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 countless seaside.
Situated on the northern coast of Mexico, round 180 kilometers east of Merida. It’s a peaceable and delightful hidden gem in Mexico that may be a little off the crushed path by way of tourism, making it a really perfect location to discover.
Identified for its pristine seashores, comfortable white sand, turquoise waters, and picturesque atmosphere, vacationers will take pleasure in sunbathing, stress-free, swimming, and water sports activities.
That is the perfect location for individuals who wish to expertise genuine Mexico and keep away from the overpriced and touristy Riviera Maya. El Cuyo affords boutique lodges, genuine delicacies, stress-free seaside experiences, and the hospitality of the native Yucatan individuals.
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.
Get to El Cuyo
Attending to El Cuyo isn’t onerous 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 taking a look at a map, chances are you’ll assume you possibly can take a ship from Isla Holbox or drive from Rio Lagartos. If it have been solely that simple…. Effectively, if it have been that simple, it could be means busier.
There are 3 ways you possibly can journey to El Cuyo: lease 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’s one paved highway to El Cuyo that connects to Colonia Yucatan. The drive is simple. When driving in Mexico, all the time be careful for potholes, speedbumps, and animals/individuals on the roads.
There’s 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 all the time accessible. Within the picture above, that’s us and our rental automotive on the filth highway to Las Coloradas.
We drove this highway sooner or later to test it out and see how far we may drive and if we may see flamingos. We did see them, however the highway was tough, and I might not suggest it in the event you don’t have a 4WD automotive and it hasn’t rained in just a few days. The highway is thought to be washed out after rain and a multitude.
You may simply lease a automotive on-line right here. Costs are cheap 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 highway 2.5 hours
- From Playa del Carmen – 90 miles/146 km by way of 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 means can be to rent a non-public driver and take a non-public switch. We all the time use this firm for our airport transfers to and from the Cancun Airport.
NOTE: This isn’t the most cost effective choice in any respect. We extremely suggest renting a automotive in Cancun and driving your self.
Attending to El Cuyo by Bus
If in case you have taken the ADO bus in Mexico to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum or Playa del Carmen, you must know there is no such thing as a ADO bus to El Cuyo. You have to 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 buy a ticket on the bus station across the nook from the ADO Bus station, or you possibly can pay the motive force while 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 lodges. Only a few lodges 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 Resort, on the sting of city.
Beneficial 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 atmosphere and genuine Mexican village ambiance. El Cuyo is thought for the next:
Pristine Seashores: El Cuyo Seashore has Smooth white sand, an countless 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 1000’s of animals and fowl species and has the biggest nesting colony of Pink Flamingos on the planet.
The coastal cities positioned on this Biosphere give attention to offering nature and leisure actions that protect the distinctive ecosystem of the world. There’s a give attention to selling eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices whereas showcasing the pure great thing about the atmosphere.
Fishing: Being a small coastal village, it’s identified 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 comparable to paddle boards.
The waters of the Yucatan are good for catching tarpon, grouper, and snapper. Most fish are caught by stay bait comparable to sardines.
Kite Browsing: Kitesurfers initially based El Cuyo. It’s a very talked-about exercise, and the world is well-known for providing a number of kiteboarding classes and rental areas to permit vacationers to attempt kite browsing. El Cuyo waters are sometimes calm with a constant wind, making it the perfect atmosphere for kitesurfing.
What’s the Greatest Time to Go to El Cuyo?
There are three completely different distinctive seasonal climate modifications that may affect the actions and experiences you possibly can discover, so the most effective time to go to is dependent upon your preferences.
The dry season happens between November and April and affords extra sunshine and a decreased probability of rain, which is good if you wish to take pleasure in outside sights and the attractive 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 might carry climate advisories and climate occasions that might shut many sights. The height time for hurricanes is between August and October. The summer season months also can carry excessive warmth and humidity, making some outside sights insufferable.
The moist season happens between Might by October, which generally brings rain showers for just a few hours however doesn’t final all day. The wet climate typically cancels outside actions comparable to kitesurfing, which is extremely influenced by wind and rain. Nevertheless, throughout these months, the panorama of El Cuyo is lush and inexperienced, and there are fewer guests.
