a solo traveler’s guide

With your free guide "The Guide of a Single Traveler" you will learn about the best hotels, meeting points, tours, activities and much more: all selected by our collaborators to ensure the best vacations you have ever had.

Do you want to know how to meet people traveling alone in Mexico? It’s easier than you think. All you have to do is have an open mind and dare to approach others without being intimidated. Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer a wide range of activities for all budgets and tastes. They are the best places in Mexico to travel alone. It has offers for couples, families, groups, students, congresses, conventions... But it also has travel options for women traveling alone in Mexico, because they travel more and more without the need for anyone to accompany them.

Actually, when you travel alone... you rarely find yourself “alone”. Unless you voluntarily step out of the world ignoring the people around you, you’ll see that it’s very easy to start a conversation with others. It is very easy to meet people on excursions, so you can discover new places while making new friends and having a good time.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are not just sun and beach destinations, there are numerous activities to do alone.

They are also safe places to travel alone in Mexico, just keep your guard high enough to ensure your safety. The same common sense you use at home is relevant anywhere in the world. As long as you are intelligent, a wonderful adventure awaits you

TRavel solo To cancun:

Cancun is one of the most popular destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is synonymous with luxury, parties, Spring Break, great resorts and beautiful beaches. However, if you leave the main area of Cancun, you will find a very local city with few tourists and friendly people. There are also some Mayan ruins near the city. Cancun has much, much more than parties, but you have to go look for it.

snoRkeling TouR:

Embark with a group of tourists and enjoy the beauty of the seabed. It will be very easy for you to get to know others. The small size of the group encourages conviviality and social interac tion. This activity is very often done by people alone and they loved it!

TouR To discoveR The Mexican food:

https://youtu.be/E2U5Cf6MxXE Traveling alone to Cancun will make you live an authentic experience, you will taste the local Mexican cuisine, a guide will take you with the rest of the group to the best places..

Enjoy the delicious Mexican food while you spend a pleasant moment with the other participants. You will then be able to return by yourself to the places you visited.

guided TouR To Mayan Ruins: TuluM, chichen iTza, coba...

You can’t visit Mexico and not learn about the Mayan civilization. Discover one or more of these wonderful archaeological sites. Get to know one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Tulum: the only Mayan settlement built on the coast, the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula: Cobá or the walled city of Ek Balam. You will be amazed at these incredible Mayan ruins

ParasaiL:

Enjoy the best view of Cancun flying Parasail at 80 meters high, you don’t need anyone to enjoy the scenery. Face your fears and parasail in Cancun!

jungLe boat tour:

Drive your own speedboat over the blue waters of the sea, mangrove channels and Nichupté lagoon. Be the captain of your own boat during a 15 mile trip to Punta Nizuc, where you will observe the entire Cancun hotel zone from the water, once here, enjoy snorkeling on the reef surrounded by thousands of fish and multicolored corals.

visit cenotes:

In Xenotes Tour you will discover 4 different types of cenotes (open, closed, semi-open), enjoy nature in all its splendor. Do a different activity in each Xenote (Kayak, Rapel with assisted descent, Snorkel and Tyrolean.) You won’t have time to get bored.

I hope you are convinced that it is not dangerous to travel alone to Cancun.

You can travel alone to Cancun and find suitable accommodation. Choose to stay in the hotel zone or in the city center.

From the airport to the city centre:

Many think it is dangerous to travel to Cancun alone but they are wrong.

Most travelers in Cancun agree that the bus is the best way to get around. R1 or R2 buses are the most popular routes, they will take you back and forth between downtown and the hotel zone. The fare is $12 pesos.

With this option, you will have access to the beach you want, the discotheque area and any part of the hotel zone. Even the R2 will leave you very close to Mercado 28 (downtown) if you want to buy souvenirs at a good price. If you’re not sure where to get off the bus, tell your driver. They will let you know when the bus has reached your stop.

