El Cuyo is situated 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.
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 by way of tourism, making it a great location to discover.
Recognized for its pristine seashores, smooth 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 need to expertise genuine Mexico and keep away from the overpriced and touristy Riviera Maya. El Cuyo presents boutique lodges, 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 will solidify your itinerary and journey plans.
Tips on how to Get to El Cuyo
Attending to El Cuyo isn’t exhausting essentially, but it surely isn’t simple both. That is what makes it considerably of a hidden gem. Most vacationers need to journey to locations which can be simple to get to.
When taking a look at a map, chances are you’ll assume you’ll be able to take a ship from Isla Holbox or drive from Rio Lagartos. If it had been solely that simple…. Nicely, if it had been that simple, it will be approach busier.
There are 3 ways you’ll be able to journey to El Cuyo: hire a automobile and drive your self, rent a non-public driver, or take the bus.
Driving to El Cuyo
The easiest way to get to El Cuyo is by renting a automobile and driving your self. That is what we did. There may be 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 may be technically one other “street” that isn’t actually a street that connects El Cuyo to Las Coloradas. It’s a sandy path that isn’t at all times accessible. Within the picture above, that’s us and our rental automobile on the grime 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 suggest it in case you don’t have a 4WD automobile and it hasn’t rained in a couple of days. The street is thought to be washed out after rain and a large number.
You possibly can simply hire a automobile on-line right here. Costs are cheap and having a automobile will provide you with 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
Non-public Switch
The best approach can 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 automobile 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 need to know there isn’t a ADO bus to El Cuyo. You need to take an ADO bus to Tizimin or Colonia Yucatan after which switch to a different native bus referred to as Noreste.
The Noreste bus is comparatively comfy. It has air con, which is essential. 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 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 needed a swimming pool as a result of we had been touring with children.
We had our three-year-old son with us, so we stayed at a costlier resort. We stayed at this resort, Cucu Resort, on the sting of city.
Really useful El Cuyo Lodges:
FAQ El Cuyo
What’s El Cuyo Recognized for?
El Cuyo is thought for quite a lot of various things, making it the right peaceable location to flee the crowds and immerse your self within the untouched pure surroundings 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 situated within the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, which is residence to 1000’s of animals and fowl species and has the most important nesting colony of Pink Flamingos on the planet.
The coastal cities situated on this Biosphere concentrate on offering nature and leisure actions that protect the distinctive ecosystem of the world. There’s a concentrate on selling eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices whereas showcasing the pure fantastic thing about the surroundings.
Fishing: Being a small coastal village, it’s identified 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 equivalent to paddle boards.
The waters of the Yucatan are good for catching tarpon, grouper, and snapper. Most fish are caught by reside bait equivalent 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 places to permit vacationers to attempt kite browsing. El Cuyo waters are sometimes calm with a constant wind, making it the perfect surroundings for kitesurfing.
What’s the Finest Time to Go to El Cuyo?
There are three completely different distinctive seasonal climate modifications that may influence the actions and experiences you’ll be able to discover, so the perfect time to go to is determined by your preferences.
The dry season happens between November and April and presents extra sunshine and a decreased likelihood 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 usually happens between June and November, which might convey climate advisories and climate occasions that will shut many points of interest. The height time for hurricanes is between August and October. The summer season months also can convey excessive warmth and humidity, making some out of doors points of interest insufferable.
The moist season happens between Might by 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 equivalent 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 possibly can undoubtedly go to El Cuyo all 12 months lengthy. Nevertheless, the preferred months are December to March. We visited in March.
Be certain that to take a look at my packing record that will help you determine what to pack and what to skip.
Is El Cuyo Protected?
El Cuyo is a welcoming and protected surroundings the place all of the locals know one another, because the neighborhood has been constructed by a bunch 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 shield all facets 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 provide a ton of actions along with the seaside, so it may possibly simply be seen in a couple of days (2-3) or a weekend. Nonetheless, it’s also possible to simply keep and disconnect and benefit from the relaxed seaside ambiance for every 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 automobile coming from Playa del Carmen. There isn’t a lot to see or cease and do alongside the way in which.
We rented a automobile on-line right here prematurely. Keep away from all of the scams in individual and get a less expensive worth by securing a automobile on-line with Uncover Vehicles. 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 automobile 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 situated 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 presents tranquility and serenity as it’s a hidden gem by way of tourism, worth for cash, and it presents an genuine Mexican expertise exploring the pure fantastic thing about the surroundings by out of doors points of interest.
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 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 preferred vacationer vacation spot but, the price of eating, actions, and lodging are rather more reasonably priced in comparison with different components of Mexico. Reap the benefits of the nice costs earlier than this vacation spot turns into extra in style.
