The sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean as I stood on my balcony at Careyes, taking in the stunning orange and pink hues painting the sky. My camera clicked away, trying to capture the magic of this hidden gem on Mexico’s coast.
As a travel photographer who has visited countless beach towns, I can say with certainty that Careyes stands out as something special – a place where luxury meets wild beauty in the most wonderful way.
I spent two wonderful weeks exploring this tucked-away paradise, and I’m excited to share everything I learned about what makes Careyes so special. From its gorgeous beaches to its amazing food scene, I’ll tell you all about the must-do activities, where to stay, and what to expect from the weather.
Let me take you through my amazing adventure in this beautiful Mexican destination.
1. Swim at Playa Rosa Beach
The first thing I did after settling into my hotel was head straight to Playa Rosa Beach. This stunning stretch of pink-tinted sand quickly became my favorite spot in Careyes. I went there every morning to swim in the crystal-clear water and watch the pelicans dive for fish. The beach has these cool rock formations that make perfect spots for taking photos, especially during sunset.
What I really liked about Playa Rosa was how peaceful it felt. Unlike some other Mexican beaches I’ve been to, this one never got too crowded. Most mornings, I shared the beach with just a few other early birds and some local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day.
The water here is super calm and perfect for swimming. I saw lots of families with kids splashing around in the shallow parts. There are also some nice beach clubs where you can rent chairs and umbrellas. I paid about $15 for a chair rental for the whole day, which included a fresh coconut drink.
If you’re planning to visit Playa Rosa, try to get there early in the morning. That’s when the light is best for photos, and you’ll have most of the beach to yourself. Don’t forget to bring water shoes because some parts of the beach can be rocky.
2. Visit the Famous Copa del Sol
The Copa del Sol was hands down the most unique thing I saw in Careyes. It’s this huge concrete cup sitting right on the edge of a cliff, and it looks like something from a fairy tale. I woke up super early one morning to catch the sunrise here, and it was totally worth the early alarm.
The cool thing about the Copa is how it changes throughout the day. In the morning, the sun creates these amazing shadows inside the cup. By afternoon, it turns into the perfect spot for meditation or yoga – I saw several people doing both while I was there.
Getting to the Copa takes a bit of walking, but it’s not too hard. I followed a dirt path for about 15 minutes from the main road. Make sure to wear good shoes because the path can be slippery, especially if it rained recently.
The best photos I got were from inside the Copa looking out at the ocean. But be careful when you’re walking around – there aren’t any railings, and the drops are pretty steep. I’d suggest going with someone else rather than alone, just to be safe.
If you want to avoid crowds, don’t go during sunset. That’s when most people show up to take photos. Early morning or mid-afternoon were the quietest times during my visits.
3. Take a Cooking Class at Casa de Careyes
One of my favorite experiences in Careyes was taking a cooking class at Casa de Careyes. I learned how to make real Mexican dishes from a local chef named Maria. She taught me the secret to making perfect fish tacos and showed me how to crack open coconuts the right way.
The class started with a trip to the local market where we picked out fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. Maria knew all the vendors by name and helped me pick out the ripest mangoes I’ve ever tasted. She also taught me which chilies to use for different dishes.
Back in the kitchen, we spent three hours cooking up a feast. The best part was making tortillas from scratch. Mine came out kind of wonky looking, but they tasted amazing. We also made fresh guacamole, ceviche, and this awesome coconut flan for dessert.
The whole experience cost $75, which included all the ingredients and a recipe book to take home. I’ve already made the fish tacos three times since coming back home. They’re not quite as good as Maria’s, but I’m getting better!
What made this class extra special was how personal it felt. It wasn’t some big touristy thing – just me, two other travelers, and Maria sharing stories while we cooked.
4. Go Snorkeling at Careyitos Beach
Careyitos Beach turned out to be a snorkeler’s dream spot. I rented gear from a little shop near the beach for $20 and spent hours exploring the underwater world. The water was so clear I could see straight to the bottom, even in the deeper parts.
I saw all kinds of colorful fish swimming around the coral reefs. There were these bright blue ones that looked like they were glowing, and I even spotted a sea turtle munching on some seaweed. The best spot for seeing fish was near the rocky point on the north end of the beach.
The beach itself is smaller than Playa Rosa but just as pretty. It’s surrounded by tall cliffs that make it feel like a secret hideaway. I packed a lunch and spent a whole day here, alternating between snorkeling and relaxing on the sand.
