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 infinite seaside.
Positioned on the northern coast of Mexico, round 180 kilometers east of Merida. It’s a peaceable and delightful hidden gem in Mexico that could be a little off the crushed path when it comes to tourism, making it a perfect location to discover.
Identified for its pristine seashores, mushy white sand, turquoise waters, and picturesque surroundings, vacationers will take pleasure in sunbathing, enjoyable, swimming, and water sports activities.
That is the perfect location for many who wish to expertise genuine Mexico and keep away from the overpriced and touristy Riviera Maya. El Cuyo gives boutique inns, genuine delicacies, enjoyable 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 are able to solidify your itinerary and journey plans.
Methods to Get to El Cuyo
Attending to El Cuyo isn’t arduous essentially, nevertheless it isn’t simple both. That is what makes it considerably of a hidden gem. Most vacationers wish to journey to locations which might be simple to get to.
When 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 simple…. Properly, if it have been that simple, it could be method busier.
There are 3 ways you’ll be able to journey to El Cuyo: hire a automotive and drive your self, rent a non-public driver, or take the bus.
Driving to El Cuyo
One of the best ways to get to El Cuyo is by renting a automotive and driving your self. That is what we did. There may be one paved highway 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 may be technically one other “highway” that isn’t actually a highway that connects El Cuyo to Las Coloradas. It’s a sandy path that isn’t at all times accessible. Within the photograph above, that’s us and our rental automotive on the dust highway to Las Coloradas.
We drove this highway in the future to test it out and see how far we might drive and if we might see flamingos. We did see them, however the highway was tough, and I’d not suggest it in the event you don’t have a 4WD automotive and it hasn’t rained in a couple of days. The highway is thought to be washed out after rain and a multitude.
You possibly can simply hire a automotive on-line right here. Costs are affordable and having a automotive will provide you with a lot freedom to discover by yourself time.
Driving to El Cuyo Distance From:
- From Cancun – 100 miles/162 km through toll highway 2.5 hours
- From Playa del Carmen – 90 miles/146 km through toll highway 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
Personal Switch
The best method 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 isn’t the most affordable choice in any respect. We extremely suggest renting a automotive in Cancun and driving your self.
Attending to El Cuyo by Bus
You probably have taken the ADO bus in Mexico to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum or Playa del Carmen, you need 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 comfy. It has air con, which is vital. You should purchase a ticket on the bus station across the nook from the ADO Bus station, or you’ll be able to pay the driving force if you get on the bus.
The place to Keep in El Cuyo
There’s a good vary of lodging choices, from finances to small boutique inns. Only a few inns have a pool. We wished a swimming pool as a result of we have been touring with children.
We had our three-year-old son with us, so we stayed at a dearer lodge. We stayed at this lodge, Cucu Lodge, on the sting of city.
Really helpful El Cuyo Accommodations:
FAQ El Cuyo
What’s El Cuyo Identified for?
El Cuyo is thought for quite a lot 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 Seashores: El Cuyo Seashore has Delicate white sand, an infinite 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 house to 1000’s of animals and chook species and has the biggest nesting colony of Pink Flamingos on the planet.
The coastal cities positioned on this Biosphere deal with offering nature and leisure actions that protect the distinctive ecosystem of the realm. There’s a deal with selling eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices whereas showcasing the pure fantastic thing about the surroundings.
Fishing: Being a small coastal village, it’s recognized for nice 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 corresponding to paddle boards.
The waters of the Yucatan are excellent for catching tarpon, grouper, and snapper. Most fish are caught by reside bait corresponding to sardines.
Kite Browsing: Kitesurfers initially based El Cuyo. It’s a highly regarded 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’s the Greatest Time to Go to El Cuyo?
There are three totally different distinctive seasonal climate adjustments that may influence the actions and experiences you’ll be able to discover, so the very best time to go to will depend on your preferences.
The dry season happens between November and April and gives extra sunshine and a decreased probability of rain, which is good if you wish to take pleasure in out of doors sights and the gorgeous pristine seashores. Temperatures vary from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to excessive 20s Celsius).
The hurricane season usually happens between June and November, which may convey climate advisories and climate occasions that will shut many sights. The height time for hurricanes is between August and October. The summer time months also can convey excessive warmth and humidity, making some out of doors sights insufferable.
The moist season happens between Might by way of October which usually brings rain showers for a couple of hours however doesn’t final all day. The wet climate usually cancels out of doors actions corresponding to kitesurfing, which is extremely influenced by wind and rain. Nonetheless, throughout these months, the panorama of El Cuyo is lush and inexperienced, and there are fewer guests.
You possibly can undoubtedly go to El Cuyo all 12 months lengthy. Nonetheless, the most well-liked months are December to March. We visited in March.
