Akumal’s cultural life is tied to conservation and to the Maya history of the coast. Within a short drive are several INAH archaeological sites, a new regional museum in Tulum and a long running local art gallery. INAH raised entry fees on January 1, 2026, to 209 MXN at its main Quintana Roo sites.
Each listing includes the location, a link and a map. Places change, so we review this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.
Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA)
Akumal Bay · Conservation center
Carr. Puerto Juárez-Tulum Km 104, Akumal, Q.R. 77776
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: CEA is a nonprofit that has run sea turtle conservation, coral reef research and environmental education in Akumal for more than 30 years. It also coordinates volunteer programs such as reef restoration, reef monitoring and turtle camps.
Galería Lamanai
Akumal Pueblo · Art and folk art gallery
Av. Gonzalo Guerrero entre Punta Brava y Punta Maroma, 77737 Akumal, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Galería Lamanai is an art gallery that shows and sells work by Mexican artists, mixing fine art with folk art and crafts. It has been part of Akumal for many years.
Xel-Há Archaeological Zone
Xel-Há, about 10 min south · Maya archaeological site
Carretera Federal 307, 77774 Q.R. (across the highway from Xel-Há Park)
View on map
Why we recommend it: INAH reopened the Xel-Há archaeological zone in July 2026 after improvements to paths, signage and visitor services. It opens daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Tulum, about 25 to 30 min south · Maya archaeological site
Parque del Jaguar, Tulum, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: Tulum is a walled Maya port city set on a cliff above the Caribbean, inside Parque del Jaguar. It is one of INAH’s top tier sites in Quintana Roo, and access requires both the park fee and the archaeological zone ticket.
Museo Regional de la Costa Oriental
Tulum, about 25 to 30 min south · Archaeology museum
Tulum (next to the Tulum naval air base), Q.R. 77764
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: This new regional museum, built as part of the Maya Train program, focuses on the history of the Maya east coast around Tulum. It opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Cobá Archaeological Zone
Cobá, about 1 hour inland (day trip) · Maya archaeological site
Carretera Tulum-Cobá, Cobá, Tulum, Q.R.
View on map
Why we recommend it: Cobá was one of the most important Classic Maya cities of the northeastern Yucatán, known for its Nohoch Mul pyramid and its network of white stone causeways (sacbeob). It is an INAH top tier site with 2026 admission of 209 MXN for foreign visitors.
Living in Akumal
Thinking about buying in Akumal? Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage that has represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008, and we never represent developers.
- Akumal neighborhood guide
- Parks and nature in Akumal
- Things to do in Akumal
- Restaurants we recommend in Akumal
- Shopping in Akumal
- Nightlife and entertainment in Akumal
- Half Moon Bay guide
- Akumal Pueblo guide
- Aventuras Akumal and Jade Bay guide
- Tulum neighborhood guide
- Akumal properties for sale
- Talk to a buyer’s agent