Cancun taxis have the reputation of being the most expensive means of transportation in the city. Rates in the hotel area are different than in the urban area. If you are going to take a taxi, it is better to pay in pesos because they take the dollar at a lower price than in a bureau de change. It is also very important that you ask what the fare is before you get in. Avoid calling taxis on the street. Instead, ask your hostal/hotel to get you a taxi or call a taxi company

Isla Mujeres is one of the best places in Mexico to travel alone. This small island is a short distance from the coast of Cancun. Known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, it is the perfect excursion from Cancun

how To geT TheRe:

From the Cancun hotel zone: To get to Isla Mujeres you can take a ferry out of Playa Tortuga or the pier if you are located in the hotel zone, but if you are located in a downtown hotel we recommend using the Gran Puerto terminal located in Puerto Juarez

Round trip from any port at a time that best suits you - $361 It is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before your departure time

snoRkel oR dive in The subMaRine MuseuM (Musa):

Designed by Jason deCaires Taylor, Isla Mujeres is home to the world’s largest underwater museum. The clear waters of Isla Mujeres are ideal for diving or snorkeling while watching the thousands of underwater sculptures that change over time in terms of coral growth and marine interaction. The aim of the project is extraordinary and the combination of art and marine conservation is fantastic. These are group excursions, you won’t be the only lonely traveler who wants to discover these wonders

MUSA is a fascinating attraction and a great way to spend a day at sea! It is also the perfect place for diving. If you don’t dive, you can also snorkel on some of MUSA’s facilities as part of a day of diving (the art facilities are scattered along the coast and you will need a boat and a guide to visit them).

bike TouR

You can tour the whole island in one day with stops to enjoy the view and visit the beautiful beaches. It is a circular route of 14 km in its totality. Relax and enjoy the scenery with the sea on one side and the lush vegetation of the Isla Mujeres jungle on the other side.

TuRTle faRM

Because large sea turtles have made Isla Mujeres their breeding ground for generations, the Turtle Farm collects the eggs it finds along the beaches and incubates them at the Turtle Farm, greatly increasing its chances of survival. If you are lucky enough to be on the island in October, you can participate in the release of the turtles found all over the island, where thousands of turtles are released.

PLaya norte

The most visited and recommended beaches are located in the northern part of the island, next to the town. The waters are crystal clear, shallow and calm, with beautiful coral reefs just a short distance from the beaches. You will find the best beaches in Mexico to travel alone.

A short distance from the maritime station is Playa Norte, which can be reached by walking on the beach or the boardwalk. In the area you will enjoy white sand, palm trees, crystalline and shallow waters that invite you to refresh yourself in them. You’ll find hotels, restaurants and craft shops, and you can also rent a table with chairs and umbrella if you want to spend the whole day on the beach. Make sure you see one or two sunsets at Playa Sol, located at the northwest end of the island, right next to Playa Norte.

Punta sur

Punta Sur is a popular tourist site, located at the southern end of the island, 19.8 meters above sea level and with incredible views of Cancun in the distance. The landscape is beautiful, and you’ll also find a lighthouse, a sculpture garden and the remains of a Mayan temple in Ixchel, as well as a statue of Ixchel herself. Ixchel is the Mayan goddess of the Moon and fertility, and wife of the Sun. Ixchel is the reason Isla Mujeres is called the Island of Women: Mayan women used to visit the island on pilgrimage to visit and honor Ixchel. Their temple was built on this site because it is the highest elevation in the Yucatan Peninsula, but since then it has been a place of pilgrimage.

woMen’s bead cooPeRaTive

The Women’s Bead Cooperative offers the opportunity to watch the bead work as they do it. They make all kinds of jewelry and supply purses, key rings and other items. They do not offer guided tours, and the women will continue to work while you are in the store. But bead making is fascinating to watch. Collect some unique handmade items for yourself as a souvenir

From Cancun, it’s super easy to get to Isla Mujeres. I recommend spending one or two nights on the island (if not more) instead of opting for a day trip from Cancun.

Poc Na Hostel:

The hostel is on the beach, with lots of hammocks to relax comfortably. Access to the beach is through the door of the hostel, and the location is away from the main street, so it is nice and quiet and there is not much pedestrian traffic. There is abreakfast included, yoga in the morning, helpful staff to help book excursions, and cheap, private dormitories and campsites

You’ll find beautiful beaches, world-class restaurants, excellent shopping and plenty of nightlife. There is something for every type of traveler! Playa del Carmen is without a doubt one of the best places in Mexico to travel alone.

how To geT TheRe

By colectivo An alternative is to use the buses that operate the route from Cancun to Playa del Carmen constantly. If you are traveling short distances, buses can be found in most towns and charge around 30 or 40 pesos. This is the cheapest option for this trip. However, buses make different stops along the route, which can lengthen the travel time

By bus: Most international flights arrive at Terminal 3 or the new Terminal 4. After passing through immigration and customs, you will exit on the left and walk down a corridor. There will be car rental companies and tourist cabins. There is an ADO cabin and you can buy your ticket. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. It will take you to the ADO bus station on Fifth Avenue.

