El Cuyo is positioned within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and it’s a charming coastal village that was initially found by kite surfers who loved the flat emerald water and limitless seaside.
Located on the northern coast of Mexico, round 180 kilometers east of Merida. It is a peaceable and exquisite hidden gem in Mexico that could be a little off the overwhelmed path when it comes to tourism, making it an excellent location to discover.
Known for its pristine seashores, smooth white sand, turquoise waters, and picturesque surroundings, vacationers will take pleasure in sunbathing, stress-free, swimming, and water sports activities.
This is the perfect location for individuals who need to expertise genuine Mexico and keep away from the overpriced and touristy Riviera Maya. El Cuyo presents boutique lodges, genuine delicacies, stress-free seaside experiences, and the hospitality of the native Yucatan folks.
We put collectively this El Cuyo journey information to assist plan your journey. When planning our journey, there wasn’t a lot out on the web, so we hope we will solidify your itinerary and journey plans.
How to Get to El Cuyo
Getting to El Cuyo isn’t onerous essentially, nevertheless it isn’t straightforward both. This is what makes it considerably of a hidden gem. Most vacationers need to journey to locations which can be straightforward to get to.
When taking a look at a map, it’s possible you’ll assume you’ll be able to take a ship from Isla Holbox or drive from Rio Lagartos. If it have been solely that straightforward…. Well, if it have been that straightforward, it will be approach busier.
There are 3 ways you’ll be able to journey to El Cuyo: lease a automotive and drive your self, rent a non-public driver, or take the bus.
Driving to El Cuyo
The greatest technique to get to El Cuyo is by renting a automotive and driving your self. This is what we did. There is one paved street to El Cuyo that connects to Colonia Yucatan. The drive is simple. When driving in Mexico, at all times be careful for potholes, speedbumps, and animals/folks on the roads.
There is technically one other “road” that isn’t actually a street that connects El Cuyo to Las Coloradas. It is a sandy path that isn’t at all times accessible. In the photograph above, that’s us and our rental automotive on the dust street to Las Coloradas.
We drove this street in the future to test it out and see how far we may drive and if we may see flamingos. We did see them, however the street was tough, and I might not advocate it in the event you don’t have a 4WD automotive and it hasn’t rained in just a few days. The street is thought to be washed out after rain and a multitude.
You can simply lease a automotive on-line right here. Prices are affordable and having a automotive offers you a lot freedom to discover by yourself time.
Driving to El Cuyo Distance From:
- From Cancun – 100 miles/162 km by way of toll street 2.5 hours
- From Playa del Carmen – 90 miles/146 km by way of toll street 2.25 hours
- From Tulum – 112 miles/181 km 3 hours
- From Valladolid – 85 miles/137 km 2 hours
- From Merida – 163 miles/262 km 3.5 hours
- From Chiquila (the place the Holbox ferry comes & goes from) – 69 miles/111 km 2 hours
- From Rio Lagartos – 60 miles/96 km 80 minutes
Private Transfer
The simplest way could be to rent a non-public driver and take a non-public switch. We at all times use this firm for our airport transfers to and from the Cancun Airport.
NOTE: This shouldn’t be the most affordable possibility in any respect. We extremely advocate renting a automotive in Cancun and driving your self.
Getting to El Cuyo by Bus
If you will have taken the ADO bus in Mexico to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum or Playa del Carmen, it is best to know there isn’t any ADO bus to El Cuyo. You should take an ADO bus to Tizimin or Colonia Yucatan after which switch to a different native bus known as Noreste.
The Noreste bus is comparatively snug. It has air con, which is vital. You should buy a ticket on the bus station across the nook from the ADO Bus station, or you’ll be able to pay the motive force if you get on the bus.
Where to Stay in El Cuyo
There is an effective vary of lodging choices, from funds to small boutique lodges. Very few lodges have a pool. We wished a swimming pool as a result of we have been traveling with youngsters.
We had our three-year-old son with us, so we stayed at a costlier lodge. We stayed at this lodge, Cucu Hotel, on the sting of city.
Recommended El Cuyo Hotels:
FAQ El Cuyo
What is El Cuyo Known for?
El Cuyo is thought for a wide range of various things, making it the proper peaceable location to flee the crowds and immerse your self within the untouched pure surroundings and genuine Mexican village environment. El Cuyo is thought for the next:
Pristine Beaches: El Cuyo Beach has Soft white sand, an limitless pure seaside with clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and an uncrowded shoreline are what make El Cuyo such an interesting journey vacation spot.
Eco-Tourism: El Cuyo is a small city positioned within the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, which is residence to hundreds of animals and fowl species and has the biggest nesting colony of Pink Flamingos on the earth.
