5 Reasons Why El Cuyo Yucatan Must Be in Your Mexico Bucket List of Amazing Places to Visit
I have been going to El Cuyo since way before it became one of the most popular places in Yucatán Mexico to escape from the crowded beaches of the Riviera Maya. Over the years, I’ve seen it evolve from a sleepy fishing village to a sought-after retreat for travelers looking for a peaceful beach getaway.
When I came back last week, I was pleasantly surprised to see that despite its growing popularity, El Cuyo has managed to retain its charm, with sandy beaches, a quiet beach vibe, and a sense of seclusion that is hard to find elsewhere in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.
For those who don’t know me, I am Isabella and I have been living in Cancun since 2010. I have explored the Yucatan Peninsula and the entire Mexico country for the past years, and I feel comfortable in saying that El Cuyo is one of the best beach destinations in Mexico that hasn’t already been overwhelmed and overpopulated by tourism.
The prices may have gone up, though, for the simple reason that there are not so many hotels and places to stay to create a good competition. You can still find great deals if you travel on a budget, though.
In this post, I will tell you all about El Cuyo and all the reasons why you should add it in your Mexico bucket list.
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El Cuyo At a Glance
Tucked away on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, El Cuyo has a laid-back, authentic vibe with colorful homes, quiet sandy streets, friendly locals, and family-run restaurants—capturing the essence of coastal Yucatán without the influence of chain stores or mass tourism.
I would recommend visiting El Cuyo now, before it changes! 🙂
5 reasons why you should visit El Cuyo?
1. A Secluded Paradise in the Yucatán Peninsula
El Cuyo is often compared to Puerto Morelos, but it’s even more laid back and less crowded. In fact you can still get to the beach and find it absolutely empty, with no beach clubs or restaurants. It looks so wild and untouched, it’s almost surreal and that’s its beauty.
It’s been discovered by kitesurfers for its great wind conditions and wide spaces where they could practice their skills or even learn for the first time. You can still find a lot of kite schools, some of which also offer accommodation if you want to give it a try.
But now it has become a hidden corner for locals and tourists alike to escape from the madness of Cancun and Riviera Maya, where sometimes it gets so crowded that you need a break from your vacation.
2. Beach Lovers’ Dream Destination
For those who love the ocean, El Cuyo is a beach adventure waiting to happen. The sandy shores stretch for miles, making it one of the best beaches in Mexico for long walks, relaxation, and outdoor swimming.
The beach hotels here provide a more intimate experience than the large resorts in Riviera Maya, often offering a private beach experience for visitors.
Many of these hotels have balconies with garden views, and some even feature outdoor swimming pools for those who want a change from the salty sea.
However, even if your hotel is not directly on the beach, but on the road called Veraniega, just one block from the beach, you are still 10 step from the soft white sand and miles of the deserted stretch of beach where you can walk freely and undisturbed.
Don’t be surprised if you spot dolphins or manta rays at a short distance from the shore.
3. Kite Surfing and Water Activities
El Cuyo became first popular among kitesurfers, and it quickly became the hub for kiteboarding kitesurfing, drawing adventure seekers from all over the world. The consistent winds and calm water make it an ideal spot to learn or improve your skills.
There are many kite surfing schools that you can choose from, including Element KiteSurfing
If kite surfing isn’t your thing, you can explore the waters on fishing boats, take boat tours, or rent kayaks or paddleboards.
Or you can just relax and watch others doing it.
There are also amazing tours to explore the nearby area. More about it in the next chapter. 🙂
4. Exploring Beyond the Beach
El Cuyo is surrounded by some of the most fascinating Mexico vacation destinations, including Mayan ruins, mangrove forests, and fishing villages.
You can take an ATV tour to explore the rugged landscapes or visit the nearby Yucatán cenotes, which are perfect for a refreshing swim. If you’re a history enthusiast, consider a day trip to some of the lesser-known Mayan ruins in the region.
