Palm trees, sun and endless white sandy beaches,..what else does one need? Its like Cancun or the Mayan Riviera 50 years ago. There is something truly special about El Cuyo. It is not a place to go if you are looking for a party town night atmosphere or loud beach clubs filled with tourists by day. Here you will find a small, pristine, quiet oasis that allows you to relax and simply enjoy the sound of waves crashing on the beach while spending time with friends or family. It is also a place, that for a short time, allowed us to “almost” forget that we are living through a pandemic.

You’ll find a few small hotels in El Cuyo, but in my opinion, renting a small house or condo right on the beach or in close proximity, is definitely the best way to go for your tropical getaway in paradise! Through Airbnb, and other online sites you can find lots of great options that will fit your particular needs; however, I highly recommend not to rent thru facebook or google without checking that the vacation rental does exists on a reputable site to avoid frauds or overbooking.

From 2 days to 2 months. Really depends on you how long you would like to visit El Cuyo to disconnect and unwind. Palm trees, endless white sandy beaches sun and lots of activities and excursions are available as well if you like to submerge into the mayan culture and rich history.

There are several ways to get to El Cuyo. You can either fly into Merida or Cancun and then rent a vehicle and stock up on supplies in either city if you are planning to stay in a rented house. From, Merida the drive to El Cuyo will take you 3 hrs and 30 minutes. If driving from Cancun using the toll road it will take you 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can also use public transport using a mix of ADO buses, minivans or taxis from various locations if you prefer not to rent a vehicle.

Staying in a fishing town means that when you eat out at a local restaurant you are guaranteed the freshest seafood possible that day. The menus vary somewhat during the year depending on what season you decide to visit El Cuyo but you will always find something delicious to tempt your palate at an incredibly reasonable price.

Pizza, meat, vegan and burger places are also available.

There are also several small stores to replenish your stock of fresh fruit, eggs, bread and other necessities should you run out as well as “Carnicería 2 Hermanos” for poultry and meat.

Restaurants close between 6 pm and 10 pm depending on what they serve and you can find lots of small places that offer local food from the region and other local delights.

There are some places in this world that leave an indelible mark on your soul. For me, El Cuyo, is one of them. Perhaps, it has something to do with the wide-open, untouched beauty of the area. Whatever it is what I do know for sure is that the sunrises, sunsets and starry nights play a huge part of that intangible feeling that make El Cuyo such a special place.During the summer, the sunsets are full of intense colours that can seem surreal at times. Then, during the fall months, the sunsets remind you of a soft pastel painting, equally as beautiful but less intense in colour. The sunrises are just as beautiful and ever-changing in their intensity during the year.

El Cuyo is a very safe destination for travel. The small community of El Cuyo is very dependent on tourism and welcoming towards visitors. There is a police station in the town center, and crime is relatively uncommon in El Cuyo.

According to the Spanish language Wikipedia entry for El Cuyo, the sandbar along the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula was used as the ranch of Ramón Ancona Bolio in 1895. Logging and ranching eventually gave way to fishing as the primary industry of the small town of El Cuyo. Today, this small fishing village is gradually gaining popularity as a destination for ecotourism.

1. The most popular Places to Eat in El Cuyo

2. The eateries noted here are the most consistent highly rated places on google or tripadvisor, with recent reviews. They range from budget snack joints to gourmet restaurants. Each has more than 75 reviews (related to the food served) and scores 4.5 or higher.

3. 
   

4. El Chile Gordo – Open at 7pm – reservation only. This is not a normal restaurant! Take a gastronomical tour of Mexico with El Chile Gordo’s taster menu. It’s pricey, but gets great comments. Received 2022 Travelers’ Choice on TripAdvisor. For more reviews, see google. Note: It gets booked up fast so reserve well in advance.

5. Casa Palma – Open 6-10pm (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays). The house specialities are pizzas cooked in a wood oven. They also serve homemade pasta, Argentinian empanadas and yummy artisanal ice cream – all in a beautifully decorated and relaxed beach setting with campfire and sunset terrace for added atmosphere. See reviews on google

6. La Limonaia – Open Monday to Saturday, family run and serving great pizza. They’re one street back from the Veraniega, in the same block as Naia cafe. See reviews on google

7. Piccolo Italia in El Hotelito – Open daily from 8am-11am for breakfasts, serving coffee and cake all day, but the evening meals are their party piece – serving great pasta & bruschetta – from 6pm. See reviews on google

8. Naia Café – Open daily from 8am-3pm. Naia gets fab reviews and serves beautiful breakfasts, a selection of snacks and drinks, home-baked cakes/cookies and has healthy and vegan options. Received 2022 Travelers’ Choice on TripAdvisor. For more reviews see google

9. Anahata Cafe & Bistro – Situated half way along the Veraniega and selling a good variety of breakfasts and coffees, plus pink lattes and other instagrammable dishes – all served with a smile (and maybe a song if Gustavo is on form!) Open from 7.30am-1pm Tuesdays to Sundays. See reviews on google

