Acocote Eco Inn

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 01, 2020

Here are the improvements we did for the Inn this year! In no particular order:

1. New hoodie fishing shirts with artwork by Elias at Tailers Art

2. New Battery bank

3. New cushions...

A Christmas Gift

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Volunteer

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 30, 2019

Dr. Ryan Mickelson is a Pediatric Dentist from Durango, CO who came to Xcalak for a week of fly fishing over the holidays. On Christmas Eve 2019, Ryan held a free pediatric dental clinic for the kids of Xcalak. Although...

Xcalak Guide Profile - Marcos Neri

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Marcos Neri

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 21, 2019

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally vouch...

Xcalak Guide Profile - Alejandro Batun

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Alejandro Batun

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 21, 2019

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally...

Super Grand Slam!

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing Permit Grand Slam Bonefish Tarpon Super Grand Slam Snook

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 16, 2019

We have been having some pretty spectacular days here in Xcalak lately. Low or no wind, and mostly bright blue bird skies, calm seas and tons of fish.

A couple of days ago, guest of the Inn Andy, invited me along for a...

Punta Sur Eco Park in Cozumel

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Playa del Carmen Cozumel

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 21, 2019

Overview

So this is kinda embarrassing but for all the times I have traveled to this part of the world and the nearly 5 years I have lived here, I had never been to the island of Cozumel. This is also not a day trip...

My 2019 Vacation

Tags: Fly Fishing Summer Vacation 2019 Fly Fishing for Trout

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 20, 2019

Overview

This year I did an almost 4 week vacation back to the US. It was a combination of wanting to see my daughter off before she headed to graduate school and doing my first fly fishing show in LA. The two conspired...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Mountain Bike Ride in the Jungle

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Playa del Carmen Bike Rides

Written by Rob Mukai on Jul. 01, 2019

So this is another bit of a cheat. It really isn't for a day trip to Xcalak, but more if you have time on the drive down to Xcalak or on your way back to Cancun. But this was a great time riding a mountain bike in the...

La Poza, Big Tarpon and Diving

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing Tarpon Pro Tips Scuba Diving

Written by Rob Mukai on Jun. 08, 2019

This is one of those things. Living here in Xcalak over 4 years I hadn't been to the most famous dive spot here in the Xcalak National Reef Park. La Poza (the Well) dive site, under the right conditions, holds a large...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Exotic Bacalar Edition

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Bacalar

Written by Rob Mukai on Jun. 07, 2019

Overview

This is a good day trip if you are looking for something completely different. If you need a break from fishing or diving, a trip to Bacalar should definitely be on your radar. This can also be tacked on to...

Xcalak Center for First Contact and Preventative Health

Tags: Xcalak Health

Written by Rob Mukai on Jun. 06, 2019

UPDATE: Unfortunately the clinic has closed.

I'm a little late to write about this but April 7, 2019, we got a new health center in Xcalak. The building has been sitting idle for quite a while, but we now have new...

Day Trip to Mayan Ruins and Bacalar from Acocote Eco Inn

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Day-trips Getting Here Mayan Ruins Bacalar Trip Planning

Written by Rob Mukai on Apr. 01, 2019

This is a day-trip that you can make from the Inn. If you need a break from standing in the front of a boat, or to get out of the sun for a bit, this is a great way to spend a day. This is a full day excursion. A couple of...

Spawning Variant of the Denbow's Super Slam Shrimp - Tying Instructions

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing Fly Tying Instructions Permit Fly Bonefish Fly Fly Tying

Written by Rob Mukai on Mar. 27, 2019

So it's only taken two years to get the 2nd fly tying video up. Right on schedule :) If you want to check out the fly tying video for the Acocote Drum Majorette, you can find it...

Rental Cars

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Getting Here Car Rental Trip Planning

Written by Rob Mukai on Feb. 18, 2019

Although it is possible to get to Xcalak via bus, the preferred method to get to Acocote Eco Inn from the airport is renting a car and driving down. This has a number of advantages. You can get to our [restaurants in...

Xcalak Guide Profile - Evaristo Sanchez

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Evaristo Sanchez

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 23, 2019

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally vouch...

2018 Improvements to the Inn

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 02, 2019

Here are some of the new things we have added or improved at the Inn in 2018. In no particular order.

1. New Acocote Eco Inn Fishing Shirts

2. 2 new refrigerators

3. 1 new stove

...

