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Cancun is, and always will be, one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya region, but other cities and towns are growing in popularity too.
Places like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel are well-known tourist destinations as well, but it is no longer just beach vacation destinations that are attracting tourists these days.
While it may come as a surprise, there is a growing rural travel trend developing, and there are three destinations near Cancun that make for a perfect day trip for this growing travel trend.
Rural Travel Near Cancun
The stunning Mexican Caribbean coast is undoubtedly what draws travelers to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo the most.
But there are some great destinations worth visiting inland too.
And three of them, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Jose Maria Morelos, and Lazaro Cardenas, have had a significant increase in tourist visits this year, particularly Jose Maria Morelos, where tourist arrivals grew by 26.1 percent.
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The Rural Travel Trend In The Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya region of Mexico is the perfect place to experience this growing rural travel trend.
It also is an unbelievable destination to explore the region’s culture and history.
A little information about each of these fascinating destinations will show you why they top the list of where in Quintana Roo is the best to experience this growing trend.
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Felipe Carrillo Puerto
Felipe Carrillo Puerto, located less than three hours from Cancun, isn’t a huge city but it’s not small either, though it does have a small-town vibe, despite its population of more than 80,000 people.
While it’s not a tourist town and doesn’t have a ton of attractions, it is located not far from the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is a fascinating place to visit.
There are some small hotels to stay in when visiting Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and soon it will be easier than ever to get there thanks to the new airport nearing completion.
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Jose Maria Morelos
José Maria Morelos, located about four hours from Cancun, has a population of less than 40,000 and is inhabited primarily by people of Mayan descent.
It has a handful of hotels and some very nice Airbnbs that exude authenticity.
The destination is growing in popularity because of the opportunities for ecotourism and exploring Mayan culture.
It’s an excellent option for those looking for a quieter and more authentic experience.
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Lazaro Cardenas
Only an hour and a half from Cancun, Lazaro Cardenas is the smallest of these popular rural destinations, with just under 30,000 inhabitants.
It’s known for its Mayan population and draws in travelers looking for both cultural and environmentally sustainable tourist experiences.
It is also close to many well-known UNESCO World Heritage sites that can be explored along the way, like the Historic Fortified Town of Campeche.
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The Allure Of Rural Travel
These days, many travelers are looking for simpler experiences.
Rural travel provides not only that but opportunities to experience the true culture of a region.
This makes for a far different vacation compared to visiting the more popular tourist destinations.
How To Take A Day Tour To These Destinations When Vacationing In Cancun
There are numerous ways to take a day trip to these destinations from Cancun.
If you’re comfortable driving through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, it’s the best way to explore because you can go at your own pace, but tours might be another option.
Once the Maya Train is completed in December, it will also open up more opportunities to explore rural destinations like these as well, something many travelers are looking forward to.
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