Cancun may be world-renowned for its luxurious resorts, endless miles of powdered sugar, white sands, and award-winning hospitality, but it’s far from being the be-all, end-all of sunny getaways.
Among its major downsides are the hectic traffic, especially coming into the Hotel Zone, and excessive crowding along the main public beach–walking the people-packed sandy strip feels like navigating a minefield.
Unsurprisingly, a growing number of Americans are looking for a Cancun alternative that, while not necessarily quaint, provides the same high-quality service and doesn’t feel completely overrun with package vacation visitors.
If that’s you, perhaps these 2 alternative beach hotspots, a short drive away from the Caribbean metropolis, will be more to your liking:
Cozumel
A tropical paradise lying off the coast of Quintana Roo, Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island and a world-class beach getaway offering a higher sense of exclusivity and calmness than its main competitor.
It is an island, after all, and the fact it’s not as easily accessible by car (unless you ferry it over) makes it less congested and a whole lot less chaotic than Cancun.
The main settlement, San Miguel de Cozumel, is a charming coastal town revolving around a lively Main Street lined with shops and restaurants. It’s often used as a base for travelers exploring the island.
The nearby Palancar Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, boasts a colorful ocean floor and rich marine life, and staying in San Miguel, you’re never too far from an idyllic white-sand beach—for the best, most unspoiled ones, make sure you head south to a wild Punta Sur.
On the cultural front, history buffs can miss out on San Gervasio, the largest Mayan site on the island, and previously a temple dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, or the ruined dwellings of El Cedral.
However, if you’re seeking adventure, Chankanaab is the place to go:
From snorkeling to diving and even swimming with dolphins, this partially natural, partially manmade ecological trail is Cozumel’s top attraction.
Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is a much smaller municipality straddling the Caribbean, just south of Tulum. It is best known for its wide Mamitas beach and bustling 5th Avenue.
The latter is a well-frequented pedestrian-friendly street and nightlife spot teeming with gringo-friendly bars and seafood eateries, and you truly haven’t been to Playa unless you’ve strolled down it or grabbed one of those generously-stuffed takeout tacos from El Fogón.
Oh, and if you’re budget-conscious, a couple of tacos here will only set you back by about $8.
Speaking of nightlife, Playa’s is probably the most sought-after in the entire Mexican Caribbean, as the town plays host to several household names in the local clubbing scene.
We’re talking about the legendary Coco Bongo, Mandala, La Vaquita, and the like.
Not far from Playa, you can also visit a number of teal-colored cenotes:
Chaak Tun is the perfect day trip for those keen on sliding into their Indy Jones boots, as it is a maze of underground chambers leading to natural covered pools, and it generally feels less crowded than most, though if you don’t mind the tour groups, there’s a hugely-popular Cenote Ojo de Agua.
According to the most recent research, as seen on the Cancun Sun, Cozumel and Playa are Mexico’s leading beach destinations after Cancun right now.
Naturally, the Caribbean metropolis continues to reign supreme, but the reason these marginal hotspots keep rising in popularity, and edging closer to Cancun, is both their increased and vast tourist offer.
Cozumel boasts not only amazing 5-star resorts and pristine beaches, but also archeological sites, charming villages with that distinct island culture, and untouched preserves.
When it comes to flights, this spring, Americans can travel nonstop to Cozumel from 8 different airports, including major transit hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and Miami.
As far as Playa is concerned, it is very similar to Cancun in regards to its beach-centered tourism and hotel zone, except it tends to draw younger crowds, particularly American bachelor groups and European backpackers.
It’s no wonder the nightlife there is so epic.
It may not have an airport of its own, but it is almost halfway between two of the Mexican Caribbean’s busiest connecting airports: Cancun International is 42 miles away, and the recently-opened Tulum Airport is 65 miles south.
With the Maya Train, you can travel straight from Cancun or Tulum airports to Playa Del Carmen, in safety and comfort, while avoiding the overpriced taxis and crazy traffic along the dreaded 307.
So… are we ready for spring yet?
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
