumel or riviera maya to become the tourist hotspot it is today.
Eli Hythova — Google review
The road is serious business, not for whiners or delicate day trippers. It has protected this area by keeping out those people who don't appreciate life's journeys.
Danette Day — Google review
Amazing view, great spot for dolphins. Boat goes fast
Samuel Colassin — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place, we saw lots of animals.
Charlie Zhang — Google review
Amazing place, simply amazing. Brilliant management plan for tourism, fingers crossed that doesn't change. Pepe was an awesome guide, very knowledgeable and had an addictive level of enthusiasm. Would love to return in 20 years to see any changes
Adam Locker — Google review
The views are amazing but not that different from those you see in Tulum public beaches, but the road is in terrible conditions. You'd average 10-15 kmph and you're lucky if you don't get motion sickness...
We went via taxi from Costa Maya (Carnival Cruise), only $35/person instead of over $100 per for the excursion. Taxi ride and tour was FANTASTIC!!! The ruins are very impressive. The locals were very nice and easy to communicate with. The monkeys in the trees was a really cool bonus. Even though it was extremely hot, would highly recommend this!!!
Tim Caldwell — Google review
We visited the Mayan ruins with a group from pre-purchased tickets through our cruise trip. From the cruise port, it took an hour but our host made the trip seem shorter as he gave lots of great information. We rode in a comfy air conditioned bus with lots of room. Getting to the ruins, there was a little shopping center. Walking through the park was nice and not crowded. We saw spider monkeys walking about and were able to climb some of the ruins. I would recommend anyone interested to visit at least once!
Esmeralda ?Esmi? Contreras — Google review
Nice Mayan ruins city. Tour is active and beautiful to experience. Wear sneakers, no exceptions. Be ready to climb!
Kirsten Alford — Google review
A historical/ancient site to definitely visit in Honduras. A tour guide will make the experience better and educational. The place could have some info-panels for tourists.
Stavros Katsikadis — Google review
We did an excursion through Norwegian Cruise Line. Worth every penny. Our guide was Morales. He was knowledgeable and very funny. This was our first tour of Mayan ruins so we don’t have anything to compare too but it exceeded our expectations. The monkeys were especially entertaining.
Alexis Laub — Google review
Great place to visit! There are not many tourists so it is a really great experience to visit the ruins and have them basically for yourself. Temples are really impressive so it is definitely worth visiting.
We even saw some spider monkeys there so it was a very good experience for us.
Andrea Miskovicova — Google review
Such a beautiful site. The paths were easy to walk, but there is some steep climbing up pyramid steps at points. We saw wild monkeys in the trees on our walk. The scenery is amazing. We used native choice as our tour guide and they were amazing.
Ryan Nowlin — Google review
Beautiful site and outstanding views. The guides are great and very informative. Cute little shop stalls that we got some cool souvenirs from. If you want to get the full experience, be prepared for some moderate physical exertion to climb the numerous steps.
steven campbell — Google review
What an amazing place! Such incredible history! All covered by jungle until 1972...
Original mortar holding these massive pyramids in place is mind boggling. Note if climbing the stairs on these pyramids that they are uneven and of varying heights...it is easy to fall ( which I did) so be careful!!! Great jungle vegetation and a spider monkey in the trees!
Allison Batchelor — Google review
Visited these Mayan ruins while on a Carnival cruise which stopped in Costa Maya. These were the largest ruins I had seen at the time, and they were very impressive. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and very engaging. This was a great alternative to the other excursions from the cruise, and the whole family loved it.
Tim Kitchen — Google review
Amazing place. Good to learn the history of the Mayan people. Only complaint is the shop, I didn’t see any prices on things and you had to ask. Makes you think they charge whatever they want depending on who you are.
Josh Dundon — Google review
Probably the most up-close ruins experience on the planet. There is no hands off rule. We had an excellent guide, Carlos, from Toucan tours. Book online and save 50%, over ship sponsored excursions. Plus the gift shop was extensive without the pressure.
Carlos asked us if we wanted to try some street tacos on the way back to port and everyone was in. Great, but simple food, at a fantastic price. My Bride and I each had a beer and 3 tacos for $5!
Bill Tomko — Google review
We really enjoyed this trip! We saw several Mayan temples, one of which we were able to climb to the top. We walked through the ruins of the Mayan village and saw some spider monkeys zipping through the jungle canopy! Our guide, Dennis, was very knowledgeable of Mayan history and language! He also gave us two tidbits of potentially life changing advice, "If you see a Jaguar, don't try to touch it!" and "When viewing monkeys up in the canopy overhead, keep your mouth closed! The trails can be slippery and a little muddy in some areas, so wear sturdy walking shoes that can handle rocks and light mud. A hat, cool clothing and insect repellent is a good idea. Also I noticed a few wise travelers had small folding fans that helped hold the heat and humidity at bay. The Yucatan peninsula can be rather warm. Overall, a great trip!
Jack Adkisson — Google review
A beautiful piece of history that was easy to get to from our cruise port. Everyone we encountered during our visit was friendly, kind, and talkative. I'd love to spend more time here.
Vincent Esposito — Google review
It is a fantastic place to visit, right in the middle of the forest and close to the Belize border. It takes 45 minutes driving from Mahahual. The site has 5 main buildings and many more still to bring to light. It is said to have a total of around 200. Local guides are available. The tour takes about 1 hour and in order to take pictures or film you need to pay a 4 dollars fee. To be honest, I didn't see anyone checking it, although I have paid for the permit. The site is mostly accessible. However, the main building is at the top of the hill, and you have to climb some steps. Not accessible to everyone.
At the entrance there is a small café, a souvenir shop and toilets. If you enjoy chewing gum, I advise you to buy a pack of the original one. Produced locally and organic. It's completely different from the nowadays ones. If you visit the place in the rainy season, I advise you to use mosquitoes repellent.
ana tavares — Google review
Chacchoben Ruins are a must-see if you want to explore without feeling overwhelmed in the cruise port, I booked through cruise line, and it was an hour trip to and back. Bring cash, and don't be afraid to negotiate for souvenirs. And be prepared to walk, pack water, sunblock, and a portable fan.
Alma Fawcett — Google review
This was amazing to me, We took the tour and it did not disappoint. The Tour Guide we had was very knowledgeable about the site as she also had Mayan ancestry in her. She explained the Language, Medicinal Plants used, the different Pyramid uses. There are still new pyramids being found on the site.
Papa Victor — Google review
Great views of the Mayan ruins. There is some walking involved as well as climbing at the last stop. Best to wear appropriate shoes.
Even in the hot weather, nice n cool under the trees.
Gerhard J — Google review
Chacchoben is a very nice and accessible Mayan ruins site. We visited as part of a cruise excursion. Only an hour from the port of Costa Maya. These temples are not huge but they are still very cool to see.
Randy Barsch — Google review
Out of all the Mayan Ruins that I have visited, this is the best. Ruins still covered by jungle overgrowth as well as many that have been restored.
Be sure to bring bug spray/Off, after the month of March.
Todd A — Google review
Chaccoben Mayan Ruins: A Journey through History and Culture
Nestled off the coast of Costa Maya lies a hidden gem that captivates the hearts and minds of all who visit - the Chaccoben Mayan Ruins. My experience exploring this ancient site during a Norwegian Cruise excursion left an indelible mark, revealing a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural connections that transcends time and borders.
As our 12 group embarked on the journey to Chaccoben, excitement permeated the air. The anticipation of unraveling the mysteries of this ancient civilization was palpable. Little did we know that what awaited us would far surpass our expectations.
Upon arrival, the grandeur of the Mayan ruins unfolded before our eyes. Towering pyramids, intricate stone carvings, and sprawling temple complexes painted a vivid picture of a once-thriving civilization. Surprisingly, the architecture and religious symbolism bore striking resemblances to structures found in South India, a testament to the interconnectedness of human history and the universality of human expression.
Guided by the knowledgeable Fabiola, we embarked on a journey through time, delving into the rituals, beliefs, and daily life of the ancient Mayan people. Fabiola's insights illuminated the significance of each structure, from the towering temples dedicated to deities to the humble dwellings of the common folk. As we explored the sanctums and ceremonial plazas, it became evident that every stone told a story, every carving a testament to a bygone era.
