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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 the trendiest new hotspot in Mexico in 2024.
The beach town of Akumal is just 25 minutes from Tulum and has been growing in popularity.
Here’s why it’s set to become even more popular with travelers in 2024:
New Flights Make It Easier Than Ever To Visit
Akumal, a stunning destination on the Riviera Maya, is less than half an hour away from Tulum’s new international airport, which opened on December 1st.
Several airlines have already announced new flights to Tulum from 10 U.S. cities, with new cities being added frequently.
Once the airport officially opens, it’s likely that airlines will continue expanding 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, the largest and busiest airport in Mexico. From Cancun, it’s about 1.5 hours to Akumal.
But now, travelers can fly directly to Tulum and make to easy 25-minute journey to Akumal, significantly cutting down on travel time and hassle.
It’s Cheaper Than Tulum
A huge reason that Akumal will become a top destination in 2024 is because it’s more affordable than the increasingly expensive Tulum.
While Tulum can be a great destination, its ridiculously high prices are causing its popularity to wane as travelers seek out more budget-friendly alternatives.
In Tulum, it’s possible to spend $25 on a five-minute taxi ride or up to $1,000 per night for a hotel room (that may be less than impressive.) But in Akumal, you can get a much better value for your money.
A Destination For Natural Beauty
One of the biggest draws of Akumal is that it’s a great destination for experiencing the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and the surrounding areas.
Tulum has become highly developed and commercialized, but Akumal is much more natural. It’s known for being a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers.
Some of the best things to do in Akumal include swimming with turtles, exploring the tranquil Yal-kú Lagoon, or visiting Kantun-Chi Ecopark.
The beaches in Akumal are among the most beautiful and pristine in the Mexican Caribbean, and fortunately, they receive far less sargassum seaweed than the beaches of Tulum to the south.
Amazing Resorts In Akumal
Another great reason to visit Akumal is because it’s 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 of your meals, drinks, and activities are included or if you just want a simple hotel or condo close to the beach.
More Laidback Than Tulum
Finally, one of the reasons that many travelers will gravitate towards Akumal in 2024 is because it’s a more laid-back alternative to Tulum.
If you’re not interested in spending crazy amounts of money on dinner, drinks, and nightlife in Tulum, quiet Akumal might be more your speed. While it certainly lacks Tulum’s dining and nightlife options, Akumal is a great place to go if you’re looking to relax and reset.
Wellness and self-care travel was one of the biggest travel trends of 2023, and that’s expected to continue in 2024. More travelers are prioritizing wellness and rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit while on vacation, and Akumal is a great place to do this.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com