The Unrivaled Guide to El Cuyo, Yucatan: 19 Things To Do + The Best Places to Eat and Stay in 2024

Thoughts of the picturesque beach town El Cuyo, Yucatan, remind me of that wonderful line from W.B. Yeats’ poem, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”: 

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow.

Like Innisfree, El Cuyo promises visitors total serenity — a rare gift in our go-go-go times! El Cuyo’s peacefulness, along with its pristine, natural beauty, make it one of the absolute best beach towns in Yucatan.

If you don’t know El Cuyo, it’s a pearl-sized fishing village perched on a sliver of sandbar along the final stretch of Mexico’s Gulf coast. This tranquil destination fits the profile of what it means to be a “hidden gem” to a T. El Cuyo is remote, unspoiled and sparsely populated, as well as a protected haven for wildlife. Flamingos rule the skies and lagoon, sea turtles rule the cerulean sea, and the endangered jaguar rules the mysteries of El Cuyo’s dense, surrounding jungle.

Many say El Cuyo’s rustic charms recall the halcyon days of Tulum, well before its unnatural manufacture into Instagram fame. Mass tourism and its usual trappings – all-inclusive resorts, night clubs, beach clubs, rip-off souvenir shops – don’t exist in El Cuyo. Heck — you won’t even find grocery stores or paved roads in this speck of a town. But that’s why you come to El Cuyo. To leave the world behind. 

As a resident of Merida who flees to El Cuyo whenever life permits, I can tell you this tiny oasis is worth a plot on your Yucatan Peninsula itinerary. El Cuyo Beach is sublime for swimming, and incredible for water sports. The town’s location inside the Rio Lagartos Bioshpere gives you the opportunity to experience some of the richest biodiversity on Earth. And you’ll find several, well-appointed boutique hotels in El Cuyo, along with surprisingly, excellent cuisine that you’d never expect in an off-the-beaten-path, fishing village.

Ready to relax in paradise? Journey with me to the ultimate beach escape of El Cuyo, Yucatan! 

THE 19 BEST THINGS TO DO IN EL CUYO, YUCATAN

What’s there to do in El Cuyo, Yucatan?

Not much!

But that’s exactly why this precious destination beckons your visit. El Cuyo is all about the disconnect and recharge. This is where you come to contemplate the wonders of Mother Nature, break out a bestseller on the beach, or tune into the sound of your own thoughts.

 Although there’s not much to do in El Cuyo, here’s 19 things that are a must! 

The Best Things To Do at El Cuyo Beach

Hit the beach – Obvi! Enjoying this postcard-perfect beach is the whole reason you trekked here! Head out for a swim, then unfurl your towel and just… be. 

Take a stroll along the sand – Strolling along the powdery, soft sand at El Cuyo Beach is a must. You may spot the occasional yogi or sunbather, but El Cuyo Beach is often sparsely packed. You just might get to savor this stunning place all alone! 

Collect seashells – There’s something about sifting through the sand for seashells that makes you feel like a kid again. El Cuyo Beach is rife with treasures, so have at it! Plus, seashells make an excellent souvenir from paradise.

Marvel at turtles making their nests – Green and hawksbill turtles have been making the arduous, underwater journey to lay their eggs on El Cuyo Beach for millennia. In fact, El Cuyo Beach is the most important nesting beach in this area of Mexico for these endangered reptiles, so catching this phenomena is not to be missed! And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for dolphins leaping above the water.

Catch the sunset – The sunset at El Cuyo Beach, just above the pier, is blazing and magnificent. I don’t say this  lightly, having witnessed a gazillion iconic sunsets over the Pacific Ocean in my hometown of Los Angeles. To follow the sun’s full descent, head to the beach an hour or so before it disappears. 

Practice yoga on the beach – If ever a destination beckoned for sun salutations on the sand, El Cuyo Beach is it. This secluded and scenic space is the perfect setting for any practice, especially in the salty, morning breeze, or under a fiery, sunset sky.

Stargaze – Head to El Cuyo Beach at night and break out that Sky Guide app! El Cuyo has next to zero light pollution, which makes for an impeccably starry sky that will leave you agape at the heavens in wonder. 

Get in on some water sports – Kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking are all the rage in El Cuyo, thanks to rolling winds and hospitable waters. You’ll find kitesurfing schools and water sport equipment rentals all over El Cuyo. Many hotels partner with them to give guests discounted lessons, so make sure to ask if yours does, too.

