Cancun is famous for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, and its natural beauty and Mayan heritage make it a complete destination. With its popularity, there is a wide range of places to stay, and as sustainable tourism grows, more eco-resorts are appearing in Cancun.
Whether you want to explore Mayan ruins and local culture, relax in a beach apartment, or venture deep into the forest, there are unique accommodations to suit every taste.
Below is a selection of some of the best eco-resorts in Cancun to help you plan your next trip. Whatever your travel style, budget, or needs, you'll find something that fits.
Absolute vibes!
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Jolie Jungle Eco Hotel
This authentic Mayan cabana is surrounded by lush jungle and close to various sites and attractions, including Mayan ruins and excellent beaches. The cabana is fully sustainable, using treated water and solar power.
Places to visit:
- Explore Tulum
- Swim at Gran Cenote
- Visit Parque Nacional de Tulum
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Is this amazing Cancun Eco Resort booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
Why Stay in an Eco-Resort in Cancun?
Eco-accommodation helps to preserve the natural environment
Choosing an eco-resort in Cancun offers authentic accommodation close to nature. These resorts provide a well-designed and comfortable stay and a unique way to explore Cancun more meaningfully. Choosing your neighborhood wisely is just as important as the resort itself, as it dictates how close you’ll be to the primary ruins and beaches.
Besides enjoying unique accommodation in incredible locations, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your visit will have a lighter footprint on the environment. Staying in an eco-resort, you can leave the landscape undisturbed and positively impact the local community.
What is an Eco-Resort?
The term “eco-resort” is used to describe any accommodation that is committed to environmental sustainability and protecting the landscape. This can be achieved through various initiatives, from rainwater collection to using solar power. Recycling and using water-efficient toilets and showers are also popular methods.
In addition to respecting the planet, an eco-resort may also focus on uplifting local communities through supporting local businesses and artisans. Creating opportunities for tourists to experience local culture and heritage in a meaningful way is also part of this.
The Overall Best Value Eco-resort in Cancun: Jolie Jungle Eco Hotel
- Price: $
- 2 guests
- Authentic cabana in the Mayan Jungle
- 100% sustainable with modern extras
Best Value Eco-resort in Cancun: Tropical & Cozy Villa
- Price: $
- Authentic Mexican Casa
- Swimming Pool
- Friendly Hosts
Best Eco-resort for Couples: Jungle Villa at Glass 20.87
- Price: $
- 2 guests
- State-of-the-art house in the Mayan Jungle
- Variety of nature-based activities
Most Ecological Eco-resort in Cancun: San Carlos Ecolodge
- Price: $$
- 4 guests
- Rustic timber-and-thatch retreat
- Close to nature and exotic wildlife
Best Eco-resort for Families Visiting Cancun: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
- Price: $$
- 5 guests
- Waterpark, spa, and activities for the whole family
- Wide variety of educational nature-focused activities
Best Eco-resort for Backpackers: Boho Chic Loft
- Price: $
- 2 guests
- Compact city apartment close to all amenities
- Well maintained and fully equipped
Best Eco-resort for a Weekend in Cancun: Glass House
- Price: $$$
- Surrounded by Jungle
- Eco Domes
- Swimming Pool
Top 10 Eco Resorts in Cancun
We’ve gathered this list of some of the best eco-resorts in Cancun to get you started with finding unique accommodation options to suit your tastes, budget, and requirements. Each of these resorts will offer a memorable stay with a conscience.
Jolie Jungle Eco Hotel | Overall Best Value Eco-Resort in Cancun
- Price: $
- 2 Guests
- Authentic cabana in the Mayan Jungle
- 100% sustainable with modern extras
Jolie Jungle Eco Hotel is tucked in the Mayan Jungle away from the noise and tourist crowds. The pristine location is within easy access to ancient Mayan ruins, excellent beaches, and various caves and cenotes that the area is known for.
The cabanas are built from local materials and traditional Mayan techniques. All power is provided by solar panels, and water is treated using an innovative eco-friendly facility. Guests are asked to use both electricity and water sparingly.
Visitors can explore the nearby caves, have a coffee in Tulum town, or check out the gorgeous beaches. At night, the resort becomes one of the best places for stargazing.
Tropical & Cozy Villa | Best Value Eco-Resort in Cancun
- Price: $
- Authentic Mexican Casa
- Swimming Pool
- Friendly Hosts
Wanting a bit more of a local experience away from the cookie cutter hotels and resorts? Well, look no further than this tropical and cosy villa, offering something a little more personal. The hosts share their home with warmth and care, keeping the spirit of Airbnb alive. It’s not about being a hotel, but about creating a calm oasis right in the heart of the city.
The ground-floor space opens onto the garden and pool, surrounded by lush greenery that gives it a tucked-away, peaceful feel. Mara, the host, always goes out of her way to make the stay feel easy and welcoming. At 100 m², it’s roomy and comfortable, with tropical plants and soft lighting that make the setting feel almost magical.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Cancun start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Jungle Villa at Glass 20.87 | Best Eco-Resort for Couples
- Price: $
- 2 Guests
- State-of-the-art house in the Mayan Jungle
- Variety of nature-based activities
Deep in the jungle, contemporary design and traditional elements create this unique haven of relaxation. The villa uses natural textures and materials and has large windows to merge the lush outdoors with the minimalist interiors. Overall, the villa has a calming atmosphere and is the perfect place to escape.
The villa shows its respect and love for nature in every detail. The large solar panels provide electricity and hot water, and the structure is built entirely from natural materials. Guests can also enjoy an authentic traditional temazcal treatment or a cocoa ceremony.
The surrounding area is a haven for outdoor pursuits. Swimming, free diving in natural cenotes, fishing, and ziplining are all popular activities. Stargazing is very rewarding here, as it’s far from the light pollution of the towns.