The coastal cities positioned on this Biosphere give attention to offering nature and rest actions that protect the distinctive ecosystem of the realm. There is a give attention to selling eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices whereas showcasing the pure great thing about the surroundings.
Fishing: Being a small coastal village, it’s recognized for excellent fishing, together with fly fishing and deep-sea fishing. There is a chance to fish from the native pier, a chartered native boat, or just any small watercraft resembling paddle boards.
The waters of the Yucatan are excellent for catching tarpon, grouper, and snapper. Most fish are caught by stay bait resembling sardines.
Kite Surfing: Kitesurfers initially based El Cuyo. It is a very fashionable exercise, and the realm is well-known for providing a number of kiteboarding classes and rental areas to permit vacationers to strive kite browsing. El Cuyo waters are sometimes calm with a constant wind, making it the perfect surroundings for kitesurfing.
What is the Best Time to Visit El Cuyo?
There are three completely different distinctive seasonal climate modifications that may affect the actions and experiences you’ll be able to discover, so the perfect time to go to depends upon your preferences.
The dry season happens between November and April and presents extra sunshine and a decreased probability of rain, which is good if you wish to take pleasure in out of doors points of interest and the attractive pristine seashores. Temperatures vary from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to excessive 20s Celsius).
The hurricane season typically happens between June and November, which may carry climate advisories and climate occasions that might shut many points of interest. The peak time for hurricanes is between August and October. The summer time months also can carry excessive warmth and humidity, making some out of doors points of interest insufferable.
The moist season happens between May by way of October which usually brings rain showers for just a few hours however doesn’t final all day. The wet climate usually cancels out of doors actions resembling kitesurfing, which is extremely influenced by wind and rain. However, throughout these months, the panorama of El Cuyo is lush and inexperienced, and there are fewer guests.
You can positively go to El Cuyo all 12 months lengthy. However, the most well-liked months are December to March. We visited in March.
Make certain to take a look at my packing record that will help you resolve what to pack and what to skip.
Is El Cuyo Safe?
El Cuyo is a welcoming and secure surroundings the place all of the locals know one another, because the neighborhood has been constructed by a gaggle of expatriates who work collectively to create a neighborhood for locals and guests.
The locals benefit from the paradise of the land and make it their mission to protect and defend all facets of the surroundings by respecting the tranquillity of the pure environment and anticipate guests to do the identical.
When exploring, you’ll expertise sandy roads, cute little homes, and locals who will smile or wave and greet you as you stroll by, as they need you to really feel welcome.
How Many Days Are Needed in El Cuyo?
El Cuyo is a hidden gem of the Yucatan Peninsula that many individuals miss out on exploring. El Cuyo is considerably of an out-of-the-way vacation spot that doesn’t supply a ton of actions along with the seaside, so it might simply be seen in just a few days (2-3) or a weekend. Still, you can even simply keep and disconnect and benefit from the relaxed seaside environment for every week.
Can you Drive to El Cuyo?
Yes, you’ll be able to drive to El Cuyo. The drive is comparatively straightforward. We did it with a toddler within the automotive coming from Playa del Carmen. There isn’t a lot to see or cease and do alongside the best way.
We rented a automotive on-line right here prematurely. Avoid all of the scams in particular person and get a less expensive value by securing a automotive on-line with Discover Cars. This is who we use.
What is the Closest Airport?
The closest airport to El Cuyo is Cancun, which is roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes away. Once you arrive on the Cancun International Airport, you’ll be able to take public transport, a taxi, a non-public switch (we advocate this firm), or renting a automotive and drive your self.
What State is El Cuyo in?
El Cuyo is a small coastal village that’s a part of the state of Yucatan, which is positioned in southeast Mexico.
Why You Should Visit El Cuyo NOW
There are three main causes it is best to go to El Cuyo as quickly as you’ll be able to: it presents tranquility and serenity as it’s a hidden gem when it comes to tourism, worth for cash, and it presents an genuine Mexican expertise exploring the pure great thing about the surroundings by way of out of doors points of interest.
If you might be in search of a soothing trip to relaxation, recharge, and reset, then visiting El Cuyo is ideal for this. The laid-back environment and pleasant native institutions will permit you to unwind and benefit from the environment of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Spend a while sunbathing, swimming, having drinks, and consuming genuine Mexican delicacies – what extra are you able to ask for on trip?
As El Cuyo is a small coastal city and never a well-liked vacationer vacation spot but, the price of eating, actions, and lodging are way more reasonably priced in comparison with different components of Mexico. Take benefit of the nice costs earlier than this vacation spot turns into extra common.
Known for its pure magnificence, it would be best to discover a number of out of doors actions resembling kitesurfing, fishing, paddleboarding, boat excursions of Rio Lagartos Natural Reserve, kayaking, biking, or taking out a Quad ATV.