Get a massage – Pampering is the icing on the cake of any vacay, but it’s especially luxe when you’re in a tropical paradise. Copal Spa and Holistic Center in El Cuyo, Yucatan offers an expansive and affordable menu of massages and facials. The best part? They come under a palapa with sea views!

Take a siesta – You didn’t think all the hammocks around town were just for decoration, did you? Time stops in El Cuyo, and so should you.

Read a good book – Audiobooks are great when you’re short on time in real life. But on El Cuyo Beach, nothing feels as good as devouring a New York Times bestseller in the form of an actual paperback. Last time I visited El Cuyo, I made my old, English Lit major self proud, knocking back 2 books in 4 days!

The Best Things To Do in Town

Grab a bicycle and explore El Cuyo’s colorful buildings and street art – Put the pedal to the metal and explore El Cuyo, Yucatan by bike. Take in its colorful buildings as you bike toward the main plaza in the center of town. From here, you can see Faro del Cuyo, a quirky, popsicle-colored lighthouse that locals claim is built atop a Mayan pyramid.

Bike in the direction of the Faro and you’ll see lots of vibrant street art, with many pieces honoring El Cuyo’s revered flamingos. The Rio Lagartos Biosphere is home to hundreds of these glorious, migratory birds. The best months to see flamingoes in El Cuyo is from January to September.

My favorite art in El Cuyo are the wall murals inside the garden at Casa Mangle, one of El Cuyo’s top restaurants. They serve delicious, traditional Mexican food in the presence of a wickedly beautiful catrina, and a regally masked Mayan. 

Snap pics at the El Cuyo Sign – Just in front of El Cuyo’s pier sits the colorful El Cuyo sign. Every city in Mexico boasts these eponymous, rainbow-colored letters, but the beauty of El Cuyo’s sign is its azure backdrop.

Go for a Climb –  Climbing? In El Cuyo? Random! But yes, on a side street just off the main road, you’ll find a cement climbing tower stretching up toward the sky. For those of us who like to stay active, it’s a challenging alternative to all the water sports in town.

Explore El Cuyo on an ATV – Take a cue from the locals and explore El Cuyo by ATV, or quadrimoto as they’re called in Mexico. Not only are ATVs handy for navigating El Cuyo’s bumpy, unpaved roads, but they’re fun, too! You can rent one of these muscle machines at a local company called Aventurate. You’ll find their contact deets in a small directory at the end of this post.

Hit Happy Hour at Hotel Can Cocal – For a bustling time by El Cuyo’s standards, hit up happy hour at Hotel Can Cocal. Happy hour goes down from 5 – 7 pm in the charming garden of this El Cuyo hotel, and its extra spicy on Wednesdays when they host an open-flame paella night. The cocktails at Can Cocal are solid, the music is great and the food is some of the best in town!

Grab a Paleta – You and I know a paleta to be a popsicle, which are a necessary evil pretty much everywhere in Yucatan. In El Cuyo, you can indulge your sweet tooth at La Paleteria del Cuyo. This icy shop on the main road in the center of town opens up after dark. 

The Best Things To Do Further Afield

Take a boat tour of the Rio Lagartos Bioshphere Reserve – This tour was one of the highlights of our recent trip to El Cuyo. We learned so much! Did you know that there are 95 bird species living permanently in the biosphere, and 75 species of migratory birds that return here? You’ll find everything from octopuses and lobsters, to crabs and crocodiles living in the waters here. And this is also where El Cuyo’s treasured, pink flamingoes come to feed on the bounty of bacteria that give them their rosy color.

Visit Las Coloradas – I’m just gonna say it. Las Coloradas, the so-called “pink lake” in Yucatan, is a major tourist trap! Sure, pics at the pink salt flats will leave people drooling with FOMO all over your Instagram. But, IMO, the pic isn’t really worth the massive detour. Unless you plan on doing something else in the area, like hit the beach, because there’s really not much else.

If a photo in front of the Las Coloradas sign is a must, then you need to pay for a half-hour tour to enter the site. Otherwise, you can totally pull over on the side of the road and hop out for a quick, pink pic, just like us!

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN EL CUYO, YUCATAN

For a tiny town, El Cuyo features some surprising gems when it comes to accommodation. In fact, here’s an entire article I wrote about the 10 best boutique hotels in El Cuyo. You’ll definitely want to check it out for the most comprehensive list of fab places to stay.