One thing to note – there aren’t any shops or restaurants right on this beach. You’ll need to bring everything you want for the day, including water and snacks. I learned this the hard way on my first visit!
The morning is the best time for snorkeling because the water is usually calmer then. Plus, the fish seem more active early in the day. Just keep an eye on the weather – if it’s windy, the waves can get pretty big.
5. Explore the Local Art Galleries
I found some amazing little art galleries tucked away in Careyes. My favorite was this tiny place called Galeria Azul, run by a sweet lady named Sofia. She sells paintings and pottery made by local artists, and each piece tells a story about Mexican culture.
The prices at these galleries were way better than what I’ve seen in bigger Mexican cities. I bought a beautiful hand-painted bowl for my mom that cost about $40. Sofia wrapped it super carefully so it wouldn’t break in my suitcase.
Most of the galleries are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to see them all in one afternoon. I liked how the gallery owners took time to tell me about each piece and the artists who made them. It felt much more personal than shopping in regular stores.
One gallery even had an artist working right there, painting scenes of the beach. He let me watch while he worked and explained his technique. It was like getting a free art lesson!
My Visit to Careyes in Photos
As a photographer, my camera is my constant companion during my travels. Here are some of my favorite shots from my time in Careyes that will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Is Careyes Mexico Safe?
Safety was one of my main concerns before visiting Careyes, and I’m happy to say I felt totally secure during my whole stay. The town is small and peaceful, with friendly locals who look out for each other and visitors alike.
I walked around by myself during the day and early evening without any problems. The streets are well-lit, and there’s usually other people around, especially near the beaches and restaurants. I even felt safe using my expensive camera equipment out in public.
The hotels and resorts have good security, with guards at the entrances and well-lit parking areas. I stayed out late a few times to take night photos, and I always felt protected. The hotel staff gave me great advice about which areas were best to visit and when.
Still, I took normal safety steps like keeping my valuables in the room safe and not carrying too much cash. I also made sure to have the local police number saved in my phone, just in case. But I never needed to use it.
My phone worked fine in most places, which helped me feel more secure. I could always call an Uber or my hotel if I needed to. The locals I met were super helpful whenever I needed directions or advice.
Careyes Mexico Weather
I visited Careyes in May, and the weather was pretty much perfect. Days were sunny and warm but not too hot, usually around 80°F (27°C). The mornings were great for activities, while afternoons were ideal for swimming or relaxing in the shade.
The evenings cooled down nicely, making it comfortable to sleep without needing much air conditioning. I loved sitting on my balcony in the evenings, taking photos of the sunset while enjoying the gentle breeze from the ocean.
Rain showers sometimes popped up in the afternoon, but they usually didn’t last long. These quick showers actually helped cool things down and made for some amazing rainbow photos. I learned to keep a small umbrella in my bag just in case.
The water temperature was just right for swimming – refreshing but not cold. Even early in the morning, I could hop right in without having to slowly wade in to get used to it.
The humidity wasn’t as bad as I expected. My hair got a bit frizzy, but it wasn’t anything terrible. I found that loose, light clothing made of natural fibers worked best for staying comfortable throughout the day.
Where to Stay in Careyes Mexico
Finding the right place to stay made a huge difference in my Careyes experience. I split my time between two places: a cozy boutique hotel called Casa Luna and a rental apartment with an ocean view.
Casa Luna was perfect for the first part of my stay. The rooms were clean and comfortable, with pretty Mexican decorations and good air conditioning. The staff treated me like family, always ready with suggestions for places to visit or eat. Breakfast was included, and they made the best chilaquiles I’ve ever tasted.
The rental apartment gave me more space and a kitchen, which was nice for longer stays. I found it on Airbnb for about $100 per night. Having a kitchen meant I could cook some meals myself, using fresh ingredients from the local market. The balcony became my favorite spot for morning coffee and sunset photos.
Both places were within walking distance of the main beaches and restaurants. This made it easy to pop back to my room during the day if I needed anything. The walk home after dinner felt safe, with street lights and other people usually around.
If you’re booking a place, try to get something with an ocean view. The sunsets are amazing, and it’s nice to hear the waves while falling asleep. Also check if they have good WiFi if you need to stay connected – mine worked well in both places.
Wrapping Up
My two weeks in Careyes flew by way too fast. This little piece of Mexican paradise stole my heart with its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and peaceful vibe.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, learn about local culture, or take amazing photos, you’ll find something to love here. I’m already planning my next trip back!
