Share the article
Last updated
Cancun is the number one resort destination for American vacationers, and it’s easy to see why:
Hotels are nothing short of spectacular, boasting first-class amenities and offering world-class service.
The beaches are beautiful, and they feel very Americanized and tourist-friendly for those who might feel a little uneasy about traveling abroad.
On the other hand, with its infamous entertainment scene, with rows of beach clubs and nightspots open until the small hours, and a main street always packed with visitors, It can sometimes become overwhelmingeven if you barricade yourself in a five-star hotel.
Sometimes you just want to escape the bustling seaside resort and enjoy the tropical atmosphere of the Mexican Caribbean without sharing it with hundreds, if not thousands, of fellow travelers, and as usual we have the solution for you:
Be here 3 incredible, lesser known places south of Cancun you can go for smaller crowds, if at all, and pristine beaches and culture:
The Bacalar Lake
We know that the Mexican Caribbean is best known for its picturesque, palm-lined beaches and highly developed coastal cities, but what if we told you that you don’t have to stay on the coast to soak up that tropical atmosphere, or swim in the purest, bluest water?
Bacalar, an elongated lake 29 kilometers long, separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land, is a hidden gem that has recently become increasingly popular on TikTok, thanks to its multiple shades of blue. It is officially known as the ‘lake of seven colors’ – and serene nature.
Unless you’re a fan of saltwater, there’s absolutely no reason to prefer a Caribbean beach over Bacalar.
The shores are also sandy, with plenty of ‘beaches’ and swimming spots to choose from, there are no waves or sea creatures lurking around, and the blue-green hue on the water is similar. if not brighter.
From swimming in the natural shallow pools to kayaking adventures along the lake extension or sailing trips into the deepest parts, there are plenty of water activities to choose from.
The best is Bacalar, despite it being more famous now still remarkably quiet.
Mahahual
Okay, okay, we know the Caribbean is the main reason you’re heading south of the border anyway, and lounging on the white sand while soaking up the sun is probably the first priority on the list: well, guess what you just do that unperturbed white sands?
The small town of Mahahual once was a picturesque fishing villagealthough it is quickly becoming a leisure destination for Cancun refugees like you.
The beaches are wilder and the insidious American-led gentrification has yet to penetrate the community, and indigenous culture is felt strongest here.
Relax by the palm trees on the municipal beach, drink a coconut, eat a traditional Mayan dish at a local restaurant and spend your day in peace.
There are very few if any street vendors flogging their usual trinkets, less shouting from children and no thumping music from nearby beach bars.
The city is best known for its… odditygrass-covered palapas and a fast-growing hospitality sector, with many hotels and restaurants opening in the past decade.
It’s also an hour’s drive from Bacalar, meaning you can definitely see them both in a day if you drive.
Dzibanche and Kohulich
Who said South Quintana Roo didn’t have a large number of ancient Mayan sites?
Due to its proximity to Central America, where the Mayan civilization was concentrated, it has an even higher concentration of historical ruins.
There is no denying that the north is a more popular destination for archaeological zones as it is home to Chichen Itza, the biggest attraction in Mexico, but if it is overgrown, ‘unlisted’ Mayan ruins that make your heart beat faster, then this is where you should go:
Kohunlich and Dzibanché are located an hour south of Bacalar, and they are some of the most authentic and photogenic Mayan ruins you will see, with pyramids surrounded by lush vegetation, paths left largely as they were, and intricate carvings on walls.
The easiest way to get there is to book a tour from Bacalar or Chetumal, the largest cities in the region, and it costs $85 and $70 Mexican pesos respectively to enter Kohunlich and Dzibanché, or about $4.96 and $4 to to enter.
Much cheaper than other overtoured Mayan sites, but just as beautiful.
According to the Cancun Sun, the area around Bacalar is one of the best to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Mexican Caribbean, as the region’s twenty million plus tourists typically stay within the resort zones in Cancun, or at best take day trips to hot spots in the immediate area.
Soon, tourists landing in Cancun or Tulum will be able to do so too travel on the Mayan train all the way to Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo.
If they get off there, they will find plenty of bus connections, day trips or private transfers to Bacalar, Mahahual and the Mayan ruins.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