El Cuyo also has several vacation rentals, and I noticed a few “glamping” options the last time I was in town. You’ll want to check sites like AirBnB and VRBO for the former. As for the latter, glamping isn’t my first choice in a jungle full of mosquitoes and all manner of creepy crawlies, including snakes.

TIP – El Cuyo hotels have a limited number of rooms and fill up quickly. Additionally, many properties are adults-only. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s essential to plan your vacation early because family rooms are limited. You can go here to find El Cuyo’s best kid-friendly hotels.

The Best Boutique Hotels in El Cuyo

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 BEST FOR FAMILIES – Hotel Cucu & Kite El Cuyo

The top-rated Hotel Cucu & Kite is the best hotel in El Cuyo. Just a stone’s throw from El Cuyo Beach, Cucu is a luxurious stay offering spacious rooms, bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, fully-equipped kitchens, and a beautiful pool, which all make it perfect for families. I know first-hand because Cucu is my home away from home when I’m in El Cuyo. You can read more about my love for Cucu Hotel here. 

 
❤️ BEST FOR COUPLES – Hotel Can Cocal

Featuring 6 beautiful, serene guest rooms, Hotel Can Cocal is an excellent, top-rated choice for a couples getaway to El Cuyo, Yucatan. The hotel has outstanding online reviews, with guests raving about its excellent customer service, relaxing atmosphere and stylish design. For extra romance at this adults-only accommodation, book one of the larger suites with a rooftop soaking tub.

🏖 BEST BEACHFRONT – Casa Mate Beachfront Cabanas

Casa Mate’s coveted location along the sand easily makes it the best beachfront hotel in El Cuyo. Along with loungers, hammocks and swings located directly on El Cuyo Beach, guests at Casa Mate will also enjoy a stay in an individual, thoughtfully-appointed cabana on the sand.

🏄‍♀️ BEST FOR KITESURFERS – Downwind Deck Boutique Hotel

Attention kite surfing enthusiasts – Downwind Deck Boutique Hotel is all about you! This colorful lodging offers rooms with kiteboard storage, kiteboard washing facilities and even outdoor showers so you won’t track sand into your kiteboard-themed room! And if you didn’t bring your kiteboarding gear with you, Downwind Deck has got it all ready for purchase and rent.  

THE BEST VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD & BEV IN EL CUYO

If you would’ve told me that this shoebox-sized town served up some delectable, plant-based cuisine before I’d discovered this wild truth for myself, I would’ve called you mad. But, surprisingly, El Cuyo’s restaurants deliver on the vegan and veggie factor! 

So much so that, while sharing a tangy, lentil ceviche at Can Cocal’s restaurant, my husband agreed with me when I opined, “Merida could learn a few lessons.”

Ouch… but true!

All of these restaurant recs offer locally-sourced, vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as plenty of omnivore options. Dining in El Cuyo is pretty affordable, with dishes ranging from $5 – $10. The exception are the two, fine dining options that round out the list.

Breakfast & Lunch

Anahata Cafe & Bistro – Anahata is a delightful breakfast option on El Cuyo’s main road. Located in a whimsically-decorated outdoor dining space, Anahata serves up feel good eats like omelets, smoothie bowls and veggie toast, although you’ll find a decadent nutella croissant on the menu, too. Open daily from 7:30 – 1 pm. 

Naia Cafe – Naia offers lots of plant-based and gluten-free yummies. In fact, I’m still dreaming of the gluten-free brownie I devoured here. Not once, but twice (vacation – don’t judge!). From brownies to cappuccino to chilaquiles, everything we had at Naia was a slam dunk. They also have Wi-Fi, so Naia makes a good, digital nomad workspace, too. Open daily from 7 – 3.

La Negrita – Our hotel suggested La Negrita because it’s popular with locals and has excellent reviews. Expect eggs, pancakes and veggie omelets that are tasty and ample. Open daily from 9 – 5. 

Lunch & Dinner

Casa Mangle – Casa Mangle was the first restaurant we ever ate at in El Cuyo. It easily could’ve been the only place we ate at if there weren’t so many other awesome options! They serve traditional Mexican plates with lots of veggie options – the potato flautas, chile relleno and nachos are a must! It’s a hip, outdoor spot with loads of seating beneath edgy and vibrant wall murals. Open everyday from 8 am – 9:30 pm.

