While there are many other beaches in the Yucatan, El Cuyo stands out for its white sands, local atmosphere, and amazing sunsets. On the way to El Cuyo you pass through magnificent green tunnels that the ancient trees have created over the road. Passing through the lush jungles of the Yucatan you may see the guardians of this land “the jaguar” or a local Yucateco cross the road.

While driving you will see that the beautiful jungle with small Mayan villages turn into aesthetic flat ranch land that has similarities to the African Savannah. To this day every drive is stunningly jaw-dropping to the land of El Cuyo.

While the sun passes through the trees you will see Mayan rancheros herding cattle. Make sure to smile and wave to the local ranchero while he rides his horse!

After passing the ranch lands the environment changes once more into wetland lagoons. You will be surrounded by sinking trees and flamingos. The bridge to El Cuyo is surrounded by glassy water on both sides really creating a magical experience. There will be a sign stating where you have arrived “Bienvenidos a El Cuyo” covered in stickers from travelers around every corner of the earth. A policeman will smile and wave you into the land of El Cuyo.

The town is scattered with cute murals about local life and nature. The centerpiece of town is the lighthouse “El Faro” a beacon for the fishermen to return home after a long night of fishing. Still to this day the lighthouse is the tallest point in El Cuyo and is built on top of a small Mayan pyramid. The bricks of the pyramid are supporting the base of the lighthouse to this day. You will see fishermen transporting their catch of the day and children playing with their families.

On the left side of El Cuyo is what I like to call the backbone of El Cuyo. The backbone of El Cuyo is the port of El Cuyo. Fishermen returning with their catch and others will be cracking jokes and cleaning boats. The port of El Cuyo is like a Time Machine. Most of the boats, equipment, buildings, and techniques for fishing have been the same for 70 years. In the port of El Cuyo, you can ask locals to purchase the freshest fish for your dinner at night!

It is very important to understand that El Cuyo is nestled in the middle of Rio Lagartos Reserve, a Unesco biosphere reserve. For 30 Kilometers each side of El Cuyo is just palm trees and sand. El Cuyo really is like a private island paradise. The pier of El Cuyo is a magnificent place to watch the famous sunrise and sunset. The fishermen on the pier cast their lines and nets while pelicans try to steal their prize! El Cuyo is protected by the cutest police station that has nature murals and a dinosaur skull for decoration!

There are two military bases on El Cuyo, occasionally you will the local marines patrolling the beach as a part of they’re daily routine. You will never find culinary boredom in El Cuyo. From local delicacies like cochinita and salbutes to wagyu steak and pasta, your tastebuds are in paradise as well.

As you drive you will see that El Cuyo is a picture-perfect quiet virgin beach town, and we hope to keep it this way. Most of the houses in El Cuyo are old wood fishermen’s cabins settled underneath coconut trees. It is picture-perfect. El Cuyo really is a secret gem of the Yucatán.