El Cuyo Holidays

Island vibes

El Cuyo has a slow-paced atmosphere where nobody’s in a rush. You’ll feel like one of the only tourists there and will have the beaches virtually to yourself. The fishing village is connected to the mainland of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula by one long sandy road and is separated by a saltwater lagoon. The small town is best explored on foot, and it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for the brightly coloured artistic murals that mark the old streets.

Retreat-like beaches

The beaches resemble a deserted island – think long stretches of white sand, untouched by the typical tourist crowd, and without sunbeds and parasols marking the blank slate of sand. You don’t need to worry about noise either – the only thing you’ll hear is the rippling of the waves rolling up onto the sand. The beaches are great for kitesurfing, with a certified school, shallow waters and consistent winds for beginners from February to June.

Dolphins, flamingos and rays

If you like to see animals in their natural habitat, then you’re in the right place. Walk out onto the jetty on the beach, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins and manta rays in the clear waters. Just a five-minute drive away you’ll find the UMA San Manuel mangroves – you can get a sunset boat tour or kayak through the meandering waters. Keep your eyes peeled for American flamingos, yellow warblers and brown pelicans.

Instagram worthy lakes

The iconic pink lakes of Instagram are just over an hour’s drive away. Las Coloradas boast rosy waters, with the pink hue even more intense when the sun is shining over the lake midday. The pink tone is created by the algae, plankton and brine shrimp that live in the water – the flamingos eat these too, which is what makes their feathers so pink. You can see the lakes from afar for free or go down to pay for a tour to see them properly.