Lunarena Restaurant – Lunarena restaurant, at the Lunarena hotel, serves Mexican-Italian fusion made with local ingredients that support small, El Cuyo producers. Another inspiring reason to dine at this outdoor, all day restaurant is its gorgeous poolside, garden setting. Open for breakfast from 7am to 10 am; Lunch from 1pm – 6pm; Dinner: 6pm – 10pm.

Can Cocal Restaurant – I’ve already already sung the praises of Can Cocal Restaurant – it’s that good! The menu features several creative, plant-based Mexican and Mediterranean options. The patatas bravas, vegan tacos and that incredible mango and lentil ceviche are our go-tos. If you’re traveling with seafood lovers, go on Wednesday evening, when they host a massive paella roast. Open 8 am -11 pm daily. 

Piccola Italia Restaurant & Cafe – After living in Italy for several years, my husband and I have a special superpower: being able to tell if the Italian food on our plate was cooked by an actual Italian in the kitchen. As soon as we bit into our bruschetta at Piccola Italia, we instantly exchanged that knowing look. There’s an Italian in the kitchen.

Midway through our dinner, the female chef emerged from the kitchen… speaking Italian!

Let this story be a testament to the authenticity of Piccola Italia’s scrumptious Italian cuisine! My only negative is that the restaurant decor could really use some TLC. This aside, our dinner was a solid 9/10. Open 8 am – 11 am; 1 pm – 9:30.  

La Limonaia – La Limonaia is another popular option for Italian cuisine in El Cuyo. This intimate, outdoor restaurant serves up pastas sauced with precision, as well as wood-fired pizzas that earn excellent reviews online, and from yours truly! Seating is limited, so call ahead to make sure you can grab a table. Open Monday – Saturday from 3 pm – 10 pm. 

Fine Dining

El Chili Gordo – This eclectic restaurant sources local ingredients that wows diners with a 9-course tasting menu. Chef Oscar is happy to make reasonable modifications to accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners. Seating is communal, and extremely limited, so book well in advance. Service starts promptly at 7:30 pm.

Zapote – The nuanced menu at Zapote caters more to meat eaters, but it also highlights some tempting vegetarian options. The atmosphere is moody and cool, and Zapote has rave reviews online. Open Wednesday – Sunday 5 pm – 10 pm.

Wine & Tapas

Off the Vine – Off the Vine is a wine bar offering a versatile selection of wines for tasting and purchase, as well as tapas. Situated on El Cuyo’s main road, Off the Vine is a well-established chain with a handful of locations in the Riviera Maya. Open from 12 pm – 11 pm daily. 

GETTING AROUND EL CUYO

The best ways to get around El Cuyo, Yucatan are by foot, bicycle, ATV, golf cart, or car. Plenty of options for a place that’s 2 miles long and 1 mile wide!

El Cuyo is super walkable, especially if you’re staying close to the center. Most locals ride ATVs or walk around El Cuyo, something they do barefoot half the time. Etiquette in El Cuyo is the the polar opposite of “no shoes, no shirt, no service.”  As you’ll see, shoes and shirts seem optional anywhere you go! 

Bicycles are great for zipping around town. I recommend asking your hotel to see if they bicycles to loan or rent for guests. Otherwise, you can rent bicycles at Bike’s Center, just across from El Cuyo’s park in the center of town. Their number is included in the small directory at the end of this post.

As soon as you arrive in El Cuyo, you’ll see (and hear!) locals barreling about town on ATVs. This is a super fun and practical way to navigate El Cuyo’s unpaved roads. You can rent them at Adventurate, whose number you’ll also find in the directory at the end of this post.

You can always get around El Cuyo by car. There are no parking meters, designated parking spaces or parking lots, which means you shouldn’t have too much trouble parking wherever you go.

PLANNING YOUR EL CUYO GETAWAY: EVERYTHING TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Is El Cuyo Worth Visiting?

El Cuyo is one of the best Yucatan beach towns and is 1000% worth visiting. It’s beautiful and unspoiled, and located inside a protected biosphere full of magnificent animals and exotic vegetation. It’s definitely a worthy detour off the usual Yucatan Peninsula “highlights” list.

Is El Cuyo Safe?

El Cuyo, Yucatan is one of the safest towns you’ll visit in Yucatan. In fact, Yucatan is the safest state in all of Mexico.