Be sure to take a look at my packing record that will help you determine what to pack and what to skip.
Is El Cuyo Secure?
El Cuyo is a welcoming and secure surroundings the place all of the locals know one another, because the group has been constructed by a bunch of expatriates who work collectively to create a group for locals and guests.
The locals benefit from the paradise of the land and make it their mission to protect and defend all elements of the surroundings by respecting the tranquillity of the pure environment and count on 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 Wanted 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 could actually simply be seen in a couple of days (2-3) or a weekend. Nonetheless, you too can simply keep and disconnect and benefit from the relaxed seaside environment for per week.
Are you able to Drive to El Cuyo?
Sure, you’ll be able to drive to El Cuyo. The drive is comparatively simple. 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 way in which.
We rented a automotive on-line right here upfront. Keep away from all of the scams in particular person and get a less expensive value by securing a automotive on-line with Uncover Automobiles. That is who we use.
What’s the Closest Airport?
The closest airport to El Cuyo is Cancun, which is roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes away. When you arrive on the Cancun Worldwide Airport, you’ll be able to take public transport, a taxi, a non-public switch (we suggest 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 Ought to Go to El Cuyo NOW
There are three main causes you need to go to El Cuyo as quickly as you’ll be able to: it gives tranquility and serenity as it’s a hidden gem when it comes to tourism, worth for cash, and it gives an genuine Mexican expertise exploring the pure fantastic thing about the surroundings by way of out of doors sights.
If you’re on the lookout for a calming trip to relaxation, recharge, and reset, then visiting El Cuyo is ideal for this. The laid-back environment and pleasant native institutions will let you 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 far more reasonably priced in comparison with different components of Mexico. Make the most of the good costs earlier than this vacation spot turns into extra standard.
Identified for its pure magnificence, you’ll want to discover a number of out of doors actions corresponding to kitesurfing, fishing, paddleboarding, boat excursions of Rio Lagartos Pure 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.
You probably have been to Tulum and are on the lookout for the subsequent finest place, come test it out now. You probably have visited Holbox greater than as soon as, you might have seen how briskly that’s altering.
Professional Tip: The locals desire Money, so I extremely recommend bringing money moderately than counting on bank cards.
What To not Count on
El Cuyo is a chill seaside surroundings for the laidback traveler and has restricted vacationer sights. Not like the Mayan Riveria, El Cuyo doesn’t have wild seaside events or golf equipment, chain eating places, or bars and as a substitute has small native inns, boutiques, and eating places.
Don’t count on giant developments or buildings as many 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.
Issues To Do in El Cuyo
There are a selection of issues to do in El Cuyo, whether or not you wish to go on an journey, benefit from the pure surroundings and tradition, eat genuine delicacies, or take pleasure in some leisure. El Cuyo gives actions for each kind 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; nonetheless, in El Cuyo, there is a chance for each freshmen and superior kitesurfers.
El Cuyo has many kitesurfing faculties and areas for tools leases, together with Kitesurf Mexico, El Cuyo Kiteschool, Kite Surf Trip, and Kiteboarding Excessive Management.
It’s endorsed to e book upfront in the course of the excessive season from November to April when the wind circumstances are preferrred, as there are totally different sizes for various wind circumstances.
2. Chill on El Cuyo Seashore
The seaside is spacious and abandoned, and there will not be many chairs on the seaside, so you’ll want to convey your individual towel or picnic blanket to take a seat on. While you’re chilling on the seaside, it’s possible you’ll take pleasure in exploring the shoreline for treasures and seashells.
The mushy white sand is ideal for basking within the solar and absorb the Mexican sunshine. The calm turquoise waters and gradual depth are excellent for all to take pleasure in a refreshing swim.
3. Seek for Flamingos in El Cuyo
There’s something spectacular about seeing wildlife of their pure habitat, which is why you’ll want to come to El Cuyo and discover the gorgeous flamingos. Elegant Flamingos could be discovered on the Yucatan Peninsula in numerous areas.
If you wish to see flamingos, you’ll be able to discover the Pink Lakes or rent an area boat tour to take you thru the mangrove caves that encompass El Cuyo, which is the native habitat for flamingos. It’s also possible to 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.
Professional Tip: The very best 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. Nonetheless, the Pink Lakes are definitely worth the drive. The principle attraction at Las Coloradas is the colourful pink lakes, which create a ravishing panorama that’s preferrred for pictures.
Whereas at Las Coloradas, you’ll want to take an ATV tour to discover the mangrove forests which might be a part of the coastal ecosystem that’s house to distinctive natural world. Alongside the tour, you will note quite a lot of chook 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.
