Some secrets about Cancun

Cancún has a lot more to offer than bed castles, party beats and tourist rip-offs – but hardly anyone knows that. If you want a vacation of the chilled-out kind, check out some secrets about Cancun.

Some secrets about Cancun: Peace and quiet

A bit further north Cancun, there is a small gated community with residential houses and a few hostels and bed and breakfasts. It is Villas Playa Blanca. Across the street is Playa el Niño. The white sandy beach in the small bay can definitely compete with some of the beaches in the Zona Hotelera. But Playa el Niño is mostly frequented by the local population.

 Instead of techno beats, you’ll hear mariachi, dogs barking and a lot of good Mexican humor. And in the restaurant La Palapa Beach (at Barrio del Niño Jesús) you can enjoy fresh fish and a cold beer with lime.

The Mayan Site of El Meco

Culture is not neglected either. More unknown, but better preserved and less crowded than the archaeological zone El Rey in the Zona Hotelera is the Mayan site El Meco, two kilometers north of Villas Playa Blanca.

Remains of ancient Mayan temples and pyramids in the middle of the jungle and not far from the bay of Isla Mujeres bear witness to the original inhabitants of today’s tourist paradise.

Secret tip: Playa Blanca

People always whisper that Cancún is too crowded and that it is not a good place to discover the real dream beaches of the Riviera Maya. But far from it! Insiders know: The beaches of Isla Blanca are among the most beautiful of the Riviera Maya.

Some secrets about Cancun: Isla Blanca

You have to travel a certain distance by car to get to your destination, preferably in a rental car. Isla Blanca is located at the very top of the narrow headland that begins north of Villas Playa Blanca and stretches for 25 kilometers. This stretch of land, which officially belongs to Isla Mujeres, is called Zona Continental de la Isla Mujeres. Between the emerald green sea and the blue lagoon, past mangrove forests, you will experience a breathtaking ride.

 At the destination you will find deserted white dream beaches and the green-blue shimmering Caribbean Sea, which unites here with the Chacmuchuch Lagoon – and a lot of peace and quiet not far from the tourist stronghold Cancún. You can swim in the shallow sea water or in the lagoon, which is a few meters deep. Isla Blanca is also popular among kitesurfers.

 During the week, if you are lucky, you will have one of Isla Blanca’s dream beaches all to yourself. Take something to drink and eat with you. On weekends there is more activity, especially Mexicans frequent the beach, usually a small beach bar is open.