10 Pro Tips - Saltwater Fly Fishing from a Panga

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing Permit Grand Slam Bonefish Tarpon Pro Tips

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 13, 2018

Introduction

For a first-time saltwater angler, or even a more experienced angler, getting up on the front of the panga and having a school of large permit heading toward you is an un-nerving experience. Your fly is...

Conservation - Reef Restoration Project with Oceanus AC Part II

Tags: Xcalak Snorkeling Great Mayan Reef Reef Restoration Conservation

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 02, 2018

This is the second installment of the Reef Restoration Project here in the north beach of Xcalak. You can read about the first part of the training...

Tuna Fishing in the Pacific

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing Tuna Fishing

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 06, 2018

Overview

So this post has nothing to do with Xcalak, or fly fishing for permit or bonefish or tarpon. I was invited by a friend of the Inn to go on a 2 day tuna fishing trip out of San Diego, California. It's...

Conservation - Reef Restoration Project with Oceanus AC

Tags: Xcalak Snorkeling Great Mayan Reef Reef Restoration Conservation

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 20, 2018

Background

We all know that our coral reefs around the globe are critical to our marine ecosystems. 25% of the biodiversity of the ocean lives in the coral reefs that only cover 1% of the ocean floor. They are in...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Isla Mujeres

Tags: Snorkeling How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Isla Mujeres Whale Sharks Manta Rays

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 30, 2018

Overview

Every year between May and September the whale sharks congregate near the north end of the Yucatan Penninsula. This also happens to be the time when snapper, grouper and other fish come here to do their...

Restaurant Review - El Meson del Marques

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Getting Here Valladolid

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 20, 2018

Overview

This restaurant is in the hotel in the main square in Valladolid, The hotel is a nice place to stay as well, but this is a review of the restaurant. You enter the restaurant from main square in Valladolid. It...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Convent de San Bernardino in Valladolid

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Activities Valladolid

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 16, 2018

This is another attraction in Valladolid. Traveling around the American West, you get used to seeing "really old" stuff be from 1800's, and even on the east coast the 1700's. Valladolid is a very different experience. The...

Restaurant Review - Market at Filipe Carillo Puerto

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Getting Here Filipe Carillo Puerto

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 15, 2018

Ok, another post of a not quite restaurant. This is in the Market at Filipe Carillo Puerto. Driving down from Cancun, Filipe Carillo Puerto is the largest town you will run into south of Tulum. It is roughly half way...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Oxtankah Ruins

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities Oxtankah

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 15, 2018

Overview

After cheating a bit on this blog calling Calakmul a "Day-trip", this is truly a day-trip from Xcalak. If you are in Chetumal and have some...

Restaurant Review - La Braceria

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Getting Here Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 05, 2018

Overview

If you are staying in Tulum on your way down to Xcalak, and you have a hankering for a good steak, give La Braceria a try.

Our Experience

So we went to La Braceria on the recommendation of one of...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Calakmul

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities Calakmul

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 01, 2018

So this is cheating a bit. This is probably not a day trip from Xcalak for most people. It took us about 6 hours one way to get there from Xcalak. When I was first researching it, google maps said 6 hours, and I couldn't...

Second Annual Silver Scales Xcalak Fly Fishing Tournament 2018

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing Permit Grand Slam Bonefish Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament

Written by Rob Mukai on Jul. 30, 2018

Overview

This was the second edition of the Silver Scales Xcalak Fly Fishing Tournament. To see the write up of the first tournament [click...

Restaurant Review - Las Delicias

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Getting Here Cancun

Written by Rob Mukai on Jul. 26, 2018

This place was recommended to me by a bellman at the 4 Points by Sheraton. And it is a great find. You won't find any gringos at this place. It is located just before the turnoff to the CUN airport on 307 on the southbound...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Cenote Zaci

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Cenotes Getting Here Activities Valladolid

Written by Rob Mukai on Jul. 26, 2018

Review

This is a quick one, the restaurant overlooking the Cenote Zaci in the middle of Valladolid is a great place for lunch. They have a full Yucatecan menu with specialties like Queso Relleno and cochinita pibil....

Day Trips from Xcalak - Ek Balam Ruins

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities Valladolid

Written by Rob Mukai on Jul. 23, 2018

Overview

So a bit of a misnomer as this is not really a day-trip from Xcalak, but it is an option on the drive down from Cancun. If you arrive early enough you can get to Valladolid in about an hour and half to 2 hours....

