The north Yucatán coast is one long stretch of incredible beaches but at the eastern edge of the state of Yucatán is one of the most beautiful beaches you can imagine: El Cuyo, Yucatan.

I’m going to share my El Cuyo secrets with you so you, too, can visit and fall madly in love with this perfect place.

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The magic of Yucatecan beaches

🏝 Compared to places in Quintana Roo like Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the beaches of Yucatan barely register with most visitors to the peninsula. However, they’re missing out and you, as someone who already knows about the beaches on the Yucatán side of the Gulf of Mexico are winning at life. 

🏝 The beaches of the Yucatán are sometimes referred to as the Costa Esmerelda because the sea here has a greenish hue to it. These gentle, shallow waters of the Yucatán are flanked by white sand beaches and palm trees. Once you’ve experienced a Yucatecan beach you’ll yearn for them for the rest of your life.

🏝 These beaches are also generally much quieter and less built up than the beach towns in our neighbouring state of Quintana Roo. 

🏝 Maybe you’ve already visited the better known beaches of Yucatán such as Progreso, Celestun, Sisal and even the gorgeous San Crisanto, which has been a badly kept secret for some years now. Maybe you recently heard someone mention a hidden gem by the name of El Cuyo and you’re curious. 

How long do I need in El Cuyo, Yucatan?

El Cuyo is great for a day trip or for a longer stay of a few days if you have time and want to enjoy yourself in this tiny town that’s waaaaaay off the beaten path. In my opinion, El Cuyo is one of the best places to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula so I’d probably stay as long as possible.

Where is El Cuyo Beach?

🧭 El Cuyo is located near the state line between Quintana Roo and Yucatán. It is within the Parque Natural Rio Lagartos along with the even smaller villages of Las Coloradas, and Rio Lagartos.

There is an estuary between the mainland and the small village of El Cuyo, this also adds to its isolation. 

If you look at Google Maps you’ll see that it’s really not super easily accessible at all – hence people referring to it as a hidden gem. 

How to get to El Cuyo, Yucatán 

🚗 If you’re coming from, Mérida or Valladolid, you’ll need to drive toward Tizimin and then Colonia Yucatan before turning off to El Cuyo (believe me, do not go via Dzonot Carretero – here you will find yourself on a dirt road at times).

From Cancun or Playa del Carmen, follow the main road until you reach the caseta de cobro El Tintal (this is a toll booth) and then turn off towards Colonia Yucatan and El Cuyo.

➡️ Check your rental car options

🚌 If you don’t have your own car then you’ll have to use public transportation to get to El Cuyo. Wherever you’re coming from this will mean at least two buses: from wherever you are to Tizimin  or Colonia Yucatán and then a smaller bus from there. Note that timetables change regularly.

* If you’re worried about your safety now that you’re aware how isolated this small place is, stop right now. Yucatán is Mexico’s safest state and there is nothing to worry about in this small fishing village. 

What is there to do in El Cuyo, Yucatan?

There’s very little to do in El Cuyo and that’s part of its beauty. It’s a tiny fishing village with a population of under two thousand full-time residents. El Cuyo is in the middle of a national park though so your access to nature here is pretty sweet. 

As you can imagine, in such a small place, there isn’t a huge amount to do except relax on the gorgeous white sand beaches, and eat at the local restaurants. The village itself has few paved roads, instead you’ll often find yourself walking joyfully barefoot in El Cuyo. 

Most of the outdoor activities you will find revolve around either the beach or the estuary (ría) or taking day trips.

El Cuyo Beach activities

🪁 El Cuyo has become a popular destination for people who enjoy kite surfing thanks to the consistent wind here. 

🛶 It’s also possible to rent kayaks and paddle boards 

🐟 Fishing tours are adverttised in the village now and again – ask at your hotel

🏖 Sunbathe and stroll on the beach and the surprisingly long pier

➕ For most of the year it’s possible to see dolphins and sea horses from El Cuyo, and sometimes you’ll even see manta-rays. 

El Cuyo estuary activities

🦩 Take a tour of the estuary (ria) and enjoy the peace and quiet in the nature reserve, checking out the great variety of species of birds – around  340 species of bird, 50 species of mammal and 95 species of reptile live in this area. 

You’ll see flamingos and pelicans flying overhead as you relax on the beach.

El Cuyo town center activities

🚲 Hire a bike from Naia cafe (after enjoying an awesome meal here, obv)

🏮 Check out the lighthouse –  I understand you have to ask for the keys to get inside the compound so head to the Capitaneria office to ask for them

📌 Hire a golf cart and drive yourself around

Day trips from El Cuyo, Yucatan

📌 Organise day trips to Tizimin or Valladolid if you want to see bigger towns in Yucatán.

📌 Visit the incredible pink salt lakes at nearby Las Coloradas – see the flamingos here

📌 Find a fisherman who will take you to Isla Holbox – it’s just a 30km boat ride

📌 Visit the nearby interesting fishing villages of San Felipe and Rio Lagartos

Where to stay in El Cuyo, Yucatan

El Cuyo is a small town so accommodation is limited and what there is can be pricy so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you plan on staying in El Cuyo. 

You can use this interactive map to find the best options for you.

MexicoCassie’s hotel recommendations

Where To Eat In El Cuyo

Most of the restaurants in El Cuyo serve traditional Yucatecan fare:  fresh fish, prawns, octopus from the ocean as well as cochinita pibil, tamales and ceviche. 

El Tiburon – representing the standard Yucatán beach food, El Tiburon serves up tasty fish tacos, prawns and breaded fish that will make everyone’s tummies happy.  

Naia Cafe – a long time favourite of visitors to El Cuyo, here you can enjoy healthy dishes, both Mexican and European in style. Particularly recommended for breakfasts.

El Chile Gordo – facing the estuary rather than the beach, this is something of a hidden gem within a hidden gem! Who expects to find fine dining options in a sleepy place like El Cuyo?

​La Casa Palma Food Truck – eating pizza here in this jungle/beach outdoor restaurant will fulfil all your beach-vibe needs. And it gets great reviews too!