Category: Tips & Recommenda

Cenote Sac Aua: A Hidden Cenote Near Valladolid | Casa Colibrí

After more than 20 years on the international radar as one of Mexico’s most fascinating destinations, the Yucatán Peninsula still has plenty of places where you can escape the crowds. Cenote Sac Aua, near the small Maya community of Dzalbay, is one of those places.

During one of our adventures exploring Yucatán, the Casa Colibrí team decided to venture beyond Tulum and discover a cenote we had passed on signs during previous trips toward Valladolid. We had heard the name before, but this time we decided to follow the road and see what we would find.

We’re so glad we did.

From Tulum to Cenote Sac Aua

One of our favorite ways to begin a day of exploring Yucatán is to wake up at Casa Colibrí and watch the sunrise over Tankah 3 Bay before heading out on the road.

Cenote Sac Aua is approximately an hour and a half from Tulum, making it an excellent option for a day trip if you’re looking to experience a different side of the Yucatán Peninsula. The drive also takes you away from the more popular tourist routes and through smaller Maya communities.

If you’re planning the trip, bring some snacks and plenty of water. You can also stop along the way at small towns and roadside stands selling fresh fruit and local snacks.

We couldn’t resist stopping for fresh coconut water and coconut cream—a perfect treat for a warm day on the road.

Getting Off the Beaten Path

We found the turnoff for Sac Aua roughly half an hour before reaching Valladolid. From there, the landscape began to change.

The highway gave way to smaller roads, and the jungle seemed to grow taller around us as we continued deeper into the Yucatán countryside. After a few turns, we began seeing signs for Cenote Sac Aua, letting us know that we were getting close.

And then, we arrived.

There was an immediate feeling that we had discovered somewhere different from the better-known cenotes around Tulum and Valladolid.

A Cenote With a Story

What makes Sac Aua particularly fascinating is that it is more than a beautiful place to swim. The cenote is connected to a dry cave system with an important chapter of modern Maya history.

Our guide explained that the caves were used during the Caste War of Yucatán (Guerra de Castas), a long and complex conflict that began in the 19th century following generations of colonial exploitation, land dispossession, and discrimination against Maya communities.

The cave system provided refuge and shelter for Maya rebels during the conflict. Inside the caves, we also found a small cenote that is not open for swimming.

Standing inside such a large cave and learning about the events that took place there gave the experience a completely different dimension. It was a reminder that the cenotes and caves of the Yucatán Peninsula are not simply beautiful natural attractions—they are also deeply connected to the region’s history and culture.

Swimming and Kayaking at Cenote Sac Aua

After exploring the cave, our guide led us toward the main cenote.

And this was the moment we were completely blown away.

To reach the water, you descend a flight of stairs surrounded by lush vegetation. Towering ceiba trees, sacred trees in Maya culture, grow around the cenote, creating an incredible jungle atmosphere.

In the center of the water is a small natural formation with trees growing from it, giving Sac Aua a distinctive landscape that we hadn’t encountered at many of the other cenotes we’ve visited in Yucatán.

The entrance also includes access to kayaks, so you can explore the cenote from the water. And if you prefer to swim, bring your mask and snorkel. The shallow areas are home to plenty of curious catfish, which gather around swimmers and kayaks.

Watching them move through the clear water was surprisingly mesmerizing.

But what we loved most about Sac Aua was something that can be increasingly difficult to find in the Yucatán:

space.

There was a long stretch of time when we had the cenote almost entirely to ourselves.

Why Visit Cenote Sac Aua?

There are hundreds of cenotes to discover across the Yucatán Peninsula, from famous swimming holes surrounded by visitors to tiny cenotes known mostly by local communities.

Sac Aua is worth the drive if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path cenote near Valladolid.

It combines several things we love about exploring the Yucatán: jungle, fresh water, wildlife, Maya history, local communities, and the feeling of discovering somewhere that still feels wonderfully uncrowded.

It also makes a great addition to a Tulum day trip itinerary for travelers who want to explore beyond the beach.

From the Jungle Back to the Caribbean

After plenty of swimming, kayaking, and soaking up the Yucatán sun, we started the drive back toward Casa Colibrí.

The best part?

