El Cuyo: an Undiscovered Gem on Yucatan's North Coast

El Cuyo is located in the state of Yucatan on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.  It sits on a sand bar at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico and is accessible via a causeway.  El Cuyo is a small fishing village that still has dirt roads and only a couple thousand residents.  It is a 2-to-3-hour drive from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or Merida. 

It is like a step back in time with one of the most gorgeous stretches of beach.  Recently made popular with the wind surfers, kiteboarders and paddleboarders, it attracts a younger more environmentally conscious group of travelers.  You can find places to camp, Airbnb’s and a number of small hotels. 

We fell in love with El Cuyo when what was supposed to be a 3 day get-away with friends turned into a 2.5 week stay (read our story).  We spent most of our time at Hotel Nikau and ate at several excellent restaurants.  Somewhat surprisingly, El Cuyo is home to more than a handful of quality dining establishments and a growing number of upscale hotels. This is that double edged sword: the leading edge of discovery. 

A few things we learned during our stay.  This is a very safe town, and the residents are extremely friendly.  There is not much in the way of nightlife, except during holidays. (We were in bed by 9 pm most nights.)  The waters can go from very choppy to calm depending on the direction of the winds.  Electricity, hence Wi-Fi and sometimes water, are still not reliable 100% of the time.  Everything is walkable, but if you need a lift there are tuk-tuk’s available.  Bring plenty of cash. The one ATM had no money the entire 2.5 weeks we were there.  Several restaurants take credit cards, but only if they have electricity and Wi-Fi. 

Be prepared to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.  Walk the beach and enjoy not only an incredible sunrise but also a beautiful sunset, how many places do you get to see both over the water?