You may positively go to El Cuyo all yr lengthy. Nevertheless, the most well-liked months are December to March. We visited in March.
Be certain that to take a look at my packing record that can assist you resolve what to pack and what to skip.
Is El Cuyo Secure?
El Cuyo is a welcoming and secure atmosphere 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 points of the atmosphere 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 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 simply be seen in just a few days (2-3) or a weekend. Nonetheless, you too can simply keep and disconnect and benefit from the relaxed seaside ambiance for per week.
Are you able to Drive to El Cuyo?
Sure, you possibly can 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 prematurely. Keep away from all of the scams in particular person and get a less expensive worth 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 possibly can 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 must go to El Cuyo as quickly as you possibly can: it affords tranquility and serenity as it’s a hidden gem by way of tourism, worth for cash, and it affords an genuine Mexican expertise exploring the pure great thing about the atmosphere by outside sights.
In case you are on the lookout for a soothing trip to relaxation, recharge, and reset, then visiting El Cuyo is ideal for this. The laid-back ambiance and pleasant native institutions will 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 inexpensive in comparison with different elements of Mexico. Reap the benefits of the nice costs earlier than this vacation spot turns into extra fashionable.
Identified for its pure magnificence, it would be best to discover a number of outside actions comparable 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.
If in case you have been to Tulum and are on the lookout for the following finest place, come test it out now. If in case you have visited Holbox greater than as soon as, you might have seen how briskly that’s altering.
Professional Tip: The locals favor Money, so I extremely counsel bringing money reasonably than counting on bank cards.
What To not Count on
El Cuyo is a chill seaside atmosphere for the laidback traveler and has restricted vacationer sights. In contrast to 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 lodges, boutiques, and eating places.
Don’t anticipate massive developments or buildings as many of the city is sandy filth roads that join the pier and walkable city collectively. A automotive can be useful solely if you’re staying within the outskirts.
Issues To Do in El Cuyo
There are a number of issues to do in El Cuyo, whether or not you wish to go on an journey, benefit from the pure atmosphere and tradition, eat genuine delicacies, or take pleasure in some leisure. El Cuyo affords actions for each sort of traveler to take pleasure in:
1. Kitesurfing
The water in El Cuyo is shallow, and the wind situations are sometimes favorable to check out kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is a difficult water sport; nonetheless, in El Cuyo, there is a chance for each rookies and superior kitesurfers.
El Cuyo has many kitesurfing colleges and areas for tools leases, together with Kitesurf Mexico, El Cuyo Kiteschool, Kite Surf Trip, and Kiteboarding Excessive Management.
It is strongly recommended to guide prematurely through the excessive season from November to April when the wind situations are ultimate, as there are completely different sizes for various wind situations.
2. Chill on El Cuyo Seashore
The seaside is spacious and abandoned, and there should 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’re chilling on the seaside, chances are you’ll take pleasure in exploring the shoreline for treasures and seashells.
The comfortable white sand is ideal for basking within the solar and take in the Mexican sunshine. The calm turquoise waters and gradual depth are good 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 it would be best to come to El Cuyo and discover the attractive flamingos. Elegant Flamingos will be discovered on the Yucatan Peninsula in varied areas.
If you wish to see flamingos, you possibly can 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 too can go on a kayaking journey by these coastal ecosystems, the place you may even see Flamingos resting in shallow waters or in flocks feeding.
Professional Tip: One of the best time to identify Flamingos is early within the morning when they’re essentially the most lively or the late afternoon when they’re feeding.
4. Go on an ATV tour to Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas is an unbelievable attraction to discover, however it’s a couple of 2-hour drive away from El Cuyo. Nevertheless, the Pink Lakes are definitely worth the drive. The principle attraction at Las Coloradas is the colourful pink lakes, which create a phenomenal panorama that’s ultimate for images.