Because Sac Aua is only about an hour and a half from our little corner of Tankah 3 Bay, we made it home in time to watch the sunset over the Caribbean.

And that’s one of the things we love most about staying at Casa Colibrí.

You can spend the morning swimming in a hidden cenote deep in the Yucatán jungle, discover a piece of Maya history in an ancient cave system, and finish the day barefoot on the beach.

Casa Colibrí is your bridge to exploring the many sides of Mexico—from the Caribbean Sea to the hidden cenotes of Yucatán.

Planning Your Trip to Cenote Sac Aua

If you’re staying at Casa Colibrí and looking for unique day trips from Tulum, Cenote Sac Aua is a wonderful choice for travelers who enjoy nature, swimming, culture, and getting away from the crowds.

Pair your visit with a stop in Valladolid or explore some of the other lesser-known cenotes and Maya communities along the way.

Sometimes, the best places in Yucatán are the ones you almost drive past.

Tankah 3 Bay is Tulum’s Best Hidden Gem

Tankah 3 Bay is a paradise that has been under the radar; now is the moment to visit!

Imagine opening your eyes to the gentle sound of waves, stepping onto your terrace with a fresh cup of coffee, and watching the Caribbean Sea shimmer in shades of turquoise just a few steps away. This is what mornings feel like in Tankah 3 Bay, a quiet stretch of coastline just north of Tulum where nature still sets the rhythm of the day. Far from the crowded beaches, this hidden bay offers a slower, more authentic way to experience the Riviera Maya.

For ocean lovers, Tankah 3 Bay is more than a beautiful beach—it’s a living marine ecosystem. Thanks to the nearby Cenote Manatí and the seagrass meadows that surround the bay, it isn’t unusual to spot southern stingrays gliding across the sandy bottom, schools of tropical fish, eagle rays passing through during the season, sea turtles surfacing for air, or even the occasional nurse shark cruising peacefully in deeper water. Much of this incredible wildlife can be seen remarkably close to shore, making every swim or snorkel feel like a discovery.

Of course, adventure isn’t the only reason people return. Some of the best moments happen when you slow down. Sink into a hammock beneath the palms, listen to the breeze rustling through the leaves, and let the sounds of the sea replace notifications and busy schedules. Here, disconnecting doesn’t require an itinerary—it happens naturally. Time stretches a little longer, conversations become deeper, and every sunrise and sunset feels like a reminder to simply be present.

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Tankah 3 Bay also places you within easy reach of some of the Riviera Maya’s greatest treasures. Spend the morning exploring nearby cenotes, dive along vibrant coral reefs, discover the rich history of the ancient Maya, or enjoy the vibrant culinary scene in Tulum before returning to the quiet embrace of the bay. It’s the perfect balance between adventure and tranquility, allowing every day to unfold at your own pace.

For travelers seeking more than just another beach destination, Tankah 3 Bay remains one of the Riviera Maya’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re chasing unforgettable marine encounters, paddling through crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoying the view from a hammock with nothing on your agenda, you’ll discover something increasingly rare: a place where nature takes center stage and every morning begins with a sense of wonder.

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TOP 6 CENOTES FOR SUMMER 2026 IN TULUM

The best way to cool off for the summer in Tulum is taking a dip in our favorite cenotes! This is our guide for the summer…

When you think of the Riviera Maya or the Tulum area, crystal-clear turquoise waters and endless shades of blue are probably the first things that come to mind. We are fortunate to be home to the incredible Mesoamerican Reef, with its vibrant shallow waters and breathtaking deep reefs. As if that weren’t enough, the Yucatán Peninsula is also home to thousands of cenotes—more than 20,000 of them scattered throughout the region.

Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes formed thousands of years ago when limestone caves collapsed, revealing the underground rivers flowing beneath the Yucatán Peninsula. The region’s porous limestone allows rainwater to filter through the earth, creating one of the largest underground river systems in the world.

For the ancient Mayans, cenotes were much more than beautiful places to swim—they were considered sacred gateways to the underworld, known as Xibalba. These waters were believed to connect the human world with the spiritual realm , however, the connection the Mayans had to them is still unknown. Because freshwater was scarce in the region, cenotes also became essential sources of life for Mayan communities. Today, visiting a cenote offers not only the chance to experience crystal-clear waters and unique ecosystems, but also an opportunity to connect with the rich cultural history of the Riviera Maya.