Return to the airport for departure? You can buy a ticket at both ADO stations in Playa del Carmen. Buses depart from 5th Avenue and Juarez Station first and then stop at the 20th Street bus station. Buses stop at all airport terminals..

quinTa avenida sTReeT

Playa del Carmen’s main avenue is La Quinta, a vibrant pedestrian street that runs more than a kilometer parallel to the beach. La Quinta is made up of hundreds of shops and vendors that offer everything. Of course, it’s very touristy, but a visit to La Quinta should be on every list of things to do in Playa del Carmen.

Parque fundadores

One of the most interesting places in Playa del Carmen that you can find is in the Parque Fundadores.

This is a block-size park right at the foot of Avenida Juarez and the beach, also next to the Cozumel Ferry Pier. This park continues to add attractions for guests visiting Playa del Carmen and can be a place of fun. To one side of the park is the beach with the large statue of the “Portal Maya”. Underneath this statue in the evenings and nights you can find Mayan dancers who offer a free show. In the center of this park you will see a high pole. This is where the Papantla dancers perform. They do this all day long and it’s free, but a tip is nice to give.

rio secreto

Have you ever been swimming inside a cave? Well, if not, you definitely need to see this unique thing you can do in Playa del Carmen. Located a few minutes from the city, Rio Secreto is a complex of five impressive caves that are filled with underground rivers and springs. You’ll put on a wetsuit and join a small guided tour through a cave that includes the incredible experience of swimming inside a deep black cave. This is definitely one of the incredible things to do in Playa del Carmen.

fRida kahlo MuseuM

One of the most popular activities in Playa del Carmen is to visit the elegant Frida Kahlo Museum. Conveniently located in La Quinta, the museum is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm and the entrance fee for the general public is around $15 USD. Inside you will find a series of exhibits dedicated to the life and history of the famous Mexican portraitist.

MaMiTas beach:

This beach is the most popular place in Playa del Carmen. Here you can listen to electronic music and have a few drinks. The very popular Mamitas Beach Club is always playing music and even if you are not sitting on the beach chairs or beach beds, you can hear it. If you are young or young at heart and want to be on the scene, you should take a look at this beach. It’s also easy to find food and drink on 28th Street and go to the beach.

Tulum is a small town in the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. Approximately 2 hours south of Cancun airport. It can be a destination for luxury travelers, but also for budget backpackers. It has a lot to offer for unusual adventures and also for health enthusiasts.

Tulum is best known for its beaches and yoga centers. It’s where idyllic white sand beaches meet elegant hotels and high-end resorts, as well as beautiful restaurants.There are also many things to do in the area

Tulum is the perfect place to relax, learn and immerse yourself in the fascinating Mayan culture, admire and explore the beautiful natural landscapes and surroundings, enjoy the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere and slow pace of life, and eat some amazing and authentic Mexican food! It is truly an incredible and magical place and a jewel on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

how To geT To TuluM?:

There are no direct flights to Tulum as there is no airport there. You can fly to Cancun (2 hours by car). And you have many options. I don’t recommend renting a car at the airport, as it is much more expensive than if you rent it once you get to Tulum. The best way to get to Tulum is by ADO bus. These buses are safe, clean and nice!

Once you leave the customs area at the airport, there will be an ADO bus company cabin to buy the tickets. There are buses every 40 minutes to Playa del Carmen where you will have to change buses

You can pay in Pesos or Dollars ($177 pesos or $9 USD to Playa and $67 pesos or $4 USD to Tulum). Once you arrive, there will be many taxis available that can take you to your hotel. Another option is a private shuttle service from Cancun airport that will take you directly to Tulum in about 90 minutes, without having to change places in Playa del Carmen. You can book your trip from Cancun airport to Tulum here.