An anecdote:

A few minutes after borrowing bikes from our hotel, I realized we’d forgotten to take the bike locks, so I returned. When I asked the manager for them, he laughed in my face.

“What, no thieves in El Cuyo,” I asked, half-jokingly.

“Haven’t met one yet.” He smiled and shooed me off.

Take normal safety precautions in El Cuyo, as you would traveling anywhere in the world. But for the most part, El Cuyo is very, very safe. The locals are warm and friendly, and you can tell it’s the kind of place where everyone knows, and looks out, for each other.

Safety — one less thing to stress about in paradise!

Where is El Cuyo Beach?

El Cuyo Beach is in Yucatan, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about 3 ½ hours east of Merida on the Gulf of Mexico. The closest “big” town to El Cuyo is Tizimin, which is known for its underground catacombs. Here’s a handy Google Map:

Who Will Love El Cuyo Beach?

Everyone will love El Cuyo Beach! Here’s why:

❤️ Families will love El Cuyo’s endless, lazy beach days.
❤️ Couples will feel like they’re the only lovers in the world.
❤️ Friends will love the time and space to chill out together.
❤️ Water sports enthusiasts will love kayaking, paddle boarding and kite surfing El Cuyo’s pristine waters to their heart’s content.

How to Get to El Cuyo

Unless you live relatively close to El Cuyo, like I do in Merida, I suggest combining your visit with larger plans for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Visiting El Cuyo, Yucatan is an excellent complement to destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Holbox, Valladolid, and Merida.

Since there is no airport in El Cuyo – heck, there isn’t even a grocery store! – you’ll need to fly into one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s main airports in Merida, Cancun or Tulum.

Once you’re in Mexico, the best way to get to El Cuyo is to drive. It’s an easy, straightforward drive from all of the aforementioned Mexico destinations.

At the end of this post, you’ll find detailed driving directions to El Cuyo. You never know if Waze or Google Maps might fail you on the way! In the meantime, here’s a sneak a peek at some approximate drive times:

🚘 Cancun to El Cuyo 2 hours 30 minutes
🚘 Playa del Carmen to El Cuyo 2 hours 20 minutes
🚘 Tulum to El Cuyo 2 hours 50 minutes
🚘 Valladolid to El Cuyo  2 hours 15 minutes
🚘 Merida to El Cuyo 3 hours 30 minutes
🚘 Isla Holbox to El Cuyo 1 hour 50 minutes (this journey includes ferry time).

I recently traveled to El Cuyo from Merida. The highway is in great shape, and the time flew by pretty quickly. Once you exit the highway and drive through Tizimin, it’s pretty much smooth sailing through the Yucatan’s agricultural heartland.

Speaking of, if you’re an animal lover like me, this bucolic stretch of drive might tug a bit at your heart strings. You’ll pass miles and miles of farmland filled with grazing cows whose fate is pretty evident. You might even notice a slaughterhouse or two.

I’m consoled a bit knowing that at least these animals are grass-fed and, for the most part, roaming freely. Fortunately, you won’t encounter any “big beef” type factory farming, or witness any horrific conditions.

The Best Time to Visit El Cuyo

Exploring El Cuyo, one the best Yucatan beach towns, is best done November through April. The weather is glorious during this time. Days are dry and sunny, and you’ll find stunning, ultra-blue waters.

If you come in January, your visit will coincide with the roughly 20,000 flamingos that arrive in El Cuyo to kick off mating season every year. What a glorious spectacle! Flamingos generally hang around through September, so you’ll also have a good chance of seeing them from late winter through summer, too.

Kite surfers will find ideal conditions in El Cuyo from October through March. Between March and September, the winds die down, the weather gets hotter and the whole region begins sliding into storm and hurricane season. Yikes!

Peak tourist season in El Cuyo, Yucatan runs from December through February, the same as it is in the Riviera Maya. Thankfully, El Cuyo remains a serene paradise during this time. This makes it a great escape from Mexico’s jam-packed, Caribbean hotspots.

If you’re near El Cuyo during the off or rainy season, it’s worth checking the weather conditions to see if it’s worth a trip. I just returned from El Cuyo in late June, after some major rainfall, and a week before the approach of Hurricane Beryl. We got lucky with brilliant, sunny weather the whole time. Not to mention terrific, off-season hotel rates!

Weather in El Cuyo

El Cuyo has tropical weather, meaning days are hot with significant humidity. Rainfall and tropical storms arrive during hurricane season, which lasts from June through November. But rainfall can often be a quick, 20 minute shower before the sun re-emerges for perfect weather.

