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Tulum has long been a popular destination in Mexico, and it will be easier than ever to visit this Mexican-Caribbean beach paradise with the recent opening of a brand new airport.
But another underrated destination nearby is poised to become Mexico’s trendiest new hotspot in 2024.
The seaside resort Akumal is just 25 minutes from Tulum and growing in popularity.
Here’s why it will become even more popular among travelers in 2024:
New flights make it easier than ever to visit
A beautiful destination on the Riviera Maya, Akumal is less than a half-hour drive from the new Tulum International Airport, which opened on December 1.
Several airlines have already announced new flights to Tulum from 10 U.S. cities, with new cities being added regularly.
Once the airport officially opens, it is likely that airlines will continue to expand their presence in Tulum with even more new routes.
This makes it easier than ever to visit Akumal.
Previously, travelers had to fly into Cancun, Mexico’s largest and busiest airport. From Cancun it is about 1.5 hours to Akumal.
But now travelers can fly direct to Tulum and take an easy 25-minute journey to Akumal, significantly reducing travel time and hassle.
It’s cheaper than Tulum
A major reason Akumal will become a top destination by 2024 is because it is more affordable than the increasingly expensive Tulum.
While Tulum can be a great destination, its ridiculously high prices are causing its popularity to decline as travelers look for more budget-friendly alternatives.
In Tulum you can spend $25 on a five-minute taxi ride or up to $1,000 per night for a hotel room (that might not be that impressive.) But in Akumal you can get a lot more bang for your buck.
A destination for natural beauty
One of Akumal’s biggest draws is that it is a great destination to experience the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and surrounding areas.
Tulum is highly developed and commercialized, but Akumal is much more natural. It is known as a haven for divers and snorkelers.
Some of the best things to do in Akumal include swimming with turtles, exploring the tranquil Yal-kú Lagoon, or visiting the Kantun-Chi Ecopark.
The beaches in Akumal are among the most beautiful and pristine in the Mexican Caribbean, and fortunately they receive much less sargassum seaweed than the beaches of Tulum to the south.
Great resorts in Akumal
Another great reason to visit Akumal is because it is home to some of the best resorts in Mexico. In fact, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya was recently rated as the best all-inclusive resort in all of Mexico.
There are several types of accommodations to choose from in Akumal, whether you are looking for an all-inclusive resort where all your meals, drinks and activities are included or if you just want a basic hotel or apartment close to the beach.
More relaxing than Tulum
Finally, one of the reasons why many travelers will flock to Akumal in 2024 is because it is a more relaxing alternative to Tulum.
If you’re not interested in spending huge amounts of money on eating, drinking and going out in Tulum, then quiet Akumal might be more your speed. While it certainly lacks Tulum’s dining and entertainment options, Akumal is a great place to go if you want to relax and unwind.
Traveling with wellness and self-care was one of the biggest travel trends of 2023, and this is expected to continue into 2024. More and more travelers are prioritizing wellness and rejuvenating the mind, body and soul while on vacation, and Akumal is a great place to do this.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