One aspect that added an element of adventure to our exploration was the presence of wildlife, particularly snakes. Thankfully we had appropriate footwear and stayed vigilant as we navigated the site. Despite the couple of sightings, the allure of the ruins remained undiminished, a testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of the Mayan civilization.
As we traversed the ruins, the importance of preparation became apparent. The journey from the port to Chaccoben took approximately 1.5 hours, followed by an equally enriching 1.5-hour tour of the site. Our presence of mind to carry water, sunshades, caps, and sunscreen proved invaluable, ensuring that we remained comfortable and hydrated throughout our expedition.
Each step we took was a testament to the awe-inspiring legacy of the Mayan civilization. From the intricate carvings adorning the temples to the verdant jungle that embraced the ruins, Chaccoben offered a glimpse into a world shrouded in mystery and wonder.
In conclusion, my visit to the Chaccoben Mayan Ruins was an unforgettable journey through history and culture. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the spiritual significance of the site, every moment was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the ancient Mayan people. As I reflect on my experience, I am reminded of the profound connections that unite humanity across time and space (continents), reaffirming the importance of preserving our shared heritage for future generations to cherish and explore.
Satya Aluru — Google review
What to expect: An hour ride from the cruise drop off point, an hour and a half of walking around the ruins, and an hour ride back.
Some walking, and some shopping at the temple site with limited food options (get the tamales if you can!)
An incredible excursion for any cruise stop - I highly suggest it!
Cameron Yoder — Google review
4.8
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4.5
(562)
Carretera Federal, 307 Via Carta Mérida, Pedro Antonio Santos - Chunhuhub, Chetumal, Q.R., Mexico
Bacalar Lagoon, situated in the magical town of Bacalar, is a hidden gem known for its clear aqua water and white limestone bottom. It's a favorite spot for travelers looking to escape crowded Yucatan beaches. The lagoon offers over-the-water hammocks and swings at hotels and resorts along the shore. Its brilliant shades of blue and turquoise have earned it the nickname "Lagoon of Seven Colors.
I been to this place twice and it is a publo magico magical town. Just looking at the blue water and walking all the way in and still the water is at your waist. The beautiful turquoise crystalline beautiful water is astonish of the lagona of seven colores. This is must visit if you get a chance while in Cancun, you can either rent a car or take a bus from Playa del Carmen.
Marlondo Sanchez — Google review
Superó todas mis expectativas! De verdad que esta increíble !
Un dato que debes saber es que existen muelles públicos donde no tienen costo, tienen sus reglas pero son muy recomendables !
(Translated by Google)
It exceeded all my expectations! It really is incredible!
One thing you should know is that there are public docks where there is no cost, they have their rules but they are highly recommended!
Juan Carlos Navarro — Google review
Fantastic place for a swim - must do for Intrepid Travel folks on their way to Chetumal
russky — Google review
I have seen a lot of amazing lakes, from the Titicaca lake to lake Ohrid in Macedonia to lake Jheel Lulusar in Pakistan, which had been my undisputed favorite lake in the world for a long time. Well, it is no longer undisputed, since I got to witness the seven shades of the blue water of Bacalar gradually change hour by hour. I came from Belize and crossed the border to see the lake, but it is not that far from Tulum/Cancun and it is a must see.
Shahab Uddin — Google review
This 7 colour lagoon is amazing. Much nicer than ocean. Cristal clear, warm water. Every shade of blue you can imagine. Mangrove alley. Possibility to swim, take a boat tour, take a cajac. Place to make plans for some 2 to 3 days of true bliss
Iveta Stasulane — Google review
Legendary. Akalki hotel is especially amazing.
egor — Google review
Bacalar Lagoon is as breathtaking in real life as it is in pictures. I have a feeling it’s going to explode in tourism soon, so go before it does!
Taylor Locke — Google review
It's just wonderful! The blue in this lagoon is unlike any other I've seen before. I just hope they will take more action for conservation here as there are a lot of motorized boats, and it ruins the ecosystem and the peace of the place.
Benjamin Roy — Google review
Very beautiful lagoon.a boat trip is really a great experience in the incredible blue waters
Maria georgieva assenova — Google review
My 3rd third time in this area . it's been a very pleasant experience overall. Truly recomend. Just make sure you stay for couple days . It's and easier commute if you stop first in tulum Instead of driving directly from Cancun ...
Oscar Cabrera — Google review
There is no single word to describe this place!! Its the serenity you won’t find anywhere else, its the literally crystal clear water, its the delicious authentic Mexican food, and the extremely nice people. We were very lucky to see the lagoon’s 50 shades of blue. While we were on a sailing boat trip, we witnessed the crazy rain that came out of nowhere and added to the the magic and beauty if this lake, and it was such a fantastic experience!! So even if the forecast is saying it will rain cats and dogs there, just never cancel your boat trip, believe me you won’t regret it and it wont rain more than half an hour.If you’re visiting the Quintana Roo area, don’t hesitate to visit Bacalar Lagoon, its easily reachable from Tulum ( 2 hours by car)
NISRINE AMMOURY — Google review
Lake is beautiful. Boat tour was ok. I didn't have great time in Bacalar though. Entire beach privately owned, I felt terrible for local people, not only buildings blocking views/breeze water, it's just seem so unfair and sad. So if you want to have decent time you either have to pay expensive beachfront hotel/apartments or pay for private beach club day ( with terrible food and overpriced drinks. Public beaches sometimes overcrowded and don't have much shade. I personally didn't have good time also because locals complained that I have service dog with me. So security have to come and check my papers every time, then settle it with locals. The whole thing felt uncomfortable, so I had to pay for beach clubs. Also it was mistake to come in August. It's extremely hot. I mean it's more hot than Singapore. Most restaurants and stores also have no AC. Again blocked beaches making it feels worse. Plus children that walking around entire day and begging tourists buy souvenirs - heartbreaking. Immediately I remembered similar tough childhood. This is my personal experience at lake Bacalar.
I M — Google review
Best shore excursion ever. But it was not as good as I thought. In my case cloudy and shower so it’s depend on weather.
I think awesome place when sunny day.
Ps. Thanks Sofia our tour guide for amazing experience and wonderful time.
Sukil Yoon — Google review
That's really hidden gem of Mexico. It is not so crowdy, maybe cause its kinda far from tourist places. Much better then Tulum! And even more cheaper! The Lagoon is so, so so amazing!!! The colour is unbelievable. Also the Lagoon is not deep at all so you can swim as you want.
Alfonso deMucha — Google review
Beautiful place, they conserve the area with closing the lagoon on Wednesday. I recommend to go on a tour with a sailboat to preserve even more the lagoon.
Bacalar Lagoon, situated in the magical town of Bacalar, is a hidden gem known for its clear aqua water and white limestone bottom. It's a favorite spot for travelers looking to escape crowded Yucatan beaches. The lagoon offers over-the-water hammocks and swings at hotels and resorts along the shore. Its brilliant shades of blue and turquoise have earned it the nickname "Lagoon of Seven Colors.
I been to this place twice and it is a publo magico magical town. Just looking at the blue water and walking all the way in and still the water is at your waist. The beautiful turquoise crystalline beautiful water is astonish of the lagona of seven colores. This is must visit if you get a chance while in Cancun, you can either rent a car or take a bus from Playa del Carmen.
Marlondo Sanchez — Google review
Superó todas mis expectativas! De verdad que esta increíble !
Un dato que debes saber es que existen muelles públicos donde no tienen costo, tienen sus reglas pero son muy recomendables !
(Translated by Google)
It exceeded all my expectations! It really is incredible!
One thing you should know is that there are public docks where there is no cost, they have their rules but they are highly recommended!
Juan Carlos Navarro — Google review
Fantastic place for a swim - must do for Intrepid Travel folks on their way to Chetumal
russky — Google review
I have seen a lot of amazing lakes, from the Titicaca lake to lake Ohrid in Macedonia to lake Jheel Lulusar in Pakistan, which had been my undisputed favorite lake in the world for a long time. Well, it is no longer undisputed, since I got to witness the seven shades of the blue water of Bacalar gradually change hour by hour. I came from Belize and crossed the border to see the lake, but it is not that far from Tulum/Cancun and it is a must see.
