El Cuyo in Yucatan

In the past, the area was a lumber port dedicated to the agriculture of palo de tinte and chicle. El Cuyo in Yucatan, today is still a small fishing village. It belongs to Tizimín and sits in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

Between January and September, this part of the lagoon is full of pink flamingos. It is also home to turtles that lay their eggs there. Also, countless birds come here. About two thousand inhabitants preserve the authenticity of the place.

El Cuyo in Yucatan: what to expect

What makes El Cuyo so special is the ecosystem that surrounds it. It is hundreds of miles of white sands and turquoise waters. Here sunsets and sunrises are simply a true work of art.

The landscape also highlights its colorful houses and the warmth of the villagers. It is always ready to welcome those who arrive with open arms.

This little place is, nowadays, one of those destinations where travelers can reach their maximum level of relaxation, rest and admiration before the natural landscapes that reign among mangroves, the turquoise blue of the sea and the tropical green of the petrified forest. It is believed that El Cuyo is the last tourist spot in the Gulf of Mexico, geographically-wise.

El Cuyo in Yucatan: location

This national treasure is located two and a half hours from the Cancun airport and three hours from Merida; it is specifically in the Ria Lagartas reserve, between Holbox and Las Coloradas. It is home to hundreds of flamingos that, year after year, migrate to the warmth of the peninsula to bathe in the gentle waves; turtles that lay their eggs there, countless birds and some two thousand inhabitants who have managed to preserve the authenticity -and privacy- of the place over time.

What to do

Besides resting and eating delicious food, you can do one of the most popular activities in El Cuyo: kite surfing, paddle boarding or kayaking. It is also recommended to take a walk along the coast in the company of the locals to catch dinner and prepare it in one of the establishments in the area. Or rent a bicycle and ride along the sandy streets.

Some tips

Since it is a bit far from the city, there are a few things to consider before visiting El Cuyo: there are no ATMs or banks and most establishments are cash only. There are no specialized stores and although there are some pharmacies, if you need a specific medicine you will have to drive to the city of Tizimín.