There’s no shortage of beautiful destinations in the Riviera Maya, and Cancun is only the beginning.
Throughout the Mexican Caribbean, there are small towns and islands that highlight everything beautiful about this region. But beyond the white sand beaches and aqua-blue water, many of the places have even more to offer.
Some of these places are so culturally rich that they’re deemed Magic Towns, and the island paradise of Holbox is one step closer to becoming the next Mexican Caribbean Magic Town.
But what is a magic town?
Mexico’s Magic Towns
In Mexico, the government highlights certain towns throughout the country that exhibit different attributes that make them special.
These attributes are typically those that make them unique in some way. Nature, culture, traditions, food, history, and folklore all separate these towns from the rest and make them special.
There are more than 300,000 cities, towns, localities, and communities in Mexico, but only 132 have been given the distinction of being called a Magic Town or a Pueblo Magico.
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Other Mexican Caribbean Magic Towns
Of the 132 current Magic Towns in Mexico, three of them are in the state of Quintana Roo.
Those towns are Isla Mujeres, which is an island just off the coast of Cancun, Tulum, and Bacalar.
This is the third time that Holbox has sought out the Magic Town distinction, and if approved, it will be the fourth Magic Town accessible to travelers visiting the Mexican Caribbean.
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The Island Of Holbox
The island of Holbox is about a 20-minute ferry ride from the town of Chiquila.
It takes just under two hours to get to Chiquila from Cancun International Airport.
Holbox, which is part of an important nature reserve in the region, the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, is a car-free island that exudes charm and has a laid-back atmosphere.
What Makes Holbox So Special?
Holbox is different compared to many of its Mexican Caribbean counterparts because it still has that small fishing village, beach town vibe.
Walking the roads, you’ll see colorful buildings, thatched roofs, street art, and authentic Mexican restaurants.
Holbox is also a paradise for nature lovers, a place where you can see flamingos, bioluminescent water, stunning white sand beaches, and turquoise water as far as the eye can see.
How To Get To Holbox
The most convenient way to get Holbox is to fly into Cancun Airport and then book transportation for the roughly 2-hour trip to Chiquila.
An ADO bus would cost around $20 each way, so it is by far the cheapest option but probably not the most comfortable, considering how long the trip is.
You may want to book private transportation instead, which ranges in price depending on the vehicle, but you can expect to pay around $250 each way.
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Where To Stay In Holbox
Most of what you’ll find in Holbox are small boutique hotels, and there are quite a few to choose from.
Some of the most highly rated include El Corazón Boutique Hotel, Hotel Para Ti, Casa Mech, and Hotel Villas Flamingos.
For travelers looking for an all-inclusive, there are a couple of highly rated properties, but it will run you about $2,000 for a five-night stay in July, compared to as low as $550 for that same time period in some of the boutique hotels.
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The Town Of Holbox
While many people travel to Holbox for the beaches and the island vibe, the town is where you’ll find the heart and soul of the island.
The bright-colored murals that can be seen throughout, the quiet streets, the quaint little shops and restaurants, and the locals themselves make Isla Holbox the paradise that it is.
A paradise well deserving of the distinction of being a Magic Town.
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Robert
Monday 29th of May 2023
I heard that Cozumel was going to be awarded the same designation. Is that true?