As travelers start to look again for new adventures, quiet and unspoiled destinations are still sought-after for a relaxing vacation. To that end, the Quintana Roo Tourism Board is highlighting its slew of “hidden gems” throughout the region.
Here’s what travelers can expect:
Located in the Yum Balam ecological reserve, Holbox is a cozy island ideal for disconnecting in a tranquil environment, offering beautiful beaches with shallow waters. It can be easily explored by foot, bicycle or golf cart to admire its natural settings combined with art and history, like Cabo Catoche, where you can see the archaeological remains of Ekab and Boca Iglesia, Mexico’s first Catholic temple. The island is well-known for its colorful murals inspired by local people.
The “Magical Town” of Isla Mujeres is recognized for having one of the best beaches in the world, Playa Norte. At the highest part of the island, Punta Sur, you can admire the best views of the Caribbean and visit the temple of the Mayan goddess Ixchel. This island is ideal for water activities like snorkeling or diving at the Underwater Museum of Art.
Just a few miles from Isla Mujeres is Isla Contoy, an uninhabited island that can be visited only by authorized tours, such as Contoy Tours or Contoy Adventures, and an unmissable spot for nature enthusiasts. Thanks to its wide diversity of flora and fauna and as the most important bird sanctuary in the Mexican Caribbean—home to 210 species of birds—it was declared a Protected Natural Area and National Park.
The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean is Cozumel, where more than 60 percent of the territory is a Protected Natural Area. At Punta Sur, travelers can navigate through the Colombia Lagoon and visit the Celarain lighthouse for a view of the coastline. Another stop on the island is El Cielo, a protected beach recognized for its starfish, though corals, stingrays and multicolored fish are also present.
In the Bay of Chetumal is the Tamalcab Island. Exploring Cayo Violín, Cayo Palometa and Cayo Tigre is recommended; these small islets surrounded by mangroves contribute to the conservation of the ecosystem in addition to Cayo Bota and Cayo Venado, a virgin beach and a manatee sanctuary.
For more information about traveling to the Mexican Caribbean, visit www.mexicancaribbean.travel.
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