Mayan Ruins of TuluM

This is a must! The Mayan ruins of Tulum are located 3 km from the village and can be reached by car or bicycle. The fascinating fact is that the ruins of Tulum are the only Mayan ruins located directly on the coast. So the view is quite majestic. Then you Can swim on the beach. Don’t forget to equip yourself with sun block, sunglasses,water, a towel and your bathing suit

coba Ruins

The Mayan Ruins at Coba are lesser-visited than those at Tulum and Chichen Itza and are located in a more natural environment. The ruins site is vast and the partially excavated structures are situated throughout the jungle, which you can get to either by walking or cycling along the well-maintained ancient pathways known as “sacbes”. You can rent bicycles at the entrance of the ruins, which I would recommend doing as its the faster and easier way to get around within the site. Most of the ancient stone structures are allowed to be explored and climbed, except for a select few. The main attraction at Coba is climbing to the top of the very tall, steep and partially excavated Nohoch Mul pyramid, where you will then be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding jungle treetops!

gran cenote

Cenotes are one of the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula. These are natural sinks that expose groundwater. Imagine crystalline water in submerged pools that are partially beneath the surface. The Gran Cenote is wonderful. It is very close to the town of Tulum and offers a large natural pool on both sides. Some say it is expensive compared to other cenotes (the entrance fee is 180 pesos per person), but I think it is worth it. They have excellent sanitary facilities, showers to prepare before entering the cenote (only biodegradable sunscreen is accepted or none at all), and have lockers and snorkel equipment for rent. Swimming in the Gran Cenote is a wonderful experience. The water is so clean and fresh. You swim with little fish and turtles. Count 1.5 hours or maximum. 2 hours to stay and enjoy.

casa cenote

Casa Cenote is a beautiful open water cenote just 20 minutes north of Tulum. Casa Cenote is unique to many others in the Yucatan as it is not located underground and instead the beautiful vibrant turquoise water is exposed to the sky. The cenote resembles a small lake and is surrounded on all sides by thick mangroves and lush vegetation. A narrow channel leads from the largest body of water to the ocean

ir de coMPras

Tulum’s main avenue (Avenida Tulum) is lined on both sides with a variety of local and independent outdoor stores that sell a wide selection of authentic, handmade crafts, including jewelry, handbags, colored blankets, clothing, shoes, ceramics and much more. If you like to shop or are looking for some souvenirs to take home from Tulum, take a stroll down the main avenue and explore the shops. Unlike the stores along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, the store owners in Tulum are not very aggressive in selling their products, which makes the shopping experience much more enjoyable.

visiT sian ka’an biosPheRe ReseRve

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the biosphere is the largest protected reserve in the Caribbean. If you continue along the Tulum road to the south, you will reach the entrance to the protected area and leave the paved road behind. There is a small fee to enter and the dirt road becomes a long, thin stretch of road with the ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other

Relax on The beach

You probably came to Tulum for the beach. Enjoy it! The white sandy beaches are beautiful and perfect for relaxing. You can also enjoy a traditional Mayan seaside resort called Temazcal, which is often close to the beach..

RenT a bicycle and exPloRe The seafRonT sTReeT of TuluM

Boca Paila is a beautiful narrow paved road that runs along the beautiful white sandy beaches of Tulum, from the village to Punta Allen. The street is surrounded by thick, lush jungle vegetation and lovely restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from healthy, fresh juices to vegetarian food, classic Mexican dishes, international cuisine and much more; unique shops; and charming beach accommodations, including cabins.

Moving fRoM side To side

The city of Tulum is small and compact, so it is easy to reach most places in the city by foot. To visit the surrounding cenotes, ruins and beaches, there are the following options for getting around.

Taxi

There are taxis circulating throughout the city and also parked along the main avenue, which makes it very easy to find a taxi when you need it..

Bike

There are numerous local shops in the city where you can rent bikes, most of them along Tulum Avenue, the main avenue through the city. If you stay at Mama’s Home Hostel, you can get a 20 peso discount on bike rentals at Kelly’s Bike Rentals (located along Tulum Avenue, just after Satellite Avenue in the direction of the ruins) by mentioning the name of the hostel to the store employees. A bicycle is ideal for getting from the city to the beach, the ruins and the nearby cenotes, all of which are about 20-30 minutes away by bicycle.

