Aktun Chen

Dry Cave, Cenote, Zoo, Ziplines

There is a cave hike full of surprises, rated as one of the 10 Best  Dry Caves in The World by National Geographic.  It greatly exceeded our expectations.  Our guide was knowledgeable in Spanish and English, and hastened to explain that the ceiling-roosting bats were of the fruit-eating variety. And, when the guide turns on the lights, it’s perfect for quality travel photography.

The zip lines were somewhat tame, but safe.  (A bonus for older and only semi-adventurous travelers like myself, as well as the 7- and 10-year old children on tour with us.)   It was completely uncrowded.  We had the cenote swim and zip line area virtually all to ourselves.

Zoo Travel

There is also a small zoo at Aktun Chen with reptiles, a margay (the cat pictured on the right), parrots, javalina, deer etc.  All wildlife residents are well-cared for rescue animals that are no longer able to survive in the wild.

Where’s the Bathroom?

Aktun Chen has extremely clean bathrooms and changing facilities. Their customer service is personal and outstanding.  We even gave Jaime, one of their guides, a ride back to Playa del Carmen.  He shared a lot about local wildlife, including his encounter with a jaguar.  Very exciting to know that there are still a few jaguars in the populous Riviera Maya!  Have I mentioned that I travel with a wildlife biologist???    —->

More about Aktun Chen.  

An Intimate EcoPark

It seems that on the Yucatan Peninsula, there is an EcoPark boom.  These parks usually offer zip lining, a swimming opportunity, natural jungle, and native animals.   Aktun Chen is sort of like the “Mom and Pop” version of the EcoPark.

Beautiful Cenote

The cenote is in a limestone cave.    It was cool and a very refreshing swim after walking through the extremely hot and humid cave.  Bring your bathing suit and a towel.  Be sure to allow plenty of time to relax in the cool, crystal clear waters.  This cenote draws a sharp contrast to Cenote Manatee, an above ground mangrove cenote, just a few miles down the highway.  Try both!

Aktun Chen is highly recommended for those who don’t particularly enjoy the more commercial and crowded EcoParks. From the main road, the entrance is a long drive in on a dirt road, which might intimidate city drivers.

Each part of the experience is priced separately or you can purchase a complete package (inexplicably called the Indiana Joe !?) which includes transportation to the park, cave tour, zip lining, zoo, cenote swim, and lunch at their restaurant for about $100 for adults and less for children.

Aktun Chen

Don’t Drive in Panama City, Panama!

With no street names or numbers, and 24 hour traffic jams, don’t drive in Panama City, Panama. Walk, take a cab, a bus, a train, or bike instead! Listen to our funny experience and enjoy the beautiful photos.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort nestles in a tropical rainforest filled with wildlife, culture, & relaxation-ahhhh. We especially recommend Gamboa, Panama for nature lovers.

Magical, Mystical Bali

A traveler’s introduction to the magical, mystical Hindu island of Bali, Indonesia.

8 Delicacies of Mexico’s Yucatan

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has great food sourced in the Mayan culture. We encourage you to be gastronomically adventurous on your visit to this magical region. Two main ingredients are sour orange juice and a specialty spice paste called recado.

3 Perfect Days in Cozumel, Mexico

There is something exceptional about the island of Cozumel, Mexico. The energy, the peace, the people, the ocean. Sea turtles nest here in counterbalance to huge cruiseships. Somehow, the synergy of her Mayan goddess Ix Chel prevails.

Cozumel, Mexico

The Mayan “island of swallows” known as Cozumel basks in the warm Caribbean Sea off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Famous for idyllic beaches, water sports, diving on the Meso-American Coral Reef with its rich underwater flora and fauna, the isle is a warm, welcoming immersive experience into Mexican and Mayan culture.

Vibrant San Miguel de Allende # 2

Countless travelers have come to San Miguel de Allende for a few weeks’ vacation, and never made it back home. So charmed were they by the hip, colonial, old-Mexico modern vibe that they purchased homes on the spot and had their worldly goods shipped south from the USA or Canada.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico #1

Traditional, eclectic, historic, vibrant, artsy. All these words have been used to describe the village of San Miguel de Allende located in Mexico’s heartland state of Guanajuato. With an energetic nightlife, outdoorsy focus, international ex-pat community and welcoming local residents, anything and everything that interests you is here in a temperate mountain environment.