Shahab Uddin — Google review
This 7 colour lagoon is amazing. Much nicer than ocean. Cristal clear, warm water. Every shade of blue you can imagine. Mangrove alley. Possibility to swim, take a boat tour, take a cajac. Place to make plans for some 2 to 3 days of true bliss
Iveta Stasulane — Google review
Legendary. Akalki hotel is especially amazing.
egor — Google review
Bacalar Lagoon is as breathtaking in real life as it is in pictures. I have a feeling it’s going to explode in tourism soon, so go before it does!
Taylor Locke — Google review
It's just wonderful! The blue in this lagoon is unlike any other I've seen before. I just hope they will take more action for conservation here as there are a lot of motorized boats, and it ruins the ecosystem and the peace of the place.
Benjamin Roy — Google review
Very beautiful lagoon.a boat trip is really a great experience in the incredible blue waters
Maria georgieva assenova — Google review
My 3rd third time in this area . it's been a very pleasant experience overall. Truly recomend. Just make sure you stay for couple days . It's and easier commute if you stop first in tulum Instead of driving directly from Cancun ...
Oscar Cabrera — Google review
There is no single word to describe this place!! Its the serenity you won’t find anywhere else, its the literally crystal clear water, its the delicious authentic Mexican food, and the extremely nice people. We were very lucky to see the lagoon’s 50 shades of blue. While we were on a sailing boat trip, we witnessed the crazy rain that came out of nowhere and added to the the magic and beauty if this lake, and it was such a fantastic experience!! So even if the forecast is saying it will rain cats and dogs there, just never cancel your boat trip, believe me you won’t regret it and it wont rain more than half an hour.If you’re visiting the Quintana Roo area, don’t hesitate to visit Bacalar Lagoon, its easily reachable from Tulum ( 2 hours by car)
NISRINE AMMOURY — Google review
Lake is beautiful. Boat tour was ok. I didn't have great time in Bacalar though. Entire beach privately owned, I felt terrible for local people, not only buildings blocking views/breeze water, it's just seem so unfair and sad. So if you want to have decent time you either have to pay expensive beachfront hotel/apartments or pay for private beach club day ( with terrible food and overpriced drinks. Public beaches sometimes overcrowded and don't have much shade. I personally didn't have good time also because locals complained that I have service dog with me. So security have to come and check my papers every time, then settle it with locals. The whole thing felt uncomfortable, so I had to pay for beach clubs. Also it was mistake to come in August. It's extremely hot. I mean it's more hot than Singapore. Most restaurants and stores also have no AC. Again blocked beaches making it feels worse. Plus children that walking around entire day and begging tourists buy souvenirs - heartbreaking. Immediately I remembered similar tough childhood. This is my personal experience at lake Bacalar.
I M — Google review
Best shore excursion ever. But it was not as good as I thought. In my case cloudy and shower so it’s depend on weather.
I think awesome place when sunny day.
Ps. Thanks Sofia our tour guide for amazing experience and wonderful time.
Sukil Yoon — Google review
That's really hidden gem of Mexico. It is not so crowdy, maybe cause its kinda far from tourist places. Much better then Tulum! And even more cheaper! The Lagoon is so, so so amazing!!! The colour is unbelievable. Also the Lagoon is not deep at all so you can swim as you want.
Alfonso deMucha — Google review
Beautiful place, they conserve the area with closing the lagoon on Wednesday. I recommend to go on a tour with a sailboat to preserve even more the lagoon.
Stalwart 1729 stone fort with a moat, a museum with artifacts & murals depicting area history.
Cool fort to see in Bacalar. We did a tour that included this so we got some history of the fort. There's a little bit of walking over uneven stones but should not be too difficult if you don't use a walker. Not suited for wheelchairs.
Christina Boone — Google review
Just off the main square is the fort of San Felipe. It's quite expensive to enter 110 mxn as of December 2023 but inside there is a small museum which details the history of pirates in the area. The fort was built to protect the town - in the Lagoon itself, there is a narrow channel called the Pirates' Channel through which ships could enter.
Joe Sidonio — Google review
Nice archeological place with a nice history about Bacalar.
It has a museum inside with a beautiful Mural and some stories about pirates 🏴☠️
The price is super reasonable same for foreigners and nationals.
Our favorite part was the nice views of the lagoon you can have from here.
Danichatz Travels (Danichatz) — Google review
The castle was ok. Nothing special. it looks like you are looking to the Caribbean Sea, but you are looking to a sweet water lake. You can do from the castle some nice pictures. But the little museum wasn’t special. You had to pay an entrance fee of 110 pesos.
zimmi zimmi — Google review
Very complete and explained. Loved the views
It started raining and rain was pouring inside through a window over important displays
marina rodriguez calvo — Google review
Amazing old 17th centenary fort that was built to protect the local town from pirate attacks. It’s small but we’ll preserved and includes a museum that has displays in both English and Spanish
J G — Google review
Not breathtaking or anything, but the price is fairly cheap (especially for Mexicans and kids), and the information is very interesting. I felt like I learned a lot about Mayan culture and the Spanish invasion from the visit.
Stephen R — Google review
This small fort has a museum that does a decent job in summarizing the history of the fort, the Yucatan peninsula and piracy in the region. 110 pesos for foreigners, less for nationals.
Nice view of the lagoon, and some of the resident iguanas (in the moat) are quite large.
Michael Greer — Google review
I've visited several old Spanish forts in Mexico and I thought this was a nice one. Although the fort is small, it is well preserved and there is a nice museum located in the central building. I would say it's definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
Mark Goodwin — Google review
Nothing to do. The boats don't go out on Wednesdays. Dust and dirt everywhere. Roads are filled with trucks for construction of Tren Maya, which is seriously delayed. Big disappointment.
Tony Montano — Google review
It's an old fortress with a very small museum, not really exciting 😉 Did love looking at the very big leguano's living there tho 🥰 and the view over the lake is very nice.
The website said you pay 55 pesos to enter but the price is 110. I think the price is too high for what you get.
Silvia Bogers — Google review
Lots of plaques and information but it needs to be given some attention as the information plaques were peeling and falling apart, a few were hard or impossibleto read. The museum has an excellent timeline for the history of human habitation in Yucatan and covered a lot of topics from Mayan culture to colonisation and pirates. There's actually a human skeleton visible under the glass floor of the museum, no information was available. Interesting but sad place. No refreshments but the cafe's nearby are excellent, and watch out for iguanas riding cannons!
Cameron Southey — Google review
This is the only really historic building in Bacalar, hence its kind of a must when you're in town. Tickets are 110 pesos for foreigners, which is one of the more expensive tickets to historical sites that I've purchased in Quintana Roo. the inside of a fort is very plain, i mean its a fort, it had a military function only. The main building has been turned into a small museum that talks about the history of the area, from the pre-Columbian times to integration with Mexico.
Tranquil swimming lagoon with fossilized stromatolites, a cenote, hammocks & an eatery.
Bacalar! what else to say? Every boat tour will bring you here. Or you can enter from beach, I think there is small fee entrance. Popular swings, and site of stromatolites. Just enjoy it
O Z — Google review
This is a local favorite spot to just chill enjoy the water and layout on the grass. Fee is 50 pesos per person entrance. There is a restaurant and the food is decent. Bring a blanket and sunscreen to enjoy the sun.
Brian — Google review
We spent a wonderful afternoon at cenote Cocalitos, which is more of a beach at the lagoon than a cenote. You can easily drive there from Cancun and spend a day with mainly locals and very few tourists. There is a restaurant with decent prices, but you can also bring your own lunch. There are hammocks and swings in the water, and the colors are mind-blowing. There is also a protected nursery of living giant stromatolites.
Delia Iordache — Google review
Yeah… it’s an ok place to go and bath a bit by the lagoon. Just keep in mind everything you want you’ll have to pay. You want to go in? 50$. You want a table? 100$ You get the idea. Other than that and a free hammocks, is nothing special. Many tour buses stop here as well, which makes it extra busy.