Giving Back - Costa Maya Beach Dog Rescue

Tags: Xcalak Costa Maya Giving Back Mahahual Beach Dog Rescue

Written by Rob Mukai on Apr. 15, 2018

Overview

What do you do when you see a problem that is heartbreaking but overwhelmingly huge. There are innumerable dogs here along the coast that for a host of reasons have been abused, abandoned, fallen ill, and are...

Bonefish Tagging Research in Xcalak and Belize

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing San Pedro Belize Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Mexico

Written by Rob Mukai on Feb. 27, 2018

February 24, 2018, Doctoral candidate Addiel Perez presented some of his findings from the work he has been doing tagging bonefish and permit in Belize and southern Mexico. He has also presented this to the Bonefish and...

2017 at Acocote Eco Inn

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 01, 2018

Here are some of the improvements we did in year 3. Hope you can some see them. Here is a list in no particular order.

1. DIY Solar Battery Room Fan

2. Two new beach loungers

3. Two new...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Vidrio Soplado Mexicano

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Activities Playa del Carmen

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 22, 2017

Overview

I have been having a difficult time keeping in Roberita glasses. Over time, they get broken, and the only place I know of to get rather unremarkable margarita glasses is at a hotel supply store in Cancun....

Day Trips from Xcalak - Casa de los Venados

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Activities Valladolid

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 03, 2017

Overview

A very cool private Mexican Folk Art Collection in the colonial city of Valladolid. There are over 3,000 pieces in an 18,000 sq. ft. private home. This huge private home took 10 years to renovate and is...

My Summer Vacation 2017 Part V - San Miguel de Allende

Tags: Road Trip Summer Vacation 2017 San Miguel de Allende

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 28, 2017

Overview

Next stop was Matehuala, the last night before crossing the border to the US. But on the way I wanted to stop and check out San Miguel de Allende. It is a artist community that is popular among the...

My Summer Vacation 2017 Part IV - Mexico City

Tags: Road Trip Summer Vacation 2017 Mexico City

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 28, 2017

Overview

After touring the ruins at Palenque, we drove the 11 hours or so to Mexico City. We didn’t get there until pretty late, and we were hungry so we checked in to the 4 Points by Sheraton in the Roma...

My Summer Vacation 2017 Part III - Palenque

Tags: Mayan Ruins Road Trip Summer Vacation 2017 Palenque

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 28, 2017

Overview

Part III of the trip, we stay in Palenque, one of the more famous Mayan ruins in Mexico. Of the over 1,400 buildings in the area, only a small fraction of them are restored. Most are still buried under...

My Summer Vacation 2017 Part II - Yaxchilan and Bonampak

Tags: Mayan Ruins Road Trip Summer Vacation 2017 Yaxchilan Bonampak

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 25, 2017

Overview

So in part II of the drive, we head to Palenque, which is one of the more famous Mayan ruins in Mexico. It is one of the longest inhabited and they estimate there are over 1,400 buildings in the area....

My Summer Vacation 2017 Part I - Isla Holbox

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing Tarpon Fly Fishing Road Trip Summer Vacation 2017 Isla Holbox

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 22, 2017

Overview

I had to drive our Subaru back to the US to sell so we wouldn’t have to nationalize the car in Mexico when we get our Residente Permanente visas. So I called friend of the Inn, Greg Branin, to see if he was...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Tour

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities Muyil Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 06, 2017

Overview

This one is actually not a day-trip per se, but is something to consider on the drive down or back to Cancun if you have some extra time. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a huge protected area south of...

First Annual Silver Scales Xcalak Fly Fishing Tournament 2017

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing Permit Grand Slam Bonefish Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 02, 2017

Overview

The first annual Xcalak Silver Scales Fly Fishing Tournament just ended last weekend and despite a relatively short timeline, was well attended and a big success. I have never participated in anything like...

Daytrips from Xcalak - Butterfly farm

Tags: Day-trips How to Xcalak. Butterflies

Written by Rob Mukai on Jun. 29, 2017

Overview

I have been driving by this sign that says “Butterfly Farm” on the Cafetal road just 4 KM after the turn from 307 for a long time. I've always wondered what it was about. It is before the [Rancho 5KM](...

Recycling comes to the Costa Maya

Tags: Upgrades Acocote Eco Inn Recycling

Written by Rob Mukai on Jun. 16, 2017

One of the challenges of running an off-grid Inn is what to do with your garbage, especially your recyclables. There really are no government services here. Our garbage is collected once a week by one of our neighbors...