How Long Should I Stay in El Cuyo?

Honestly, you can see El Cuyo in less than a few hours. But to experience El Cuyo, I’d recommend at least 2 full days, possibly 3. Otherwise, you’ve made a long drive for no reason. Plus, you’ll miss out on the stop-and-smell-the-roses essence of El Cuyo.

Within 2 – 3 days, you can enjoy the beach, indulge in some great, local cuisine, explore the town, tour the lagoon, and most importantly, disconnect. For maximum escapism, enjoy this Yucatan beach town anywhere from 4 days to a week.

Is There Sargassum in El Cuyo?

Sargassum is floating seaweed, or a type of algae, that thrives in warm water. One of the things that makes El Cuyo one of the best Yucatan beach towns is that it gets a minimal amount of sargassum compared to other beaches in the area. Hundreds of tons of sargassum (yes – hundreds of tons!) have been washing up on Mexico’s Caribbean beaches since 2011.

The sargassum “season” is generally considered to be April – August. Although, sadly, it seems to be becoming more and more unpredictable. Which means we should expect sargassum anytime of year.

When I was in El Cuyo in June, there were some stringy bands of seagrass, but no sargassum. The seagrass posed zero threat to the quality of my beach experience. Before traveling to El Cuyo, Yucatan, I recommend calling your hotel to ask about the sargassum sitch. Also check local news and weather stations to stay on top of sargassum conditions. 

El Cuyo, Yucatan Packing List

Pack light and beachy for El Cuyo. The weather is hot and humid, there’s no real dress code anywhere and shoes appear to be optional at most places. El Cuyo is the kind of place where salt and sand live in your hair, and where swimsuit coverups double as sundresses. On that note…

WHAT TO PACK:

👙Swimsuit
🥻Swimsuit cover-up
👒 Sun hat or cap
🕶 Sunglasses
🩳 Shorts
👚 Tank tops; T-shirt
👗 Sundresses if you’re feeling fancy
👖 Linen shirt & pants to protect against the sun & mosquitoes
🥿 Sandals
💧 Refillable water bottle
🦟 Mosquito repellent
☀️ SPF 30+

There’s an area close to El Cuyo’s pier that has a few tables and palapas where you can picnic. Otherwise, there is no shade or seating along El Cuyo’s main beach. Our hotel provided umbrellas and chairs for us, so it’s wise to call ahead to see if yours does, too.

If not, you’ll want to bring:

🏝 Beach towels
⛱ Beach umbrella/shade
🪑 Beach chairs or a blanket
🪁 Beach toys if traveling with kids (our hotel provided toys, so ask if yours does, too).

Sustainable & Responsible Travel in El Cuyo

Responsible tourism is a must when visiting El Cuyo. The locals take exceptional care of their protected paradise, so it’s on us visitors to do the same. Here’s a few tips to help you visit El Cuyo responsibly and sustainably:

♻️ Stay at a sustainable hotel.
♻️ Support local eco-tourism in El Cuyo.
♻️ Respect the locals and their environment.
♻️ Make a small investment in reusable straws.
♻️ Ask about any local eco or sustainable programs you can support.
♻️ Ditch single-use plastics like water bottles in favor of a refillable bottle or thermos.
♻️ If you have any glass, plastic, cardboard, or paper to dispose of, ask your hotel about recycling.
♻️ For the love of god, please don’t leave trash behind on the beach. Or anywhere, ever, for that matter.
♻️ Don’t bring individual bottles of shampoo, lotion, shower gel, etc., which you’ll need to toss when empty. Most hotels on this list offer refillable, biodegradable bathroom amenities.

WHAT TO KNOW & EXPECT ONCE YOU’RE IN EL CUYO

Money in El Cuyo (bring cash!)

If you need cash or gas before arriving in El Cuyo (you do), you’ll want to stop in Tizimin if you’re coming from Merida or Valladolid, or in Colonia Mexico if you’re coming from Cancun, Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

There’s only one ATM in El Cuyo, which often doesn’t work. The irony, of course, is that many places in town require you to pay in cash. But you’ll be relieved to know that most restaurants take credit cards. That is, as long as they have Wi-Fi, or the power isn’t out.

Remember, you’re pretty off the grid in El Cuyo, so you’ll want to be prepared for all scenarios. I suggest paying for your hotel by credit card before you arrive to prevent any funky scenarios.

