¿Holbox Island or Puerto Escondido?
Taking vacations in a country that has more than 10,000 kilometers of coastline is a great success, but it requires us to choose which of those thousands of coastal kilometers we want to visit. Rest days are generally between 2 and 4 weeks. It’s very difficult to travel ten thousand kilometers of beach during that short period.
A first decision may be to choose between visiting the coast that borders the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea; or, the coast that borders the Pacific Ocean, including the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Tehuantepec.
There are many beach destinations with a variety of landscapes, styles and activities to do depending on your travel profile. In this article we will tell you about two destinations that, in their styles and environments, are similar but that are separated by a country in the middle: Holbox Island or Puerto Escondido?
Holbox Island
As its name indicates, Holbox is an island north of the Yucatan peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. Although it is part of the destinations considered “Caribbean”, its island style differs a lot from its cousins such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Furthermore, the reality is that the island is right in the middle of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve and is separated from the mainland by the Yalahau lagoon, which is home to beautiful flamingos and pelicans (one of the island’s main attractions).
Its small size allows it to travel in a short time: only 40 kilometers long, by 2 wide. The favorite transport on the Island is bicycles: its smooth territory allows you to pedal tirelessly to explore all its corners and discover the magic that it harbors in each of its points.
Like any island, its access is not easy. You must take a transport to the mainland port in the town of Chiquilá and from there take a ferry to the Island. Its physical disconnection with the coast also affects the style that characterizes this unique destination in the Mexican Caribbean. In Holbox there’s a different time, a tranquility difficult to find in other places. The best plan is not to plan and spend the day touring its beaches, absorbing its wonderful landscapes and enjoying the delicious sea cuisine.
An important point to keep in mind is the time of year you decide to visit this relaxed paradise: for example, it is not recommended to visit it during the hurricane season or strong storms.
Although it is a destination that stands out for its beauty, it is not the main one chosen by tourists since its access and total disconnection from the continent make it an attractive place only for true adventurers and nature lovers.
If you are looking for a destination that is just as beautiful but more easily accessible to which you do not have to escape by boat if something were to happen, then you will like to know about Puerto Escondido: the jewel of the Pacific.
More accessible, relaxed, with a surfer atmosphere and one of the favorites in recent years: Puerto Escondido, on the coast of the State of Oaxaca.
On the other side of Holbox Island, traveling towards the Pacific Ocean, almost in the last state of the country, well to the south, is this paradise of waves, surf, cold coconuts and good vibes. Puerto Escondido has become one of the main tourist destinations in the area and you can understand why.
Easily accessible: it has an airport, multiple bus services that reach there, and coastal routes that make its arrival accessible to any type of traveler. In addition, despite being a small town in full development, it has more than four different beaches to visit.
Some beaches like Zicatela, are preferred by surfers for their intense waves and famous swell. In addition, Zicatela Beach is the favorite to see the sunset that falls over the sea every day. If you prefer beaches with calmer waters, you can visit Carrizalillo or Playa Coral. There are also other beaches near the center: Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo, preferred by local tourists and snorkel lovers.
Although the main attraction of Puerto Escondido is its beautiful beaches and witnessing the sun fall over the sea, there are other activities that can be done such as boat rides, observing the phenomenon of bioluminescence in the Manialtepec Lagoon or learning how it is distilled mezcal by taking a tour to the main mezcalerías in the area.
In addition, Puerto Escondido offers an attractive nightlife: bars on the beach, live music, clubs to dance to the beat of the best Latin rhythms or electronic parties. Restaurants with delicious international food: Mexican, Asian or Italian, just to name a few. The options are many and varied, for all tastes!
An island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea or a surf town on the Pacific coast, whatever your choice, make sure you know the main attractions of each place to be able to choose what you want to visit: Holbox Island or Puerto Escondido?