The first cenote on our list is Cenote Manatí. This cenote is well known for its incredible wildlife. From freshwater turtles and colorful fish to herons, egrets, and even crocodiles, Cenote Manatí is a snorkeler’s paradise. Located just five minutes from Casa Colibri, it’s one of the most convenient adventures during your stay. Panchito, the resident crocodile, is well known within the local diving community, although sightings are rare. If you happen to spot him, consider yourself lucky! After your swim, walk across to the beach and watch the cenote’s freshwater flow into the Caribbean Sea—a unique natural phenomenon.

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Second on our list are Cenotes Cristal and Escondido. Located about 20 minutes from Casa Colibri and only 10 minutes from downtown Tulum, these neighboring cenotes are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in the sunshine. They sit directly across the highway from one another, making it easy to visit both in a single trip by car or scooter. Although they are close together, each offers a different experience. Cenote Escondido is ideal for birdwatching and features several platforms for jumping into the water. Cenote Cristal is perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and enjoying a picnic, with plenty of tables available for meals or snacks.

Coming in third is Cenote Encantado, another one of our favorite places to visit. Located in the Tulum hotel zone, this cenote is connected to several others within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. It’s about a 25-minute drive from our property. With depths ranging from approximately 5 to 15 meters, it’s an excellent spot for both freediving and snorkeling. The cenote also has several lounging areas, making it easy to spend the entire day there. After your swim, head next door to Pargo Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the cenote.

Fourth on our list is the Bejil Ha Cenote Route, located about 20 minutes north of Casa Colibri in the small town of Chemuyil. This guided experience includes three completely different cenotes: an open cenote, a cavern cenote, and a cave cenote. Along the way, you’ll cycle through the jungle, learn about the different formations, and finish the adventure with a traditional Mayan meal overlooking the water. Although it’s a full-day excursion, its close proximity to Casa Colibri makes it an easy and rewarding adventure.

The fifth cenote on our list is Taak Bi Ha, an incredible cave cenote located along the Dos Ojos route, about 15 minutes north of our property. The Dos Ojos area is world-famous among scuba divers, attracting visitors from around the globe to explore its spectacular underwater cave systems. What makes Taak Bi Ha so special is its breathtaking underground chamber filled with crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and ancient stalactites that have formed over thousands of years. The cool air and peaceful silence create an atmosphere that feels both calming and awe-inspiring. Although it isn’t especially deep, don’t forget your mask and snorkel—you’ll want to admire every corner beneath the surface.

Last but certainly not least, we recommend visiting Caleta Tankah, located just five minutes from Casa Colibri. Here, a freshwater cenote flows directly into the Caribbean Sea, creating a unique brackish-water cove that’s perfect for swimming. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the cenote itself, surrounded by lush vegetation nourished by the mix of freshwater and saltwater. This special ecosystem attracts a wide variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife, making it a wonderful place to explore. Best of all, it’s practically right next door.

Summer has officially arrived, and the sunshine is here to prove it! This is one of our favorite times of year to visit Casa Colibri. Since it’s low season, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds while still experiencing everything the Riviera Maya has to offer. Exploring different cenotes is one of the best ways to discover the area’s incredible natural beauty. We always recommend visiting a mix of open-air, cavern, and cave cenotes to experience how unique each one can be. Spend your days swimming in crystal-clear waters, then return to Casa Colibri to relax on the beach and watch another unforgettable Caribbean sunset.

The Ultimate Tulum Summer Guide

Summer is one of the best times to visit the Riviera Maya. With warm Caribbean waters, abundant wildlife, and countless outdoor activities, this guide will help you make the most of your time in and around Tulum! 

Casa Colibri is perfectly located for water activities, nature excursions, and unforgettable day trips throughout the Riviera Maya. On our property you can snorkel in the ocean and Cenote Manatí, which means you can skip on booking these kinds of tours and do it on our property. What makes our location even better is that Tulum’s downtown area is about a 10 minute drive away, and many cenotes, ruin sites and lagoons are about 15 to 30 minutes away from our little spot in heaven.

