Punta Allen is one of the best-kept secrets, a small paradise in the Riviera Maya where you can unplug from the world and reconnect with nature. If you want to leave behind the crowds of the large tourist destinations, discover Punta Allen, one of the best-hidden gems in the Riviera Maya.
What to See in Punta Allen
Punta Allen is a 1,300,000 hectares piece of land that includes rivers, mangroves, jungle, and areas for fishing. Punta Allen is located in the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, just 110 miles from the bustling destination of Cancun.
How to get to Punta Allen
You may ask yourself if it’s worth traveling all those hours through a biosphere reserve to get to this fishing village. As soon as you get there, you’ll find that it was worth the effort. This place will reveal all that the Caribbean has to offer, but in a more personal and relaxed way, away from the crowds.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Cancun, an hour and a half from Playa Del Carmen, and 30 minutes from downtown Tulum. Once you arrive at the entrance to the biosphere, you will find a dirt road that leads to Punta Allen. From there, you’ll need to drive 2 hours from the entrance of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere to get to the village in off-road conditions. The distance is only 26 miles, but the average speed is about 13 mi/h. The reason for such a long travel time is that you will face a rough and long dirt track.
Where to Stay
If you’re an ecotourist, Punta Allen is the ideal destination for you, but even if you’re not, this incredible place will convert you. With its extraordinary biodiversity, you’ll spot herons, crocodiles, dolphins, manatees, and other species. Accommodations are available in rustic bungalows and wooden cabins near the beach. You will definitely enjoy nature in one of the largest reserves in the world.
Outdoor Activities
Fishing is probably the most sought-after activity in this village. You will be able to enjoy your catch and experience a delicious and memorable dinner. This fantastic place also offers other recreational activities, such as water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and boat trips on the neighboring beaches.
Visit the natural cenote Ben Ha, a natural outdoor sinkhole known as cenote Sian Ka’an, often mistaken for a lagoon. Explore Boca Paila, where the sea and the fresh waters of the neighboring lagoon meet. Swim in Blanquizal, an authentic natural pool in the middle of the sea. Coral reefs surround it, and its soil is covered with fine white sand.
Things to do in Punta Allen
Discover nights with a sky full of stars. Enjoy the local cuisine made of fresh seafood with many options to choose from. Enjoy moonlit gatherings or take an evening walk along the beach. Because there’s no electric light at certain times of the evening, you can enjoy the most beautiful night sky, full of shining stars. You will surely enjoy a night’s sleep surrounded by the pleasant sounds of nature.
Helpful Tips When Traveling to Punta Allen
- Please take into consideration there’s no phone signal in this area, so your mobile phone will only be useful for taking pictures or as a flashlight.
- Bring a map of the area (remember no cell reception), binoculars, sunscreen, lunch, and enough water.
- If you decide to rent a car, consider a Jeep or 4 × 4 All-Terrain vehicle, and remember to fill up the tank.
- Punta Allen is a protected area and is powered by solar energy. Electricity is available from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, during the day and from 6:30 pm to midnight, so you can rest and sleep in peace accompanied only by the sounds produced by nature. However, the hotels in the area do have their own power plants without interruption of this service.
If you want to learn more about Punta Allen, the available routes, the cost of admission, and schedules, be sure to ask the tour operators in your hotel and enjoy a unique adventure in the Riviera Maya.
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