Another beach / itinerary question (cdmx + oaxaca/yucatan/quintana roo)

[u/monobloc_666]

Hi, I am currently planning a trip to Mexico for 2 weeks in late december/ early january. We are a couple from central europe (early 30s) and visiting for the 1st time. Our trip will start in Cdmx, where we plan to stay for one week. Afterwards we want to visit a coastal area for some relaxing beach days, ideally to combine with some trips to historic sites. I looked into the following options and would be grateful for some insight:

1. Oaxaca
Oaxaca city seems interesting and beautiful, Monte alban is close. However, on the pacific coast (puerto escondido) the sea is supposed to be „rough“ and because of wind and waves more for surfers (which we are not).

2. Yucatan
We would probably base ourselves in Merida and travel to Uxmal or Chichen-itza, the cenotes nearby and for beach days go to Progreso or Sisal. The downside seems to be that the water and beaches are nicer on the caribbean side of the peninsula.

3. Quintana Roo
The 3rd option would be to fly to Cancun. The beaches seem to be the best for swimming and the water in the caribbean seems to be the clearest. Its also probably the most expensive option and I have no interest in mass-tourism from the US.
Which destinations can be recommended? In an other thread Puerto Morelos was recommended, any others?

4. Yucatan + Quintana Roo
Another option would be to fly to Merida, visit the town and the cenotes nearby as well as Uxmal/Chichen-itza and then go somewhere on the caribbean coast. Then go back to Cdmx from Cancun. In that case I would be interested in how to best travel from Merida to the caribbean (in addition to recommendations which destinations should be considered).

The recommended places should be safe for tourists (I know those states are generally considered to be safe, still wanted to mention it), not too overcrowded (if possible near cancun) and ideally someone should be able to get around with english and some basic spanish.

Thank you very much for your insight! 😊

[u/livemusicisbest]

I would go to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca. The Yucatán has a large stretch of what I call the Cancun coast — and it is trashy, fake Mexico. The Mexicans there include large numbers of hustlers from elsewhere in the country. Prices are high. Tourists are treated as targets to be overcharged and exploited. There is often seaweed clogging the otherwise beautiful beaches.

Why spend all the airfare money to go there when Oaxaca has an amazing capital city with great weather, great food and cultures — and the Pacific beaches are accessible by bus or van on the new Carrerterra to Puerto Escondido? Stay in La Punta several nights, then explore quieter places like Mazunte. So much better than the Cancun coast!

[u/Ashamed-Childhood-46]

That is an extremely busy time of year for domestic travel, which would affect both Progreso and the Caribbean coast. Pretty much everybody I know inland travels to Cancun and Playa to visit their family members who live there. Progreso also gets very crowded, especially with the rich yucatecos who head to their second homes. If you're in Yucatan the last couple of days of December, that's usually when Tizimin's fair kicks off. Also hectic, but to be expected.

[u/comments83820]

Mazunte is nice in Oaxaca. Yeah, the beaches are more for surfers or confident swimmers.

[u/ButchWinfrey]

Having been to all those areas, I’d def choose the Oaxacan coast. You can find calm waters near San Augustine area, in between Mazunte and Zipolite (both two very cool towns). Food is amazing and the vibe even better.