Professional Tip: The pink hue is probably the most intense in the course of the center of the day as a consequence of excessive concentrations of salt.
5. Climb El Cuyo Climbing Tower
In the event you take pleasure in journey, then you have to do this 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 method 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 bushes, providing guests the chance to benefit from the sunshine and get in a exercise.
6. Lease a Bike and Discover
Renting a motorcycle and exploring El Cuyo means that you can 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 slender dust streets which might be simple to trip and take you to distinctive spots to go to.
Begin the journey by admiring the colourful homes of native residents, visiting the city sq. that has many native outlets, experiencing day by day life available in the market, and having fun with the colourful mural creations that one can find on partitions alongside your route.
After you have explored the primary areas of El Cuyo, it’s possible you’ll wish to trip 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.
In the event you’re in form and up for an extended full-day bike trip, then contemplate 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.
Professional Tip: El Cuyo could be very humid, so make sure you pack a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat to make your biking journey extra pleasurable. Seize a GPS or cellular map app to plan your route so that you don’t miss any factors of curiosity.
Professional Tip: Be ready that since life is so laid again in El Cuyo that locals don’t work so much, so many outlets and eating places have restricted hours. Whereas there’s Wifi in El Cuyo, be ready. It isn’t very quick, so it suits properly with the simple going life-style.
8. Take a Picture with the El Cuyo Letters on the Pier
Everybody likes to take images on trip to recollect their journey, so why not head to the pier and take the traditional photograph with the El Cuyo letters? The seaside gives the proper backdrop for a postcard-worthy photograph spot.
10. Watch the Sundown
El Cuyo gives beautiful sunsets and sunrises that present a surprising show of coloration, and there are a number of nice spots to take pleasure in this standard exercise for guests.
The pure fantastic thing about sunsets alongside the shoreline could 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. Discover the Avenue Artwork in El Cuyo
El Cuyo has an inventive facet 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 group artwork tasks.
The colourful 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 possibly can both wander the streets and discover murals by yourself or ask an area who shall be comfortable to level out the murals that depict nature-inspired native scenes and cultural motifs.
12. Stroll the Seashore with nobody in sight
The seashores in El Cuyo are quiet and enjoyable to walk, particularly within the morning when there isn’t any one in sight, and you may benefit from the sounds of the ocean, mushy white sand seashores, and delightful sunsets and sunrises by yourself.
El Cuyo is positioned between Holbox and Rio Lagartos and gives pristine seashores to take pleasure in with out all of the guests such as you would discover in Riveria Maya. Many inns have complimentary seaside chairs that you’re welcome to take pleasure in!
13. Get pleasure from Paddleboarding
El Cuyo gives the proper environment for paddleboarding, because the water is calm and welcoming. Paddleboarding at sundown or dawn is among the most stunning occasions of day to benefit from the tranquil waters. You might even be fortunate and see dolphins, rays & turtles.
Greatest Eating places in El Cuyo
El Cuyo is a small fishing village alongside the Gulf of Mexico with restricted eating decisions. Nonetheless, native eating places serve recent seafood and genuine Mexican flavors that you’ll not wish to miss! You’ll undoubtedly wish to strive guacamole, ceviche, and plenty of different recent seafood dishes.
Nonetheless, there are some wonderful eating places that stand out, together with:
- La Casa Palma Meals Truck
- Zapote Bar Asador
- El Chile Gordo, which is open for Dinner Solely.
If you’re on the lookout for lunch or breakfast in El Cuyo, you’ll want to take a look at:
- Casa Mangle
- Nai Cafe & Restaurant
- Anahata Cafe & Bistro
- Loncheria El Amigo Willy
If you’re considering studying extra about these distinctive eating places, then come take a look at our Information to Eating places in El Cuyo for all the small print, together with menus and suggestions on what to strive!
Professional Tip: Think about that many eating places shut by 9 PM, so you’ll ensure you plan to have dinner at an earlier hour.
In the event you love exploring Mexico and are on the lookout for different locations to go to, be certain that to take a look at a few of our different articles. We journey to Mexico with children a number of occasions 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 Metropolis
- Cenotes in Mexico – Skip the snorkel excursions and take a look at native cenotes
- Valladolid – Tremendous cute city with tons of cenotes and Mayan ruins close by
- Kaan Luum – A straightforward, enjoyable day journey from Tulum
- Xpu Ha – Attractive seaside between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
- Merida – Not a hidden gem, however a fantastic place to go to
When planning your subsequent go to to Mexico, ensure you contemplate El Cuyo, which has stunning sunsets, quiet sandy seashores, turquoise waters, partaking sights, and wonderful meals – providing one thing for each traveler to take pleasure in!
