There’s nothing better than finding a wonderful location and having it all to yourself. However, those virgin beaches that used to be relatively easy to come across if you didn’t mind driving a bit further or walking off the beaten track, have become popular tourist sites since the Internet allowed everyone to share recommendations and access information that only the locals used to know.
In any country, the remaining spots along the coasts that are free of tourists are so hard to reach they’re almost not worth it or have very little attraction. You may need to camp out for a night since hotels and restaurants will be few and far between or lower your standards in terms of accommodation to enjoy the crickets in the night and the sound of the ocean lapping on the shore. If you’re OK with wooden huts or “cabañas” on the beach or in the rainforest, you’re golden. In all fairness, the quality of many cabañas have soared, but you need to be a fan of creepy-crawlies for them to be a sensible choice.
If you feel like you have exhausted the things to do in Yucatan and already ticked the popular cities of Merida and Valladolid off your list, there are still some locations in the warm climate of Yucatan and Quintana Roo that you can visit without disappearing off the map, nor venturing too far from the hotel zones. When we say “unexplored,” we mean that the crowds haven’t found them yet! There are people living in these 3 towns, and other tourists do stop by, but their more remote nature makes them less touristy than Cancun for example, or the pyramids at Chichén-Itzá and Tulum.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Yucatan and Quintana Roo
Chetumal
Starting with the capital of Quintana Roo, Chetumal is located right on the Caribbean coast and is a travel hub between Belize and Mexico. Fortunately, it is home to many quiet tourist attractions, such as a Mayan Cultural museum and a 3 km coastal walk along Boulevard Bahía. Here, you can visit several Mayan ruins, among them is Oxtankah, an ancient city of temples and palaces, which is beautifully weathered by the sea breeze thanks to its proximity to the coast.
Chetumal was originally home to a Mayan leader, Nachan Ka án. He was given two Spanish slaves following the conquest, one of whom assimilated well to his captors’ culture, learned the Mayan language and helped Nachan Ka án’s army defeat the Spanish by sharing battle tactics. The Spaniard was awarded one of the governor’s daughters Zazil Há, with whom he had many children, now known to be the first mestizos born to a married couple in the Americas.
Photo by holachetumal
Izamal
This small city is mostly Mayan, dotted with the remains of pyramids, but also has a large colonial convent atop one of them, making it the second highest monument in the world at the time it was constructed. Izamal is one of the few places where the Spanish conquerors didn’t completely demolish the existing structures but rather mounted them with churches and convents. It was and remains a pilgrimage destination, though now its visitors arrive to pay homage to Our Lady of Izamal instead of the Creator God and Sun God, respectively Itzamna and Kinich Ahau.
The city center has shops selling handicrafts and unique objects made by the locals, which you can peruse without the usual crowds that surround these kinds of businesses. Around the whole downtown, almost all the buildings are painted yellow, a deep-rooted tradition in Izamal.
Mahahual
If you’re looking for that white beach sensation, the small coastal town of Mahahual is the perfect spot. This is where you can find the largest public beach in Quintana Roo, though with a population of no more than 1,000. All of the inhabitants are kind and relaxed, which is contagious for those arriving on cruise ships to what is known as the Costa Maya, along with the same stretch of beach.
While this isolated location is quiet, especially in low-season, you have access to the Costa Maya’s attractions nearby, from where you can take tours into dive pools, caves, and the lagoons.
Where to Stay
If you need somewhere central to spend the evenings and not worry about finding restaurants in between days of exploring, there are all-inclusive hotels in the area that can even help you get to these isolated locations for the day, before returning to an exclusive accommodation, also well away from the crowds. Between the Caribbean Sea and a wildlife preserve, you can find a modern all-inclusive luxury resort in Cancun: Finest Playa Mujeres. This resort can advise you on times and places to make the most of your time there, without standing in queues at tourist attractions.
Resources
For a more information, visit the tourism board’s website. This is preferable than looking on Lonely Planet or somewhere that will have heavily promoted the locations it features. Visit Mexico has been making a special push to get people away from the crowded Cancun beaches to discover the true beauty of the county in nature and its fascinating history. If none of the 3 above options grab your attention, check out their Where To Go section and choose whether you want to see Yucatan’s white beaches, heritage cities, or the famous magic towns.
The tourism board can also advise you should you want to extend your visit to include Campeche, the neighboring state which has more business destinations than Yucatan and Quintana Roo, but which is also home to expansive nature reserves.
