Travel Experts Reveal 5 Crowd-Free Hidden Gems To Visit Near Cancun

If you suppose the one factor to do in Cancun is park your butt at a swim-up bar and possibly buy groceries and bar-hopping downtown, then we at Travel Off Path have information for you!

Yes, it is true that lots of Cancun’s hidden gems have been uncovered to the lots, particularly with the Maya Train’s wide-ranging route of points of interest.

Take Isla Mujeres, for instance — it is now certainly one of Mexico’s trendiest islands, topping many Cancun vacationers’ wishlists.

But Americans’ favourite worldwide trip spot is so outrageously fashionable, increasingly locations to flee seemingly unavoidable crowds at instances are coming to gentle.

Experts in all issues Cancun at The Cancun Sun simply revealed their prime picks for doing simply that, so let’s dive into 5 crowd-free locations in Cancun’s neighborhood calling your title this fall.

Bacalar: Mexico’s Dream Turned Reality

Let’s begin with one you’ll have heard of, Bacalar — often known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors.

Truly certainly one of Mexico’s most luxurious wonders, this sightly lagoon ticks off each potential shade of blue on the colour wheel, therefore its ‘Maldives of Mexico’ moniker.

While you will not discover the identical stage of ritzy lodging right here, that is all a part of the enchantment.

Rather than sit in your (doubtless) overpriced balcony suite praying to all of the gods sargassum will not roll in at present, that is by no means a difficulty in Bacalar.

Relax in a hammock along with your toes within the water, go for a dip in a pristine cenote, and uncover otherworldly formations like uncommon stromatolites (suggested to not contact!).

If you are up for probably the most adventurous approach to get right here, be certain to e book a vetted tour guide, as a ship journey right here from Cancun can simply prime 4 hours.

Though should you ask me, it is a disservice not to make a cease in close by Chetumal, one of many largest surprises in all my travels by Mexico.

Isla Mujeres’ Best Alternative?

Well, Isla Mujeres has to begin someplace, so can the identical be mentioned for little-known Isla Contoy?

The Cancun Sun is hyping up this hush-hush island because the “quiet, nature-first sibling” to Isla Mujeres. In different phrases, it has the DNA to be a giant star, but it surely simply hasn’t had its glow-up second but.

Truth be informed, it might by no means have had that second given the stringent guidelines. Mexico has carried out a each day cap of 200 guests on licensed tour boats.

But those that have gone out of their approach to go to certainly one of Cancun’s least identified excursions have been wildly impressed by this nature protect— actually!

For a full Jim Halpert-style rundown of all of the dos and don’ts of visiting Isla Contoy, take a look at the Cancun Sun’s insightful information here.

Swap Cancun’s Turquoise Waters For Stunning Pink Lakes

If you thought Cancun needed to be the same-o, same-o expertise 12 months after 12 months, Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas are right here to show you fallacious.

The draw back is you may should sacrifice a full day out of your itinerary with 7 hours of boat rides round-trip.

The plus aspect is that each Cancun Sun and we at Travel Off Path give our stamp of approval — it is positively price it!

While we can’t go full Bill Nye the Science Guy on you by explaining the scientific reasoning for bubble-gum pink hues, there is not any denying the lake of Las Coloradas is certainly one of Mexico’s prettiest locales, few vacationers appear to know exists.

But in typical American style, why not make it a combo? The Cancun Sun additionally recommends testing the array of wildlife, together with flamingos and crocodiles, on the Ría Lagartos reserve.

Ek Balam: Cancun’s Jungle Gem

Another place popping up on extra Cancun vacationers’ radars is Valladolid, and close by Ek Balam is simply the place to beat the crowds of Chichen Itza.

The Maya Train makes it so much simpler to achieve, due to its Valladolid cease.

Best of all, you may climb the pyramid (known as the Acropolis — no offense, Athens!).

While you’ll have seen viral movies of locals shooing away rule-breakers climbing different archeological websites, Ek Balam is open to the general public with minimal guidelines.

Plus, it is house to a downright attractive cenote for a swim in your individual slice of paradise — be cautious of crocs, although!

Sian Ka’an Biosphere: Adventure Awaits In Tulum’s UNESCO Site

Tulum’s airport might not have been a powerful hit prefer it was anticipated to be, however getting there may be nonetheless simpler than ever, regardless of the combined bag of outcomes.

While nonetheless stylish and positively overpriced in some elements, Tulum’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is remarkably uncrowded, with solely a small entry charge required.

You also can e book customized or non-public excursions (by request). No matter the way you traverse this untamed pure surprise, count on to witness quite a lot of wildlife akin to manatees, dolphins, and unique birds.

Venture by mangrove canals, snorkel in pure swimming pools, or float down historical Maya waterways whereas others surprise if forking over their paycheck was price being one other face within the crowd at their ritzy resort.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.