Daytrips from Xcalak – El Palmar Balneario

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips

Written by Rob Mukai on Jun. 16, 2017

Overview

Palmar is an interesting little place that is not in your normal tourist literature. This is not sparkling white elegance on the beach. It is way off the beaten track, but if you are going to [Kohunlich](...

I just caught 52 permit and 600 bonefish in two days

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing Permit Bonefish Bonefish and Tarpon Trust

Written by Rob Mukai on Jun. 08, 2017

Ok, sorry the title is a little click baity, but had an incredible experience over the last couple of days with Addiel Perez here in Xcalak. Addiel is a doctoral candidate at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur - Ecosur in...

Quest for a Grand Slam - A Year Later

Tags: Xcalak Saltwater Fly Fishing Grand Slam

Written by Rob Mukai on May. 16, 2017

So today was nearly perfect. Absolutely epic, but not quite perfect. Came thiiiiis close.

Friend of the Inn Holden, invited me to go out with Capt. Victor to fish in Chetumal Bay. I had some time so of course I said...

Los Rapidos – Day Trips from Xcalak, Mexico

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Bacalar

Written by Rob Mukai on Apr. 30, 2017

Located at mile marker 8 KM on route 307 between Chetumal and Bacalar is the restaurant at Los Rapidos. It is located on a creek that connects the Xul-ha Lagoon and Bacalar lagoon. The difference in elevation is enough to...

Acocote Drum Majorette Permit Fly Tying Instructions

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing Fly Tying Instructions Permit Fly Fly Tying

Written by Rob Mukai on Apr. 01, 2017

[

This is my first fly tying video. Click on the link to go to the video. The Acocote Drum Majorette was inspired from seeing swimming crabs in Chetumal...

2016 Updates and upgrades at Acocote Eco Inn

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 29, 2017

So in year two we did a lot more improvements to the place. Hope you can come see them. Here is a list that is in no particular order.

New Entry doors.
Added 1500 watts of solar panel capacity
Doubled...

San Pedro, Belize - Day Trips from Xcalak, Mexico

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips San Pedro Belize

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 28, 2017

[Updated Nov. 6, 2018 Currently it is not possible to get a boat from Xcalak to San Pedro. The only legal way to do it at this time is to leave from Chetumal using the water taxis]

Overview

So Xcalak is only 7 miles...

Restaurant Review - Porque No Gelato

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Bacalar

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 31, 2016

Right on the main square in Bacalar, there is a small gelato shop called Porque No (means Why Not?). And indeed why not get a hand made gelato or sorebeto made with fresh fruit, on a hot day in Bacalar. If you are in...

Restaurant Review - Savora Bakhalal

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Bacalar

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 30, 2016

If you are on a daytrip to Bacalar, or to the ruins at Dzibanche and you want to get some good food. Give Savora Bakhalal a try. It is an Italian...

Day trips - Pedro Santos

Tags: Day-trips Groceries Fruit

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 01, 2016

The little town of Pedro Santos is just a few Kilometers south of the Cafetal Road turnoff to Mahahual and Xcalak. It is on 307 heading toward Chetumal. So if you are going on a day trip to the Mayan ruins at...

Day trips - Rancho 5KM

Tags: Day-trips Groceries

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 01, 2016

This is one that you can come to on the way to the Inn as well as on a day-trip. Rancho 5KM, is surprise, 5KM from the turn off of 307. So as you pass Limones on 307 and make the turn west on the Cafetal Road, at the 5KM...

New Doors at the Inn

Tags: Upgrades Acocote Eco Inn Wood

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 29, 2016

One of the updates we have been waiting to do is upgrade the exterior doors of the Inn. The old doors were hollow and used the weird Mexican locks that are really hard to use. There were also the aluminum screen doors that...

Leaky Palapa Restaurant - Updated Feb. 5, 2021

Tags: Restaurant Review Leaky Palapa Xcalak Xcalak Restaurants

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 29, 2016

UPDATE: Linda and Marla decided not to come for the 2020/2021 season. As the land border between the US and Canada are restricted as well as the land border from the US to Mexico, they didn't think they could safely make it...

Reef Restoration in the Xcalak Reef National Park

Tags: Xcalak Scuba diving Xcalak National Reef Park Snorkeling Great Mayan Reef

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 11, 2016

Last week we went to a presentation for a reef restoration project that is happening in Xcalak. It is being conducted by a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Oceanus. The founders Gabriela and Miguel were on hand to...