My friends from Can Cocal Hotel organize such tours and will take you on an unforgettable journey. Their tours are usually in Spanish, but they also speak English, so I recommend contacting them via email for information in English.
5. Fresh Seafood and Boutique Hotels
When it comes to dining, El Cuyo is known for its fresh seafood and gourmet Mexican food, but also Italian, and some international eateries. Small, locally-owned restaurants serve up some of the best fish tacos and ceviches you’ll find in Mexico travel destinations. Here are some of my favorite restaurants and Hotels in El Cuyo.
Restaurants
- CanCocal for great Spanish-Mexican cuisine, open for Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner all day long.
- Naia Coffe Shop – for delicious breakfast and lunch.
- El Bucanero – Burgers
- Zapote Bar & Asador – grilled meat
Hotels
- CanCocal – Cancocal is an elegant yet laid-back boutique stay in El Cuyo, owned by the lovely Sandra and Fausto, my dear friends. With luxury touches, tasteful design, and a relaxed atmosphere, it feels like staying with friends. Check rates and availability
- Casa Mia – Casa Mia in El Cuyo is a quiet, pet-friendly hotel just a short walk from the beach. Guests love the clean, spacious rooms, fresh local breakfasts, friendly staff, and relaxing vibe. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the peaceful charm of this coastal town. Check rates and availability.
- Casa Cielo – La Casa Cielo is one of El Cuyo’s first luxury beachfront hotels, offering direct access to the sand and sea. With elegant rooms, ocean views, and a peaceful setting, it’s ideal for travelers looking for comfort, style, and a laid-back coastal escape. Check rates and availability
How to get to El Cuyo from Cancun
El Cuyo is situated on the Yucatan east coast in between Chiquila‘ (from where the ferries to Isla Holbox leaves) and Rio Lagartos and it’s included in the same protected area. It’s a Sanctuary of birds, especially flamingoes, and a paradise for nature lovers.
How to reach El Cuyo by car
Renting a car is the best way to reach El Cuyo or go anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula. Here are quick instructions depending on where you are coming from.
From Cancun (Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours)
- Take the Cancún-Mérida Highway (Highway 180D) west toward Valladolid.
- Exit at Kantunilkín and follow the signs to Colonia Yucatán.
- From Colonia Yucatán, take the road north to El Cuyo.
If you want any tips about renting a car or driving in Mexico I’ve got you covered as well. It’s not complicated but there are a few things you should know for a better chance of a flowless experience.
How to get to El Cuyo by bus
It’s a little of an adventure to get here by bus, just because there are no direct buses from the main cities to El Cuyo.
You will need to get to Tizimin and, from there, get a bus (NORESTE is the name of the bus company) or a shared taxi or minivan, which is faster but less reliable.
Here is the NORESTE schedule from Tizimin to El Cuyo. Please make sure to check with the company in case of schedule changes.
However, I would double-check just in case.
To have more information, you can check out the ElCuyo.net website, which is always up to date.
How to get to Tizimin
ADO bus connects Tizimin with Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
From Valladolid, you can find the ORIENTE buses from the Valladolid bus station that are quite frequent, but again they don’t have an online available schedule.
Minivans are also available; they are faster but less reliable as well.
You can check their website for their schedule. However, be aware that there are low-cost buses that are more frequent, but their schedule is not available online. You can use the chat on the ADO site and ask the operator. They speak English and they are very efficient.
Getting to El Cuyo by private transportation
My friends at Can Cocal have great taxi rates. You can contact them to arrange your private transport.
You can check Can Cocal’s location on google map and contact them via WhatsApp at +52 986 2171454. – Daniel. Here below the transfer rates as of 2025.
🧑💻 Can You Work Remotely from El Cuyo?
Let’s talk real talk: the Wi-Fi in El Cuyo is not the fastest—actually, it can be quite slow in some places. But it’s getting better! Some hotels and cafes now have Starlink satellite internet, so if you’re planning to work remotely from paradise, it’s not impossible. Naia Café and some Airbnb hosts are starting to cater more to digital nomads, which is great if you’re blending work and travel.
