Are you ready for a day of exploring the Riviera Maya? Here’s one option to think about. Start with a trip to the ancient Maya city of Tulum in the morning, followed by snorkeling, beach fun and a seafood lunch in Akumal and then Playa del Carmen for shopping and dinner.

Caribbean colors and Maya history at Tulum

When you walk through the entrance to Tulum archaeological site, past the iguanas sunning themselves on temple walls and the ciricote trees covered with bright orange flowers and reach the rock outcrop crowned by the El Castillo temple, one word will come to your mind when you see the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean stretch out before you: “breathtaking.“   This Maya city perches on a cliff top overlooking the sea and wooden steps lead down to a tiny bay where trading canoes once rocked gently at their moorings more than 1,000 years ago. The views along the coast from such a majestic vantage point are of headlands and white bays stretching as far as the eye can see.

In ancient times Tulum was known as Zama, which means “Dawn” and this magical place is certainly a great spot to watch the sunrise. “Tulum” itself means “wall” in Maya, a reference to the sturdy stone barrier that protects it on three sides, the fourth being the sea.

An inscription on a stela or standing stone found at the site reveals that Tulum was inhabited as far back as A.D. 564 although it reached its peak during the post-Classic period (1250–1521) as a port on the sea and land trade routes.

El Castillo dominates the site; other important groupings are the Temple of the Descending God, Temple of the Frescos, the House of the Columns and the Temple of the Wind.

Akumal, place of the turtles

Our next stop is Akumal, “the place of the turtles” in Maya. This palm-lined bay owes its name to the ancient inhabitants of the area, and to the creatures that they held sacred, the sea turtles. Ak means turtle and lumal place and in Akumal green and loggerhead turtles can be seen swimming around the coral reefs, grazing on patches of sea grass in the bay and coming ashore in the summer to lay their eggs in the sand.

While the beautiful coral reefs offshore attract divers and snorkelers, peaceful Akumal is also a family favorite; the sheltered waters and gentle surf of the bay are ideal for children, and they enjoy hours of fun on the beach and snorkeling in the shallows. Venture into the water, don your mask and it won’t be long before you see colorful fish or even a turtle swimming by.

As a break from the beach, shop for Mexican folk art, textiles and jewelry in the stores and galleries clustered under the palm trees, a short walk from the beach. Sea turtles depicted in wood, ceramics or as silver earrings or metal wall hangings make great souvenirs and there are evocative pictures of Akumal and its turtles by local painters.

Try one of the restaurants overlooking the beach and set back under the trees for lunch. Options include the catch of the day – fresh fish, shrimp and lobster–, tacos and guacamole, pizza and pasta, tasty salads, sandwiches, homemade cakes and ice cream.

A short drive along the coast road to the north of Akumal beach brings you to Half Moon Bay, a cove where the reef comes closer to the shore. The snorkeling is good here too and the views incredible. There’s an atmospheric beach bar with a wooden bar, swings, hammocks, thatched lookout towers and tables and benches made of tree trunks. Order a cocktail and some ceviche and enjoy the afternoon. The water is so clear that you can sometimes see turtles coming up for air and spotted eagle rays swimming in the shallows.

Follow the coast road further north to the shores of Yalku, a turquoise-colored inlet fed by crystal-clear waters bubbling up from cenotes and underground rivers, hence the refreshingly cool temperature.

A variety of multicolored reef fish feed and breed among the mangrove roots and submerged rocks in the lagoon. You’ll be surrounded by curious sergeant majors as soon as you enter the water. Swim a few feet from shore and you’ll spot blue tangs, butterfly fish, angelfish and pork fish, among others.

A local cooperative manages Yalku and charges a fee for admission. Life jackets are available and there are restrooms and a little open-air cafe.

Playa del Carmen

It’s time to return to Cancun, but on the way back, be sure to stop in Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya’s vibrant capital, for a walk along Quinta Ave for shopping, dinner and music. Find your spot under the palms and trees full of lights and watch the world go by.

Thomas More Travel can help with Tulum tours, snorkeling trips to Akumal and transportation to Playa del Carmen.