This state of Mexico treasures spectacular places such as Cancun, Tulum, or Cozumel Island, but also many others hid from international tourism.
Quintana Roo is the least populated state in the country, but with the highest growth rate, and the Cancun International Airport is the fastest developing airport in the country.
Its eleven municipalities are home to internationally known places such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun, and Cozumel. Its beaches, lagoons, and cenotes conquer everyone who visits and is part of the best travel photographs.
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Four wonders with few tourists
Leaving aside the popular Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun, and Cozumel, in Quintana Roo you can discover other wonders that are just as fascinating, if not more so.
Xcacel Beach and the hidden Cenote of Xcacelito
Located 20 km from Tulum and 46 km from Playa del Carmen, this Mexican Eden is open to the public from 09:00 to 17:00. Two kilometers of the virgin beach are home to sea turtles, which nest between May and November next to one of the most important reefs in the world.
In addition to the beautiful beach, going south and in the heart of the mangroves, there is a small cenote called Xcacelito that is quite an experience for the few travelers who come to the place. We recommend using a private transportation service, we used Cancun Shuttle Transportation, and we liked it. When you go to this type of cenote, you should always keep in mind that you should not use mosquito repellent or sunscreen to bathe in the cenote, so as not to alter and damage the ecosystem.
Boca Paila
It is framed within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, its name means “water entrance”. Boca Paila can be reached by a narrow coastal road 20 km from Tulum. This beautiful strip of land with white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters offers a place of tropical vegetation to get lost and forget the world.
Being a protected area, allows you to be surrounded by virgin nature and absolute calm. However, it is not allowed to swim in the mouth of the lagoon, because it is inhabited by a huge number of crocodiles.
Kaan Luum Lagoon
Near the entrance to Sian Ka’an, you will find this treasure whose Mayan meaning is Yellow Land. A lagoon that is discovered after crossing a road surrounded by mangroves and that hides a cenote of 25 m in diameter by 85 m deep. A spectacular and breathtaking view that is protected for its conservation and can only be accessed by an accredited guide.
However, the whole area surrounding it is magnificent, with a fine sandy bottom and shallow water that does not exceed 1.50 m (4 ft). There is also a pier to sit on and a shaded area to rest. It is a simple comfort but perfect for those looking to get away from crowded tourist areas.
Cobá Archaeological Zone
From Tulum take highway 109 towards Nuevo Scan and after 47 km. you will find Coba, this place is usually open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 and has the last access at 15:00 in the afternoon.
Its extension is approximately 70 km2, the city was communicated by extensive elevated stone roads, these sites are known in the Mayan language as sacbé (white road), with different sizes. The longest road of this type has a length of 100 km and is so long that it reaches as far as Yaxuná, an area quite close to Chichén Itzá.
To get to Coba you can also use a private tour service, during the pandemic this type of services have become very popular because they are not shared with strangers, the most popular company for this type of service is undoubtedly eTransfers, which provides this service to ensure a great vacation to every traveler who wants to know these places.
Cenote Carwash
Before the existence of the cenote was known there was a car wash, hence its current name. Its real name is “Aktun Ha”. You can snorkel in an area about 5 meters deep, while the cavern (only accessible to divers with an authorized and experienced guide) reaches up to 15 meters deep. A beauty that leaves the beholder in awe and makes him or her enter fully into the mysteries of the country’s ancient cultures.
There are many more hidden treasures in this country of contrasts, so it is well worth paying the entrance fee, especially when it goes to the economic revival of the place.