Xcalak Guide Profiles - Nick Denbow

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Nick Denbow

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 29, 2016

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally vouch...

Xcalak Guide Profiles – Filipe Miravete

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Filipe Miravete

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 25, 2016

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally vouch...

Xcalak Guide Profiles - Chucho Jesus Tolentino Hernandez

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Chucho Tolentino

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 25, 2016

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally vouch...

Xcalak Guide Profile - Jose Efrain Gomez Perez

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Jose Gomez

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 25, 2016

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally vouch...

Xcalak Guide Profile - Andres Isai Castro Arreola

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Andres Castro

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 25, 2016

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of the guides in this space. I have personally been out fishing with every one that is highlighted here so I can personally vouch...

Xcalak Guide Profile - Victor Manuel Castro Gutierres

Tags: Xcalak Guides Saltwater Fly Fishing Victor Castro

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 25, 2016

UPDATE: Sadly Victor has passed. You can see our tribute to Victor here

We have a lot of great independent fly fishing guides here in Xcalak. I am putting up profiles of...

Frequently Asked Questions Coming to Xcalak, Mexico

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Xcalak Hotel How to Xcalak FAQ

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 07, 2016

What is your check-in/checkout time?

Check-in time is anytime after 2:00 pm. Although we do request that you don’t arrive too late. And if you are planning to, please let us know in advance. Checkout time is 11:00...

Where to stay on the way to Xcalak

Tags: Acocote Eco Inn Xcalak Hotel How to Xcalak FAQ Where to Stay Tulum Tulum Hotels Cancun Hotels Playa del Carmen Cancun

Written by Rob Mukai on Oct. 02, 2016

If your flight into Cancun arrives much after 12:00 pm, you may be better off spending the night in either Cancun or Tulum. So assume you have an hour to hour and a half to get through immigration and customs at the...

The Cenote Report

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 18, 2016

Cenotes are sink holes. The geology of the Yucatan is of a lot of limestone, with all flowing fresh water underground in systems of caves and underground rivers. The caves contain stalactites and stalagmites as water filters...

Restaurant Review - El Pocito

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Getting Here Cancun

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 18, 2016

When coming to Xcalak, sometimes flights force you to spend a night or two in Cancun. If you are like me and the thought of going to a Señor Frogs or Coco Bongo for dinner makes your skin crawl, I have a different type of...

Restaurant Review - Asadero El Pollo

Tags: Restaurant Review How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Bacalar

Written by Rob Mukai on Sep. 18, 2016

So I am a bit of a foody, and one of the things I like is finding out of the way eateries that are punching way above their weight class. Sometimes it’s a pastry cart in Bangkok, or an Oden cart in Tokyo on a winter’s day that...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Mayan Cultural Museum

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Museum Chetumal

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 17, 2016

Overview

The Mayan Cultural Museum is located in downtown Chetumal. Its right off the main drag or Avenida Heroes right next to the market. It has two floors and air conditioning, which is a godsend if you have been...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Kohunlich

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities Kohunlich

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 16, 2016

Overview

Kohunlich (koh-Hoon-litch), is a Mayan derivation of Cohune Ridge. It was so named because of the Cohune palms that grew there. The original name of the site is unknown. The site was initially settled as...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Dzibanche

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities Dzibanche

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 16, 2016

Overview

Dzibanche (jih-Bahn-chay), means “writing on wood”. It was so named because of the large wooden lintels that were found in one of the pyramids. Dzibanche was inhabited during the classic Mayan period, and...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Muyil

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Mayan Ruins Activities Muyil Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 16, 2016

Overview

A bit of a misnomer as this is a ruin that is just south of Tulum. So it is more of a stop on the way driving from Cancun, or on your way back than a day trip. It is a smaller site. Compared to Tulum, or...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Coba

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Mayan Ruins Activities Coba Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 16, 2016

Overview

Again not quite a day trip. This is a ruin that is just west of Tulum. So it is more of a stop on the way driving from Cancun, or on your way back. Coba has the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. It is also...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Tulum Ruins

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Getting Here Mayan Ruins Activities Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 16, 2016

Overview

After Chichen Itza, Tulum is probably the most visited ruin in the Yucatan. You will likely see 30-40 tour buses in the parking lot but it is a very large site and can handle the crowds. There is a large...

Cenotes - Cenote Azul

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

Cenote Azul is right next door to Jardin del Eden on 307 near Puerto Aventuras. We actually didn’t go into the water there, although I am sure it is similar to Jardin del Eden. The reason was we couldn’t...