Whereas at Las Coloradas, it would be best to take an ATV tour to discover the mangrove forests which might be a part of the coastal ecosystem that’s residence to distinctive natural world. Alongside the tour, you will notice quite a lot of fowl species, marine life, and the pink lakes of Las Coloradas, and in the event you’re fortunate, chances are you’ll spot a flamingo.
Professional Tip: The pink hue is essentially the most intense through the center of the day attributable to excessive concentrations of salt.
5. Climb El Cuyo Climbing Tower
When you take pleasure in journey, then you will need to do this vertical outside 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 means as much as extra superior climbs.
Instructors will train the highest rope methodology, in addition to belaying, so you possibly can benefit from the expertise in pairs. The climbing tower is positioned outside between the seaside and the palm timber, providing guests the chance to benefit from the sunshine and get in a exercise.
6. Lease a Bike and Discover
Renting a motorbike and exploring El Cuyo means that you can actually uncover the hidden gems, pure magnificence, and native tradition whereas having fun with an lively tour. This coastal village is nice for biking because the village has many slender filth streets which might be simple to journey 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 every day life available in the market, and having fun with the colourful mural creations that you will discover on partitions alongside your route.
After getting explored the primary areas of El Cuyo, chances are you’ll wish 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.
When 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 good spot to take a relaxation, rehydrate, and take some pictures.
Professional Tip: El Cuyo will be very humid, so make sure you pack a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat to make your biking journey extra fulfilling. Seize a GPS or cell 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 may be Wifi in El Cuyo, be ready. It isn’t very quick, so it suits properly with the straightforward going way of life.
8. Take a Photograph with the El Cuyo Letters on the Pier
Everybody likes to take pictures on trip to recollect their journey, so why not head to the pier and take the basic picture with the El Cuyo letters? The seaside affords the proper backdrop for a postcard-worthy picture spot.
10. Watch the Sundown
El Cuyo affords beautiful sunsets and sunrises that present a surprising show of coloration, and there are a selection of nice spots to take pleasure in this fashionable exercise for guests.
The pure great thing about sunsets alongside the shoreline will 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 driving expertise.
11. Discover the Avenue Artwork in El Cuyo
El Cuyo has an inventive facet along with its pure magnificence and outside actions. It has some distinctive but vibrant road artwork to view, together with picture spots, murals, and neighborhood artwork tasks.
The colourful colours of the murals add a vigorous ambiance to the village of El Cuyo as you wander the streets and supply nice spots for pictures. You may both wander the streets and discover murals by yourself or ask a neighborhood who will probably be joyful 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 stress-free to walk, particularly within the morning when there is no such thing as a one in sight, and you’ll benefit from the sounds of the ocean, comfortable white sand seashores, and delightful sunsets and sunrises by yourself.
El Cuyo is positioned between Holbox and Rio Lagartos and affords 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. Take pleasure in Paddleboarding
El Cuyo affords the proper ambiance for paddleboarding, because the water is calm and welcoming.
Paddleboarding at sundown or dawn is likely one of the most lovely instances of day to benefit from the tranquil waters. Chances are you’ll 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. Nevertheless, native eating places serve recent seafood and genuine Mexican flavors that you’ll not wish to miss!
You’ll positively wish to attempt guacamole, ceviche, and plenty of different recent seafood dishes.
Nevertheless, 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.
In case you are on the lookout for lunch or breakfast in El Cuyo, it would be best to try:
- Casa Mangle
- Nai Cafe & Restaurant
- Anahata Cafe & Bistro
- Loncheria El Amigo Willy
In case you are keen on studying extra about these distinctive eating places, then come try our Information to Eating places in El Cuyo for all the small print, together with menus and suggestions on what to attempt!
Professional Tip: Think about that many eating places shut by 9 PM, so you’ll be sure you plan to have dinner at an earlier hour.
When 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 instances a yr, visiting our favourite locations and new locations too.
- Bacalar – Lake with loopy blue waters; the picture 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 – Beautiful seaside between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
- Merida – Not a hidden gem, however an important 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, partaking sights, and wonderful meals – providing one thing for each traveler to take pleasure in!