Johnny — Google review
One of the nicest cenote spot in bacalar. You can enjoy the water and the view of the lake. Entrance is 50$MEX/pax. You have a restaurant, toilette and shadow if you want to avoid the direct sun 😎
Thomas L — Google review
What an amazing experience. We go there as soon as they opened and it was empty. I do recommend to get there early as it does get packed later on the day. Water is beautiful. You can relax in the hammocks or swings or just walk out to the water. They have restrooms and showers. There’s a kitchen and bar. I believe it was 50 pesos to get in $2.50 in US dollars
erick chevez — Google review
Cenote Cocalitos is a beautiful spot to swim and dive in the lagoon.
People need to be more careful and responsible. Please if you visit this place don’t touch the stromatolites . It’s not allowed!! 🛑
It’s very important to keep this magical place clean and beautiful as it is now!
Do responsable tourism!!
Danichatz Travels (Danichatz) — Google review
Beautiful place. The beach club is ok, it has shadow, a restaurant, restrooms, showers, some swings and hammocks, but the best part is that they take care of the estromatolitos. Excellent place to see them up close too. You can also access Cenote Esmeralda and Cenote Cocalitos from here. $50 entrance fee, totally worth it.
Catalina Bello — Google review
What a magical place. I visited the day before during a laguna boat tour with Gaia Experience. Seeing the water from the boat is just mesmerizing and unlike anything one would expect from a Cenote or lake. I knew I had to visit and step foot. My mom and I arrived around 10:10 am. The venue hadn’t opened yet. There was a short line outside of eager visitors. We were let in at 10:20 am.
There is parking available. Coming in the morning affords you the best hammocks in the water as they are first come, first serve. The water is non-salt water and natural. It’s cool but not as cold sometimes as the beach. There are small fish that greet you. The water is deep when you first enter but gets shallow and then deeper again once you are farther out and I mean really farther out. It’s beautiful and picturesque. People are extremely friendly and will take a picture if you ask. And likewise expect people to ask you to take a picture. It’s a kind thing to do. 🥰
Please protect the environment and avoid wearing sunscreen and oils. I’d love for my grandchildren to visit this place in the future.
I hope you found this review helpful. If so, please give me a thumbs up. Thank you.
J. Dreher — Google review
One of the nicest places around the bank of lake Bacalar to lie down, chill and enjoy the lagoon. The entry fee is 35 pesos per adult, but it’s worth it. The area is quite spacious and it includes swings and hamacas directly in the lagoon. You can easily spend the whole day here. There’s also a restaurant serving some basic snacks and meals, but nothing special. You might also observe the “estromatolitos” here - natural formations of bacteria that are one of the main touristic attractions of this area. They ARE pretty.
Barbora Šedivá — Google review
Beautiful and quiet place to see and swim in the Laguna. But when we were there, all the installations were close on a weekday. They didn't explain why. The entrance is 35 pesos and they made us pay full price even if there were no installations...
But instead of this little inconvenience, it's a beautiful spot. The colors of the laguna are amazing specially on a sunny day. So it's worth to see
The Museum of Mayan Culture in Chetumal, Quintana Roo is a modest yet significant attraction showcasing cultural exhibits, reproductions, and authentic artifacts of the Mayan people. The museum was built to highlight the rich historical significance and natural beauty of the surrounding area, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditions and heritage of the Mayan culture.
I found it interesting and was quite pleased with the whole museum.
I enjoyed the models of the cities the most.
It has a nice outdoor space surrounded by art work which we both enjoyed too.
Not a huge museum, but a must visit if in Chetumal.
The staff were very pleasant and we had a nice quiet, go at our own speed tour.
victoria marquardt — Google review
This is a must visit Museum if you're visiting Chetumal.
If you're visiting the City you should visit this Museum to learn more about the Mayan culture. The entrance is 100 pesos for foreigners and 50 pesos for locals.
Something you should do which is completely optional is to look for a guide to give you a tour around the museum. The tour around the museum takes about 1 hour but it is absolutely worth it
Luis Caldera — Google review
This is a fabulous and really well designed museum. My preschoolers really had a blast! We also enjoyed the garden and various galleries in the courtyard. Great for families, and really informative and fun!
Lauren Arshad — Google review
Well managed, clean and very interesting. Good pieces and quiete enjoyable
There are free guided tours. Price is 110 pesos for tourists and 55 for nationals
rikka Danish — Google review
Although a bit sort on artifacts, this museum is wonderful if you care to learn more about Mayas. The jungle ambiance, the scale of the major sites, the informations about mayan mathematics, astronomy, religion all make it a wonderful experience.
Thomas Verhaege — Google review
Brilliant decision-making: let's charge the foreigners double price, but let's not accept credit cards, making it as inconvenient for the foreigners to pay that double price as possible. Good job.
Michael — Google review
Lovely Mayan museum also with many salons outside the main building displaying sculpture and artworks. A lovely garden in the middle to relax in the shade. You can rush through or spend hours here. We are glad we took the time to see this museum and Chetumal generally.
John Andrusiak — Google review
Great little museum. We’ve been to a lot of Mayan ruins, and got so much out of this visit that we didn’t know before. It’s air conditioned, theatrically lit. After a long morning walk of the town, it was a great cool and interesting break. Well worth the $110 pesos per person.
Dom Caruso — Google review
Well designed museum. It goes into detail about the daily lives of the people. The permanent collection was well-curated. However, the temporary art exhibit was poorly curated. The works on display lacked a central theme outside of all being oil with spatula. They do good allowing local artists to show their work, though.
John Cobb — Google review
We have already visited several Mayan pyramids and it was interesting to summarize the experience. Briefly and clearly collected expositions about the various periods of the Maya Eplhi, from the heyday to the abandonment of cities. Many exhibits, unfortunately, are replicas, not originals. Lots of jungle and leopard sounds, I guess it's immersive
Yulia Golitsyna — Google review
If you are in Chetumal, it museum must visit. Many interesting information about Mayan Culture.
Ecommerce Europe — Google review
I’m not a museum expert but I really enjoyed my time here. Very interesting and the dim lighting creates a mysterious atmosphere. Most of the exhibits are reproductions but it was all very nicely presented. There is also an outdoor area featuring a recreation of a jungle village as well as side galleries with modern art.
Shannon Sparks — Google review
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Av de los Héroes S/N, Centro, 77000 Chetumal, Q.R., Mexico
Such a great place to walk at night with you significan other, family or alone. You will find lots of food to eat along the whole place, like tacos marquesitas and all kind of mexican yummies, a few artcraf vendors as well. We got to experience the pink moon rising from the night of the sea it was an incredible experience
We had a great night .
Maguillomx — Google review
I love Chetumal. So much things to do with the family. The Bay Area is a bit more pricey than center of town, however, it has less traffic and there are lots of great restaurants in that area where you can relax. Always feel safe, it's clean, you get tons of food for the price. Great shopping areas.
Charles B Leslie Jr — Google review
This place looks so much better now! They really invest and make it look nice, so happy I got to visited it again. Planning to go back already
Uziel Carrlo — Google review
Shops up on Saturdays and Sundays. Lots of families enjoying the eateries and the sunset. Trampoline for kids etc.
Sundal Nandal — Google review
About 4.5 hours drive straight south of Cancun along the border of Belize. This small city of 175,000 on the Maya Riviera is very underrated by tourists, which is good. You won't find white sandy beaches, prices in American $ or $300 a night hotels, but it's affordable living for expats escaping the winter. The winter months are sunny and hot. During the day the Melecon is quiet. But at night there is a street festival along the Melecon (ocean sidewalk). Great cheap street food, rides for kids and artisans. Very family friendly. There are a number of ruins within an hour and a couple of small fresh water lakes. Some of the best roads in mexico. Streets with divided palm tree boulevards. If you are travelling and want to relax and see what a typical Mexican city looks like without tourism stop here.