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We’ll start out this guide with our favourite day trips: 

  • Sian Ka’an, Boca Paila and Muyil Canals:
    The famous Sian Ka’an biosphere is a beautiful reserve located about 2 hours away from us. In Mayan, Sian Ka’an means heaven’s door, and it does justice to its name. The biosphere is known for being home to dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, migratory birds and many species of mammals and fish. There are several canals through the mangrove where you can kayak out to sea. Our favorite company for this tour is Mexico Kan Tours which have real eco tours. Another great option is the afternoon kayak tour with Yucatan Outdoors, a local group of bird watchers that get together at sunset and kayak out to sea.

    The Muyil Canals are also part of Sian Ka’an but they have a different access. They’re known for the Ancient Mayan route, where the Mayans would canoe out to sea and head to Cozumel for the celebration of Ixchel the goddess of fertility. It is an amazing place to explore and you can do it with Visit Sian Kaan. 
  • Jaguar Park:
    The Jaguar Park is a huge reserve at the beginning of town; it’s about a 10 minute drive from our property. You can rent bicycles and cycle through the jungle and there is a specific route that has a panoramic view of the jungle. Golf carts are available throughout the park, making it easy and enjoyable to explore the different attractions. The Tulum ruins are inside the park and there are 2 panoramic views of the ocean in walking distance as well.

    This park connects to the ocean. If you want to skip the Tulum ruins and just get to the beach you can. We recommend parking inside the Jaguar Park parking lot, that is the second entrance to the ruins (the turn off from the highway is next to the Tulum colorful letters on the left side of the highway). It has a cost of 150 pesos for the whole day and at the entrance gate mention you’re just going to the beach. There’s also tours to the reef to snorkel with turtles. We highly recommend this tour; seeing the Tulum ruins from the ocean is impressive.

    NOTE: the park closes at 5 pm, so take that into account when making plans. 
  • Akumal and Yalkú Lagoon:
    Akumal is a wonderful beach town that has been growing for over 30 years. For the amount of time that has passed, it’s still a bubble in paradise. This beach town is famous for being a turtle beach; you can spot them very close to shore and snorkel with them. Yalkú lagoon is located at the heart of Akumal and it’s a cove where salt and sweet water mix together; it’s great for snorkeling because it’s a special kind of ecosystem that you won’t see anywhere else. You don’t need to book a tour for these activities; you can show up at the beach and hire a local company directly.
  • Cobá ruins:
    Visiting the Cobá ruins for a day trip is a great way of seeing Mayan culture. The town is about a 45 minute drive from our property, on the way you’ll drive through 3 small Mayan towns. These are fabulous for finding souvenirs; all of the souvenirs you see in downtown Tulum come from these three towns. The Cobá ruins have been reopened to go all the way to the top of the pyramid; it’s really worth going up and seeing the panoramic views of the jungle. There are several beautiful cave cenotes 5 minutes from the town’s center and Coqui Coqui is a fantastic place to have lunch with a lagoon view. You can do this day trip without a tour, but if you wish to avoid driving, you can hire Mexico Kan Tours.
  • Whale Shark tours:
    Seeing this immense and majestic animal in person is life changing. Every summer in July, these beautiful fish arrive in our Caribbean waters to feed. During this time, mackerel tuna conglomerate in hundreds and the whale sharks feed on them. Seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and one of the Riviera Maya’s most extraordinary summer adventures. You can take this tour from Cancun, which is about a 2 hour drive from our property!
  • Punta Laguna:
    Punta Laguna is one of the Riviera Maya’s hidden gems, offering a unique combination of wildlife, adventure, and nature. This protected reserve is home to spider monkeys and howler monkeys that can often be spotted in the treetops during guided walks through the jungle. Located about an hour and fifteen minutes from our property, it’s a perfect day trip for travelers looking to experience a different side of the Tulum area.
  • Chichen Itzá and Valladolid:
    While on holiday in the Riviera Maya you can’t miss out on Chichen Itzá. This amazing world wonder just reopened its doors to the public. It’s really worth seeing this ruin site, it was one of the most important places for the Mayans for trade, politics and spirituality. Cenote I’kil is also on the premises and it’s a very important cenote, due to the closeness to Chichen Itzá.

