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Cancun is a popular winter vacation destination, so popular that hotels reach near capacity during the winter months, and this year, tourism officials expect occupancy to go above 90 percent.
That doesn’t mean you can’t still have an amazing Mexican Caribbean vacation this winter, even though several other destinations in the region are also trending this season.
If you think Cancun might be too full for a relaxing getaway, take a look at five gorgeous last-minute alternatives nearby as hotels in Cancun fill up for the winter.
Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is located south of Cancun, less than an hour from Cancun International Airport.
It’s known for its beautiful beaches, similar to those of its northern counterpart, and its vibrant nightlife.
Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, is a famous attraction among tourists visiting the destination.
Tulum
Just around 35-40 minutes further south of Playa del Carmen sits the city of Tulum, another destination that has grown popular with international tourists.
It has the usual pristine Mexican Caribbean beaches, but its main attraction is the seaside archeological site featuring some of the most important ruins in the region.
In addition to exciting nightlife, Tulum is also known for its beautiful cenotes, great food, and bohemian vibe.
Isla Mujeres
The tropical island paradise of Isla Mujeres sits directly across from Cancun.
It’s only a 30-minute car drive from Cancun Airport to the ferry port, where you can take a 20-ish minute ferry ride to the island for around $15.
Isla Mujeres is small, measuring just a half mile wide and approximately 5 miles long, but it has a charming village, friendly locals, amazing beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a more relaxing getaway when Cancun is busy.
Cozumel
Cozumel is another idyllic island getaway, and this stunning island is just a ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen.
The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs just $15 each way, so you can take a day trip from Playa del Carmen or book your whole stay in Cozumel.
It has plenty of great hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and incredible opportunities for snorkeling, as it’s one of the world’s top diving destinations.
Costa Mujeres
Costa Mujeres is an up-and-coming destination that is perfect if you don’t want to travel too far from Cancun and want to enjoy all that the destination has to offer.
It’s just 40 minutes from Cancun’s airport and around 20 minutes from the famous Cancun Hotel Zone.
Costa Mujeres is a gated vacation community with high-end hotels and all-inclusives, stunning secluded beaches, and even a Mayan archeological site to visit.
Mexican Caribbean Destinations Trending This Winter
While all of these destinations are great alternatives to Cancun, just as Cancun is a trending destination expected to be filled with tourists this winter, so are several of these.
Other sought-after destinations that are on the alternatives to Cancun list, particularly among American travelers, are Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum.
Additionally, Puerto Morelos, located between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, is also one of the 10 most popular Mexican vacation destinations this winter.
Getting To These Amazing Destinations
You can get to any of these amazing destinations by flying into Cancun Airport, which is currently directly connected to 43 U.S. airports.
Tulum and Cozumel also have airports, but not nearly as well connected as Cancun’s.
Once you arrive at Cancun Airport, there are several options for getting to your destination, including taxis, private transportation, shuttles, and the recently completed Maya Train.
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