Recognized for its pure magnificence, it would be best to discover a number of out of doors actions equivalent 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 greatest place, come test it out now. If in case you have visited Holbox greater than as soon as, you could have seen how briskly that’s altering.
Professional Tip: The locals desire Money, so I extremely recommend bringing money quite than counting on bank cards.
What To not Anticipate
El Cuyo is a chill seaside surroundings for the laidback traveler and has restricted vacationer points of interest. In contrast to 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.
Don’t count on giant developments or buildings as a lot of the city is sandy grime roads that join the pier and walkable city collectively. A automobile can be useful solely if you’re 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 need to go on an journey, benefit from the pure surroundings and tradition, eat genuine delicacies, or take pleasure in some leisure. El Cuyo presents 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; nevertheless, in El Cuyo, there is a chance for each novices and superior kitesurfers.
El Cuyo has many kitesurfing colleges and places for tools leases, together with Kitesurf Mexico, El Cuyo Kiteschool, Kite Surf Trip, and Kiteboarding Excessive Management.
It is suggested to ebook prematurely through the excessive season from November to April when the wind circumstances are ultimate, as there are completely different sizes for various wind circumstances.
2. Chill on El Cuyo Seashore
The seaside is spacious and abandoned, and there are usually not many chairs on the seaside, so it would be best to convey your personal towel or picnic blanket to take a seat on. While you’re chilling on the seaside, chances are 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 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 may be discovered on the Yucatan Peninsula in varied places.
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 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 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. Nevertheless, the Pink Lakes are definitely worth the drive. The primary attraction at Las Coloradas is the colourful pink lakes, which create a fantastic 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 can 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 case 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 because of excessive concentrations of salt.
5. Climb El Cuyo Climbing Tower
In the event you take pleasure in journey, then you should do this vertical out of doors expertise on the Cuyo Climbing Tower situated 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 situated outside between the seaside and the palm bushes, providing guests the chance to benefit from the sunshine and get in a exercise.
6. Hire a Bike and Discover
Renting a motorcycle and exploring El Cuyo lets you actually 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 grime streets which can 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 retailers, experiencing day by day life out there, and having fun with the colourful mural creations that you’ll discover on partitions alongside your route.
Upon getting explored the primary areas of El Cuyo, chances are 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.
In the event you’re in form and up for an extended full-day bike journey, then think about 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 images.
Professional Tip: El Cuyo may be very humid, so make sure you pack a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat to make your biking journey extra pleasant. 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 retailers and eating places have restricted hours. Whereas there’s Wifi in El Cuyo, be ready. It isn’t very quick, so it matches effectively with the straightforward going way of life.
8. Take a Photograph 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 picture with the El Cuyo letters? The seaside presents the right backdrop for a postcard-worthy picture spot.
10. Watch the Sundown
El Cuyo presents gorgeous sunsets and sunrises that present a shocking show of shade, and there are a selection of nice spots to take pleasure in this in style exercise for guests.
The pure fantastic 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 driving expertise.
11. Discover the Avenue Artwork in El Cuyo
El Cuyo has an inventive aspect along with its pure magnificence and out of doors actions. It has some distinctive but vibrant road artwork to view, together with picture spots, murals, and neighborhood artwork initiatives.
The colourful colours of the murals add a vigorous ambiance to the village of El Cuyo as you wander the streets and provide nice spots for images. You possibly can both wander the streets and discover murals by yourself or ask an area who shall be completely happy 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 a one in sight, and you’ll benefit from the sounds of the ocean, smooth white sand seashores, and delightful sunsets and sunrises by yourself.
El Cuyo is situated 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. Get pleasure from Paddleboarding
El Cuyo presents the right ambiance for paddleboarding, because the water is calm and alluring.
Paddleboarding at sundown or dawn is without doubt one of the most stunning occasions of day to benefit from the tranquil waters. You could even be fortunate and see dolphins, rays & turtles.
Finest 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 need to miss!
You’ll undoubtedly need 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 take a look at:
- Casa Mangle
- Nai Cafe & Restaurant
- Anahata Cafe & Bistro
- Loncheria El Amigo Willy
In case you are fascinated by studying extra about these distinctive eating places, then come take a look at our Information to Eating places in El Cuyo for all the main points, together with menus and proposals on what to attempt!
Professional Tip: Consider that many eating places shut by 9 PM, so you’ll be sure 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 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 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 simple, enjoyable day journey from Tulum
- Xpu Ha – Attractive seaside between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
- Merida – Not a hidden gem, however a terrific place to go to
When planning your subsequent go to to Mexico, be sure you think about El Cuyo, which has stunning sunsets, quiet sandy seashores, turquoise waters, participating points of interest, and wonderful meals – providing one thing for each traveler to take pleasure in!