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The Mexican Caribbean, and the larger region of the Yucatan Peninsula, are full of awe-inspiring vacation destinations.
Many of these, like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum, have grown super popular among tourists from international destinations, particularly from the U.S. and Canada.
Others, like Bacalar, Chetumal, and Mahahual, are just starting to grow in popularity, which is why now is the time to visit these stunning destinations south of Cancun.
Three Destinations Predicted To Skyrocket In Growth And Popularity
According to reports, during the most recent busy winter season months, hotels in two of these three destinations, Bacalar and Mahahual, were around 80 percent occupied.
The upcoming spring break and Easter holiday are expected to bring even more visitors to all three destinations.
It’s the prediction of the president of the Association of Hotels of the Center and South of Quintana Roo, Raul Andrade Angulo, that popularity in the destinations will skyrocket in the near future, due to increased investments by popular hotel brands.
@photomanana #bacalar#bacalarmexico#losrapidos#traveltiktok#podrozemaleiduze#meksykanin#onewayticket#dronevideo#dji#dronelife ♬ Porcelain – Moby
Tourism Projects Already Underway
As the popularity of Bacalar, Chetumal, and Mahahual grows there are already some tourism projects underway.
Specifically, in Mahahual there are two tourist community projects currently in the works.
Global Costa Maya is only minutes from Mahahual’s Hotel Zone, and Laguna Tiku will be located slightly south of the destination.
@hoteljaibamahahual Esto es Mahahual, pueblito caribeño ubicado en el corazón de la Grand Costa Maya, Quintana Roo México ❤️🔥🐠🇲🇽🌴☀️🦎🌿 ¿Ya lo conocias? #vivamexico #mespatrio🇲🇽 #independenceday #hoteljaiba #hoteljaibamahahual #mahahual #travel #caribbean #traveler #paradise #mahahualmexico #fypシ #snorkeling #beach ♬ sonido original – hoteljaibamahahual
Three Amazing Destinations All Within Two Hours Of Each Other
One of the benefits of visiting one of these destinations is that you can visit all of them during your trip if you want to because they are all within two hours or less from each other.
Bacalar is just over an hour from Mahahual and less than an hour from Chetumal, and Mahahual is exactly two hours from Chetumal.
Each destination is unique, so visiting all three will give you a true sense of the region’s diversity.
@soto.keny 📍Bacalar, Chetumal y Mahahual 🏝 #vacationmode #familyvacay #foryou #challegevacation ♬ Joel Adams – Nastika 👑
Things To Do In Bacalar
Bacalar may not have the beautiful Caribbean beaches that other destinations in the region have, but it has the Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, which is absolutely stunning.
The charming small “Magic Town” also has several other intriguing attractions, including a 16th-century fort, a pirate museum, and one of the best cenotes in the region.
If you plan on staying in Bacalar you’ll find mostly highly-rated boutique hotels and hostels.
@tiempodeviaje Bacalar Mexico 🏝️⛱️☀️ #tiempodeviaje22 #bacalar #bacalarmexico #viral2024 ♬ Lollipop – Darell
Things To Do In Chetumal
The capital city of the state of Quintana Roo, Chetumal, is the perfect destination to explore the history and culture of the region, through architecture and art that can be found throughout.
Chetumal’s location in the Mexican Caribbean also gives it beautiful beaches within a beautiful bay, great snorkeling, and the opportunity to enjoy several different nature activities.
You’ll find mostly small and boutique hotels, with plenty of options if you plan to stay over.
@altairave Othón P. Blanco , Chetumal 📍🌊🌿 #Chetumal #Mexico #Laguna #Naturaleza #traveltiktok #tiktok #foryoupage #parati #viral #calderitas ♬ original sound – vibey music 🎶 🕺 🪩
Things To Do In Mahahual
Once a small fishing village, located along the Mexican Caribbean coast, Mahahual is the ideal destination to explore nature in all of its glory.
It has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the region, as there’s a reserve in Mahahual that is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, as well as 60-plus sunken ships.
It’s also only steps from the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.
In Mahahual you’ll find mostly small boutique hotels, as it is just starting to be developed as a tourist destination.
@glamvacayinsider 🇲🇽Mahahual – A Hidden Gem in Quintana Roo! @mexico.travel #TiktokTravel #mexico #costamaya #quintanaroo #bucketlist #pov #travel ♬ Party x Calm Down – carneyval
Getting To These Stunning Destinations
Bacalar, Chetumal, and Mahahual are all in the range of about five hours from Cancun, so it is possible to fly into Cancun and then book transportation to any one of these destinations.
The trip can cost hundreds of dollars each way, so renting a car may be a better option.
Once the Maya Train is completed it will be the fastest and least expensive way to get to these stunning destinations, a factor that will undoubtedly also contribute to their popularity.
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