D Longo — Google review
Very nice and quiet place despite being located very centrally. It is located on a peninsula, you can easily follow the coast from there to the beach. Great opportunity to see lots of different birds, and of course the sea itself and several murals an monuments remembering Mayan history as well as Mexican revolution history. We also found a shoe-shop nearby with Mexican made shoes and sandals at very reasonable prices (see pictures), the shoes were ideal to climb the pyramids in Becán, Xpujil and Calakmul.
Bastian Schall — Google review
Relaxing, cozy and nice
You should eat machacado
And enjoy the view and sunset
H?ctor M?rquez — Google review
Nice malecon lots of history here I was really surprised didn't expect it to be such a great place to walk and at the same time learn with all the cool monuments with information about the history of Chetumal. The food at good prices at the plaza central from all the vendors. And the bus ride for about 2 dollars each person was a big plus. Lots of parking spaces in front of the malecon.
Jesus Hernandez — Google review
Visited on a Wednesday afternoon in September, after a trip to Bacalar. The weather was excellent for the walk and the sea breeze was refreshing. It started to get busier in the evening for sunset but unfortunately I had to return to Tulum.
Kamran Raza — Google review
Nice place, unfortunately a lot of garbage in the water and the mangroves.
Kai Triebner — Google review
A nice quiet park with historical monuments, a high water mark from Hurricane Janet, and a gazebo next to the Governor's Mansion by day. At night it is a hub of activity for families to gather for food, and relaxation on the bay.Rides, games and toys for the kids. Very busy on the weekends.
marcus daye — Google review
This is not the beach, sand and water. You can walk along the ocean, the view is pretty, but the water is toxic. It’s full of raw sewage, oil, and other contaminants. If you want white , sandy beaches & clean water, this is not the place.
Claudette Robertson — Google review
Chetumal a city in a very interesting ecosystem.
Close to Belize gives you the opportunity to discover multiple cultures.
Good bird watching and fishing expeditions. (Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon)
Nice place to start a trip north towards the busy Cancun city (By car or motorcycle its a flat road), enjoying, Bacalar, Mahahual, (Scuba diving - By the time you arrive to the next city, you already cover the 24hrs before flying), Tulum, Playa del Carmen ...
If you need GT Hotels, air-condition and busy tourist environment to survive, fly directly to Cancun.
Ricardo Rodriguez — Google review
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Centro, 77000 Chetumal, Q.R., Mexico
24
Dzibanche
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Dzibanche is an archaeological site of the ancient Maya civilization located in southern Quintana Roo, in the Yucatan Peninsula of southeastern Mexico. Wikipedia.
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77953 Quintana Roo, Mexico
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Archaeological Zone of Kohunlich
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
Protected Mayan ruined settlement, the original pre-Columbian name of which is unknown.
A beautiful place to visit. You get to stroll through the ruins. You are allowed to climb them if you wish. We were able to walk and see all the ruins on site in about an hour and a half. I recommend you being drinks and maybe even a picnic. There isn’t a place to buy food or drinks in the area. There’s a lot of grassy shady spots perfect to enjoy your food and drinks. Unfortunately we weren’t offered a tour I wish they would’ve to get more insight.
Arcy Hernandez — Google review
A beautiful place to visit. You get to stroll through the ruins. You are allowed to climb them if you wish. We were able to walk and see all the ruins on site in about an hour and a half. I recommend you being drinks and maybe even a picnic. There isn’t a place to buy food or drinks in the area. There’s a lot of grassy shady spots perfect to enjoy your food and drinks. Unfortunately we weren’t offered a tour I wish they would’ve to get more insight.
Arcy Hernandez — Google review
It takes a few hours on a bus to get to the ruins. The ruins are in a very small area, but for us, it is still worth viewing. There are only a handful of building ruins. But they are expanding the area. The guide was knowledgeable on the history of the area. Then you have a few hours bus ride back to port.
Felisha — Google review
Very nice ruins and you can still climb the steps. It's quite a drive from Costa Maya, but that meant there wasn't a crowd. Hard to believe only 10% has been excavated.
Sharon G — Google review
Very nice ruins and you can still climb the steps. It's quite a drive from Costa Maya, but that meant there wasn't a crowd. Hard to believe only 10% has been excavated.
Sharon G — Google review
Awesome experience. It's incredible how the Mayan people lived. Mexico has a wonderful history. So much to see!
James Budny — Google review
Amazing site! You have to drive for about 5km from the main road to get there. Easy to do if you have your own car. The road has quite a lot of potholes so you need to go quite slowly.
Once there the site was pretty much deserted and it’s huge!
S W — Google review
This was a really neat place to visit. The guide Lisbeth was of Mayan descent, so she had a unique perspective on the ruins. We were able to climb the ruins which is not allowed at most of them; this gives you a much better view and appreciation. It was well worth the trip from the cruise ship.
Jeff Pesula — Google review
This one was discovered really late. The far end is the temple of the masks, on which the masks are still with red color remained. The masks are so amazing, showing how Mayan artists are genius.
????Ruiheng Edbalt Wu? — Google review
One of the best ruins along the Chetumal-Villahermosa highway and for several reasons. The price is super reasonable at 85 pesos or 4 dollars and a quarter. There are lots of major buildings that have been cleared and restored. There are wide open plazas cleared of vegetation which allow you to appreciate the grandeur of the architecture and finally the enormous fully preserved stucco masks the size of two human beings are the piece de resistance of the entire city and maybe the most recognizable Mayan work of art in all of Quintana Roo. Simply a must see when in Bacalar or its environs.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
Nice place, At the moment few turists but likely will change as new road is building.
Bring food and drinks as you can't buy nothing at Kohunlich.
Amazing tropical jungle around pyramids.
Jaša Engelman — Google review
Amazing Mayan ruins. There is a lot to explore and the scenery is gorgeous. We visited in December which wasn’t too hot. It’s quite difficult to get there, and I’d recommend that you go with a tour because it can be easy to get lost.
kat — Google review
I took a taxi from Bacalar and asked him to wait and take me back. Cost 1500 pesos. I was there from 11 - 3 and knky left because I was exhausted. It was very humid and raining on and off - (mosquitos were having a great time! )
The ruins are unbelievable and set within the rainforest
Parts were elevated above the tree line and the view was epic.
The carved faces were part obscured because of restoration work but still incredible to see.
I had a tour guide Lily who was really good, very informative and generous with her time and knowledge. I highly recommend a tour guide!
Lucie Gledhill — Google review
Very impressive very empty very much jungle and was a great visit. I've been to a few Mayan sites some of the bigger ones and this was the best by far. Could Walk on the stones, up the steps alll over. Was grrat
Mark Mueller — Google review
What a wonderful experience. Our tour guide German provided so much interesting information about the complex, the history behind it; the flora and fauna as well as wild animals in the rainforest there. I have been to many ruins in Mexico and this tour tops them all. What a memorable and wonderful experience. Highly highly recommended.
Diane Wold — Google review
Amazing experience from the Maya’s culture. In the other hand, the Mexican’s government needs to put more effort to conserve this historical sites.
JL C — Google review
Prepare for a lot of walking and climbing but it is so worth it! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and it was so neat to be able to climb the steps of the ruins and see what the inside of some of the structures looked like. The plant life in the forest around the ruins was also beautiful.
Alexandra Fiorenza — Google review
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Carretera Federal 186 (Chetumal-Escárcega, 77981 Q.R., Mexico
I'll never travel to Belize City without this trip planner again
Lamanai Eco Tours Ltd. provided an unforgettable journey through Belize's natural and archaeological wonders. Our guide, Alberto, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, enriching our experience with fascinating insights about the site and its wildlife. The boat ride with the safari was a highlight, showcasing the beauty of the area's ecosystem. Thanks to Alberto's expertise, the trip was both amazing and educational, leaving us with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Belize's treasures. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an adventure filled with history, nature, and exceptional guidance.
Katerina K. — Google review
Great experience to go around the ruins and hear the stories that are known about the Lamanai site. It is a full tour, starting with an hour boat ride and wildlife viewing. Definitely lots to see along the river. The site is well maintained, very tranquil and controlled so it is not overrun with your groups like in Chichen-Itza or Tulum. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can answer just about anything about the ruins or Belize in general. Tell your friends and family, book your tour!