Cenotes - Jardin del Eden (Garden of Eden)

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

Jardin del Eden is in a group of four cenotes just south of Puerto Aventuras across from the Barcelo Maya Hotel. It has a couple of smaller pools and one main pool. The main cenote has two areas to do some...

Cenotes - 7 Bocas

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

7 Bocas is on the Ruta de los cenotes. You pick it up heading west from Puerto Morelos. This one is a cavern cenote that goes up to 500 feet deep. Definitely try going close to mid-day as most of the bocas...

Cenotes - Yax Kin

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

We actually didn’t get to swim here because we couldn’t find anyone taking money. But we were able to take some pictures. It is a pretty large surface cenote with crystal clear water. Looks like it would...

Cenotes - Jaguar Cenote

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

Jaguar is on the bumpy road to Dos Ojos. We didn’t actually go in but were able to take some pictures. It had a couple of platforms to jump in as well as a zip line. If I had to guess, it is about the same...

Cenotes - Casa Cenote

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Cenotes Getting Here Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

Casa Cenote is a few minutes north of Tulum off of 307 on Tankah bay. It is a surface cenote and because it is on the east side it is very close to the ocean and the water definitely has some salt in it....

Cenotes - Dos Ojos

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

About mid-way between Akumal and Tulum on highway 307 on the west side of the road is a clump of cenotes centered on Dos Ojos (or two eyes). It is a bit confusing, since when you come off of the highway...

Cenotes - Car Wash

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Cenotes Getting Here Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

Located on the road to Coba out of Tulum. We actually didn’t go in to this one. It is a surface cenote that taxi driver’s used to use to wash their cars. When we arrived, the water was a murky green that...

Cenotes - Zacil Ha

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Cenotes Getting Here Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

This is on the road to Coba out of Tulum. We actually didn’t go into this one. Just checked it out and took some pictures, so I can’t tell you about the water temp. Though a good guess would be around 70...

Cenotes - Cenote Calavera/Temple of Doom

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Cenotes Getting Here Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

This cenote is very close to Tulum (walking distance from the San Francisco grocery store) on the road to Coba. Calavera means skull and it's obvious why. It has a large opening and two small openings....

Cenotes - Grand Cenote

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Cenotes Getting Here Tulum

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 14, 2016

Our Visit

Located just outside of Tulum on the road to Coba, Gran Cenote has probably the nicest facilities of any of the cenotes we have been to. They have clean changing rooms, and lockers. The grass is manicured....

Day Trips from Xcalak - San Filipe Museum Bacalar

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Museum Bacalar

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 07, 2016

Overview

San Filipe Museum in Bacalar is located in San Filipe Fort on the main square of the Pueblo Magico. It overlooks Bacalar lagoon, the lagoon of 7 colors. The fort itself was built in 1733 to defend the town...

Day Trips from Xcalak - Chacchoben Ruins

Tags: How to Xcalak Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities Chacchoben

Written by Rob Mukai on Aug. 07, 2016

Overview

Chacchoben (Chalk-Choe Ben), was discovered by a Yucatec Mayan man named Serviliano Cohuo. in 1942. Serviliano built his home at the base of the Basamento and lived there as the honorary guard of the ruins...

What groceries to buy when coming to Xcalak

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Xcalak Hotel How to Xcalak FAQ Groceries Shopping Meals Food

Written by Rob Mukai on Jul. 07, 2016

Because our Xcalak hotel has full kitchens in each suite, many of our guests like to cook their own meals for at least some of their stay. One issue we have is that there are no grocery stores here in Xcalak. We have a few...

Quest for a grand slam in Xcalak - Take 5 plus

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing

Written by Rob Mukai on Jul. 06, 2016

UPDATE (Aug 29, 2016) Three more attempts. Try number 10 was pretty uneventful, saw 3 schools of permit. The first one within 5 minutes of stepping out into the flat. I was thinking this is going to be a great day. Got a couple...

Wood

Tags: Acocote Eco Inn Wood

Written by Leisa Mukai on Jun. 27, 2016

Update July 6, 2016 So we had the door installed on the new battery enclosure. The chakte viga is as pretty as advertised. The trim around both the door and the vent to the right are Tzalam. The vent vanes are made of...

