There are places you never forget, not because of their size or fame, but because of that magical mix of calm and beauty. That’s El Cuyo, a hidden treasure in northern Yucatán. Though it’s the farthest beach from Mérida, it’s also one of the most enchanting, and it begins to win you over from the very road that leads you there.
Arriving in El Cuyo feels like stepping into another time. The road, lined with mangroves, announces your arrival to a fishing village that has managed to preserve its essence. You might spot wild flamingos just before you get there if you're lucky. But what truly takes your breath away is the beach, wide, with white sand and calm waters. It’s the perfect place to walk slowly, let the salty breeze wrap around you, and watch the sun melt into the horizon in a golden spectacle you won’t want to miss.
What to do in El Cuyo
During the day, you can hop on a bike and explore the town, or simply let the rhythm of the sea carry you. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are tours to the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, kayak excursions, or even kitesurfing lessons; El Cuyo is a well-known destination for the sport thanks to its consistent winds.
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Magic in El Cuyo
Magic in El CuyoAfter dinner, the best thing you can do is get to bed early so you don’t miss one of the most magical moments El Cuyo has to offer: sunrise. Waking up early has its reward when the sky begins to light up and the first rays of sun peek over the sea. The water, still calm as if it too is waking up, reflects orange, pink, and golden tones that transform the entire landscape into a silent, moving display. It’s a moment that invites contemplation, wonder, and gratitude.
El Cuyo isn’t just a destination; it’s a sensory experience that invites you to slow down, to rest, and to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It’s a place that helps you reconnect with nature, with flavors, with the light. And once you discover it, you’ll inevitably want to return.
Where to eat in El Cuyo
One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is discovering the local cuisine, and El Cuyo does not disappoint. Walking along Avenida Veranera is an experience in itself: this main street is home to everything from home-style kitchens and street food carts to more sophisticated restaurants, some even run by Michelin-starred chefs who have found in this corner of the world a space to create without pretension.
Some of the most-talked-about spots are Casa Mangle, Mowgli, Zapote Bar Asador, and La Negrita. This time, we decided to follow our traveler’s instinct and try something more casual: a local pizzeria that came highly recommended by several locals. La Cangreja Reina turned out to be the perfect end to our day. Their shrimp pizza–with a thin, crispy crust, well-seasoned sauce, and fresh seafood–was a delightful surprise that captured the flavor of sea and home that only a small town can offer.
Where to stay in El Cuyo
There are many lodging options, from rustic hostels to boutique hotels: Cabañas El Cuyo, Casa Cielo, Dos Mares, LunArena, Hotelito El Cuyo, and many more. In our case, we chose to stay at the Nikau El Cuyo hotel, a gem in the middle of this paradise. Its design blends beautifully with the surroundings, respecting local vegetation and using natural materials. With a pool, a restaurant offering mixology, and perfect spaces to relax or read a book under the palm trees, this spot is perfect for couples and groups of friends. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.
How to get to El Cuyo
By car:
From Mérida, you have two main route options. The most direct route is to take the highway toward Tizimín, then continue to Colonia Yucatán, and finally head to El Cuyo. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The other option is to go through Valladolid and take the turnoff toward Tizimín from there. If you don’t have a car, there are buses or vans that go from Mérida to Tizimín, and from there you can take a taxi or a shared ride to El Cuyo, though this option may involve longer wait times.
My advice: if you can, rent a car or go with friends. The journey is part of the magic of the trip, and with good music and a sense of adventure, the drive becomes the perfect prelude to what awaits in that enchanted corner of the Yucatecan coast.
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