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As summer temperatures draw travelers in droves to Cancun’s packed white-sand beaches, some visitors find the crowds a little too overwhelming.
Fortunately, the Mexican Caribbean is brimming with hidden gems and underrated destinations that offer white-sand beaches, rich culture, and much more.
One of them is the stunning coastal town of Mahahual, situated several hours south of Cancun.
Primarily known for its massive cruise ship port, the southern resort hotspot is home to much more than just day-trippers.
From all-inclusive resorts to Mayan ruins, this growing destination is attracting a growing number of visitors.
With Cancun’s popularity soaring, here’s the low-down on why this underrated destination is worth visiting.
Travelers Flock To Mahahual For Quiet Beaches And Authentic Vibes
The 2024 summer season is in full swing across Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean with over a million travelers expected to visit the region during the warmest months of the year.
Although most travelers flock to Cancun’s award-winning resorts and abundant white-sand beaches, a growing number of visitors are exploring more remote destinations.
New data reveals that the southern resort town of Mahahual has seen traveler interest skyrocket this summer, with over 70% of all hotel rooms in the sunny destination expected to sell out during the season.
Despite being much smaller than Cancun, this large municipality offers much of what travelers love about its northern counterpart; white-sand beaches, amazing resorts, and rich Mayan history to boot.
But unlike Cancun, travelers are much more likely to find quiet beaches and plenty of space for exploration – a breath of fresh air for travelers seeking peace of mind.
The quaint coastal town is also trending thanks to its top-rated excursions.
Travelers can find numerous safari companies specializing in everything from snorkeling expeditions to nearby coral reefs to boat trips to the magical Banco Chinchorro atoll reef.
But Mahahual is also a cultural experience for the senses, with several popular Mayan ruins dotting the Costa Maya.
The Chacchoben, Kohunlich, and Oxtankah ruins make for easy day trips from Mahahual.
Visit These Must-See Attractions On Your Next Getaway
There are several popular must-see attractions that make Mahahual one of the more exciting destinations in southern Quintana Roo.
Travelers will want to head to the beach to take advantage of the current unusually low sargassum levels.
The coastal town offers numerous quaint beaches that are perfect for casual swimming and more adventurous activities.
Mahahual Beach is the most popular choice for travelers thanks to its extensive promenade, lined with bars, restaurants, and shops.
Other popular sights in the beautiful destination include the Mahahual Lighthouse, a popular landmark offering amazing views of the adjacent ocean and a must for photography lovers.
Families can also check out the Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom activity park, which offers child-friendly ziplining, archeological sites, and plenty of outdoor pools.
Aside from exploring the city’s top-rated attractions, travelers can kick back at the many top-rated resorts that abound in the sun-soaked hotspot. Some top choices include the centrally-located El Fuerte Beach Resort, which comes with a private beach and spacious room options.
For a more laid-back option, check out the trendy Almaplena Eco Beach Resort; with just nine suites, this top-rated accommodation boasts gorgeous ocean and rainforest views along a secluded beach not far from the city.
With plenty of warm summer weather in store, Mahahual ticks all the right boxes for travelers seeking an authentic Mexican Caribbean experience.
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