How to pronounce Xcalak

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn How to Xcalak

Written by Leisa Mukai on Jun. 17, 2016

So this is always a difficulty for people new to the Yucatan. Driving down from Cancun to Xcalak and our hotel, one sees numerous places with names that include multiple X’s. Places like Xel-ha, Xcaret, and Xahuayxol are...

Baby Ferruginous Pygmy Owl

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Wildlife

Written by Leisa Mukai on Jun. 06, 2016

Baby anything is cute. A baby Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is really, really, cute. Six hardworking adults on a Monday morning were briefly overcome by the cuteness of this little bird. I was inspecting the flower garden when I...

Quest for a grand slam in Xcalak - Take 4 and DIY SWFF rule number 143

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing

Written by Rob Mukai on May. 31, 2016

So the 4th attempt at the Grand Slam, was a bit of a comedy of errors. The sun was out, the tide was in, but the wind was really gusty making casting a bit of a challenge. I blew up more schools of fish, bones as well as...

Our Pet Permit

Tags: Acocote Eco Inn Snorkeling Saltwater Fly Fishing Wildlife

Written by Rob Mukai on May. 31, 2016

So when we bought Sandwood Villas last year, we knew that it came with 2 dogs, Maya and Blanca. What we didn't know is that it came with 3 pet permit and a school of bonefish. These guys have been hanging around our place just...

A Cautionary Message

Written by Leisa Mukai on May. 28, 2016

All kinds of things wash up on the beach of our hotel in Xcalak, shoes, toys, kitchen utensils. plastic bottles, plastic bottles. Oh, and plastic bottles. At long last. a glass bottle washed up with a message in it. I've been...

A little Indiana Jones (Video)

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam Kayak Stand up Paddleboard DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing

Written by Rob Mukai on May. 16, 2016

So I was out chasing tarpon in the back lagoons going for grand slam try number 3 and went through the mangrove tunnel and shot some gopro footage. It...

Quest for a grand slam in Xcalak - Take 3

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing

Written by Rob Mukai on May. 16, 2016

Got a lot closer today. Got the bone and the permit on an outgoing tide in ankle deep water just north of us. I ended up paddling all three lagoons behind our place chasing tarpon. Got one strike, but he came right off, and I...

Quest for a grand slam in Xcalak - Take 2

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing

Written by Rob Mukai on May. 13, 2016

Quick update. Went out for try number two, walked up the beach from our hotel in Xcalak, Mexico. Tough conditions, Wind was kicking at 20 knots, churning up a lot of the flats, and pushing a lot of water. The high tide was...

Quest for a grand slam in Xcalak and DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing Rule Number 1

Written by Rob Mukai on May. 08, 2016

We just had a guest get two DIY grand slams in 3 days. All the fish were caught near our hotel, Acocote Eco Inn, in Xcalak, Mexico. That is great for us, because there really aren’t that many places you can get a flats grand...

Accidental Garden

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam Saltwater Fly Fishing Rules DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing

Written by Leisa Mukai on Apr. 17, 2016

How did this tomato and pepper plant come to grow, here in Xcalak, in Mexico's Costa Maya? For those who know me, I can't grow anything that isn't a large acreage crop grown in rows. Even then, it's been 40 years since I was...

Reel Recovery

Tags: Acocote Eco Inn Xcalak Hotel Reel Recovery Charity

Written by Leisa Mukai on Apr. 17, 2016

For nearly a decade Rob and I have been attending the Reel Recovery Spring Bash, the primary fundraiser for Reel Recovery's Utah Chapter, an...

DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing Rule Number 342

Written by Rob Mukai on Apr. 07, 2016

I escaped the business of running an Xcalak lodging and went fishing again for a couple of hours. Yeah, I should make a habit of this ;). Went back to my favorite DIY permit flat. This time, I did have the right fly on as...

DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing Rule Number 326

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam Saltwater Fly Fishing Rules DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing

Written by Rob Mukai on Mar. 20, 2016

So I had a couple of hours free today to go out fishing. Headed out to a rocky point just north of the Xcalak lodgings that line the beach road where there have been good numbers of permit. I tied on an Acocote Drum Majorette...

Mayan Grill at Tierra Maya

Tags: Restaurant Review Xcalak How to Xcalak Xcalak Restaurants

Written by Rob Mukai on Feb. 09, 2016

Update April 13, 2017: Added image of Mayan Grill Menu

Located in the Tierra Maya hotel. The restaurant is in a palapa roofed building with nice wooden furniture. With the Leaky Palapa closed, this is the upper end...