Since it’s a hidden treasure, you’ll not expertise busy actions, lengthy waits, or any of these conventional annoyances when touring to vacationer locations.
If you will have been to Tulum and are in search of the subsequent greatest place, come test it out now. If you will have visited Holbox greater than as soon as, you will have seen how briskly that’s altering.
Pro Tip: The locals desire Cash, so I extremely counsel bringing money moderately than counting on bank cards.
What Not to Expect
El Cuyo is a chill seaside surroundings for the laidback traveler and has restricted vacationer points of interest. Unlike the Mayan Riveria, El Cuyo doesn’t have wild seaside events or golf equipment, chain eating places, or bars and as an alternative has small native lodges, boutiques, and eating places.
Do not anticipate giant developments or buildings as a lot of the city is sandy dust roads that join the pier and walkable city collectively. A automotive could be useful solely in case you are staying within the outskirts.
Things To Do in El Cuyo
There are a wide range of issues to do in El Cuyo, whether or not you need to go on an journey, benefit from the pure surroundings and tradition, eat genuine delicacies, or take pleasure in some rest. El Cuyo presents actions for each sort of traveler to take pleasure in:
1. Kitesurfing
The water in El Cuyo is shallow, and the wind circumstances are sometimes favorable to check out kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is a difficult water sport; nevertheless, in El Cuyo, there is a chance for each inexperienced persons and superior kitesurfers.
El Cuyo has many kitesurfing faculties and areas for tools leases, together with Kitesurf Mexico, El Cuyo Kiteschool, Kite Surf Vacation, and Kiteboarding Extreme Control.
It is really useful to guide prematurely through the excessive season from November to April when the wind circumstances are very best, as there are completely different sizes for various wind circumstances.
2. Chill on El Cuyo Beach
The seaside is spacious and abandoned, and there are usually not many chairs on the seaside, so it would be best to carry your individual towel or picnic blanket to sit down on. While you might be chilling on the seaside, it’s possible you’ll take pleasure in exploring the shoreline for treasures and seashells.
The smooth white sand is ideal for basking within the solar and take in the Mexican sunshine. The calm turquoise waters and gradual depth are excellent for all to take pleasure in a refreshing swim.
3. Search for Flamingos in El Cuyo
There is one thing spectacular about seeing wildlife of their pure habitat, which is why it would be best to come to El Cuyo and discover the attractive flamingos. Elegant Flamingos may be discovered on the Yucatan Peninsula in numerous areas.
If you need to see flamingos, you’ll be able to discover the Pink Lakes or rent a neighborhood boat tour to take you thru the mangrove caves that encompass El Cuyo, which is the native habitat for flamingos. You also can go on a kayaking journey by way of these coastal ecosystems, the place you may even see Flamingos resting in shallow waters or in flocks feeding.
Pro Tip: The greatest time to identify Flamingos is early within the morning when they’re probably the most energetic or the late afternoon when they’re feeding.
4. Go on an ATV tour to Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas is an unimaginable attraction to discover, however it’s a couple of 2-hour drive away from El Cuyo. However, the Pink Lakes are well worth the drive. The principal attraction at Las Coloradas is the colourful pink lakes, which create an attractive panorama that’s very best for pictures.
While at Las Coloradas, it would be best to take an ATV tour to discover the mangrove forests which can be a part of the coastal ecosystem that’s residence to distinctive wildlife. Along the tour, you will notice a wide range of fowl species, marine life, and the pink lakes of Las Coloradas, and in the event you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll spot a flamingo.
Pro Tip: The pink hue is probably the most intense through the center of the day as a consequence of excessive concentrations of salt.
5. Climb El Cuyo Climbing Tower
If you take pleasure in journey, then you will need to do that vertical out of doors expertise on the Cuyo Climbing Tower positioned within the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. The climbing tower is a enjoyable expertise for newbie to superior rock climbers as you can begin on a easy route and work your approach as much as extra superior climbs.
Instructors will educate the highest rope technique, in addition to belaying, so you’ll be able to benefit from the expertise in pairs. The climbing tower is positioned open air between the seaside and the palm timber, providing guests the chance to benefit from the sunshine and get in a exercise.
6. Rent a Bike and Explore
Renting a motorbike and exploring El Cuyo lets you really uncover the hidden gems, pure magnificence, and native tradition whereas having fun with an energetic tour. This coastal village is nice for biking because the village has many slim dust streets which can be straightforward to journey and take you to distinctive spots to go to.
Start the journey by admiring the colourful homes of native residents, visiting the city sq. that has many native outlets, experiencing each day life available in the market, and having fun with the colourful mural creations that you will discover on partitions alongside your route.