Alex Machholz — Google review
Colin did an amazing job! He was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. Such a great tour of the river, the wildlife, and the Mayan ruins.
Erin Russell — Google review
The guide was very knowledgeable about the river flora and fauna. Took us thru the ruins and was very helpful with the history of the culture and society of Lamanai. Our group had a double engine so the trip up and down the river was timely and fun. Andy is the man!
Scott Crawford — Google review
My family and I did a private full day adventure tour to Lamanai and an afternoon of fishing. Our guide, Colin, was amazing at spotting wildlife on the boat ride to Lamanai! We saw crocodiles, bats, turtles, and many, many beautiful birds. After a delicious lunch, Colin gave us a very interesting and informative tour of the beautiful ruins. To complete end our day, we fished off the boat in a couple spots before heading back to dock. Colin was an excellent captain and guide. We had a fantastic day!
Cara Slusher — Google review
Great trip with Nate today! He took time to show us many wild animals on the river and shared a lot of history and culture at the ruins. Small groups, private tour experience! Don't miss this!
Maile Jones — Google review
What an amazing visit our tour guide was super friendly shared his lifetime of stories from the area and kept us laughing the either tour. Be warned call ahead and plan a visit on a date that the cruise ships are in port as they visit here at 500+ folks at time. We visited on a no cruise ship day which made for amazing photos, and the wild life was out and about, we saw monkeys, snakes, bats, etc.. The lunch served at the end of the tour is well worth the hike! What amazing local dishes!!
John White — Google review
Our guide was amazing. The riverboat ride to get there was as exciting as the ruins themselves.
Jason Simpson — Google review
We had a great experience! The boat was clean and well maintained, and our captain Junior knew that river like the back of his hand. He went out of his way to spot wildlife (we saw a few crocodiles, and quite a few really interesting birds). The lunch provided at Lamanai was really tasty. Overall a really nice experience!
dane beck — Google review
Fantastic guide service! Nate guided, while Doc gave fun tidbits of info. Nate knows everything about the plants, animals, water, and history. We saw manatees, a crocodile, birds, bats, and a Mennonite village- and that was just on the way to the ruins. Nate combined his Mayan heritage with expert knowledge to deliver a professional tour. The sites are beautiful- no crowds! You can even climb up to the top of the largest pyramid. We trolled for tarpon on the way back to the dock, and went 1/2 on 40-50lb fish. I have fished for 20 years, and never knew that tarpon could exist in fresh water 30 miles upriver from the ocean. I highly recommend this trip for a fisherman/outdoorsman/birder/historian.
Matthew Jordan — Google review
What an amazing trip down the river to Lamanai Maya. Junior was the best tour guide. His sharp eyes were able to spot bats on the trees even while traversing the river. His knowledge of the river, history, and traditions was wonderful and so informative.
Lamanai Eco Tours Ltd. provided an unforgettable journey through Belize's natural and archaeological wonders. Our guide, Alberto, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, enriching our experience with fascinating insights about the site and its wildlife. The boat ride with the safari was a highlight, showcasing the beauty of the area's ecosystem. Thanks to Alberto's expertise, the trip was both amazing and educational, leaving us with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Belize's treasures. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an adventure filled with history, nature, and exceptional guidance.
Katerina K. — Google review
Great experience to go around the ruins and hear the stories that are known about the Lamanai site. It is a full tour, starting with an hour boat ride and wildlife viewing. Definitely lots to see along the river. The site is well maintained, very tranquil and controlled so it is not overrun with your groups like in Chichen-Itza or Tulum. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can answer just about anything about the ruins or Belize in general. Tell your friends and family, book your tour!
Alex Machholz — Google review
Colin did an amazing job! He was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. Such a great tour of the river, the wildlife, and the Mayan ruins.
Erin Russell — Google review
The guide was very knowledgeable about the river flora and fauna. Took us thru the ruins and was very helpful with the history of the culture and society of Lamanai. Our group had a double engine so the trip up and down the river was timely and fun. Andy is the man!
Scott Crawford — Google review
My family and I did a private full day adventure tour to Lamanai and an afternoon of fishing. Our guide, Colin, was amazing at spotting wildlife on the boat ride to Lamanai! We saw crocodiles, bats, turtles, and many, many beautiful birds. After a delicious lunch, Colin gave us a very interesting and informative tour of the beautiful ruins. To complete end our day, we fished off the boat in a couple spots before heading back to dock. Colin was an excellent captain and guide. We had a fantastic day!
Cara Slusher — Google review
Great trip with Nate today! He took time to show us many wild animals on the river and shared a lot of history and culture at the ruins. Small groups, private tour experience! Don't miss this!
Maile Jones — Google review
What an amazing visit our tour guide was super friendly shared his lifetime of stories from the area and kept us laughing the either tour. Be warned call ahead and plan a visit on a date that the cruise ships are in port as they visit here at 500+ folks at time. We visited on a no cruise ship day which made for amazing photos, and the wild life was out and about, we saw monkeys, snakes, bats, etc.. The lunch served at the end of the tour is well worth the hike! What amazing local dishes!!
John White — Google review
Our guide was amazing. The riverboat ride to get there was as exciting as the ruins themselves.
Jason Simpson — Google review
We had a great experience! The boat was clean and well maintained, and our captain Junior knew that river like the back of his hand. He went out of his way to spot wildlife (we saw a few crocodiles, and quite a few really interesting birds). The lunch provided at Lamanai was really tasty. Overall a really nice experience!
dane beck — Google review
Fantastic guide service! Nate guided, while Doc gave fun tidbits of info. Nate knows everything about the plants, animals, water, and history. We saw manatees, a crocodile, birds, bats, and a Mennonite village- and that was just on the way to the ruins. Nate combined his Mayan heritage with expert knowledge to deliver a professional tour. The sites are beautiful- no crowds! You can even climb up to the top of the largest pyramid. We trolled for tarpon on the way back to the dock, and went 1/2 on 40-50lb fish. I have fished for 20 years, and never knew that tarpon could exist in fresh water 30 miles upriver from the ocean. I highly recommend this trip for a fisherman/outdoorsman/birder/historian.
Matthew Jordan — Google review
What an amazing trip down the river to Lamanai Maya. Junior was the best tour guide. His sharp eyes were able to spot bats on the trees even while traversing the river. His knowledge of the river, history, and traditions was wonderful and so informative.
Altun Ha is an ancient Mayan city located in a forested area, one hour north of Belize City. It is the most popular Mayan site in the country due to its numerous traces of Mayan culture, including multiple stone altars and a large expanse of grass. The site is also significant for being home to the largest carved Jade artifact, which depicts Kinich Ahau, the Maya Sun God.
This was the best experience I ever had. I recommend anyone who wants to learn more about the Mayan ruins to visit this place. I enjoyed myself so much. I stayed in Belize for a week and this was the highlight of my day. It's also helps to have a wonderful tour guide and a tour guide that's very knowledgeable which we had
All smiles Over Here Phenomenal — Google review
It was like the many other ruins you find in area. This one is in the middle. There are bigger and there are smaller. If trying to decide which one to visit, this is good choice. If limited on time, you can do this and something else all in 1 day. We were on a cruise and did this and cave Tubing through Royal Belizean Adventures (a local tour group).
Adina Thimm Long — Google review
This is a historic site that can be easily gotten to for disabled people. If you are able to climb, I highly recommend going to the top for the view! An archeologist excavated part of this temple and found the remains of some of the royals. They were buried with jewels which would allow the totals to keep their stature in heaven.
Bonnie Patterson — Google review
A really cool area to see some well maintained Mayan ruins. We spent about an hour there and saw all that's available. A couple short but steep climbs to get to tops of temples. We stopped here early before heading to airport which was perfect amount of time we thought - if you're staying in the southern part of Belize it probably isn't worth a full day trip.
Matt Quinn — Google review
First Mayan Ruins and would go again. It is a beautiful location and a non strenuous adventure. Our tour guide Wallace from Belize Exotic adventures was amazing and informative! He even helped with photos and told us to take as much time as we would like! It was not busy in the morning at all we had the place pretty much to ourselves.
