11 Awesome Things to Do at El Cuyo Yucatan – A Local Guide
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Away from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera Maya, El Cuyo is an oasis of tranquillity and peace, where a community of locals and expatriates enjoy their little piece of paradise on earth, which they strive to protect and preserve, with so much love and care.
What will you find at El Cuyo? Deserted beaches, almost Sargasso-free, pristine waters, and perfect wind for kite lovers.
Al El Cuyo life goes slow and the WIFI too, but that’s how we love it.
I have always seen “El Cuyo” on the map but never dared explore it. I was too busy checking out more remote and fancy places until I heard about this secret place on the Yucatan coast, a paradise for kite surfers.
So I decided to check it out as well. It was in 2017 before setting off for my journey through Mexico leaving my past behind. I fell in love and kept going back every time I am in the area.
When I arrived there with my friends, we found a ghost town.
A few hotels, maybe 2 or 3, and some home rentals, one restaurant, that was open only until 5 pm, and a few “Abarrotes” small local grocery shops.
The pelicans were the guardians of the pier. Together with frigate birds and ducks lay still on top of the balustrade or the light stands with their careless look, or they just ignore you as if knowing that you wouldn’t do any harm.
Fast forward two years I came back to check out how my paradise was doing and I was pleasantly surprised to find that although there were a few more cute little hotels and lovely coffee shops, just the way I like it, it remained just like I left it, a laid back tranquil town with sandy roads and cute little houses, lovely people that great you with a smile when you walk by.
Here I will tell you all you can do at El Cuyo now, the new places where to stay and to eat.
For what kind of traveler is El Cuyo?
El Cuyo is a destination for everyone who loves nature and a laid-back tranquil life, basically anyone except the party-lovers.
Most of all it’s a very safe destination where all the inhabitants know each other. You can almost leave your door open. I said almost 🙂
Even solo female travelers will find paradise here, especially first-timers who are afraid to travel alone, El Cuyo is a great place to start off your solo travel adventure.
Things to do at El Cuyo Yucatan, Mexico
1. Walk on the beach
The beach is endless, unspoiled, and safe. it stretches all the way from Holbox (south) to Rio Lagartos (north), being El Cuyo in the middle of the two more popular sites.
You can walk forever and find no one. A great morning exercise while chasing the sunrise.
You won’t find the colors of the Caribbean Sea that you can find on the popular Riviera Maya Beaches, but I assure you it has its own charm.
2. Go Paddleboarding and Kayaking
The water is simply enjoyable; it’s not deep, although sometimes you can find strong currents. El Cuyo became popular first among kitesurfers who found there the perfect conditions for their practice.
But if you want to try something easier and more relaxing than kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or Kayaking are also great options. Rental of Paddleboards and kayaks is available at Casa Kayak.
3. Bask on the beach and chill
The beach is wide and deserted. There are no beach chairs or umbrellas to rent, although there are a few “palapas” here and there to offer some shade.
Otherwise, you are on your own. So remember to bring your “beach equipment” if you need it. Or lay on a rug anywhere you want.
TIPS:
- Use an ecological sun protector, but use it because the sun is strong, even when it’s hiding behind the clouds.
- Respect the environment and do not litter
- Always take water with you. In the NAIA cafe and CAFE LOCAL, they sell nicely designed refillable bottles, in case you need to buy one.
4. Watch the sunset
From the pier, it’s the best spot to watch the sunset while mingling with the locals, fishing, or just having an evening stroll. P.S. On the pier, it is not allowed to bring alcohol as a safety measure.
During sunset time, you can be lucky and find dolphins swimming around the pier. I did see one and it blew me away. It was incredibly close, and it lasted for quite a while. So beautiful.
5. Rent a bike and go look for flamingos
At Casa Kayak you can rent bikes and go for a ride around town. With this heat, it’s a great way to explore the village, biking through the narrow dirt roads and checking out the beautiful, colorful houses and the amazing murals on their walls.
You can reach far off to the pier on the Lagoon from where you can always see a few flamingoes snacking or chilling. So beautiful to look at and take pictures.
Sometimes you can also see the flamingoes on the way in before entering the town, the road stretches between to pinkish…or brownish lagoon where a few flamingoes are always hanging out. It’s an amazing show to watch. Just don’t get too distracted while driving.
6. Join a quad tour to Las Coloradas
From the main plaza in the town center, you can inquire about this tour by quod that will take you through a dirt road along the Insta-famous pink lagoon.
There, you can even enter a protected area with a local guide who will take you around and explain the local territory.
If you have a 4-wheel drive car, you can also venture out on your own. Once you get to the pink lagoon, you can really take pictures from the road without paying for the entrance.