San Carlos Ecolodge | Most Ecological Eco-Resort in Cancun
- Price: $$
- 4 Guests
- Rustic timber-and-thatch retreat
- Close to nature and exotic wildlife
Relax in the heart of the jungle at San Carlos Ecolodge. Here, the authentic thatched accommodations blend in effortlessly with the surrounding trees to provide a close-to-nature experience.
The entire resort is made from locally sourced natural materials. Guests can disconnect from modern life and relax by the cenote and clearing surrounding the resort. Traditional Mayan elements are seen throughout, offering guests the chance to learn more about this fascinating culture.
Explore other nearby cenotes and caves, enjoy the beaches at nearby Puerto Morelos, or just relax in the hammock. Alternatively, take a walk through the jungle to spot some of the exotic wildlife that lives here.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort | Best Eco-Resort for Families Visiting Cancun
- Price: $$
- 5 Guests
- Waterpark, spa, and activities for the whole family
- Wide variety of educational nature-focused activities
Located right on Playa del Carmen beach, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is the ideal destination for a Mexican beach holiday. It’s set in sprawling gardens and features bright accommodation with everything you’ll need for a successful trip. This includes family rooms, child-friendly menus, and even babysitting services.
The resort focuses heavily on nature, offering fun educational activities that allow the whole family to discover the surrounding ecosystems. Embark on eco-tours or river adventures, take care of rescued animals, or plant a tree in your name.
Other activities include spending a day at the waterpark, beach, or watersport center for canoeing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. There’s also tennis, golf, and a games room, so families will have plenty to do to keep entertained!
Boho Chic Loft | Best Eco-Resort for Backpackers
- Price: $
- 2 Guests
- Compact city apartment close to all amenities
- Well-maintained and fully equipped
Central living with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, the Boho Chic Loft is the ideal base for travelers backpacking Mexico on a budget. The compact apartment is simply furnished and is full of natural light.
The apartment features an automated device that turns the air-conditioning off when it’s been forgotten, minimizing energy costs.
Just a few blocks away, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as the largest shopping center in Cancun. The hotel zone is a short bus ride away, while the nearest beaches are only 10 minutes away by car.
Glass House | Best Eco-Resort for a Weekend in Cancun
- Price: $$$
- Surrounded by Jungle
- Eco Domes
- Swimming Pool
The unique domes of Casa Leon Global are hidden deep in the Mayan jungle to offer guests a complete escape to nature. You’ll have your own fully private dome, complete with a kitchen and fire pit outside to unwind in the evenings.
The property is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and thick jungle, so any stay here is against a background of the sounds of nature. The domes are within walking distance of many cenotes and there’s also a dreamy pool on-site.
While the domes are secluded, you’ll only be minutes from the shops, bars, and restaurants of Puerto Morelos!
Eco-hotel El Rey del Caribe | Another Great Eco-Resort for a Weekend in Cancun
The ideal base for a mini-break
- Price: $$
- 4 Guests
- Central location
- Solar water heaters, water treatment, recycling
Eco-hotel El Rey del Caribe is a stylish urban retreat offering a comfortable stay with a contemporary feel. The stylish accommodation lies within lush, leafy grounds in a quiet suburb just outside Cancun’s city center.
The hotel uses an innovative rainwater collection system, as well as solar-powered water heaters. All waste is separated and recycled where possible.
Onsite you’ll find a spa and wellness center, and guests are invited to join yoga classes. There’s a swimming pool, hot tub, and a sun terrace where you can relax after a day of exploring Cancun. The beach is within walking distance, and the hotel zone is a short ride away.
Gorgeous Cozy Suite | Eco-Resort with an Epic Location
- Price: $
- Direct Beach Access
- Tennis Court
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
This suite gives you the calm side of Cancun without dragging you miles out of town. It’s central enough to get around easily, but far enough from the nightlife that you can actually sleep.
The space itself has everything covered – a big king bed, kitchen for when you don’t feel like eating out, solid Wi-Fi, and a massive TV with Netflix and HBO for downtime. There’s a terrace for morning coffee or evening drinks, and the condo’s got round-the-clock security so you can just relax. Shared spaces tick all the boxes too: a huge pool, tennis courts, and direct access to the beach.For the price, being this close to the water is hard to beat.
“El Mirador” Room in La Quinta Orquídea | Most Beautiful Eco-Resort in Cancun
You definitely won’t forget this place anytime soon!
- Price: $
- 2 Guests
- Unique and ornate design
- Surrounded by lush gardens
La Quinta Orquidea is a unique property in Puerto Morelos featuring one-of-a-kind design and construction. The double room, El Mirador, is located on the third floor and offers incredible views.
The resort features only local and natural materials. The design honours the materials, reflecting respect for nature by preserving their natural shape. A strong influence of local culture and art can also be seen.
La Quinta Orquidea is just a short walk to the exquisite beach and lighthouse of Puerto Morelos. Here you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars as well as shops. Many cenotes are within easy reach of the resort, as are the botanical gardens.
Don’t Forget Your Cancun Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance in Mexico is sometimes a little different to normal. Make sure that your insurance package covers your travels in Mexico. Stay safe y’all.
Final Thoughts on Eco Resorts in Cancun
Cancun is a vibrant and popular destination on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It’s known for its stunning beaches, Mayan heritage, and almost impossibly turquoise ocean. Because of this popularity, there are a variety of unique accommodation options in Cancun to choose from.
There’s a broad variety of eco-resorts in Cancun, offering a multitude of options. Spanning everything from jungle hideaways to chic city lofts, Cancun offers options to satisfy all traveller types, budgets, and requirements.
Enjoy Cancun!