A — Google review
This was one of the best hikes I’ve had. Just looking at these ancient wonders was remarkable. I would recommend waking up early and being one of the first because it gets full. I suggest climbing the pyramids to have a better view and definitely take the walk to the hidden lake just looking at the foliage is like a jungle like feeling. I climb all of them and took many pictures. This is a must go to spot as soon as you get to Belize.
nelson valla — Google review
Impressive Mayan site. Easy access for people who can't get around as much as they used to. Very clean. Our guide was fantastic. We enjoyed learning about Altun Ha. I did climb to the top of the Sun Temple, but it wasn't easy. There are railings to hold on to but, I kept thinking....what if I fall?
Anita Simmons — Google review
Truly epic!!! It felt like I was stepping back in time. Our tour guide was from the area and answered all our questions and gave an awesome retelling of history. 10/10 recommend. Wife said it was better than Talum.
Chris Benham — Google review
Visited this place in august which was off season and we were the only ones there! It’s not a huge place so not much walking. You can climb up some of the temples, really cool. It’s so hot so be prepared with water. Bring BUG SPRAY. They sell some there but probably at double the price. So many bites.
$5 usd per person to enter. No time limit.
We quickly saw it all in about 45 minutes, but you can go with a guide and learn about it all it can take a lot longer.
Some nice souvenir shops around. Very clean bathrooms!
Alessandra Camargo — Google review
You can climb the temples. I came on a tour and it was very informative learning about the Mayan history. The steps are steep though so maybe bring some comfy shoes and not flip flops. It’s also very hot so being sunscreen
Brittany Ibarra — Google review
Altun Ha was amazing. The energy there was magical. Our tour guide was the grandson of the man that discovered the Jade Head and he was both informative and entertaining. I will definitely be going back again.
Samar Gabourel — Google review
Very beautiful, relaxing and grand experience. We went in July, it was extremely quiet. Cheap to get in, very clean and well kept. The ruins were stunning, especially the large sun temple. Few stalls to buy knickknacks outside and a couple spots to get food after. 100% recommended
Travis Gordon — Google review
Beautiful location, one of the cleanest Mayan sites in Belize. Road to it is mostly paved as well which makes it more accessible than other sites. Worth the detour off the highway
Chris Leonard — Google review
Great experience.
Amazing history and impressive designs/ architecture.
The landscape is well kept.
Lots of flies but ir was no problem. It was expected.
Our tour guide was very informative and answer all questions presented.
The store/ shopkeepers all will want you to purchase items but all items are overpriced by at least three times its original BZ cost. They will want Dollars.
In some cases i notice 4 times expensive. And i understand that they want to make a profile but you will feel worse when you get to a store in the city and find the item you bought dor 10 Dollar is really 5 BZ ...
The experience overall was great.
Fenelix K Paulino Jr — Google review
I love visiting Altun Ha. We were surprised and didn’t know that it is free for Belizeans on Sundays. That was a plus. Several little gift shops to choose from. A couple of the ruins had ropes that we couldn’t clime. The weather was extremely hot when we visited. I suggest taking a backpack with water. We did get water right at the entrance though. Was a nice family trip.
Mel Skeen — Google review
Interesting to compare this larger (wider) lock compared to the original lock that we passed through in our cruise ship. Original lock had small tug-trains to pull the ship compared to the larger lock using only large tugboats to assist the large container ships.
Ray Glur — Google review
Alton ha is a small Mayan site in Belize. The ruins are well maintained. The site is only small because a small portion is only excavated and is available to public. If you want to understand what those different buildings were all about , it’s recommended to hire a knowledgeable guide. It’s possible to complete a tour of the complex within a couple of hours
Kaushik Ghosh — Google review
Altun Ha is a well-maintained ancient Mayan ruins. There are several very tall structures that can be climbed safely and easily. The views from the top are fabulous! You only need an hour or so to wander around and climb if you would like.
Leigh Bowie — Google review
Altun Ha was amazing! It was so mesmerizing looking at all the Mayan architecture and feel the spiritual energy surrounding you. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. Visiting has inspired me to go visit other ancient Mayan Ruins. Our tour guide was Onofre and he was superb! Very knowledgeable about the area and the surroundings of Belize city.
Shanta Buffington — Google review
Park, souvenirs shops, toilets were more than ok. Museum is great, its in English so it is easy to understand history of those Mayan buildings. No words for Altun Ha piramides - great. Tour guide was also great and helpful, ready to answer on all questions.
Milos Grujic — Google review
Nov 15, 2023: Visited the Altun Ha Ruins as an excursion offered through Carnival Cruise Line. It is located about 50k/30mi out of Belize City (the 45-ish minute bus ride is worth it). Upon entering the actual grounds for the pyramids, I felt a sense of calm/groundedness - I am really unable to convey the feeling as I have never felt it before. I was able to ascend and descend the multiple ruins fairly easily; it would be difficult for someone with a weak gait and if you utilize a wheelchair/buggy I do not think most of you would be able to access the top of the ruins. PLEASE NOTE that if it is raining the stairs are extremely slippery and they do NOT allow you to climb the ruins at that point (it started raining when we were about to leave, and while I was coming down one of the ruins I slipped a little). This is was my first experience with any type of ancient ruins and it certainly did not disappoint. As with any commercial travel area the vendors do try to hustle you, but I simply stated I was not interested with a firm "no thank you" and kept moving - there is no need to allow it to negatively impact your entire experience/rating.
Mitch H — Google review
This ancient site is just amazing. Our guide was full of knowledge and clearly as a connection to the site and its importance in Mayan culture and trade. The unique location relatively close to the coast and the artifacts discovered at the site are fascinating. I highly recommend a visit if possible. Additionally, this site is not fully excavated with the oldest section still to be explored. I look forward to hearing about future excavations and the knowledge that will be gained.
M Ahern — Google review
Loved the history of it!!! YES you get to climb the ruins if it's not raining. 45 minute bus ride, a few hours to explore and lunch on the way back. I highly recommend this excursion!!!
Phillip Elliott — Google review
Stay away from the food /snack areas.. Would have been 5 stars.. if the snack people weren’t such swindlers ..at one point I didn’t know who I was buying from they need to get it together. Took away from me and our friend’s experience. They will try to rip you off. Very grassy Mayan Ruins. No Cenotes or Bodies of water around.
Protected wetlands & savanna sheltering storks, parrots & spoonbills, with a modest museum.
With the right conditions (low water, which brings the birds closer) the birding here is phenomenal--all species of herons (including boat-tailed and the hard to see Agami), four species of kingfishers (the pygmy is especially beautiful), greater and lesser Yellowlegs, fork-tailed flycatchers, Vermillion flycatchers, Jaribu storks (more than a dozen during my March visit), man warblers. A d these are only some highlights. Take a lagoon/ creek tour with Birds Eye Lodge guides for the best birding experience.
James Diedrick — Google review
We drove an hour from Belize City only to find the visitor centre abandoned and the museum closed. It was in the middle of the day, well within opening hours. Eventually we had to leave.
Saar Levinson — Google review
Beautiful, serene place. Great birding!
Oz (Sweet Kay Oz) — Google review
Very nice. Southern boardwalk currently undergoing repairs. Friendly staff, minimal entry fee. Did we see a ton of birds? No, because the migratory season had already begun. Did we see dozens? Oh heck yeah.
Access road from highway currently undergoing major repairs/upgrades as of Mar 2023.
Adrien Quenneville — Google review
Crooked Tree is a beautiful village and bird sanctuary. Located in the Belize District which was established in the early 18th century. And is approximately 33 miles from Belize City. In the height of the rainey season its a wonderful island, in the dry season it's a beautiful bird sanctuary. In the village you can see many migratory Birds such as the White Egrets, Jabiru Stork, Yellow Headed Parrots, Snail Kite, Rails Roseate Spoonbill and the elusive Agami Heron. Just to name a few. The people of Crooked Tree are very kind warm hearted and hospitable. Accommodation in Crooked Tree Village ( Birds Eye View Lodge & Tours, Crooked Tree Lodge, Tillett's Village Lodge,Jacana Inn and Beck's Bed & Breakfast. No with the paving of a portion of the road going into the village make it more accessible. So visiting this little peace of Paradise is a must.
samuel swasey — Google review
Have a wonderful view. It's a good place if you want to spend some time in family !