Top 7 Things to Do on Staycation

Sometimes a great choice for time off is to catch up on tasks that are stressing us, establish practices to feel more relaxed and less harried, and just explore and enjoy where we live and spending time with family and friends.

Chichen Itza, Mayan Metropolis

A visit to Chichen Itza is awe inspiring, BUT there are key travel tips you need to know to fully appreciate and enjoy your visit, avoiding the throngs of vendors. Read our Best Travel Advice section to hone in on the best options. You’ll be glad you did.

Idyllic Paamul Beach and RV Community on the Mexican Riviera

Projecting a 1960’s style hippie beach commune vibe, the hidden gem of Paamul on the Mexican Riviera has remained a pristine paradise. The offshore coral reef is breathtaking and in good condition. Scenery here boasts the whitest of beaches caressed by a turquoise sea, alive with coral and tropical fish. Also an RV Community, it’s a Baby-Boomer’s dream of tropical bliss.

Yal-Ku Lagoon on the Riviera Maya

Yal-Ku is a protected lagoon where freshwater from the cenote empties into the salty ocean. Rich in fish and wildlife, it’s a safe and easy snorkel for all abilities. It Is also a wonderful outdoor sculpture exhibit and provides a café for snacks. Adjacent to Akumal, this place has it all!

Akumal on the Riviera Maya

Akumal on the Riviera Maya is a complex of five beautiful beaches known for easy to find sea turtles and rays. It is an ex-pat hangout and gets busy in the middle of the day. Best relaxation and snorkeling is early morning and late. Great beach restaurants make this an ideal chill spot.

Xcaret Park, Riviera Maya

Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park is a must-see on the Riviera Maya of Mexico. Plan two days if possible because there is so much to see and do: wildlife, Mayan culture including the famously difficult ball game, geology, swimming, Mexican heritage, orchids, great food and drink. There are beautiful evening shows to enjoy as well.

Swim with Whale Sharks

From June to September each year, lovers of fish and wildlife can snorkel or dive with the largest fishes in the ocean – whale sharks. These mammoth filter feeders feast on zooplankton off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They are truly gentle giants.

The Town and Beaches of Tulum

Tulum is a fascinating mix of Mayan archaeology, Mexican history and international boutique beach hotels. The beaches are all idyllic Caribbean white sand and turquoise waters. Visit now, before planned government developments attract the huge tourist crowds of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Tankah Tres Beach & Cenote Manatee

This beach and cenote go by multiple names. By any measure, Tankah Tres Beach and Cenote Manatee are a mellow, uncrowded spot to relax for a day, or an entire vacation. Snorkel, swim, dive, birdwatch, sunbathe, relax. Close enough to Tulum to access fancy restaurants and nightlife, this is an ideal spot on the Riviera Maya.

Great Eats by Arenal Volcano

The restaurant Chifa La Familia Feliz is operated by a classically trained Peruvian chef in La Fortuna, Costa Rica near Arenal Volcano. Chifa is a synthesis of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine very popular in Peru, and Lima in particular. Chef Martin cooks behind a glass wall, so you can watch your meal taking shape in the immaculate kitchen of this 6-table delight. Eat here. Definitely.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a touristy beach town on the Caribbean. It’s quite laid back compared to Cancun. A great central location for exploration of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula, it has everything for a relaxing or energizing vacation.

Gelaterias in Panama

Gelato and Italian food is everywhere in Panama due to a 1966 immigration agreement. What a treat for tourists and residents! The gelato is made with the freshest Panamanian fruits and It’s totally delicious.

Riviera Maya Overview, Mexico

On Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you can have any vacation experience you desire: chill-out, luxury, budget, wildlife, adrenalin adventure, educational, historical, geological, archaeological, shop-till-you-drop or party all night. What a fabulous place. We can’t stop going back.

Shake Your Booty, Agouti

Our original fresh tropical fruit drink recipe created with overproof Jamaican rum and Caribbean Guavaberry Liquor – very potent. After one of these you’ll want to “Shake Your Booty, Agouti”!

The Relationship Between Arts & Culture

The arts are an expression of prevailing culture, both the positives and negatives. Arts are shaped by culture. Personal expression holds a mirror to society and shapes culture in turn. This creates a rich on-going dialog.

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