I’d still download anything important before you come, just in case. And hey, maybe the slow connection is a sign you’re meant to unplug and enjoy the beach for a while.
Also keep in mind that power goes off quite often so make sure you are in a hotel with its own generator so you don’t get without WIFI.
If you have a remote job where you must be online at specific hours, I don’t think El Cuyo is the best location.
👨👩👧 Is El Cuyo Family-Friendly?
Absolutely. El Cuyo is great for families with kids. The beach is wide, flat, and the water near the shore is usually calm and shallow—perfect for little ones to splash around. There are no big resorts or party scenes, just a peaceful community vibe.
Bring beach toys, sunscreen, and maybe a small umbrella for shade. And while there’s no big supermarket, you can still find fruit and basic groceries locally. Bonus: kids will love spotting flamingos near the lagoon when arriving.
🧍♀️ Solo Travel in El Cuyo
If you’re traveling solo—especially as a woman—El Cuyo feels incredibly safe. It’s one of those rare spots where people know each other, say hello in the street, and look out for visitors. I’ve walked around alone day and night and never felt uncomfortable.
It’s also a great place to meet others at cafes like Naia or join a group tour (like kayaking or birdwatching). Everyone’s laid-back, and you’ll probably leave with a new friend or two.
💕 Romantic Beach Getaway for Couples
If you’re looking for a quiet escape with your partner, El Cuyo is a total win. Think sunsets on the pier, long beach walks, and candlelit dinners at El Chile Gordo or Can Cocal.
There are also boutique hotels with plenty of privacy and charm. And with barely any nightlife noise, you can actually hear the waves at night. Pure romance.
🌱 Nature, Flamingos & Eco-Tourism
El Cuyo sits right in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, so it’s not just a beach—it’s a whole ecosystem. Nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers will be in heaven here. The nearby lagoon is home to flamingos, especially visible in spring and summer. You might also spot dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays.
If you’re lucky to visit during turtle nesting season (usually summer), please be respectful and keep lights off on the beach at night.
You can also book eco-tours and kayaking trips into the mangroves with local certified guides like Jesús or William. It’s all about connecting with nature and supporting the community.
⚡ More Adventure in El Cuyo (Besides Kitesurfing)
While kitesurfing put El Cuyo on the map, there’s more action for adventure lovers. You can try fishing trips, stand-up paddleboarding, or rent a quad/Polaris for a bumpy ride through the natural reserve to Las Coloradas.
There’s even a small climbing wall in town for those who want a workout with a view. Ask around at Naia Café or Can Cocal Hotel to get the latest info.
🌊 Day Trips from El Cuyo
If you’re staying a few days and want to explore more, El Cuyo makes a great base for some epic day trips:
- Las Coloradas – the famous pink lakes are about an hour and a half away.
- Río Lagartos – for a boat tour and more flamingo-spotting.
- Isla Holbox – take a short drive to Chiquilá and hop on a ferry.
These spots give you a taste of the Yucatán beyond the beach, and they’re all doable in a day if you’ve got a car. If you don’t have a car you can ask my friends at CanCocal for organized tours.
📅 Best Time to Visit El Cuyo
The best time to visit El Cuyo is December to April for dry weather, calm seas, and sunshine. If you’re coming for kitesurfing, the wind is strongest between October and March.
Flamingos are around mostly from April to August, and sea turtles nest between May and September. Summer is hotter and more humid, with the chance of a quick storm here and there, but it’s also when the lagoons and wildlife are most alive.
If you’re not into crowds, avoid holiday weeks like Easter or Christmas when more locals and tourists head in.
Final Thoughts
El Cuyo is the paradise that beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers have been looking for. If you’re planning a Mexico tourism experience that takes you beyond the typical tourist spots, this hidden beach should be at the top of your bucket list places to travel.
Check out my tips for Mexico outfits if you are not sure what to bring. Enjoy El Cuyo!
