The best hidden spots to take photos in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

The best-hidden spots to take photos in Cancun and the Riviera Maya: Little-known places that will offer spectacular photos

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are world famous for their stunning sand beaches, crystal clear water, and lush nature, making them some of the most photographed destinations in the world. However, beyond the most popular tourist spots such as the hotel zone of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, there are hidden places that offer a unique beauty and are perfect for those looking for spectacular photos without the crowds, if you are a photography lover and want to capture authentic moments and impressive landscapes, here is a list of some of the best-hidden spots To take photos in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

1. Laguna de Kaan Luum (Tulum, Riviera Maya)

If you are looking for a magical and less crowded place to take pictures, the Laguna de Kaan Luum (Kaan Luum Lagoon) in Tulum is a true hidden Paradise. This body of fresh water is famous for its vibrant turquoise color and its impressive landscape surrounded by vegetation and jungle. The lagoon is ideal for capturing photos with a spectacular background of crystal-clear water and natural landscapes. In addition, the contrast between the shades of water and the jungle’s green creates a unique color palette, perfect for panoramic photos. The peace and tranquility of this place make it the perfect setting for photo sessions as a couple, family or to capture the serenity of nature.
Take instagrammable pictures in Cancun and the Riviera Maya: Laguna de Kaan Luum in Tulun

2. Cenote Azul Riviera Maya

Although the cenotes are the best-known natural wonders in the region, the Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote) in the Riviera Maya is still one of the most impressive places and least explored by tourists. These open cenotes are famous for their transparent waters, which have an intense deep blue color, creating an impressive contrast with the jungle environment. The rock formations that surround the cenote and the crystal clear waters offer an excellent opportunity to take underwater photos or capture incredible landscapes. The quiet atmosphere and its accessibility make this place a perfect spot for those looking for unique photos away from the crowd.
Cenote Azul located in the Riviera Maya: Take the most impressive photos at this incredible place.

3.Contoy Island (In front of Isla Mujeres and Cancun)

Contoy Island is a small natural paradise, known for being an ecological reserve and home to various species of birds and marine fauna. Often overlooked due to its remote location and limited access, this island is one of the best-kept secrets of the Mexican Caribbean. With its virgin beaches, crystal clear waters, and a wide variety of wildlife, Controy Island offers a perfect setting to take spectacular photos. You can capture from aerial shots of its tropical landscapes to details of the local fauna, such as birds and fish. Due to its status as a nature reserve, access is restricted to mall groups, which guarantees a much more exclusive and private experience.
Isla Contoy: One of the best destinations near Cancun and the Riviera Maya for taking memorable photos.

4. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Tulum)

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the richest ecosystems in the Riviera Maya, and although many tourists visit it for their ecological tours, the vast expanse of the reserve offers a multitude of hidden corners that are perfect for photography. From mangroves to lagoons and deserted beaches, this place has a variety of stunning landscapes that will be the perfect settings for your photos. The sunsets in Sian Ka’an are unforgettable, with orange and pink tones that paint the sky, creating a spectacular background for any photo shoot. You can also capture the rich fauna of the reserve, including birds, turtles, and dolphins.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, located near Cancun, and the Riviera Maya

5. Cenote Siete Bocas (Puerto Morelos)

Another impressive cenote that is not as full of tourists as others better known is the Cenote Siete Bocas. This cenote, located in a dense jungle offers a mysterious and magical environment that seems to be taken out of a fairy tale. The peculiarity of this cenote is the seven underground mouths that connect it, which allows natural light to filter uniquely into the water. The rock formations and vegetation surrounding the cenote create an enchanting landscape for something more intimate and away from massive tourist circuits.
Cenote Siete Bocas, located near Cancun and in the Riviera Maya. Perfect place to take memorable pictures.


6. Xpu-Ha

This quiet beach is perfect for those looking for the peace and beauty of a natural environment without the crowds. Xpu-Ha´s water is crystal clear and its white sands are ideal for capturing close-up images of the Caribbean. In addition, the beach is surrounded by palm trees and dense vegetation that serves as the perfect backdrop for relaxed and natural photos. The beach is ideal for capturing sunrises and sunsets, and due to its relative solitude, you will have all the freedom to take pictures without distractions.
Xpu-Ha Beach, located between Cancun and the Riviera Maya.


7. Punta Allen (Sian Ka’an)

Punta Allen is a small fishing village located in the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This remote área offers stunning landscapes of lagoons, mangroves, and the Caribbean coast. If you venture here, you can capture photos of local life, traditional boats, and the impressive landscapes of sea and sky that are found in every corner. The relaxed and quiet atmosphere of Punta Allen will allow you to calmly photograph and explore its charming corners without the rush of the most popular tourist destinations.
Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

8. Coba (Tulum)

Although Tulum is famous for its beaches, the archaeological site of Coba offers a fascinating contrast for photography lovers. Coba, which was once a thriving Mayan city, is home to one of the largest pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula, which can be climbed to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The jungle setting and mysterious ruins offer a unique atmosphere for taking photos that capture history and natural beauty at the same time. In addition, Coba is usually less crowded than other archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, which allows a quieter experience and photo shoot without crowds.
Coba Mayan Ruins, located in Tulum, Riviera Maya.

9. Xcacel Beach

Xcacel Beach (Xcacel Playa) is a hidden and virgin corner of the Riviera Maya, ideal for those looking for a quiet and authentic place to take photos. This beach is famous for its natural beauty and for being a sanctuary for sea turtles, which makes it a fascinating place for both nature lovers and photographers. The crystal clear water and White sand create a stunning contrast with the blue sky, which allows you to capture spectacular photos at any time of the day. In addition, Xcacel has an área of mangroves that provides a unique atmosphere to take photos of the local flora and fauna.
Aerial photo of Xcacel Beach, showing its stunning clear-waters, white sand and the flora and fauna.

10. Tulum Mayan Ruins

Finally, the Tulum viewpoint, which is located right next to the Mayan ruins, offers one of the most spectacular views of the Caribbean. From here, you can capture panoramic photos of the white sand beaches and the turquoise sea, with the background of the ancient Mayan ruins. The contrast between the historical structures and the natural beauty of the place creates an impressive image, perfect for photographers who they looking for something more than a simple beach shot.
Photo of Tulum Mayan Ruins, destination located between Cancun and the Riviera Maya

How to get to Cancun and the Riviera Maya?

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are two destinations that travelers always wish to visit. But… We still haven’t told you how to get to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

To reach Cancun or the Riviera Maya, there are two ways to do so: from Cancun Airport or Tulum Airport. You will need to take transportation from Cancun Airport to go to your destination in Cancun or any hotspot in the middle of the Riviera Maya. Well, if you want to go near destinations of Tulum such as Cenote Azul, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, or Puerto Aventuras, opting for transportation from Tulum could be the best option. However, it depends on your flight but both options will guarantee to reach Cancun and any hotspot in the Riviera Maya.

Conclusion about Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are not only known for their famous beaches and tourist sites but are also full of hidden and natural corners that offer unique opportunities for photography. From hidden cenotes to virgin beaches and nature reserves, many Little-known places allow you to capture impressive images of the beauty of the region. By exploring these hidden spots, you will not only avoid the crowds, but you will also discover a more authentic and wild side of this heavenly destination.

So take your camera and get ready to immortalize some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Mexican Caribbean!

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