However, as my friend Cathy from ElCuyo.net explained, you would pay only 50 MXN (2USD) and you would support the locals who wouldn’t have any form of income otherwise.
So that would be 2 USD well spent.
7. Go kayaking in the “bosque hundido” ( inundated woods)
Just 5 minutes before arriving in El Cuyo, you will find the entrance to the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area, a natural reserve. You can book your tour at Can Cocal Hotel.
I went kayaking for the sunset, but you can choose to go at sunrise as well. I would not recommend going during the day as it gets really hot and humid.
Also, there are quite a few mosquitoes on the way there, not while in the kayak. Some mosquito repellent would help.
8. Take a yoga class
Ask your hotel receptionist or homeowner about the next yoga practice in town, where you can join fellow yogis and yoginis in a class that’s not only a great way to unwind but also a great opportunity to connect with the local community.
9. Try Kite Surfing
Kite Surfing is not an easy sport, but if you are fit and ready for a challenge, El Cuyo is the perfect place to learn. The water is quite shallow, and the wind is perfect.
You can find many kite schools available at approximately the same price, which is around 700 $US for the first 9 hours. It is recommended to take at least two packages to learn well, especially to stay safe in the water and keep others safe.
Here are some reputable kite schools at El Cuyo
Kitesurf Mexico contact Pipo y Sara
Extreme Control (Casa Mia) contact Marco
Kite School El Cuyo contact Luis
10. Do some climbing at El Cuyo’s new climbing tower
Did you know you can go climbing now in El Cuyo? For experts and newbies, you will find a climbing tower where to practice or learn about this exciting activity. You can check out all the details and prices on their website.
11. Get a massage
When I am on a vacation, I love to pamper myself with a massage or two. The chilled and laid-back atmosphere of El Cuyo will help you do that even more. Ask your hotel front desk about the best therapist in town and get yourself a nice massage! You deserve it 🙂
Where to stay in El Cuyo
Can Cocal
A brand new stunning property at only one block a few steps from the beach. I may be a little biased because it belongs to very close friends of mine, Sandra and Fausto, but I know all the love they put into this project, and you will feel the beautiful vibes and the cozy, familiar atmosphere beside the spectacular high-end finishing of the spacious room.
They also have two cute, friendly dogs and two cats that you will certainly meet and make the place even more enjoyable.
No doubt it’s my favorite place to stay.
Check Can Cocal’s location on Google Maps and contact them via email to make your reservation in this corner of the Mexican paradise! You can also call them or WhatsApp +529861223242 or on their website.
Casa Cuyo
This is where I have stayed for my two nights. I loved the spacious rooms and frugal design. The rooms have only the essentials but of great quality and comfort, and, most importantly, clean.
The location is also quite convenient, not far from the center and two blocks from the beach. Great WIFI and a nice restaurant, which I didn’t try, but from the reviews I read, it seems quite good.
LUNARENA
It’s a nice hotel with self-catering accommodations, very nicely decorated as well. The hotel has its own restaurant (Italian) that is open for breakfast and dinner. It’s about a km 0.8 miles from the center, which makes it a great excuse for a nice walk.
It’s not right on the beach but just across the road, and you can have a lovely view from the upstairs rooms. The hotel can also organize private boat tours in the protected reserve.
Hotel Casa Cielo
This is the most expensive hotel at El Cuyo and one of the first to be built. I didn’t have the chance to see it because it was closed when I got there, and I didn’t bother to go back. It’s a stunning, elegant property, and guests rave about the exceptional location right on the beach and personalized service, besides the world-class rooms.
Where to eat at El Cuyo: The Best El Cuyo Restaurants
When I arrived at El Cuyo for the first time, there was absolutely nothing, except one restaurant that closed at 5 pm and 2 “loncherias” that only sold tacos that were open for dinner.
As time passes, tourist visits are becoming more frequent, and the restaurant’s offerings have grown to be very diverse and delicious, all while maintaining the laid-back, personal feel that we all love and expect from El Cuyo. Below, I’ve listed my favorite places, most of which you can find in town.
Can Cocal
Can Cocal is the new addition to the already amazing restaurant choice at El Cuyo. Besides being a spectacular modern hotel, Can Cocal is also a restaurant.
Open for breakfast and dinner Can Cocal offers a delicious menu including a fusion of Mexican and Spanish dishes, healthy juices, soups, and much more. Definitely to include in your where-to-eat list at El Cuyo.
Naia Cafe’
This is my favorite place in El Cuyo. Too bad it closes too early at 2 pm. But if you like an early lunch you might be on time to grab yours before they close.
