| Akumal: place of the turtles in the Mayan language, is where one
travels to find quiet beaches, powdery sand, lush jungle, and friendly people. Tropical life abounds in our protected bays where the most
experienced snorkeler will find fulfillment, and where the youngest rookie can discover
the beauty of the underwater world.
Your days can be as busy and varied as you choose, or as
restful and unwinding. There are plenty of reefs, jungle, sacred Mayan sites all within
easy reach of Akumal, and the natural setting almost guarantees unforgettable sunsets and
moonlit nights.
Akumal is unspoiled in its natural beauty, providing all
the comforts and services you will need on your vacation, and a true balance between
tourism and the environmental conservation. |
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Founded over 35 years ago, it has
remained true to protecting earth's great beauties, while also providing a quality
vacation in this special setting. For this reason Akumal has remained essentially the same
through-out the years and remains unchanged since the development of the Cancun Tulum
Corridor. It's reserved for those who truly appreciate a destination that does not need to
be drastically overwhelmed. Here you receive good
tourism and we welcome the traveler who is looking for experience that will live on in the
memory long after having left Akumal.
We invite you to Akuma, and after having you here one time
we're sure an invitation to return will not be necessary. |
Akumal Brief History...
Akumal means the place of the turtle, and used to be a
seaport and trading center of the Maya. In 1513, a Spanish Galleon shipwrecked off the
shore of Akumal. Seventeen of the sailors were washed up on the beach, where the Mayans
captured them and made them slaves.
Fifteen died. The two survivors were Geronimo De Aguilar, who
was a friar and warrior, and Gonzalo Guerrero. It was Guerroro who would have a lasting
impact on the Akumal area culture.
Gonzalo Guerrero wound up marrying the Mayan princess Zazi
and fathered the first mestizos so called white Indian. He went on to teach the Maya new
war techniques they would later use in their fight against Spaniards.
The Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes arrived in Cozumel and
heard about the ship wreck and two survivors in Akumal. He sent emissaries to look for
them. The search party located the two, and Geronimo de Aguilar was returned to Cortes'
camp. Later, the rescued sailor would become the first translator and guide in the
conquest of Mexico.
Gonzalo Guerrero adapted to his life with the Maya. As he
told the emissaries he was no longer a Spaniard; he was Mayan. He stayed in Akumal with
his wife and three children until he died in 1536.
Today, a statue of Gonzalo Guerrero stands on the beach in
the the Bay of Akumal.
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