Colectivo

Local buses can take you from town to the beach or to the ruins of Tulum. They run all day starting early in the morning and leave when full. You can find buses parked and driving along any part of the town’s main avenue. To take one, walk to a parked van, tell the driver your destination and wait until the van has enough people to get out or stand on the side of the street and shake hands with a van coming in the opposite direction, which will then stop and let you in. Again, tell the driver your destination and he will take you there.

Tulum is a wonderful place for solo travelers and has a strong backpacker culture with many hostels, which makes it very easy to meet other travelers. Tulum is a peaceful and tranquil Mexican city that is popular with tourists and is very safe, in particular for women traveling alone. The overall crime rate in Tulum is very low.

Cozumel is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea that combines beautiful white sand beaches with a dense jungle interior. It has all the luxury resorts and lively nightlife one would expect from a Caribbean island, along with the excellent food and endless Margaritas that come with travel in Mexico. Cozumel is especially known for its diving and snorkeling, with easy access to some of the most spectacular underwater terrain and marine life. It is rare to find such stunning natural beauty, crystal clear seas and vast marine life combined with first class amenities and accommodations for visitors

Irregularly shaped, Cozumel is at most 48 km long and 15 km wide. Plaza Central, or simply “El Centro”, is the heart of San Miguel, right in front of the ferry docks serving Playa del Carmen. Residents congregate here at night, especially on weekends, when free concerts begin at 8 pm. Heading inland (east), it takes us away from the tourist area and takes us to the residential areas of the city. Most of the island’s restaurants, hotels, shops and dive shops are concentrated in the center and along the two hotel zones that extend along the leeward coast north and south of San Miguel. Cozumel’s windward side, which seeks solitude, has a few beach bar restaurants, a hotel and miles of deserted beaches.

how To geT To cozuMel:

Take a bus from the ADO bus station to Playa del Carmen. The second part of your trip will be on the ferry. The ferry terminal is located in the center of Playa del Carmen. If you know or can find the main square or Plaza Playacar, you will be very close. It is also located very close to the Playa del Carmen bus station on 5th Avenue. In short, the Playa ferry dock is very easy to find. Ferries to Cozumel depart every hour from 7 am to 9 pm. But keep in mind that if you are visiting in the low season - which is usually from March to September and may be a good option if you are trying to avoid large crowds and are mainly in it for diving - ferries sometimes skip one or two runs if there are very few passengers. The ferry trip takes between half an hour and three quarters of an hour.

discoveR The MesoaMeRican Reef

The second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef, is located right off the coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, and Cozumel is the perfect location from which to explore it. Its warm waters, excellent visibility, and towering coral formations make Cozumel a favorite spot for divers. You can snorkel from the shore, or take an excursion farther out to explore in the open sea. Reefs on the south side of the island are within the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, which begins just south of the International Pier and continues around the southern tip of the island (Punta Sur) and up a small portion of the east side of the island. The park consists of around 12,000 hectares (29,600 acres) of sea and coastline. Whether swimming, snorkeling, or diving, remember to respect the reef.Use biodegradable sunscreen, try not to touch or stand on the reef, and don’t remove any of the sea life from its natural environment.

visiT el cielo

El Cielo is a sandbank with approximately 800 meters of coastline in Cozumel

One of the ways to get to El Cielo is by boat or catamaran. This beach gets its name from the fact that you can snorkel, swim in the depths of the water and see different types of starfish. Besides this, in this place you can be fascinated with the perfection of turquoise blue water; therefore in El Cielo you will not only see echinoderms, but also colored fish, sea turtles, manta rays and birds that approach the beach periodically

PunTa suR eco beach PaRk

The island’s largest ecological reserve, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including crocodiles, beautiful flowers and exotic birds. The park has a beautiful beach with showers, hammocks, loungers and a lifeguard to ensure the safety of all in the water. Visitors can also climb to the top of the historic Celarain Lighthouse, which offers wonderful panoramic views of the ocean and the island. There is ample free parking, and there are several restaurants and bars to ensure that visitors do not go hungry

kaokao chocolaTe facToRy

The Kaokao Chocolate Factory has been creating handcrafted Mexican chocolate products since 2007, and the Kaokao Chocolate Factory Tour allows visitors to witness this incredible process up close. Visitors will learn about the history of chocolate in Mexico, as well as have the opportunity to make their own blend to drink chocolate. Visitors can also taste cocoa during all stages of the chocolate making process. Tours last approximately one hour and are offered every hour between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day except Sundays. Online reservations are required, and discounts are available for groups of six or more.

