Gulf Coast of Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. 
We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. 
#nature
The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. 
We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. 
#nature
Happy #TurtleTuesday from @xcaretpark! 🐢 Such a great experience doing the Sea Trek with these guys swimming all around us! ☀️🐢🐠🐟😀
#GoPro #GoProAU #HERO4Session #xcaret
Gulf Coast of Mexico
Gulf Coast of Mexico

Where to stay in Gulf Coast of Mexico

Escenica Tower featuring a luxury hotel or resort, a beach and general coastal views

Zona Hotelera

4/5(130 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Zona Hotelera. Make a stop by La Isla Shopping Mall or Forum Beach while you're exploring the area.

Zona Hotelera
Beautiful beach in Playa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Playa Mujeres. Make a stop by Playa Mujeres Golf Club or Mujeres Beach while you're exploring the area.

Playa Mujeres
Beautiful beach at Caribbean sea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playa del Carmen Main Beach to Quinta Avenida – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
Merida Cathedral showing night scenes and heritage architecture

Mérida Centro

4/5(32 area reviews)

Mérida Centro is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Paseo de Montejo and Plaza Grande while you're in town.

Mérida Centro
Aerial panoramic view of Punta Norte beach, Cancun, Mexico. Beautiful beach area with luxury hotels near the Caribbean sea in Cancun, Mexico.

Punta Cancun

While visiting Punta Cancun, you might make a stop by sights like Forum Beach and Chac Mool Beach.

Punta Cancun
Colorful sombreros on the street in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
Sunscape Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa by Hyatt

Sunscape Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa by Hyatt

4 out of 5
Zona Hotelera Cancun QROO
The price is Rp7.275.657 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
Rp7.275.657
Rp8.887.221 total
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,265 reviews)
Room was really good, it's a older hotel but looks well maintained. Staff was excellent amd friendly. Front desk were very nice. Pretty much everything included. You could get a couple things for a extra charge but nothing that would mess with your stay. Honestly I would definitely stay again, especially ...

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Sunscape Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa by Hyatt
Seadust Cancún All Inclusive Family Resort

Seadust Cancún All Inclusive Family Resort

3.5 out of 5
Blvd. Kukulcán Km.17, Lote 52-04 Cancun QROO
The price is Rp5.231.683 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
Rp5.231.683
Rp6.494.488 total
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (3,024 reviews)
Food was good, room was clean , people were great.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Seadust Cancún All Inclusive Family Resort
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort

Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort

4.5 out of 5
Highway 307 Cancun QROO
The price is Rp6.799.657 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
Rp6.799.657
Rp8.310.923 total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,272 reviews)
Excellent housekeeping

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun

The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun

4 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulcan Km 20 Cancun QROO
Stay at this beach hotel in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,663 reviews)
Since we arrived, Mr. Abraham open the door of the vehicle and we felt right at home. EVERYONE was courteous, were ready to welcome you, offer any services and suggestions. Rooms were spotless and they offered to clean rooms or complementary waters every day. The installation is beautiful, pools ...

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun

4 out of 5
KM. 12.5 Blvd Kukulcan Cancun QROO
Stay at this beach resort in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Was able to check in early. Room small but had everything we needed. Could use some updating but overall clean with what they are working with. All staff extremely helpful and very friendly. Food was okay but pricey. Alcohol very expensive.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun
All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive

All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Km. 1.5 Carretera a Puerto Juarez Cancun QROO
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,177 reviews)
Great food, relaxing area, we went with our kids of 1,3, and 6 and they had a lot of fun in their water park. The arcade little spot can use a lot of work though. Best and nicest cleaning staff I’ve ever seen in a hotel.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Gulf Coast of Mexico