You should not miss their breakfast, though, by all means.
The menu is rich and makes everybody happy, vegans and non-vegans. The vegan breakfast is to die for!
A variety of healthy juices and drinks are available, too.
The cafe’ is located in the cute backyard of the owners’ house, on the main street 2 blocks from the beach and from the main square.
You will be welcomed by the friendly staff, and most of the time, Juan, the owner himself, who will personally come to your table to ensure everything is to your satisfaction.
But the real stars of the places are the sweet labrador Lucas who would come and offer you his coconut to play with or will sit with you just as if he was your best friend since ever and the friendly kitty-girl Lila, who would just hang around as if she was the owner of the place and, if she decides so, she might come and say hi.
They are just hilarious, which is part of what makes this place so special.
Laguna Café
This bright and charming café is one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in El Cuyo. The interior is laid-back with cute decor, and the menu features solid coffee, smoothie bowls, pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches — all freshly prepared. It’s a great place to chill, get some work done, or simply enjoy a slow morning. They close early (around 3 PM), so plan for breakfast or lunch rather than dinner.
Piccola Italia
A cozy, family-run Italian restaurant where everything is made from scratch. The Italian owners cook and serve authentic dishes using fresh, local ingredients — from wood-fired pizzas to homemade pasta and desserts. You’ll also find good espresso, fresh juices, and pastries in the morning. It’s small and intimate, so service can be personal and friendly. Perfect for a relaxed meal if you’re craving real Italian food by the beach.
Kukulkán Café
A tiny, artsy corner café with a creative vibe. They serve quality coffee, fresh juices, and a few pastries or snacks — ideal for a quick caffeine fix or a light bite before heading to the beach. Inside, there’s a small boutique section selling handmade crafts and souvenirs from local artists, which adds to the place’s charm.
Aroma (at Casa Cielo Hotel
Set inside the stylish Casa Cielo Hotel, Aroma serves elevated dishes featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local specialties. The menu changes with seasonal ingredients, and the atmosphere feels relaxed yet refined. Breakfast is served from 8–10 AM, while dinner starts after 6 PM — best enjoyed with ocean views and a breeze from the terrace.
Grocery stores
If you are renting an apartment and you wish to cook yourself it would be better if you purchase food in Tizimin, the closest big town a 1-hour drive from El Cuyo.
Otherwise, you find some small grocery stores in town and 2 lovely ladies selling fruits and veggies on the main road every morning.
How to get to El Cuyo
El Cuyo is situated on the Yucatan east coast, between Chiquila (from where the ferries to Isla Holbox leave) and Rio Lagartos, and belongs to the same protected area. It’s a Sanctuary of birds, especially flamingoes, and a paradise for nature lovers.
How to reach El Cuyo By Car
Although it will be easy to find on Google Maps or any road map, please be aware that sometimes you can lose the signal. It’s a no-brainer, though. From Cancun take the road to Valladolid, you will see the sign along the road on where to turn right in Colonia Yucatan.
Below you can find a map for your perusal.
How to get to El Cuyo by bus
It’s a bit of an adventure getting here by bus, mainly because there are no direct routes from the main cities to El Cuyo.
You will need to get to Tizimin and from there get a bus (NORESTE is the name of the bus company) or a shared taxi or minivan, which is faster but less reliable
Here is the NORESTE schedule from Tizimin to El Cuyo
6.45 am, 9 am, 12 pm, 1.30 pm, 4.30 pm, 6 pm
From El Cuyo to Tizimin
5 am, 7 am, 9 am, 1.30 pm, 3.30 pm, 6 pm
However, I would double-check, just in case.
For more information, visit the ElCuyo.net website, which is always up to date.
How to get to Tizimin
ADO bus connects Tizimin with Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
From Valladolid, you can find the ORIENTE buses from the Valladolid bus station, which are quite frequent. However, they don’t have an online schedule available.
Minivans are also available; they are faster but less reliable.
You can check on their website for their schedule. However, be aware that there are low-cost buses that are more frequent, but their schedule is not available online. You can use the chat in the ADO site and ask the operator. They speak English and they are very efficient.
Visiting El Cuyo: Final Thoughts
As you can see, El Cuyo is not for everyone. If you absolutely need a reliable WIFI, forget about it. Sometimes the electricity goes off and the Wi-Fi disappears for hours, if not days. But if you are seeking some relaxing time, walking on the beach, doing some yoga, or kitesurfing, this place is definitely for you. I hope this article helped you plan your trip to this Mexican paradise. If it’s on your radar, I would suggest you hurry before it gets overdeveloped like Tulum.