cozuMel baR hoP

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the island, Cozumel Bar Hop is a great way to make new friends and to visit the beautiful undeveloped east side of the island. The tour will bring you to four unique beach bars, each of which will give you a free welcome shot and a taste of a freshly-prepared local Caribbean dish. The bus is comfortable and air-conditioned, the guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, and all of the bus drivers are fully licensed and have plenty of experience navigating the roads of Cozumel.

gcozuMel PeaRl faRM

Taking part of the northern part of the island, the Cozumel Pearl Farm is a family pearl farm located on a pristine white sand beach. The pearls are cultivated and harvested using knowledge of the South Pacific, and experts will be on site to explain the process and answer your questions. After touring the lab, you will have the opportunity to snorkel to see the pearl farm. The tours last approximately six hours and take place Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., but by Friday you will be able to see the pearl farm

The viewPoinT

A natural viewpoint where the sea has carved a natural arch into the steep rock, El Mirador is one of the most visually stunning places on the island. Visitors can climb the rock to take photos and get excellent views of the island and the water to Cuba, which is only 60 miles away. On the adjacent beach, you’ll find many vendors selling snacks, coconut refreshments, alcoholic beverages and local souvenirs. El Mirador is located approximately half an hour from downtown Cozumel, and there is no entrance fee

san geRvasio Mayan aRchaeological siTe

The ancient Mayan culture has a special fascination, and the Mayan archaeological site of San Gervasio is especially interesting as it was a requirement for Mayan women to visit this site at least once during their lifetime. The only official archeological site on the island is known as the sanctuary of the ancient goddess Ixchel, to whom the Mayas prayed for fertility and love. The site is open every day of the week between 8 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., and there is a small admission fee. Facilities include restrooms, a snack bar, free parking, and crafts and other souvenirs for sale.

Located north of the Yucatan Peninsula, between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Holbox Island is part of the Yum Balam Natural Reserve. If you want to hang out with friendly people and relax on the beach with flamingos, this is the place for you. Away from the crowds of Cancun, the small island is dotted with dirt roads, relaxed beach bars and incredible natural beauty. It is the perfect place to relax and disconnect from the world.

how To geT To holbox?

Driving: From Cancun, it’s only two hours by car to Chiquila. Holbox Island is a car-free area.Once in the city, you will have to find a place to leave your car

By bus: There are ADO buses that leave from Cancun to Chiquilá the trip is a little longer (3 hr, 30 min). The price of the single trip is $266

Take the ferry Isla Holbox from Chiquilá: There are two ferry companies that operate between Chiquilá and Holbox and curiously offer exactly the same service, and cost the same price. The only difference is that one runs on the hour and the other on the half-hour, which means you’ll never have to wait long for the next boat. The journey takes about 15 minutes.

Once you arrive at Holbox you will be greeted by a row of golf buggies, ready to take you to your accommodation. You will pay between 20-30 MXN to be taken across the island to the centre. If you don’t have much luggage, then the walk to the main square takes less than ten minutes

how To geT aRound holbox island:

Taxis: The beauty of Holbox Island is that there are no cars. The island has a taxi type golf cart system. They line up when the ferry arrives so you can go wherever you’re staying.

Bike: Because Holbox Island is so small, bicycles are an ideal means of transportation.You can rent one for about twenty pesos an hour in one of the city’s stores

Golf Cart: This is the preferred means of transportation in this small destination. Expect to see many golf carts rolling through the streets. You can rent a golf cart during your stay for an easy and affordable way to get around.

Walk: There is very little traffic or things in the streets, so it is safe to walk

don’T do anyThing... seRiously!

