Don’t know where to go in Mexico? We got you!
Sometimes Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta just don’t cut it when you’re craving an adventure.
Rather than sitting poolside all day catching up on your new book, a whole other world awaits that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Mexico isn’t nearly as unsafe as it’s made out to be at times, depending on where you go, of course…
That said, Forbes just revealed a secret beach that grabbed our attention here at Travel Off Path.
We just had to share — especially since it’s a stone’s throw from what’s largely deemed Mexico’s safest city.
Boasting a vibrant array of wildlife, crystal-clear lagoons, and virtually crowd-free beaches (minus a fisherman or two), little-known Celestun makes for an amazing winter getaway that isn’t hyped nearly enough.
Celestun: Where Emerald Shores Meet Stunning Lagoons
If there were ever really a true “hidden gem” that’s yet to be discovered by the masses, Celestun is just the place.
Wild, exotic, authentic, and undeniably beautiful, this map-dot village nestled along the sliver of shoreline between the Gulf of Mexico and Ría Celestun lagoon is worth the journey here.
Though seeming to be in the middle of nowhere, Celestun is safe to visit. You’ll find welcoming locals reeling in their fresh catch of the day and the most laid-back open-air beach bars imaginable for an ice-cold cerveza.
So, “where’s the adventure?”, you might be asking…
The adventure isn’t just the journey to this practically untouched slice of paradise; it’s the experiences waiting once you arrive.
The few who know about this place have loved booking a boat tour of the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve to witness flocks of flamingos, iguanas, and yes, even crocodiles occasionally surfacing.
Not only that, but the cenotes (swimming holes) are pristine and arguably more enticing than Celestun’s white-sand shores.
Don’t worry — there are rarely croc sightings in the turquoise lagoons away from the river.
Celestun Is One Of Mexico’s Most Otherworldly Destinations
It’s not only pristine lagoons, lush jungles, and white-sand beaches — if you time your trip right, you can witness an otherworldly spectacle.
Aforementioned can blush with rosy hues under the right conditions. And no, it’s not flamingos melting under Mexico’s always-beaming sunlight.
The pink coloration in Celestun is largely driven by salinity levels. As such, it’s said the best time to visit to witness such an extraordinary sight is between March and August, some of the sunniest times of the year, as well as for elevated vibrancy.
Water is not pink every day, and some days are more subtle than others, but it’s certainly a sight to behold if you strike it just right.
Enjoy Crowd-Free Beaches With Local Flair
Celestun may not be a household name by any stretch, but that doesn’t mean it’s not equally (if not more) beautiful than resort towns we’ve all fallen in love with.
Rather than eyesore hotels and chain restaurants, Celestun is lined with shaded palapas and locally owned beachfront bars to kick back and unwind without having to fork over a resort fee to do so.
Boasting white sand and bluish-green waters throughout the year, there’s no bad time to visit this quiet, undeveloped coastline west of Merida.
But winter is when you’ll find the least amount of adventurers after spending all their money on Christmas presents and eggnog concoctions, followed by gym memberships that won’t be used.
Make Day Trips To Mexico’s Safest City
Given Celestun seems far-fetched, it’s actually not that hard to reach.
You can fly into Merida, Mexico’s safest city, from 3 major U.S. airports and get here in about an hour and a half.
But the truth is, you can make your base in Celestun at cheap boutique stays like Hotel Beach Don Gonzalo for under $60, or opt for the city life and book excursions to the beach.
Merida has become one of Mexico’s trendiest cities given its UNESCO-protected timeless cityscape, affordability, safety, and close proximity to less-crowded beaches without sacrificing quality.
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