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With the winter season about to kick off in the Mexican Caribbean, tourist destinations are already heating up with visitors looking for their next vacation in paradise.
Thanks to the huge efforts of local governments and the tourism board, areas in the region have seen sustained hotel occupancy levels, despite it still currently being “low season”.
The top five areas that seem to be the most popular are Costa Mujeres, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos and Tulum, with last weeks figures showing that 439,218 visitors arrived in the Mexican Caribbean; most of them coming from the U.S.
Incredibly, many of these areas are already three quarters full with hotel bookings, which can only be a good sign for the winter season ahead, as they project to see out the year with fully occupancy levels to finish a record breaking 2023.
So the question is: what place should be next on your bucket list when you choose to book your next flight?
Costa Mujeres
Just north of Cancun, sitting across the bay on the mainland, Costa Mujeres is a location that should rank highly on places you want to go.
The vibe is calm and secluded, but still close enough to reach Cancun’s busy hustle and bustle, as well as a quick boat ride to the magical island of Isla Mujeres.
Here you are going to find some of the most picturesque, sugary-sandy beaches and turquoise-hued water.
Everything from the top quality cuisine, to the wide variety of amenities such as spas, water parks and watersports, there is going to be something for absolutely everybody.
Golfers can spend a day at the Playa Mujeres Golf Club, and budding historians can check out the archeological gem that is El Meco, an ancient Mayan settlement that dates back thousands of years.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful vacation with the option to travel to the busier hotspots, Costa Mujeres will be the location for you.
Cancun
We don’t have quite enough time to go into just how much Cancun has to offer for your vacation.
It is single-handedly the most popular destination in the Mexican Caribbean among tourists, most especially from America, and for good reason.
The infamous hotel zone is teaming with accommodation choices, everything from boutique stays to luxury all-inclusive resorts.
The bar and nightlife scene is definitely for those travelers looking to have a bit of fun on their vacation, and if your head is not hurting too much the next day, you can find yourself regenerating on some of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Cancun actually boasts a total of 10 Blue Flag beaches, that have been awarded as such for their commitment to keeping them clean, safe and breathtakingly beautiful.
With the Maya Train beginning its inaugural route this December from Cancun, tourists also have the opportunity to explore far and beyond their base and see some of the incredible archeological sites and magical towns that exist just beyond its walls.
Riviera Maya
Spanning 80 miles along the Mexican Caribbean coastline, and encapsulating popular areas like Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, this destination is filled with all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels and even glamping options that give the secluded feel of paradise, while still being relatively close to the busy towns that surround it.
You have everything on your plate here, whether youre looking for a wellness retreat in somewhere like Tulum, to taste traditional Mexican food like no other in Playa Del Carmen, or even visit the numerous archaeological sites and incredible cenotes in the surrounding areas, there is going to be something for absolutely everybody.
Puerto Morelos
Just a hop, skip and a drive from Cancun airport, a mere twenty minutes away, lies this classic fishing village that feels almost off-grid compared to its neighbours.
The most popular beach is El Faro Inclinado, which is known for its iconic leaning lighthouse, as well as being home to the second largest Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the world.
Perfect for adventure lovers, there is everything from mountain biking, zip-line circuits, cenote swimming, horseback riding and so much more.
With it being a fishing village, the food on offer here is going to surely be a highlight, with a catch of the day as a popular choice among…well everyone.
While the hotel options are fewer, more typical all-inclusive resorts lie just outside of the town, and is easy enough to travel to and from if you only want to experience its charm for a short amount of time.
Tulum
With the arrival of the new Tulum International Airport, “Felipe Carrillo Puerto”, all eyes seem to be on the destination to see just how popular it is going to become.
Considered to have a more trendy, boho-type feel, Tulum actually dates back to the 13th Century and is teaming with history around every corner.
With the infamous Mayan ruins on its cliff sides, to the natural wonder that is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, home to more than a thousand types of plants and animals, Tulum is an outdoor lovers paradise.
You also have a plethora of wellness activities at your fingers tips, with beachfront yoga and spas overlooking the sea considered commonplace.
Foodies also love Tulum because of its huge range of cuisine, from street food to regional dishes, as well as luxury dining experiences situated in the heart of the jungle; you certainly won’t go hungry here.
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