Once you will have explored the principle areas of El Cuyo, it’s possible you’ll need to journey alongside the beachfront promenade, benefit from the scenic views of the water, and benefit from the refreshing cool wind by the water’s edge. Head to the lagoon by the pier to catch flamingos of their pure habitat.
If you’re in form and up for an extended full-day bike journey, then take into account going to go to Las Coloradas, which is a 20km scenic route from the middle of El Cuyo. The route will take you to the distinctive pink lakes, which is a superb spot to take a relaxation, rehydrate, and take some images.
Pro Tip: El Cuyo may be very humid, so be sure you pack a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat to make your biking journey extra pleasurable. Grab a GPS or cellular map app to plan your route so that you don’t miss any factors of curiosity.
Pro Tip: Be ready that since life is so laid again in El Cuyo that locals don’t work rather a lot, so many outlets and eating places have restricted hours. While there may be Wifi in El Cuyo, be ready. It isn’t very quick, so it suits effectively with the simple going way of life.
8. Take a Photo with the El Cuyo Letters on the Pier
Everyone likes to take images on trip to recollect their journey, so why not head to the pier and take the basic photograph with the El Cuyo letters? The seaside presents the proper backdrop for a postcard-worthy photograph spot.
10. Watch the Sunset
El Cuyo presents beautiful sunsets and sunrises that present a surprising show of shade, and there are a number of nice spots to take pleasure in this common exercise for guests.
The pure great thing about sunsets alongside the shoreline may be skilled on the seaside over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, from the elevated pier, rooftop patios, and bars, on a guided boat tour, or throughout a sundown horseback using expertise.
11. Explore the Street Art in El Cuyo
El Cuyo has a creative aspect along with its pure magnificence and out of doors actions. It has some distinctive but vibrant road artwork to view, together with photograph spots, murals, and neighborhood artwork initiatives.
The vibrant colours of the murals add a vigorous environment to the village of El Cuyo as you wander the streets and supply nice spots for images. You can both wander the streets and discover murals by yourself or ask a neighborhood who might be pleased to level out the murals that depict nature-inspired native scenes and cultural motifs.
12. Walk the Beach with nobody in sight
The seashores in El Cuyo are quiet and stress-free to walk, particularly within the morning when there isn’t any one in sight, and you’ll benefit from the sounds of the ocean, smooth white sand seashores, and exquisite sunsets and sunrises by yourself.
El Cuyo is positioned between Holbox and Rio Lagartos and presents pristine seashores to take pleasure in with out all of the guests such as you would discover in Riveria Maya. Many lodges have complimentary seaside chairs that you’re welcome to take pleasure in!
13. Enjoy Paddleboarding
El Cuyo presents the proper environment for paddleboarding, because the water is calm and alluring. Paddleboarding at sundown or dawn is without doubt one of the most lovely instances of day to benefit from the tranquil waters. You could even be fortunate and see dolphins, rays & turtles.
Best Restaurants in El Cuyo
El Cuyo is a small fishing village alongside the Gulf of Mexico with restricted eating decisions. However, native eating places serve recent seafood and genuine Mexican flavors that you’ll not need to miss! You will certainly need to strive guacamole, ceviche, and lots of different recent seafood dishes.
However, there are some superb eating places that stand out, together with:
- La Casa Palma Food Truck
- Zapote Bar Asador
- El Chile Gordo, which is open for Dinner Only.
If you might be in search of lunch or breakfast in El Cuyo, it would be best to take a look at:
- Casa Mangle
- Nai Cafe & Restaurant
- Anahata Cafe & Bistro
- Loncheria El Amigo Willy
If you have an interest in studying extra about these distinctive eating places, then come take a look at our Guide to Restaurants in El Cuyo for all the main points, together with menus and suggestions on what to strive!
Pro Tip: Take into consideration that many eating places shut by 9 PM, so you’ll be sure you plan to have dinner at an earlier hour.
If you like exploring Mexico and are in search of different locations to go to, make certain to take a look at a few of our different articles. We journey to Mexico with youngsters a number of instances a 12 months, visiting our favourite locations and new locations too.
- Bacalar – Lake with loopy blue waters; the photograph above is from there.
- Izamal – Yellow City
- Cenotes in Mexico – Skip the snorkel excursions and take a look at native cenotes
- Valladolid – Super cute city with tons of cenotes and Mayan ruins close by
- Kaan Luum – An straightforward, enjoyable day journey from Tulum
- Xpu Ha – Gorgeous seaside between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
- Merida – Not a hidden gem, however an amazing place to go to
When planning your subsequent go to to Mexico, be sure you take into account El Cuyo, which has lovely sunsets, quiet sandy seashores, turquoise waters, participating points of interest, and superb meals – providing one thing for each traveler to take pleasure in!