El Cuyo

El Cuyo is located on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, only two hours from Cancun and three and a half-hours from Merida. Called “the hidden treasure of the Yucatan coast,” El Cuyo is a small, charming beach community that is nestled amid the Ria Lagartos National Park.

You will cross a causeway over a red lagoon to reach El Cuyo, which separates the village from the mainland of Yucatan. Famous for its’ 20,000 pink flamingos that come to the area between January and September for reproduction, Ria Lagartos is also home to sea turtles that lay their eggs in the warm sun each year between June and August. With more than 250 different species of birds, Rio Lagartos is a birding paradise.

You’ll also find a tropical forest, coconut plantations, Ceiba trees and a diverse wildlife in the Rio Lagartos. El Cuyo is home to about 1,500 residents, mostly dedicated fishermen. A lighthouse that is built on the remains of old Mayan ruins welcomes you as you drive into the village.

Climb to the top of the lighthouse for gorgeous views of the ocean and the estuary that borders the town. Other activities available in El Cuyo include fishing, boat excursions to Isla Holbox, kayaking, biking, shelling and sunning on the beautiful beaches. Another popular way to tour the village is by golf cart, which are available for rent by the hour. To reach El Cuyo, go north from Valladolid to Tizimin, then east to Colonia Yucatan and then North to El Cuyo.