Quintana Roo Overview

If it’s beautiful beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, and wild nightlife you seek, look no further than Quintana Roo. Home to Isla Cozumel, a diving mecca which attracts over 2 million visitors every year, it should come as no surprise that Quintana Roo’s booming tourist industry also makes it the economic powerhouse of the peninsula. But if being packed like sardines on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico sounds less than appealing, have no fear—you can find your own patch of uncrowded sand if you venture far enough away from these hot spring break hubs. Head out to Isla Mujeres, easily accessible by ferry from Cancún. Still touristy, its beaches are less crowded than its neighbors, and as a bonus, it provides easy access to the Mayan ruins of Ixchel. Those with more time on their hands should make the longer trip to Isla Holbox. You can also escape the crowds by making your way down the Riviera Maya toward destinations like Tulum, a quickly developing backpacker destination with some impressive Mayan ruins to boot. Or, make the trek to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve , which occupies approximately 10% of Quintana Roo.

Founded in 1974, Quintana Roo is Mexico’s youngest state. Originally part of Yucatán State, Quintana Roo separated in the 1840s during the Caste War and was renamed Chan Santa Cruz—an independent Mayan nation. In the following years the Mexican government struggled to reassert its power over the region. Quintana Roo remained a territory until 1974, when it attained statehood. Among the reasons for this eventual shift was Cancún’s growing popularity. Today, while Cancún continues to steal the headlines, other destinations in Quintana Roo are quietly making a name for themselves among those looking for a relaxing getaway.