All about the town…
El Cuyo has a tiny population of about 2000. The number of people increases on weekends and during Mexican holiday periods (Easter week and the first week of August) – when everyone heads for the beach and accommodation tends to get fully booked up. The rest of the year is much more peaceful, and the beach empty except for kitesurfers and those looking for a more chilled-out holiday experience.
Beautiful wall art decorates the town, and the working lighthouse that stands in the town’s centre (built on Maya ruins) provides a focal point. Sometimes the lighthouse grounds are open to the public – you get a great view!
The town is a safe and friendly place, where everyone knows one another and their business. Crimes are rare – and if they do occur, are opportunistic. The problem is that as El Cuyo feels so safe, you do things you wouldn’t dream of doing elsewhere (leaving your house open etc.). If you do have any issues, the best place to find a policeman is in the Comisaria, on the corner by the Church in the centre square.
What shops and businesses are there in El Cuyo?
Contrary to popular belief, there are sufficient shops and businesses for the local population to live fine here. However, if you’re used to living in a city with a lot of choice, life in El Cuyo might seem a bit sparse to you.
And remember, if you want to buy anything here – cash is king.
- hotels, beach cabañas, posadas and hostels, campsites, vacation homes to rent please see the ‘where to stay‘ page
- restaurants, private catering & cafes, plus loncherias, taqueria, pizzeria & food stalls – for more information on dining options, please see the ‘where to eat’ page
- occasional evening events put on by La Casa Del Ritmo
- gas station (does not accept credit/debit cards)
- church
- laundry service in El Hotelito and from various ladies who wash in their homes
- mechanic and tyre changing place
- moto-taxis (no taxis available)
- pharmacy (selling basic pharmaceutical products and a small selection of feminine hygiene products – please note that after-sun is not always in stock! They have a card machine)
- several small grocery shops (no one accepts cards – although Selenita is next door to the pharmacy and owned by the same people, so you can pay by card for your Selenita shopping in the pharmacy).
- beer shops (no wine or liquor)
- several tortilla shops
- 3 fruit & vegetable shops (plus the women from the surrounding villages set up stall outside the Tiburon restaurant on the main street – they sell their organic homegrown fruit and vegetables from 7am-10amish)
- 2 bakeries – both open only in the afternoon Mon-Sat (La Reina opens on Sundays). La Casa Palma also bakes sour dough bread in their pizza oven.
- meat shop (open Mon-Sat mornings only and selling pork, chicken and occasionally beef)
- fish shops (or you can buy direct from the fishermen in the port as they return from sea)
NEED TO KNOW:
Given how ‘off the beaten track’ El Cuyo is, it’s worth to get yourself prepared before you visit. For the most important things to know about El Cuyo (eg: no cash machine etc) – please see 7 hugely important things to know.