How much money should you bring to El Cuyo? That really depends on what you want to do. Personally, I’m a major over-budgeter because (A) I have a kid, and you know how they drain wallets (B) I am a major impulse shopper (working on it!), and (C) who wants to get caught with their proverbial pants down?

On our recent stay, I budgeted about $50 USD per person, per day to cover food & bev, but you can easily manage on $30 USD – $40 USD. If you plan to indulge in cervezas or cocktails, I’d bump up the budget to $65 USD. If your hotel serves breakfast, paying for one less meal means you’ll probably have some dinero left to spare.

If you want to take tours, or rent toys like ATVS, kayaks or bicycles, you’ll either want to book and pay in advance, or bring larger amounts of cash to pay once you’re here. 

Getting Gas

There is only 1 gas station in El Cuyo. Full Gas is located next to the El Cuyo pier by the docks. It’s open from 6 am – 7 pm. Allegedly. 

As I mentioned above, I recommend stopping in Tizimin, or Colonia Yucatan, on your way into El Cuyo to top up your tank to full. That way you’re all set to head home once your getaway is over, and you’re prepared for any emergencies. Like El Cuyo’s singular gas station running out of gas! 

WI-FI and Power Outages

Spotty, unreliable Wi-Fi is the norm in El Cuyo. So be prepared. Double check bank balances, make reservations, and download maps, directions, music, audiobooks, and of course this epic, Unrivaled Guide to El Cuyo before you arrive.

All of the El Cuyo hotels I recommend have Wi-Fi. But even then, it comes and goes. Power outages are also a regular occurrence in El Cuyo, which will also kill your Wi-Fi connection.

Be patient and don’t blame El Cuyo. It’s just the way it is in certain parts of Mexico if you’re not staying somewhere backed up by 100 generators. I live in Merida, Yucatan’s capital. Even here Wi-Fi interruptions due to power outages are a frustratingly frequent part of my life. 

Medical Care & Pharmacies

Try not to get injured in El Cuyo because the closest hospital is an hour and 30-minutes away! If you do, there’s a small clinic, Centro de Salud El Cuyo, that’s open from 9 – 3 on weekdays.

If you need medication, El Cuyo has a pharmacy-slash-perfume-slash-gift store located on the main road entering El Cuyo called Farmacia Selene. It’s open from 9 am – 2 pm, and again from 5 pm – 10 pm. Gotta siesta!

Groceries

There are no large supermarkets in El Cuyo, Yucatan. You’ll find tienditas, or little shops, that carry things like chips, beverages and some fresh fruits and vegetables around the center of town. I’ve included a few, handy listings in the directory below. 

Vacation rentals and many hotels in El Cuyo have kitchens for cooking your own meals. If you prefer to cook rather than eat out, stock up on everything you need before arriving in El Cuyo, including wine and liquor. Although, Off the Vine does have some wines for selection.

Shopping

Shopping in El Cuyo… LOL! 😂

Expecting boutiques full of fabulous goods in El Cuyo is majorly far-fetched. As a woman with a shopping habit, I feel pretty liberated in El Cuyo not being constantly tempted to pull plastic from my purse.  

Again, seashells make the best souvenirs.

HOW TO DRIVE TO EL CUYO FROM CANCUN, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, TULUM, VALLADOLID, & MERIDA

Ready to get on the road to paradise? Grab your rental car, and don’t forget to take cash to pay toll roads.

Gas up and let’s go!

How to get to El Cuyo from Cancun – 2 hours 30 minutes

• Take Highway 180 (Carretera Costera del Golfo) heading in the direction of Valladolid and Merida. This turns into a toll road which will cost you a little less than $200 MXN. 
• Exit Highway 180 at Kantunilkin/Holbox.  Continue down this road until you reach the town of Kantunilkin.
• Once in Kantunilkin, you’ll at a fork in the road with signs posted for both Colonia Yucatan and Holbox. Turn LEFT, heading in the direction of Colonia Yucatan. And, oh yeah – be prepared to dodge a few potholes. 
• Once you reach the roundabout in Colonia Yucatan, take the 1ST EXIT and follow the signs in the direction of El Cuyo.

