6 Underrated Destinations In Mexico To Avoid The Tourist Crowds

Share the article

Last update 9 hours ago

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year to travel, and while most people are coming to europe and popular beach destinations in Mexico such as Cancun and Los Cabos, others want to find alternative options that are just as beautiful but not as crowded.

There are many underrated destinations in Mexico just waiting to be discovered, with a variety of landscapes and sites to see. From beaches to mountains and jungles to waterfalls, there is something for everyone.

If you’re looking to avoid the tourist crowds, here are the best Off Path destinations Mexico has to offer:

1. The Whose

Located in the often underrated state of Yucatán, El Cuyo is a small beach town that can be reached within a 2.5-hour drive from Cancun or a 3-hour drive from Mérida. It is apart from the big hotel chains with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to unwind and unwind.

While you are there you can rent bikes to find flamingos, ride along the long white sand beach, take a kitesurfing lesson or eat delicious meals at the popular local restaurants: Naia Cafe or La Casa Palma.

It is a great alternative to more well-known destinations like Isla Holbox or Tulum and is often said to be similar to these areas before they became too developed.

2. sisal

Sisal is a charming coastal town of Pueblo Mágico, just a 1-hour drive from Mérida, making it a popular weekend getaway for locals. It has a beautiful, unspoiled beach with calm waters that are excellent for kayaking and paddle boarding.

If you are looking for a place to relax, eat fresh seafood and get lost in a book, then Sisal is the place for you. Reserve a day at the Palmar Beach Club or a stay at the impressive Club de Patos, a boutique hotel with a spa and restaurant on-site.

For the adventurous, there are many day trip options in the region where you can visit cenotes, Mayan ruins, and local wildlife.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week

3. Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo, or zihua as it is affectionately called by the locals, it is on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Guerrero. It’s just an hour’s flight from Mexico City or a three-hour flight from LAX. Zihua revolves around a small bay surrounded by mountains that offers impressive views of its sandy beaches and its quiet fishing village.

The name Zihuatanejo comes from the Nahuatl language and means « the place of beautiful women. » In local folklore, it is said that the goddesses rose in the evening to bring the sun to the dark realm of the dead. You could guess then that between the town’s geography and its folklore, it is one of the best places to see a sunset. It’s an underrated destination that you definitely don’t want to miss.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Mexico. North America

While you’re there, you can spend your days strolling the popular La Ropa beach or take a day trip on a small fishing boat to Playa Las Gatas. Both are known for their calm waters and are dotted with seaside restaurants that are perfect for families and solo travelers alike.

One of the best secret places in Zihua is the Parthenon of “El Negro”. Originally owned by a corrupt Mexico City police chief in the late 1970s, it was built as an extravagant vacation home in the style of the Greek Parthenon. It now sits abandoned and sits atop a hill offering perfect views of the city below.

While it’s not officially open to the general public, you can sometimes find the property’s caretaker there who will give you a tour for an unofficial fee.

Girl looks at ocean view at Parthenon El Negro, Zihuatanejo Mexico

4. Mazunte

If you are looking for a relaxed beach town with a more hippie and surfer vibe, then Mazunte is for you. Just an hour’s drive south of the more well-known beach town of Puerto Escondido, Mazunte is home to great beaches, yoga, and ecotourism.

This sleepy town is best for those who want to unplug and slow down. There isn’t much to do besides stroll the beaches, enjoy a good book, or take a sunrise yoga class. This is all by design and adds to the charm of Mazunte.

Playa Rinconcito is the best place for swimming, since it is located in a protected cove, and Playa Mermejita offers a wide and calm beach dotted with restaurants, ideal for contemplative walks.

Another must-see is Punta Cometa, considered a healing place; it is said that in pre-Hispanic times it was a ceremonial center and may contain buried Aztec treasure. It can only be accessed by a 20-minute walk on an unpaved path. There are no services there, so be sure to prepare accordingly.

5. Tepoztlan

Legend has it that Tepoztlán, a town an hour and a half south of Mexico City, is the birthplace of Quetzalcóatl, the Aztec serpent god. Labeled as one of the 132 Magical Towns, it is one of the best places for wellness in Mexico and is full of cute hotels and beautiful architecture.

This ancient town is nestled in a sacred valley and is home to the main attraction, the archaeological site of El Tepozteco. This uniquely located site at the top of the valley requires a steep hike to view. However, it’s worth the climb both for the views from the top and for the coatis (a native raccoon-like species) you might spot along the way.

One of the most popular things to do in Tepoztlán is to join a Temazcal ceremony. Similar to an American sweat lodge, these ceremonies are said to purify both body and mind. Whether you’re going for a personal wellness retreat or just to escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in the local culture, there’s something for everyone in this quaint mountain town.

View of the church of Tepoztlán Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad, in the nerve center of the city

6. San Luis Potosi

San Luis Potosí is an Off Path destination located in central Mexico, just 5 hours north of Mexico City. It is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the impressive nature of the state.

Originally a silver mining town, San Luis Potosí remains one of the highest cities in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a well-preserved colonial center with several large art museums and is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding attractions.

Edward James Garden Surrealist Sculpture, San Luis Potosí

One of the most popular places to visit is the Edward James Surreal Garden. Located in the jungle on a hillside, Las Pozas is a unique space filled with 40 concrete structures and a variety of pools and waterfalls. Visitors can get a guided tour for a small fee to learn about the history and architecture.

Another favorite excursion is the Huasteca Potosina region, known for its natural pools and waterfalls. The area encompasses 20 different municipalities and is best explored over several days or with a tour guide.