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

If you assume 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 sights.

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

But Americans’ favourite worldwide trip spot is so outrageously fashionable, an increasing number of locations to flee seemingly unavoidable crowds at occasions 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 identify this fall.

Bacalar: Mexico’s Dream Turned Reality

Let’s begin with one you might have heard of, Bacalar — also referred to as the Lagoon of Seven Colors.

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

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

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

Relax in a hammock together 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 method to get right here, make sure that to e book a vetted tour guide, as a ship journey right here from Cancun can simply prime 4 hours.

Though in case 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 means of Mexico.

Isla Mujeres’ Best Alternative?

Well, Isla Mujeres has to start out someplace, so can the identical be stated 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 advised, it could 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 method to go to one among Cancun’s least recognized 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, try 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 yr after yr, Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas are right here to show you flawed.

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

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

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

But in typical American trend, why not make it a combo? The Cancun Sun additionally recommends trying out 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 rather a lot simpler to succeed in, because of its Valladolid cease.

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

While you might 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 residence to a downright beautiful 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’s nonetheless simpler than ever, regardless of the blended bag of outcomes.

While nonetheless fashionable 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 may also 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 reminiscent of manatees, dolphins, and unique birds.

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