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    Day Itinerary

    10 Activities
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    Day 2

    49 mi2 mi

    SUPing, Surfing & Snorkelling

    Today begins with some water sports – SUP, surf, or kayak – in Playa del Carmen, before driving south along the coast to the pretty village of Akumal, where you’ll have the incredible experience of snorkelling alongside turtles and other marine life.
    There’s a healthy lunch at a “superfoods” café before continuing south to Tulum, where you can check out the famous Ven a la Luz statue. You’ll check into the Casa Malca boutique hotel (for two nights) before heading out to an exceptional, “off-grid” restaurant for some fantastic open-fire cooking.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    Playa del Carmen

    Playa del Carmen

    Open Details
    Playa del Carmen is one of the best places for water sports, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. You can do everything here, from “SUPing” (stand up paddleboarding) and surfing to sea kayaking.
    On the beach, you can easily find several clubs offering both equipment rentals and private or group lessons. Classes are held throughout the day.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences

    The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences

    Open Details
    Return to the hotel and check out.
    Book Now
    If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.
    23.8 mi
    40 min
    Akumal Parking

    Akumal Parking

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    Park your car and explore the Paradise Coast in no time.
    0.6 mi
    15 min
    Playa Akumal

    Playa Akumal

    Open Details
    This small village is “the” place in the Yucatán to swim with sea turtles, who feed on the abundant seagrass in the bay. To access the beach, park near the Oxxo shop and walk into the village. Akumal Bay is a protected area and there are designated zones for swimming and snorkelling. You can rent a mask and snorkel from any of the dive centres here; make sure you read the signs indicating where you can swim and related dos & don’ts.
    Please only use biodegradable sun cream (you can buy some from the shop if you don’t have any), as the chemicals in other sun creams can irritate the skin of the turtles and other sea creatures. Look out for stingrays too, which are just as amazing to watch.
    Note: you may encounter people on the beach and in the village who will try to sell you a guided snorkel tour, saying that it is mandatory to have a guide; it isn’t. You just need to stay in the designated zones when you are snorkelling.
    0.7 mi
    15 min
    Turtle Bay Bakery and Cafe

    Turtle Bay Bakery and Cafe

    Open Details
    This brightly coloured and unpretentious café in the village serves the most delicious range of salads, packed with superfoods. If you feel like something more substantial, the burritos and fajitas are also tasty.
    It's a great place to relax and catch your breath after the beach. You don't need to make a reservation in advance.
    Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    Akumal Parking

    Akumal Parking

    Open Details
    It’s time to pick up the car from the car park and continue your journey.
    21.2 mi
    40 min
    Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park

    Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park

    Open Details
    Tulum’s giant iconic sculpture “Ven a la Luz” once welcomed eco-hotel Ahau guests from the roadside but is now relocated in the hotel grounds, along with a couple of other impressive artworks. You’ll need to pay a small fee to enter the grounds (proceeds go to local charities) but it’s well worth it.
    Created by South African artist Daniel Popper, this 10-metre-high sculpture made from wood, steel, and greenery translates as “come to the light” and depicts a woman holding her chest open to reveal a cavity of lush scenery.
    Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    Note that the sculpture garden closes at sunset.
    This is also a good place to stay a while longer for an early evening drink, as the complex has a couple of nice bars and restaurants.
    1.5 mi
    10 min
    Casa Malca

    Casa Malca

    Open Details
    This stunning boutique hotel, situated at the end of Tulum’s beach, has a fascinating history. It was originally an eight-room hotel owned by the notorious drug dealer, Pablo Escobar, and was purchased by Lio Malca, a New York art dealer, in 1993, after Escobar’s death. Beautifully renovated, it now has 42 suites and is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Tulum.
    You will also need to book tomorrow's boat trip into Sian Ka'an Reserve with the concierge when you check in, or via WhatsApp.
    Book Now
    If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link. Note that you’ll be staying here two nights.
    1.3 mi
    10 min
    Hartwood

    Hartwood

    Open Details
    Tulum is Playa del Carmen’s younger and more bohemian little sister, and this “off-grid” restaurant epitomises the town’s alternative vibe. The establishment is solar-powered and produces zero waste, and the meat and fish are sustainably sourced and cooked over a wood-burning stove. The menu changes daily depending on what’s available, but the flavours are fresh, bold, and Mexican.
    As this is a popular restaurant, it is advisable to book a table in advance. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. Email: [email protected].
    Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday – Tuesday: Closed
    For more information, please visit the official website.
    1.3 mi
    10 min
    Casa Malca

    Casa Malca

    Open Details
    Return to the hotel and enjoy a fantastic evening.
    Book Now
    If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.
    Note you’ll be staying here two nights.
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