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to more than 20,000 cenotes, making it one of the most unique freshwater systems in the world. Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes formed thousands of years ago when limestone caves collapsed and revealed the underground rivers flowing beneath the Yucatán Peninsula. The region’s porous limestone allows rainwater to filter through the earth, creating one of the largest underground river systems in the world. 

This is our list of favourite cenotes:

  • Cenote Manatí, only 5 minutes away in walking distance, is a snorkeler’s heaven. From herons to turtles, this cenote is full of life. It’s a big and long cenote, so even when there are people, it doesn’t feel crowded. Being so close to the property, it makes it super convenient to take a dip and come back and relax on the beach. 
  • Cenotes Cristal and Escondido are only 20 minutes in driving distance from our property, but it makes it great for snorkeling and frolicking in the sun. There are hammocks and lunch areas where you can have meals and enjoy the view in the shade. These two cenotes are widely known for their turtle activity. It’s wonderful to watch them swim. 
  •  Cenote Encantado is another favorite spot to visit. Located in the Tulum hotel zone, this cenote connects with many cenotes located in the Sian Kaan biosphere.This cenote has many lounging areas with panoramic views, which makes it great to spend the whole day there.
  •  Bejil Ha cenote route, located about 20 minutes north of Casa Colibri, in a small town called Chemuyil. This 3 cenote journey has the complete package; cave, cavern and open air cenotes. These cenotes in particular aren’t as famous as others, so you won’t have crowds even in high season. It’s very dreamy to have the cenotes to yourself!
  • Taak Bi Ha is an amazing cave cenote located in the Dos Ojos route, about 15 minutes north of our property. What makes this cenote such a must-visit is the breathtaking underground cave filled with crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and hanging stalactites that have formed over thousands of years.
  • Caleta Tankah, which is only a 5 minute drive away from Casa Colibri. The cenote on the property flows out in the ocean, creating a sweet water cove, which is wonderful to swim in. Just a couple steps away is the cenote, which has lovely vegetation around due to the closeness to the ocean. 

We are also home to many lagoons; the Riviera Maya is truly an aquatic paradise. Our property is very close to Nopalitos and Kaan Luum lagoons; they’re about 20 to 35 minutes away from Casa Colibri. Kaan Luum is closer to town so probably there will be more crowds than Nopalitos. Our favorite spot at Nopalitos is Sipalitos lagoon club; full of hammocks in the shade, eating and barbecue area, kayaks included and a wonderful dock where you can jump into the crystal clear lagoon water.

Tulum is a fantastic place to find excellent food at reasonable prices. As a multicultural town, it offers an impressive variety of flavors from around the world. Whatever you’re craving, chances are you’ll find it in Tulum.  

Our favorite Mexican restaurants:

  • La Negra Tomasa is great for seafood, Negro Huitlacoxe is elevated mexican cuisine, La Norteña is a good for breakfast quesadillas and northern style cuisine, Taquería Honorio is superb for local style tacos (known as cochinita), La Mexicanita is known for Mexico City traditional dishes, Burrito Amor is famous for its burritos, Panza and Delicias de mi Tierra are known for the traditional style mexican cuisine, Estrada is a great place to have locally sourced seafood and last, Cetli is a gourmet fine dining mexican cuisine and Pargo is lovely to have a romantic dinner with a cenote view.

Our favorite global flavor restaurants: 

  • Tomizen has fantastic ramen and japanese food, La Gloria de Don Pepe and El Bodegón are wonderful for Mediterranean dishes, Canova Beach and Acqua e Farina for pizza and pasta, Bonita is a fantastic burger bar and Palma Central is a family friendly food truck collective that has amazing and varied options. 

Our favorite vegetarian and vegan restaurants: 

  • La Hoja Verde, Raw Love, Lief’s, El Bajón Vegano and Co Con Amor are all great vegetarian restaurants with vegan options. 

Our favorite coffee shops and ice cream parlors:

  • Nimeño is a tasty coffee shop with a lovely local touch, Italdo is known for its great pastries, Story Horse is great for its gourmet coffee, Cara Feliz is the local favorite coffee shop and they have a used bookstore, and last Panna e Ciocolatto is the best place for ice cream in Tulum.