Restaurant review - Costa de Cocos

Tags: Restaurant Review Xcalak How to Xcalak Xcalak Restaurants

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 30, 2016

Located inside the Costa de Cocos resort, they brew their own craft beer and distill their own moonshine. The restaurant has Pizza, as well as other traditional dishes, like tacos and even chicken fingers. Their signature pizza...

The Repentance of a Water Glutton

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 26, 2016

                              “Water, water every where,
                               And all the boards shall shrink,
                               Water, water every where,
                              ...

Silvia's Restaurant

Tags: Restaurant Review Xcalak How to Xcalak Xcalak Restaurants

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 26, 2016

Silvia’s is right next to Toby’s on the main drag of Xcalak, but set back a few yards from the road. Silvia serves fresh seafood and Mexican dishes. All are made to order, so this is not fast food. During the lobster season you...

Toby's Restaurant

Tags: Restaurant Review Xcalak How to Xcalak Xcalak Restaurants

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 20, 2016

Toby’s is in the middle of Xcalak town and serves fresh seafood and more traditional Mexican fare such as tacos and quesadilla as well. Toby’s also has complementary wifi for those that need to stay connected. Although he...

Leaky Palapa Supper Club - Closed for the season as of May 8, 2016

Tags: Restaurant Review Xcalak How to Xcalak

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 12, 2016

When I first started coming to Xcalak, going to eat at the Leaky Palapa was always the highlight (Unless you happen to catch a permit ;). Who would expect a fine dining establishment in this remote part of the world? But...

Restaurant Review - Gringo Dave - Closed as of Mar 6, 2016

Tags: Restaurant Review Xcalak How to Xcalak

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 12, 2016

Located right at the entrance to town, Gringo Dave’s sign says International and Wild Seafood. That sounds kind of weird but it is surprisingly delicious. Gringo Dave’s is run by a Japanese man, Go Nakamura, He takes local...

10 Things to bring for fly fishing in Xcalak, Mexico

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Saltwater Fly Fishing Xcalak Hotel How to Xcalak FAQ Fxcalak Outfitters Things to Bring

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 04, 2016

You are finally making that salt water fly fishing "Trip of a lifetime" to Xcalak, Mexico. You have your flights and your hotel accommodations set. The last thing you want to do is forget something important while you are...

What is Wellness?

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Xcalak Hotel Acocote Wellness

Written by Rob Mukai on Jan. 03, 2016

Wellness is often confused with health, for good reason. The dictionary considers the words “well” and “healthy” synonymous. My 1976 American Heritage Dictionary doesn't even include an entry or sub entry for this word that is...

2015 at Acocote Eco Inn

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 30, 2015

Since we purchased Sandwood Villas and renamed it, Acocote Eco Inn, we have been very busy upgrading and renovating this Xcalak hotel to make it a cozy sanctuary on the beach for our guests. Here is a list in no particular...

Top 10 things to bring to Acocote Eco Inn

Tags: Acocote Eco Inn Xcalak Hotel How to Xcalak FAQ Things to Bring

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 29, 2015

A question that often comes up when people are coming down to Xcalak for the first time is “what should I bring?” I’ll try to answer that question here.

ID
- Passport (of course) but also bring your driver’s...

The only fish every fisherman knows exactly how many they have caught

Tags: Saltwater Fly Fishing DIY Grand Slam Permit

Written by Rob Mukai on Dec. 17, 2015

As a trout fisherman, I have long since lost count of how many trout I have caught. Any more, a lot of times, I don't even remember how many I catch in a day much less ever. A friend of the Inn, Dustin Carlson of Fishwest, made...

Getting Here - Through Xcalak

Tags: Xcalak Acocote Eco Inn Xcalak Hotel How to Xcalak FAQ Getting Here

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 26, 2015

UPDATE: July 15, 2019 - Put up new signs again. Replaced some posts etc. that were falling apart.

UPDATE: June 14, 2017 - Just put in new signs. And added a couple. One right at the bridge says "Ahead 8KM" and there is one...

Top 10 non-fishing things to do at Acocote Eco Inn

Tags: How to Xcalak FAQ Day-trips Mayan Ruins Activities

Written by Rob Mukai on Nov. 25, 2015

So if you know me, the first thing I would want to do on a trip to Xcalak, Mexico would be to go out fly fishing for permit. Now I know that not everyone that comes down here wants to do that, or has a spouse or family that...

Spooky Garbage During the Days of the Dead, by Leisa Mukai