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If you’ve been thinking about traveling somewhere warm and sunny in the coming months, chances are Mexico has come up more than once in your search for that perfect destination.
And it makes sense.
There really is nowhere else so close to home that has the same combination of pristine beaches, exciting culture and exceptional cuisine that so many American travelers have long fallen in love with.
Of Mexico’s many beach paradises, one breathtaking region draws an incredible number of visitors: the Mexican Caribbean.
According to the Quintana Roo tourism secretariat, the time has come 21 million people have flocked to this fairytale stretch of coastline over the past year, marking a 7.1% increase on 2022’s already impressive numbers and setting a new tourism record.
Here’s why people can’t get enough of this dreamy region:
Exploring the Mexican Caribbean has never been easier
The world is filled with jaw-dropping beach landscapes, but the convenience (and endless flight options) you get when you travel to the Mexican Caribbean is unparalleled.
The average flight from the US to some of the region’s most popular hotspots takes just under 4.5 hours, which is pretty good considering the views you’ll be rewarded with at the end of your trip, not to mention that shorter flights like these make it easier for people to save and choose more budget-friendly seats and airlines.
Speaking of which, your choices when it comes to airlines and schedules are virtually endless, especially now that Tulum’s new airport has gone into full operation.
And once you’ve actually arrived at your destination, you can take advantage of the highly anticipated Mayan Train (which, while not yet 100% operational, still covers many major routes) and explore all that the Mexican Caribbean has to offer.
Beautiful beaches
I couldn’t write a piece about the reasons why travelers love the Mexican Caribbean without mentioning what made the region famous in the first place: its otherworldly beaches.
From the bustling beaches of Playa del Carmen and Cancun to the more secluded havens of Puerto Morelos, every stretch of that iconic pearly white sand offers a fresh, unique take on the classic Mexican beach landscape.
A treasure trove of historical sights
What sets the Mexican Caribbean apart from other beautiful destinations of its kind is the fact that the region has much more to offer than just beautiful sights.
Here you will see some of the most fascinating and well-preserved remains of the Mayan civilization, probably best found at Chichen Itzá, Coba and Tulum.
There is always something to do
If there’s one thing the Mexican Caribbean will never be, it’s boring.
The region thrives on its vibrant, dynamic atmosphere and you won’t get the wrong impression, which translates to much more than just fun nightlife (although that’s pretty legendary too).
Adventurous souls can zipline through the jungle canopy, explore the underground cenotes or take thrilling ATV rides, while visitors looking for family-friendly entertainment will love visiting Xcaret and Xel-Ha and swimming with dolphins.
Incredible food
You don’t have to tell me how good Mexican food is; reputation precedes it.
On the country’s Caribbean coast, however, classic Mexican flavors are combined with plenty of overseas influences, putting a modern twist on traditional dishes that better suit a more diverse range of palates.
Carnitas, Cochinita Pibil and Ceviche are especially recommended.
A fantastic selection of hotels
Even though some people like to write off hotels as just ‘places to sleep between sightseeing sessions’, the truth is that the quality of your accommodation is inherently linked to that of the entire trip.
So take advantage of the fact that there are over 100,000 guest rooms in the Mexican Caribbean and start thinking about what you want from your hotel – chances are you’ll find exactly that.
From cozy, budget-friendly stays from €25 per night to luxurious all-inclusive packages that make you feel like royalty: the region has something to offer for every traveler (and budget).
There are so many new places opening in the region
What is most fascinating about the popularity of the Mexican Caribbean is the fact that it has stood the test of time, and a feat as impressive as this that can only be achieved by places that are continually open to growth, innovation and change.
By beautiful resorts And luxury hotels Unpleasant tempting restaurants and historical sites, there’s no shortage of new, exciting places to explore in the Mexican Caribbean, even if you’ve been to the region before.
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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.