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Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are slowly transitioning from the quiet shoulder season to the hectic high season as travel numbers begin climbing.
With fall temperatures taking hold of much of North America, Americans are once again setting their sights on Cancun’s balmy tropical weather & white-sand beaches.
But some parts of the Mexican Caribbean are proving more popular than others, attracting travelers in droves.
Some resorts are already hiring more staff for the upcoming high season.
From top-rated resorts to unique Mayan wonders, the Mexican Caribbean is home to an astonishing array of attractions.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the most popular resort hotspots in the Mexican Caribbean as the high season kicks off.
Traditional Resort Destinations Soar In Popularity As Low Seasons Ends
Although Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are some of the most popular year-round beach destinations in the world, they too experience a distinct low season, with fewer travelers visiting the region during the fall.
September to mid-October are generally among the quietest months for travel to the sun-soaked region due to the hurricane season.
But come late October, travelers begin flocking to the region in search of pristine beaches, stunning accommodations, and a chance to relax by the pool.
New figures published this week by Quintana Roo’s Secretariat for Tourism show an uptick in arrival numbers for the period from October 12 to 18, with some destinations seeing up to 15% more occupancy than in the previous week.
Costa Mujeres, a booming resort hotspot just north of Cancun, is currently the trendiest destination in the Mexican Caribbean, with three-quarters of all rooms sold out.
Known for its miles-long coastline and laid-back atmosphere, Costa Mujeres offers a distinct vibe from that of Cancun’s resort zone, which is increasingly packed with towering resort complexes.
The continental Isla Mujeres neighborhood is also a prominent foodie destination and is home to some of the top restaurants in the region, particularly those found in its 5-star resorts including the famed Grand Palladium.
The Riviera Maya follows Costa Mujeres as one of the leading destinations for travelers right now, with the destination seeing an occupancy rate of almost 70%. Unlike Costa Mujeres, the Riviera Maya includes several sub-destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
The Riviera Maya has seen its popularity grow following the launch of the Maya Train, which now links Cancun to both Playa del Carmen & Tulum, providing convenient access to some of the top destinations in the region.
Cancun is by far the most popular hotspot for international travel in the Mexican Caribbean this fall, thanks to its record-shattering 30,000 hotel rooms, which are seeing an occupancy rate of almost 70% this fall.
Despite concerns with overcrowding, taxi scams, and even safety concerns, Cancun clearly hasn’t lost its appeal among travelers, who continue to flock to its Blue-Flag beaches and top-rated resorts.
With the high season slowly picking up pace, travelers can expect more crowds and higher rates for accommodations and flights as demand skyrockets. Visitors seeking good deals should book now, with many resorts already selling out for December and January.
But even as more visitors flock to the Mexican Caribbean, there are still plenty of choices for those seeking peace and quiet, with smaller destinations like Chetumal and the Gran Costa Maya offering thousands of Airbnbs and boutique hotels.
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