Our favorite bars: 

  • La Guarida is our personal favorite due to its unique design and local crowd, El Bodegón has great wine and cocktails, Batey is famous for its live music and mojitos, Palma Central is great for live music and dancing, Walicho is a good brewery and Anonymo is a new bar loved by locals. 

Tulum is home to several artists and creatives. We are very lucky to have so many incredible locals creating projects for our community. Thanks to these incredible people, we have free and low budget activities. Palma Central is a great place to listen to live music and dancing; every Tuesday and Friday locals get together to dance until the early morning. Holistika and Tuk Tulum have free art walks where artists from all over the world showcase murals and sculptures. We also recommend visiting the Mayan towns for souvenirs; everything that is sold on Tulum’s main avenue comes from these towns, please support our locals! Marquesitas are a mexican style crêpe that can be filled with cheese or chocolate; you can enjoy having a marquesita at Tulum’s main square. 

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences, or simply a place to reconnect with nature, the Tulum area offers something for every traveler. From crystal-clear cenotes and wildlife encounters to world-class cuisine and vibrant local culture, each day brings a new opportunity to discover the magic of the Mexican Caribbean. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your stay and inspires you to explore beyond the usual tourist path. Enjoy your summer in paradise, and take time to appreciate the natural beauty, rich traditions, and welcoming community that make this region so special. 

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FLIP YOUR RAINY HOLIDAY IN TULUM!

Summer is here and the sun is out, when it’s not, we have several tips to have a lively holiday with rain!

It’s been months since you’ve booked your flight to Tulum. It’s been a couple of weeks since you booked your hotel. It’s been a couple of days since you organized your activities for your fall holiday in Tulum. Now you’ve arrived here and it’s raining!  Mother Nature can be a little tricky and unpredictable, however, Tulum has a great local community and nature really shines after rain showers. 

Summer in the Yucatan Peninsula is a special moment in the yearly cycle. During the last weeks of June, through September, we get much more rain than in any other season. We consider this to be our low season, but then again, it’s a good time of year to come due to no crowds and best deals. The biodiversity of the Tulum area is vibrant during this time of year. Baby turtles hatch on our beach in late summer, orchids bloom and bigger animals begin to show up at dive sites. 

We have kept many tall trees on our property, which over the years have become homes to the many species that coexist with us on the coast. When the sun shines between rains, from herons and ospreys to hummingbirds and cereques, our property is a safe haven for these animals. Our space was especially designed to appreciate them in the natural surroundings without interrupting them. You can see them from our rooms; especially our patio balconies, which are fantastic to appreciate the turtle activity at night!

Tulum’s downtown is also a nice area to visit. There are plenty of interesting coffee shops, fruit markets, bars to try mezcal and lively artist studios that showcase local art. You can visit these as well when it’s raining. In the Veleta district there are several coffee shops like Nimeño, Vaiven or Mera, where you can meet interesting crowds and local artists. La Norteña is great for morning tacos. For drinks or a beer try La Serpiente Cantina, La Guarida or Anónimo. 

If your adventure bug is still nagging you and would like to see outside of town, we recommend visiting Valladolid, which is a small city in the neighboring state of Yucatan. It’s about a two hour drive from our property and you can visit cenotes, museums, famous cantinas and explore the gastronomical part of Mayan culture. Close to our property, you can explore Aktun Chen park, which is a dry cave system that has a cenote in a part of the cave. It’s a special sight to see and an activity you can do in the rain. There are several cave/cavern cenotes close to our property, such as Dos Ojos and Cenote Choo Ha.

If you would like to take advantage of the rainy weather and stay on our property to catch up on sleep or just rest, we can arrange a massage for you. You can take it in the privacy of your room and relax to the sound of the waves. Many of our guests have enjoyed unwinding with the rain; our rooms come stocked with tea and coffee, so no need to leave your room to prepare comfort drinks!

With or without rain, the Tulum area is a fantastic place to explore with loved ones, and on our property even better. Come visit us during this time of year and we’ll show you how to navigate Tulum’s rainy jungle days.