Why Tourists Are Flocking To This Quieter, Beautiful Beach Region Near Cancun

With its luxury hotels lining paradisaical beaches and an upscale shopping scene, Cancun is by far and away the leading destination in the Mexican Caribbean, but between the surging crowds and the rising prices, the appeal has started to wear off a little.

But hey, we’ve been there before, and we’ll be there again come winter, but there’s no shame in craving something a little different this time ’round, so before you call up the Hard Rock again to inquire about available rooms, hear us out:

Costa Mujeres Is The Answer To Your Cancun Prayers

Located to the north of the ever-busier Hotel Zone, Costa Mujeres is a section of coastline that’s only recently started developing, running for around 3 miles, and hosting a (still) select list of properties.

As our Mayan Riviera experts at the Cancun Sun have brilliantly put it, it’s ‘quietly’ become the place vacationers go for those unmatched Cancun vibes… without the Cancun crowds.

The latest data doesn’t lie: between September 27 and October 3, Costa Mujeres was in fact one of the best performers in the entire Mexican Caribbean, with a hotel occupancy reaching 57.9%. This may not sound like a lot, but it’s the low season, remember?

Even in summer, when sargassum levels were at their peak and much of the Riviera was battered by the foul-smelling seaweed, it regularly registered occupancy levels of over 80%, at a time when Cancun itself was notoriously struggling to attract guests.

So what do guests love about it, and how does it compare to the much more popular Hotel Zone?

The Mexican Caribbean Luxury Minus The Cancun Chaos

The main appeal of Costa Mujeres compared to Cancun’s Hotel Zone is its laid-back atmosphere, without sacrificing the comfort and top-notch experiences typically associated with a Mexican Caribbean getaway.

The focus is on attracting quality tourism, whereas in Cancun, success is in the big numbers. In other words, picture glitzy new, adults-only hotel complexes with epic oceanfront pools, none of the usual resort chaos, wide private beaches with plenty of lounging space, and world-class service:

Noteworthy examples include Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, with its private coastline and infinity pool, Atelier Playa Mujeres, known for its many dining options, and Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, where oceanfront suites come with their own plunge pools and butler assistance.

Beautiful Nature Steps Away From Your Hotel

Costa Mujeres is also surrounded by the most gorgeous nature you’ve ever seen. It’s located near Isla Blanca, which, despite its name, is in fact a peninsula, with the kind of powdered-sugar white sands you only see on travel brochures.

The best part? There’s rarely a fellow tourist in sight, as everyone flocks instead to the world-famous Playa Delfines in Downtown Cancun. On the ‘quieter side’ of the Mexican Caribbean, you get to have all those endless miles of unruffled sands and shallow, warm waters all to yourself.

There are also large swathes of coastal wetlands inhabited by rare wildlife and marine life, the average visitor rarely gets to see. Contact your hotel concierge, and chances are they’ll have several eco-tours available—including kayaking through unspoiled mangroves.

All The Ancient Culture Cancun Lacks

One of the main complaints of Cancun-based tourists is the absence of culture-based activities in the vicinity of the Hotel Zone. Although it’s true you can easily book guided visits to Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and other impressive Mayan ruins, those usually take up an entire day.

In Costa Mujeres, guests have a Mayan archaeological site right on their doorstop: El Meco was recently opened to visitors, and it offers a precious glimpse into the region’s pre-Columbian History without the long drive or crazy crowds.

It has centuries-old pyramids and ornate temples amid a lush jungle, effortlessly blending Mayan heritage and natural beauty. Depending on the location of your hotel, the drive there will take around 20–30 minutes tops, and entry fees start from only $4 per person.

Island-Hopping Has Never Been Easier

Speaking of day trips, Costa Mujeres is only 10 minutes by ferry to the paradisaical Isla Mujeres, a small Caribbean island dotted with well-preserved sections of jungle, beautiful beaches, and even lost Mayan settlements.

It’s a tiny landmass at only 4.3 miles from north to south, and 0.4 miles wide at its widest point, so if you’re planning to do some beach-hopping and visit the historic Ixchel Temple in the southern tip of the island, booking a golf cart for the day is a must.

Boats arriving from Costa Mujeres (Punta Sam) will usually dock at the Main Port, near the main town’s downtown zone, and there are plenty of golf carts (and even motorbikes) available to rent there, starting from $75–$115 for a 4-seater over a 24-hour period.

Getting To Costa Mujeres This Season

The most convenient way to get to Costa Mujeres, and all the incredible spots surrounding it, is still flying to Cancun International Airport (CUN).

You can fly direct to Cancun from at least 38 airports around the U.S., whether it’s a major aviation center like Atlanta (ATL) or Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), or a secondary airport like Bradley International (BDL) Oklahoma’s Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), starting November 8.

Recently, we published a list of 5 Cancun Airport Survival Tips for both beginners and seasoned travelers, and we strongly recommend you give it a read and prepare in advance.