THE BEST 10: Hidden paradises in Quintana Roo & Yucatan

The Riviera Maya and the Yucatecan Peninsula can still amaze you. Today we brought our best 10 hidden paradises in the area, our favorites places to sit back, relax and live! Paradise comes in different shapes and colors, from beaches in the middle of touristy areas to biosphere reserve virgin scenarios.

Quintana Roo

Cabo Catoche, Our homeland

Cabo Catoche - Wikimedia Commons

Why do we like it: The virgin beaches, the combination of beaches and historical remains and the extense biodiversity that lives within the reef. If your are lucky enough, you can spot dolhpins and sea turtles on your way to the cape.

What to do: It is the second largest coral reef perfect for snorkeling, bird watching, scuba diving. You can visit the remains of Boca Iglesia which was once a great sanctuary and the first in Latin America and Ekab, the remains of the first settlers which is now abandoned.
Xpu-Há, Two water estuary

Xpu-Há - Bruno Schalch

Why do we like it: Xpu-Há beach is a resemblance of what Cancun was many years ago, calm without so many crowds or buildings.
What to do: Great for snorkeling, relaxing, sunbathing.
Akumal, Land of turtles

Green Turtle - Wikimedia Commons

Why do we like it: Clear, sparkling turquoise waters, underground rivers, sinkholes, caverns peaceful... the perfect place for a perfect get away!
What to do: Snorkel with sea turtles, underground rivers, caves, Yalku lagoon, sport fishing, diving, windsurf, etc.
Punta Allen

Punta Allen - Tim Gage

Why do we like it: Stunning, laid-back scenarios, beautiful reefs. Life goes by slowly and the sky is dark enough to see the stars at night
What to do: Catch and release fishing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, relax and enjoy the beach lining.
Sian Ka'an, Origin of the sky

Biósfera de la Reserva de Sian Ka'an - Wikimedia Commons

Why do we like it: UNESCO World Heritage, exceptional biodiversity, 528,000 ha of breathtaking sights.You will want to stay more than one night.
What to do: Expect to see: manatee, sea turtles, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, Jabiru stork, jaguars, cougars, ocelots, pink flamingos, toucans and tapirs.
Bacalar, Surrounded by reeds

Bacalar Lagoon - Juliane Schultz

Why do we like it: The lagoon of the seven colors without large tourist complexes.
What to do: Boat ride on the lagoon, visit the Piracy museum, eat at the market
Xcalak

Why do we like it: Virgin beaches, unspoiled ecosystem a picturesque fisherman's town.
What to do: Perfect for diving, you can also go to "La pocita" which is a point in the middle of the ocean where you can get down the boat and your feet will touch the ground without you drowning! Visit the Canal de Zaragoza where, if lucky, you can see manatees.
Yucatán
Valladolid

Le marché de Muna - Guy le Page

Why do we like it: Magical architecture and delicious gastronomy. A great place to stay and visit all the nearby wonders of Yucatán.
What to do: If you stay in town you can go to Casa de los Venados, or eat at the market, buy regional clothing made by people from Yucatan, walk around the city and explore Yucatan's folklore, or you can alwas hit the rode and drive to Ek Balam
Celestún, Painted stone

Celestún

Why do we like it: The Biosphere Reserve of Celestun offers an exhilarating view of pink flamingos and beautiful mangroves
What to do: Birdwatching, fishing, night boat rides and don't forget to try the seafood!
Izamal, Dew that descends from heaven

Why do we like it: The peace and the tranquility of the never-ending yellow houses, cobblestone roads and iron lampposts. The world's second largest enclosed church atrium
What to do: Visit the San Antonio de Padua Convent, visit the town's prehispanic constructions, visit the corners of legends, try all the food you can, visit some small museums and enjoy the tranquility of the yellow city.

What are you hidden paradises in the Riviera Maya?