10. La Negrita – Open from 8am – 6pm daily. Seafood and local specialities – clean, friendly service and great value. See reviews on google

11. Restaurant El Camaron – Tucked away in the heart of town, El Cameron sells great fresh seafood dishes and is open practically all day and night! The ceviche and fried fish dishes are their forte. See reviews on google

12. Doña Marta Pescaderia – No standard opening times but mid day or early afternoon is the best time to catch Doña Marta. She sells great fresh fish to take away or you can eat on her terrace. She lives on the lagoon road, past El Chile Gordo and Pizzeria Ruiz – keep going all the way to the end of the street. See reviews on google

13. Loncheria Willys – Open daily from 5-11pm. It’s on the left side as you enter town from the lagoon. Serves great panuchos, sopes and tortas and is fantastic value. This is where the locals eat! See reviews on google

14. Bonus! These two are new on the scene and are making waves! Definitely add them to your list of ‘must visits’
    

15. Zapote – serves exceptionally well thought out food cooked in a wood oven (fuelled with zapote wood). Get there early or you’ll have to wait for a table – but the wait is worth it. They’re right in front of Naia cafe and are usually open Wednesday to Sunday 6-10pm. See reviews on google

16. Mimisiku – Gourmet food, cooked on an open fire, presented beautifully within a natural and rustic setting. Using locally sourced and wild ingredients… the fish is caught by the chef! See reviews on google

17. 
    

18. Restaurants in El Cuyo

19. 
    

20. El Chile Gordo, Casa Palma, La Limonaia, Piccolo Italia in El Hotelito, Zapote and Mimisiku, all mentioned in the Top Ten above, plus…

21. Mikaela Steak House – Located on the Veraniega serving steaks and hamburgers. Open daily from 4-11pm. Closed Wednesdays.

22. Aroma @Casa Cielo – The beautiful restaurant terrace of this boutique hotel overlooks the beach and has a gourmet fusion menu plus pizza and basics. Open every day, from breakfast through till dinner (dependent on guest occupancy).

23. Luma at LunArena – Open daily from 8-10am and 6-9pm. The restaurant is within the hotel ‘LunArena’ at the very eastern end of El Cuyo. It serves international food with an Italian influence.

24. Casa Mate – cozy hotel restaurant with a basic but quality menu.

25. Casa Cuyo Hotel & Restaurant – Open 8am-2pm & 4-9pm (Closed Tuesdays). Serving breakfasts plus dinners of gnocchi, hamburgers and vegan burgers. See reviews and high/low season opening times on TripAdvisor

26. La Barcaccia – Open for breakfast and then reopening for evening meals – serving pasta and steaks

27. Can Cocal Hotel Restaurant– open daily for breakfast and evening meals. Serving a selection of Mediterranean and tapas dishes.

28. La Focacceria serve a range of focaccias plus daily specials like lasagna or meat balls. They’re open daily from 5-11pm – closed Wednesdays.

29. Downwind Deck – serving Asian dishes and ice creams. Located at the far end of the Veraniega. Open Friday to Monday from 11am-6pm.

30. Cuyo Burger – burger van open Friday to Monday 6-11pm. Great potato wedges and a whole assortment of different burgers!

31. 
    

32. Seafood Restaurants In El Cuyo

33. 
    

34. La Negrita, Restaurant El Camaron & Doña Marta Pescaderia – in the top ten!

35. El Tiburon – Open daily 12-1pm and 5-6 pm (but will stay open longer if there are customers). They have no set menu but serve what’s freshly caught. The ceviche is highly recommended – and everything is great value! See reviews from Tripadvisor

36. Valerio’s – Open from 11am – 7pm (closed Tuesdays). Valerio’s is on the main street and specialises in fish and seafood. They also have bar Tolok on the roof – usually open weekends.

37. La Conchita – Open daily from 8am – 6pm. La Conchita is the most established seafood restaurant in El Cuyo. It’s just off the main square. See reviews from TripAdvisor

38. Restaurant Miramar – Open from 8am – 5pm (Closed Tuesdays). Serves a more varied menu, and specialises in shrimps and fish. Portions are huge. See reviews from TripAdvisor.

39. Amigo El Pato – Blue house at the entrance to town where they sell fish to take away and cook yourself, or you can ask them to fry it for you. Opening times depend on when the fishermen come home!

1. Cafés In El Cuyo

2. 
   

3. Naia Café & Anahata Cafe & Bistro in the top ten!

4. La Chata – Selling coffees, smoothies and desserts. Just off the main square in the town centre. Open 11am – 4pm and 6pm – 11pm. (Closed Mondays)

5. SEE ALSO Casa Cielo, Can Cocal, La Barcaccia, Lunarena and Piccola Italia in RESTAURANTS