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This Enchanting Fishing Village Near Cancun Is Growing As A Travelers’ Paradise

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Perched along the picturesque shoreline of Yucatán State lies a hidden treasure awaiting discovery: El Cuyo.

This charming little fishing village remains unspoiled by mass tourism, offering a refreshing escape from the crowds.

Aerial view of El Cuyo, Yucatán

With its quaint sandy streets and enchanting fishing village ambiance, El Cuyo presents itself as the perfect retreat for travelers in search of tranquility and authenticity.

So, if you want to find out what makes this small town unique, why it deserves a spot on your Mexican Caribbean bucket list, and discover the abundance of natural wonders and fun activities that await, read on:

About El Cuyo

Located in the municipality of Tizimín within the scenic Río Lagartos Natural Park, El Cuyo is conveniently situated just a short drive of under three hours from Cancun.

One of the standout features of El Cuyo is its pristine beaches, characterized by their untouched beauty and the absence of pesky sargasso seaweed, which often plagues many other beaches along the Yucatán Peninsula.

While El Cuyo may have lacked the necessary infrastructure to support extensive tourism in the past, significant progress has been made in recent years.

Rio Lagartos with boat in the water

The city council has taken steps to install optic fiber for internet connectivity, provide clean drinking water, and even set up an ATM for visitor convenience.

Moreover, the development of ten new boutique hotels is underway, catering to the growing influx of visitors.

The town is actively striving to obtain the coveted Platinum Beach certification granted by the Mexican Institute of Normalization and Certification. This certification acknowledges beaches for their natural beauty, cleanliness, security measures, and universal accessibility.

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man taking picture of pink lagoon

Recognizing the town’s exceptional natural wonders, including its pristine beaches and the mesmerizing saltwater red lagoon, El Cuyo is now on the path to joining the esteemed ranks of the magical town list.

This prestigious recognition would further enhance its appeal and allure to both domestic and international travelers.

aerial view of el cuyo

Transportation Options & Travel Tips

To reach El Cuyo from Cancun, you have the option of taking a bus or driving by car. The latter is the fastest route, taking approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

While there are no direct bus lines from Cancun, you may locate buses that run through Colonia Yucatán, which will get you there in around 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The town offers a variety of accommodation choices, ranging from affordable villas to luxurious hotel boutiques.

el cuyo boardwalk

Villas El Tío is a charming small hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the beach. The cozy rooms feature a fully equipped kitchen, TV, WiFi, and air conditioning.

For those seeking a touch of luxury, La Casa Cielo stands out as the epitome of elegance in El Cuyo. This renowned hotel boasts tastefully decorated rooms with balconies that offer breathtaking seaside views. With a terrace and a pool featuring a jacuzzi, it provides the perfect setting for a truly indulgent experience amidst the beauty of El Cuyo.

Exploring El Cuyo

Savoring the culinary delights of this charming fishing village is an essential part of the El Cuyo experience.

From mouthwatering seafood to traditional Yucatecan cuisine, the town offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy every palate.

Kickstart your day at Naia Café, a renowned establishment known for its mouthwatering breakfast options. From freshly baked banana bread to delectable eggs and caprino crepes, they offer a delightful start to your morning.

What’s more, Naia Café also caters to vegan preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

tacos on a table in mexico

If you’re seeking an authentic culinary experience that showcases the rich flavors of traditional Yucatecan cuisine, a visit to El Chile Gordo is a must. Featuring a seven-course dinner menu of seasonal dishes, this rustic restaurant is hailed as one of the best in El Cuyo.

After satisfying your cravings, a plethora of exciting activities awaits you in El Cuyo. Explore the natural wonders of the area, including the legendary pink lagoon, enchanting mangroves, and a stunning waterhole that will leave you in awe.

For water sports enthusiasts, El Cuyo is an absolute paradise, particularly renowned for kitesurfing. Don’t worry if you have no prior experience – the local kite school offers lessons at an affordable price, allowing you to learn and experience the thrill of this exciting sport.

woman kitesurfing in ocean

Stroll through the town, where colorful murals depicting local life decorate the facades of almost every building. Indulge in a refreshing dip in the waves, bask in the sun on the sandy shores, or unwind with a drink at one of the many seaside palapas. 

With an abundance of activities catering to different interests, El Cuyo promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of its natural beauty and vibrant culture.

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Charles

Thursday 6th of July 2023

El Cuyo's electricity infrastructure is already collapsing from over development.

See latest news here:

LINK

Coco

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

ATM hahahahha that one never works. You better come prepared with cash. Publishing this article is a sure fire way to ruin the town. It's already showing the tell tale signs.sigh

Chava

Saturday 10th of June 2023

Shhhh don't witte about El Cuyo.

Erase this article.

John Howell

Thursday 8th of June 2023

Call someplace Paradise... Kiss it goodbye!!

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