Have you discovered any unexplored towns in the area? What are your suggestions for things to do in Yucatan and Quintana Roo?
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Time to pin!
Sharon Wagner says
So vibrant! I love the color today. I’ll be heading to Guatemala soon for lots of colorful photo safaris. I can’t wait.
Rhonda Albom says
I have not been to this part of Mexico but I have heard amazing things about it. I’m all for finding towns and cities away from the more touristy areas. Izamal looks like the sort of place I’d like to explore.
Lady Fi says
So beautiful!
jill says
I’ve not been to this part of Mexico but from your photos it looks stunning. Mexico is a country I’d like to explore more.
Photo Cache says
Did not realize Mahahual is part of Yucatan Peninsula/QR. It’s a cruise stop and fun one too. Lots of beach time.
jay says
So beautiful pictures ! Thanks for the lovely article.
Shona says
Great information I’ve pinned to my Mexico board for future reference. I’ve not been to Mexico yet but discovering hidden gems is what makes each adventure unique so I’m looking forward to using your info as a guide. 🙂
California Globetrotter says
Mexico is climbing higher and higher on my list! I’ve been to a few places, but I was young. I’d love to go back and this totally appeals to me!!! Love the vibrant missions and the soft sandy beaches! #Feetdotravel
Vicky says
We are going to Mexico in the new year for a couple of months. Thanks for this useful post!
Ben Freely says
Aw man this place looks amazing! I would love to film a vlog here!
Jillian says
Beautiful photos, as usual. I think in my mind I equate the Yucatan with jungle…I need to look at a map, obviously! The beach surprised me. Your suggestion to look up the local tourism board is super smart.
Jaynie says
I love Mexico! These are great suggestions and that area is pretty easy as far as driving goes. Beautiful pictures. 🙂
Samantha says
The quality of those photos is fantastic! Yellow happens to be my favourite colour so I feel intrigued to go and visit after reading this article! Thank you! #FeetDoTravel
Tomas says
I still haven’t been in Mexico! Your great pictures just remind me why it should be high on our bucket list 😉 Thanks for sharing #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
We have a trip planned next year to the Yucatan Peninsula. I’m going to save this post for future reference.
Anisa says
I have been to Cancun, but I really need to explore some of these small towns. I love the bright colors and I bet they have some really good authentic (and cheap) food. I pinned for future reference, thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Anda says
Your post reminded me about this beautiful part of Mexico. It’s been over 20 years since we’ve been in the Yucatan peninsula. We loved Quintana Roo and the towns of Merida and Chetumal, but at that time Mexico was a nicer place to visit than today. Lately it became very touristy and crowded. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Shweta says
Not been to Mexico as yet. Looks colourful and vibrant.
JetsettingJen says
I love Mexico! It is one of the most memorable places for me since I’ve been there so many times and every time was always a fun experience. Great photos and thanks for the info too!
Lara Dunning says
I haven’t been to Mexico in a long time and I appreciate this post as I like to get away from the touristy areas. Mahahual sounds like a wonderful place and I love that it is a small town!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
We definitely need to spend more time exploring the Yucatan. The colorful towns are just beautiful, and the chance to find a nice stretch of beach is definitely a big draw for us. We definitely want to visit Izamal, and that beach at Mahahual looks so inviting! Yep…need to get back to Mexico! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Kreete Tokman says
I love that you have done all the research for us! It is indeed hard to find places that are not overrun by visitors and yet upon finding one of these places, it may not be as well maintained like you have pointed out. I do love Lonely Planet guides, but will definitely be looking more into tourism boards from now on!
Marcelle says
I didn’t know that you actually find pyramid remands in Mexico, Izamal. I would love to do a cultural tour and discover the ancient Mayan ruins while heading off to enjoy the lovely beaches of Mexico in between.
Travel Lexx says
Really love those yellow buildings – must be even more beautiful in person. Really cool post – I don’t know that much about Mexico so it’s always interesting about it, especially the less touristy parts. Love the coastal walk in Chetumal too! Thanks for sharing
Angie (FeetDoTravel) says
I am fascinated by the Mayan culture and history so this is of great interest to me. I’m also a beach lover, so there is plenty to keep me happy here in Yucatan, it’s a photographers dream with the beautiful buildings. Thanks for sharing this awesome destination, pinned for when I visit Mexico! #feetdotravel
pushpendra singh says
Great…!! nice article very useful your post Thank you so much for sharing this and the information provided.