Sara Rojas — Google review
Don't expect to see flocks of birds together, it's mostly a one-at-a-time experience and often at a distance. Recommended for bird connoisseurs only (with binoculars), certainly not a tourist attraction.
Raul Arturo — Google review
This place is beautiful with so many birds. We went just for the afternoon, not knowing what to expect, and wish we had had more time. There's a small town and several walking trails along the water and in the forest. It's only about an hour from Belize City and when you arrive you just check in at the Belize Audubon Society building and pay $8BZD/person to utilize the trails and beautiful surroundings.
Sarah Kraemer — Google review
Definitely one of the best spot to spot the most birds..
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is a site of ancient Mayan ruins, including temples and scenic vistas. The reserve is situated on the west bank of a breathtaking 28-mile-long lagoon, one of only two Mayan sites accessible by water. Visitors can explore the partially open city with the help of knowledgeable guides and even climb to the top of one temple using modern stairs.
Very interesting tour. We had a great guide who told us plenty about the ruins. We were able to climb to the top of one of the temples on modern stairs around the back. It’s a big city that hasn’t been fully explored and is only partially open to tourism. We reached it by water, but I’m not sure if that’s the only way to get there. We even saw howler monkeys resting in the heat.
Robert Schremmer — Google review
Historically rich Mayan site. There are 3 large ruins that really impressed our family. One round is about 150 feet high. You are able to climb the ruins but when we arrived the largest ruins public access broke and we were sadly unable to climb it. Although it took an hour shuttle ride and an hour boat ride from Belize City one way, it was hands down totally worth visiting!
Janet Couch Vong — Google review
We booked an excursion through St George Caye with Colin of Eco Tours. He was educational, informative, friendly, generous with his time, and kept us rapt amongst the ruins as he told us about them. He even got the howler monkeys going! And grabbed a tarantula for us. Best of all- he provided an authentic Belizean lunch. Colin was great!
As was Cornell from St George Caye.
The ruins are magnificent & the boat ride too!
Angie Kinsey — Google review
Absolutely fantastic time on our tour, we did the Lamanai adventure from Belize city and it was well worth the effort. The riverboat cruise down was super fun and we spotted tons of animals including crocodiles, toucans, various birds, huge iguanas and more. At lamanai we climbed the temples and got to observe a family of howler monkeys. It was capped off by a delicious lunch. The guides were extremely professional and kind. I would recommend it for sure!
Joe L. — Google review
The site is a must see when visiting the area! We took a riverboat tour with a guided tour of the Lamanai. upon arrival, we could hear howler monkeys, but unfortunately we were not fortunate enough to see in person. It was so impressive to learn more about the history and be able to climb a handful of the sites themselves. Truly amazing, we feel so fortunate to have been able to visit and experience.
Caitlin Moriarty — Google review
Absolutely breathtaking site. Long drive on dirt road but totally worth it. You can go by boat if you have no car. Had the site for myself, very clean and well kept as all the other sites in Belize. Totally worth it.
Suzy — Google review
Beautiful experience. EFTours in conjunction with Lamanai River Boat Tours. Maracus bar and Restaurant was very good too. Very very polite people and extremely professional.
Dean Myslivecek — Google review
This was an amazing, probably once in a lifetime visit to some fantastic Mayan ruins! We hood Lamanai Belize Tours for the day, and we’re very pleased with their service and knowledge of the grounds.
Amanda Kenyon — Google review
Boat ride through the jungle with many birds and animals along the way, then you arrive at Lamanai to see the amazing ruins. Walking the trails, you see many different plants and animals. You see and hear the howler monkeys up in the trees. Finished our visit with a Belizean lunch prepared by our tour guides wife and visited the shops of local Belize products. You don't want to miss this tour.
James McCabe — Google review
Booked tour via carnival cruise which included transportation and tour guides. Initial bus ride was about 1 hour with guides sharing culture and information about country of Belize. Made one stop to disembark, use bathrooms, purchase snacks or beverages before getting on boat to reach Mayan site. Boat ride was pretty cool with great lake views. Tour guide was very knowledgeable on Mayan culture and temple ruins. If you are up for an adventure I recommend booking this tour.
Nolvin Jimenez — Google review
Other than the on and off rain, which can and does regularly happen on any day of the year, this was a very cool Carnival excursion. The ruins are quite impressive and the tour guides very knowledgeable about Belize's history & culture.
ChrisPandHisFlyingV — Google review
Hot and humid, make sure to carry water and wear toe covered comfortable walking shoes. Amazed at what has been built by the people years back and only 5% of the ruins have been excavated up until now. Would certainly come back in couple of years.
Vinu Samuel — Google review
This was a nice group of ruins, very informative and immersive. There are several different pyramids and ruins with a little bit of walking in-between. Some of the pyramids you can climb to the top or partially. The high temple is closed for climbing at the moment but it is still great to look at. The view from the top of the Jaguar Temple is great and you can see for miles over the tops of the trees. It is a moderate climb but my husband and I were able to make it even with our bad knees. The ball court and Mask Temple still have amazing detail. There is also a short hike to an old sugar mill.
Spacey J. — Google review
First, the drive here from Orange Walk was easy, despite a couple locals warning us the road was bad. It's not great, but it's not terrible.
You'll drive through Mennonite country; be sure to slow down as you pass the horse and carriages.
Lamanai itself was decent. There's a good museum that summarizes the history of the area to help put into context what you'll see.
As for the ruins, there's not a lot to see here. The Mask Temple can be climbed, but the High Temple (one of the largest Mayan buildings) cannot.
Expect to do aot of walking. We spent probably 80 min walking around the site and 45 min in the museum (we read all the panels).
At $10 for the visit, you'll get your money's worth. We heard that there were howler monkeys in the area; we didn't see them, but we did see a Mexican Red Rumped Tarantula!
Michael Greer — Google review
It takes a bit of travel and effort to get here but well worth it. Awesome and knowledgeable guides. Was able to climb to the top of one of the Temples. Not allowed on the others.
Mike Flood — Google review
This is not just a place, it's an adve ture! Getting here in a fast river boat is half the fun. The ruins are magnificent! You can still climb on many of them. Very informative museum, restrooms and lovely affordable gift kiosks. We were lucky enough to see a few howler monkeys as well. Highly recommended!
Leigh Bowie — Google review
Amazing!!! The boat ride in was fabulous. The guide taught us about the wildlife and history of Belize. He maneuvered the boat to ensure we were able to see marine life when they appeared. The walk through the ruins was breathtaking. The guide had the ability to transport back in history with his storytelling. We had free time to explore and climb the ruins. In our trip, lunch was provided. Yummy! There were shops there you should make time for. The bathrooms were clean.
Kelly Christian — Google review
Great experience the staff is very welcoming. Having the opportunity to see a part of history definitely made the trip worthwhile.. However I would not recommend driving in to get there, roads are very bad. If I ever visited again, I would take the tour boat in..
Clayton Wilks — Google review
We enjoyed visiting the ancient Mayan ruins! Hearing the howler monkeys in the background really gave it a Jurassic park feel and wish I would’ve captured that part on video. Amazing what they were able to build so long ago. Wow! It takes a bus ride and boat ride to get there, but it was a great day altogether.
Heather McCray — Google review
We went with Exotic Cruises. Our guides were Jay, Liz and Alex. They were all excellent, very knowledgeable and keeping the group on track.
You can see from the photos that it is a fascinating place and very well maintained.
The cruise up the Belize River is very fast (about 40 mph or more). So that adds a lot of fun in each direction.
The food was good for lunch with an overall Creole theme
We loved it!
Thank you to everyone including our bus driver.
Kevin Pope — Google review
Wow. I have never had the pleasure of seeing Mayan ruins prior to my visit to Lamanai. The history is truly fascinating and the setting is the most beautiful lush jungle I’ve ever seen. Also my first time seeing monkeys in the wild. Sooooo cool.