This is a place to really relax. While you could fill your days with boat trips, snorkeling, yoga and more, the best day you’ll enjoy could be the one you didn’t do anything! Just go to a beach bar, feast on tacos, drink a few mojitos and rest

RenT a bicycle oR a golf buggy

Start your own adventure and explore the island on two or four wheels. There are many places to rent and no previous experience is required

enjoy The sunseTs of holbox

The sunsets at Holbox are absolutely magical! Head to the dock, open a beer and relax as the sun’s liquid gold reaches the water

check foR bioluMinescenT PhyToPlankTon

On nights when the moon is not very bright, you can see plankton shining - totally magical

Relax in one of holbox’s beach baRs

There are some super nice places along the promenade with hammocks, loungers, beds and chairs, all serving food and drinks.

wildlife obseRvaTion

There are lagoons, mangroves and small islands near Holbox. Go on a crocodile hunt, see flamingos in their natural habitat, pelicans searching for fish on the main beach, or just dip your head underwater and see what fish you can see. There’s even Isla Pájaros, home to more than 30 different species of birds. It really is a paradise for wildlife lovers. .

waRning: Money and aTMs

There are only a few ATMs in Holbox, and they are unpredictable! Get ready for all of them to be out of service, either for technical reasons or because they have literally run out of cash.

For this reason it is important to have money (ideally Mexican pesos) before arriving at Isla Holbox. You can pay with credit and debit cards in many places in Holbox, but there is no guarantee that it will work either.

You want an authentic place, a place where you can recharge your batteries in Mexico, you want to wake up the next day hoping it wasn’t a dream! Bacalar, a small town in the state of Quintana Roo is the place for you! It is increasingly known for its famous 7-color lagoon. Indeed, depending on the depth of the water and the type of bottom, sandy, rocky or otherwise, different shades of blue and green will reach your eyes amazed.

Bacalar is quite small, the town became one of Mexico’s magical towns in 2006. Bacalar is one of the quietest places to visit in the Yucatan peninsula and part of the charm is in its size. It’s far enough away from the Walmarts and McDonalds of the most touristy cities, but you’ll still find everything you need in the city for a comfortable stay.

how To geT fRoM cancun To bacalaR:

BY BUS: Mexico’s bus system is an incredibly convenient way to travel around the country. Bacalar can be reached by ADO bus from destinations such as Chetumal, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun. These routes are well served with several departures to Bacalar every day. The trip Cancun - Bacalar is approximately 5:30 hours

BY CAR: From Cancun, the trip is approximately 4 hours and quite direct following highway 307 south. Halfway between Cancun and Bacalar is Tulum. Be sure to fill your gas tank before continuing. As with any road trip, avoid driving at night, follow the rules of the road, hide your valuables, make sure you have a spare tire and watch out for bumpers (speed bumps in Mexico are often larger than necessary).

geT inTo The waTeR:

One of the many reasons to love the Laguna de los 7 Colores is because of its shallow, clear waters. Since this is a freshwater lagoon, it may be more pleasant to swim here than in the salty ocean waves..

join a kayak TouR:

Rent a kayak in the city and take your own tour of the lagoon or join a guided tour.

visiT The PiRaTes’ channel:

Almost every tour in Bacalar includes a stop at the Pirates’ Channel, and rightly so. There is also an abandoned structure near the canal from where many were jumping

Make The MosT of bacalaR’s fRee Public docks:

he village has recently renovated three free access points to the lagoon with docks where you can relax and tan if your accommodation is not along the water.

iMMeRse youRself in xul-ha:

Just 15 minutes south of the town of Bacalar is where the even smaller town of Xul-Ha is located. At the Blue Lake Spa, there is a wharf for swimming and a diving platform for the brave

floaT down The bacalaR RaPids:

There is a narrow channel halfway between Bacalar and Xul-Ha known as ‘The Rapids’. Kayaks are available for rent or you can just let the current take you down while you swim. The entrance fee is $50 pesos

enjoy PanoRaMic views fRoM foRT san feliPe:

18th century Fort San Felipe is a small but important site in Bacalar with great views of the lagoon and its surroundings. The entrance fee has risen to 100 pesos recently, so it may only be worth it if you are particularly interested in Bacalar’s history. Closed on Mondays

PRacTice ziPline in kan k’in bacalaR:

This adventure park is located just 15 minutes north of Bacalar and offers zipline tours in the jungle. There are 5 short zip lines in total and the last one even dominates the impressive turquoise waters. It is not a cheap excursion, but it is definitely one of the most unique things you can do in Bacalar.

The village itself is small and easy to navigate. Depending on where you stay, you can probably walk everywhere and there are taxis available for long distance travel. The main taxi rank is in the village square, near the letters “Bacalar”. Bicycles are also a great way to explore the surrounding area and rentals are available throughout the city. Some accommodations include the use of bicycles or kayaks in the room rate

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