How to Get to El Cuyo from Playa del Carmen – 2 hours 20 minutes

• Take Avenue Colosio out of Playa del Carmen (follow signs in the direction of Merida) to the 305D toll highway. The toll is approximately $150 MXN.
• On highway 305D, follow the signs in the direction of Holbox/Kantunilkin/Colonia Yucatan.
• Exit the highway at Kantunilkin and continue down this road.
• Once in Kantunilkin, you will come to a fork in the road with signs posted for both Colonia Yucatan and Holbox. 
• Turn LEFT at the fork, heading in the direction of Colonia Yucatan. Continue down this road. And, oh yeah – be prepared to dodge a few potholes. 
• Once you reach the roundabout in Colonia Yucatan, take the 1ST EXIT and follow the signs in the direction of El Cuyo.

How to Get to El Cuyo from Tulum – 2 hours 30 minutes

• Leave Tulum on Avenue Coba to get onto Highway 109.
• Turn RIGHT at the 1ST EXIT on the Coba roundabout, towards Nuevo Durango.
• Continue on this road until you reach Highway 180, and turn LEFT towards X-can.
• At X-can turn RIGHT onto Calle 19, where the road forks slightly. There is no signpost so be vigilant here.
• At Calle 20 – you’ll see a tienda (shop) called Popular on the corner – turn RIGHT.
• Continue on Calle 20 for approximately 15 miles toward Colonia Yucatan. 
• When you arrive at the Colonia Yucatan roundabout, take the 2ND EXIT.
• Follow this road through Colonia Yucatan until you reach El Cuyo.

How to Get to El Cuyo from Valladolid – 2 hours

• Leave Valladolid on highway 295 heading in the direction of Tizimin.
• Turn RIGHT onto the 79, just outside of Tizimin (you will see a Pemex garage at the intersection). Continue for approximately 2 miles. Stay to the RIGHT when the road slightly forks.
• When you reach the 15, you will see signs posted for El Cuyo / Colonia Yucatan. Turn RIGHT. You will stay on this road until you reach Colonia Yucatan (approx. 25 miles). 
• When you arrive at Colonia Yucatan, turn LEFT at the intersection. Take this road straight on to El Cuyo.

How to Get to El Cuyo from Merida – 3 hours & 30 minutes

• Leaving Merida take highway 176 in the direction of Motul. You’ll be on this road for a bit,  approximately 90 or so miles. 
• Just before reaching Tizimin, turn RIGHT onto the ring road, following the signs for Colonia Yucatan / El Cuyo. 
• In roughly 4 1/2 miles, you’ll arrive at highway 295. Turn LEFT toward Tizimin (in the direction of the El Cuyo sign). Continue for roughly 2 miles.
• Turn RIGHT onto the 79 (you’ll see a Pemex garage at the intersection). Continue for approximately 2 miles. Stay to the RIGHT when the road slightly forks.
• When you reach the 15, you will see signs posted for El Cuyo / Colonia Yucatan. Turn RIGHT. Stay on the 15 until you reach Colonia Yucatan (approx 25 miles). 
• When you arrive at Colonia Yucatan, turn LEFT at the intersection. Take this road straight on to El Cuyo.

LOCAL DIRECTORY

🏍 Aventurate | ATV rentals, tours of Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas, birdwatching, and more | +521 9861008907 or +521 9861132932

🚲 El Cuyo Bike Center | Bicycle rentals | +52 986 114 6845

🏄‍♀️ Tropikal Kitesurf Center | Kitesurfing & wingfoil lessons + rentals | +52 984 133 7532

🍞 El Farito | Local mini-market in El Cuyo center selling convenience items | Open 8 am – 10 pm.

🥑 La Esquina del Jugo | Small grocery store & fruit shop in El Cuyo center | Open 7 am – 10 pm.

THE WRAP

Well there you have it – an epic, unrivaled guide to enjoying El Cuyo, one of the best Yucatan beach towns you’ll ever have the privilege to visit! El Cuyo’s lack of mass tourism, splendid cuisine, great hotels, welcoming locals, abundant wildlife, water sports, and spectacular beaches make it an absolute hidden gem that’s worth the trek! 

El Cuyo, Yucatan is the perfect place to bundle into a visit with a larger destination, like Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Merida. It’s also an ideal stop on a full-throttle, Yucatan Peninsula road trip.

I truly hope this article inspires you to visit to El Cuyo! I’d love to hear about all of your El Cuyo adventures in the comments below! And I’m always happy to answer any of your travel questions.

As always, inspired travels, Friends! 💜

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