Difficult Roads Often Lead to Pretty Places: A Scenic Journey to Punta Allen, Mexico

About the area:

Punta Allen, nestled on the Boca Paila Peninsula, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility. This charming fishing village can only be accessed by a single dirt road or by boat, adding to its allure as a remote escape. The surrounding Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve enhances its charm, featuring pristine beaches, lush mangroves and an abundance of wildlife. Punta Allen’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its practice of turning off power during certain times of the day. Ensuring that the area remains ecologically balanced and harmoniously integrated with its stunning environment.

The region is blessed with year-round sea life, thanks to its calm waters and perfect weather. The biodiversity of the reserve invites visitors to explore vibrant coral reefs, diverse fish species and even the occasional dolphin sighting. For those seeking an adventure in nature, the crystal-clear waters provide an ideal setting for kayaking, snorkeling and fishing. Making it a paradise for eco-conscious travelers.

Where to stay:

Accommodations in Punta Allen are limited but exquisite, ranging from an eco-glamping resort right on the beach to the luxurious, award-winning Casa Chable. During our three-night stay, we were fortunate to stay in a cozy cabin at Ceilo y Selva, the eco-glamping retreat, where we enjoyed the soothing sounds of nature and breathtaking views. We also had the opportunity to visit Casa Chable multiple times, indulging in its upscale amenities and exquisite dining. This juxtaposition of rustic charm and luxury made our experience in Punta Allen truly unforgettable. Allowing us to immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of the area while enjoying the best of both worlds.

Things to do in Punta Allen:

• Watch the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea: Start your day with an early-morning walk along the powdery white sands as the sun rises over the crystal-clear waters. If you have access to a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, take advantage of the calm, lake-like conditions for an even more magical experience.

• Go on a daytime snorkel tour: Don’t miss the must-do daytime snorkel tour! This 3-hour adventure departs from the Punta Allen dock on a cozy 6-seater chartered boat. You'll explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Here you can spot dolphins and turtles before snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second-largest coral reef in the world. The tour concludes at a stunning sandbar, allowing you to wade in the chest-deep, clear waters. The cost is around $220, whether you opt for a private tour or share with others. We enjoyed a private excursion, and our captain kindly dropped us off directly at Cielo y Selva after the tour.

• Take the sunset black lagoon tour: For a different perspective of the Sian Ka'an Nature Preserve, embark on the 2-hour sunset tour. Departing from the same dock as the daytime tour, this trip meanders through the canals. Culminating in an enchanting black-water lagoon surrounded by mangroves as the sun sets. It’s an experience not to be missed!

• Ride bicycles to explore hidden ruins and beaches: We rented bicycles from Cielo y Selva to explore Punta Allen. Discovering that the main town was just a short walk down the beach. The bumpy dirt roads of Sian Ka'an are best explored on two wheels. Offering a unique perspective of the remote white-sand beaches and opportunities to hunt for hidden Mayan ruins in the jungle. While I wouldn't recommend venturing into the jungle alone, we were fortunate to have a private tour of some ruins with the manager of Casa Chable.

• Visit the Punta Allen lighthouse: At the tip of the Boca Paila Peninsula, you'll find the Punta Allen Lighthouse — an abandoned but still-functioning beacon. You can see it during the day from the boat tour or take a scenic 3.4-mile hike along the water's edge to reach it. Just a word of caution: avoid swimming in the surrounding waters, as crocodiles inhabit the area and occasionally venture down the beaches at night.

• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Punta Allen is an excellent spot for stargazing. Casa Chable even provides telescopes for guests on clear nights and might surprise you with marshmallow roasts on the beach!

• Enjoy sunset from the boat dock: One of the most enchanting aspects of staying in this area is witnessing both sunrises over the ocean and sunsets over the Sian Ka'an canal. Every evening, we biked to the charming wooden palapa-style dock to enjoy the sunset. Our ritual evolved from cold beers in a bag of ice to sipping tequila with glasses. On our final night, we were treated to a special experience at Casa Chable’s private dock, complete with a table, chairs and custom cocktails. It became our favorite way to end the day.

Best coffee shop:

• CeciTa, Be Fucking Nice Coffee Shop: Opening at 7am, CeciTa is a beachfront, no-frills coffee shop that serves exceptional coffee, making it the perfect stop after a sunrise beach walk. While they may offer food during the high season, we found it exclusively a coffee shop during our October visit.

Best breakfast:

• Breakfast at Hotel Cielo y Selva: Enjoy breakfast all day with a menu featuring plenty of locally sourced fresh juices, smoothie bowls and healthy options. Including delicious coconut pancakes made from coconuts harvested right on the property.

Best lunch or dinner:

• Ku’um Restaurant at Casa Chable Sian Kaan: A worthwhile 15-minute drive north from Punta Allen. This award-winning restaurant is a must-visit, especially if you're not staying at Casa Chable (which we highly recommend for a luxurious getaway). Ku’um focuses on farm-to-fork ingredients sourced from local areas and their own on-site raised farm beds, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dining experience.

Best place to grab a drink:

Both Casa Chable and Cielo y Selva offer excellent cocktails.

• Casa Chable: The mixology is especially noteworthy, featuring signature drinks as part of their two-Michelin key menus. Be warned, they come with a luxury price tag of around $30 each.

• Cielo y Selva: The drink menu is more basic, but we discovered some hidden gems by asking the bartender for his favorite margarita variations. Try the skinny passion-fruit margarita or the macha mezcalita (Mexican macha is a red spice, not the green matcha powder used for tea). At just $8 per cocktail, these delicious drinks were a perfect accompaniment for a day spent lounging at the beach.