|
|
Akumal Mexico Facts
- Food: top
Common sense can greatly reduce your chances of coming down with food or water related illnesses. Firstly, do not over indulge in spicy Mexican foods and pitchers of margaritas or strong Mexican beer during the first few days of your trip. Eat and drink in moderation. Go slowly if you are not used to the Mexican spices and cooking.
Like many countries, do not eat from street vendors since they tend to be less sanitary. Only eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are served either oven-hot or refrigerator-cold. Many people eat at street vendors' stalls without problems, but you should be cautious.
Be sure your unpeeled raw vegetables and fruit are washed in purified water and dried with a clean cloth. Peeled and thoroughly cooked vegetables are okay, as the boiling water will sanitize them.
- Transportation: top
Driving is on the right, as it is in the United States, and rental cars, taxis, bicycles and mopeds are also available. An International Driver's License is not required, and Mexico recognizes the license that was issued by your state or province.
- Water: top
Bottled Water is the absolutely safest drinking water. Many first-rate hotels use purified water in their taps. Budget hotels may provide agua purificada in bottles or carafes. Request beverages sin hielo (without ice) - do not take chances. More up-scale establishments use purified water for everything, but be sure to ask.
- Tropical Storms: top
It is rare for Riviera Maya to get hurricanes, but it is a fact of life. Hurricanes tend to move slowly enough for people to avoid danger, and there is a 3-day warning system in the area that will advise you of the situation. Hotels and villas are experienced in keeping guests safe and happy during one of these storms. So, you should not worry about vacationing during this season when many times you get the best deals and the best weather.
- Emergency Numbers: top
Throughout the country, the number to call for any police emergency
is 18-39-54; to reach the fire department call 14-20-50; for any medical emergency, call the Red Cross at 15-20-55.
- Entry Requirments: top
A valid passport or a birth certificate with an official state seal (official document only). A valid photo I.D. if you don't have a drivers license. All drivers will need a drivers license.
- Visas: top
Citizens of many countries - including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Chile and virtually all Western European countries - do not require visas to enter Mexico as tourists.
- Travel Seasons: top
High travel season is August and December to Easter. Low season is all other months.
- Time Zone: top
Mexico spans three different time zones. Mexico City and Cozumel, for example, are on central time, putting them in the same time zone as Chicago, or 6 hours behind Greenwich mean time, 6 hours behind London, 3 hours behind São Paulo, 9 hours behind Moscow, and 16 hours behind Tokyo. Two of Mexico's time zones observe daylight saving time during the summer months; during that time clocks are advanced by 1 hour.
- Crime: top
There is little crime in Riviera Maya. In the tourist areas, you are generally safe late at night. Car break-ins are just about the only crime, especially around the shopping centers. So be sure to lock your door like you would back at home. Like any other beach resort, do not leave money or valuables unattended on the beach.
- Inoculations: top
No inoculations are required to enter Mexico, though you should check with your medical practitioner for current requirements. Get a tetanus booster if you are overdue for one. You might consider wearing an ID tag provided by Medic Alert International (Box 1009, Turlock, CA 95381; Tel. 800-ID-ALERT; fee) if you have a medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, allergies to ordinary medications, or heart disease.
- Area Code: top
The area code for Akumal and the Riviera Maya is 984. All local numbers have seven digits, and all numbers begin with 8. If a number is written (984) 873-1234, when in Riviera Maya you must dial 873-1234.
- Climate: top
Not only does Mayan Riviera have the warm sun year-round, but the average year-round temperature is 80°F (27°C) and hardly humid! But during the winter the temperature can go down to a warm 65°F (19°C) at night. And in the summer temperatures can be as high as 100°F (38°C). Not to worry, the ocean breeze keeps Mayan Riviera comfortable, compared to other areas of Mexico.
November through February is the best time to go since that's when the sun shines the most days. And during the "rainy season" from July-November, rainfall is rare even then.
The busy winter tourism season, when prices reach their peak, overtakes the area from mid-December to April. This time of year is attractive not just because it's winter in North America and Europe, but also because it's not raining and the heat isn't so muggy. May, the end of the dry season, and June, the start of the rains.
Tropical Storms:
It is rare for Riviera Maya to get hurricanes, but it is a fact of life. Hurricanes tend to move slowly enough for people to avoid danger, and there is a 3-day warning system in the area that will advise you of the situation. Hotels and villas are experienced in keeping guests safe and happy during one of these storms. So, you should not worry about vacationing during this season when many times you get the best deals and the best weather.
High travel season is August and December to Easter. Low season is all other months.
- Akumal Overview: top
Akumal is about 10 minutes south of Puerto Aventuras. This secluded area grew from a tiny village to an area of condos, villas nestled along the bays from Half Moon Bay to the north to South Akumal and Jade Beach to the south. Restaurants, small grocery stores are scattered throughout the area. Akumal offers life at a slower pace, a laid-back casual atmosphere. It's popularity has grown and properties are in high demand, booking up to a year in advance.
Gran Bahia Principe Coba: Akumal/Tulum
The Gran Bahía Príncipe Resort is formed by three 5 stars resorts: Gran Bahía Príncipe Akumal, Gran Bahía Príncipe Tulum and Gran Bahía Príncipe Coba. The commercial/entertainment center of "Hacienda ... |
Gran Bahia Principe Akumal: Akumal
The Gran Bahía Príncipe Resort is formed by three 5 stars resorts: Gran Bahía Príncipe Akumal, Gran Bahía Príncipe Tulum and Gran Bahía Príncipe Coba. Located 10 km (6 miles) from Xel-Ha, the ... |
Akumal Beach Resort: Akumal
The All-Inclusive Akumal Beach Resort is located in the heart of Riviera Maya, direct on a one kilometer white sandy beach belongs to the hotel, very safe and excellent for morning walks or jogging. ... |
Grand Oasis Riviera Maya: Akumal
Come to Club Oasis Akumal, and leave your every day world behind. Here we've created an oasis of nature and pleasure for you and your family. A magnificent tropical resort - tucked away in the ... |
|
Casa Romero: Akumal
Completely renovated and upgraded, this is the original villa on the lagoon with a spectacular panoramic view of the lagoon and ocean.
Totally air conditioned with large living areas Casa Romero ... |
|
|
|
 |
|
CaribbeanMag.com
We recommend CheapCaribbean.com
Caribbean Travel Tips
Preparation for Your Trip
Start Early. If a passport is required for you to enter the country where you are planning to travel, apply for it as soon as possible.
Learn about the countries you plan to visit. Before departing, read up on the culture and people for the places you will travel.
As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, if you will be staying more than two weeks in an area, or if you are going to a place where ... more
Camera Tips
Always keep your film, tape, or computer disks out of the sun. Carry an extra supply of batteries, and be prepared to turn on your camera, camcorder, or laptop to prove to security personnel that the device is real. Always ask for hand inspection of film, which becomes clouded after successive exposures to airport X-ray machines, and keep videotapes and computer disks away from metal detectors.
View All Tips |
|
|
|
Resources:
