Mexico is a country filled with history, culture and natural beauty. One of the most visited nations on Earth, its cities and regions draw millions of visitors every year. Everyone knows about the country’s most celebrated attractions; the beaches of Cancun, the cliffs of Acapulco, the ancient Mayan ruins, the world-class museums and landmarks of Mexico City. Yet just beneath the surface, Mexico is filled with hidden gems to explore and discover. Though they may not appear in bold print in travel books, these attractions are nonetheless fascinating and unique. A look off the beaten tourist path in Mexico reveals dozens of interesting and historic cities, sites and attractions just waiting to be discovered. So if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful country, be sure to look off the beaten path. Like diamonds in the rough, these sites are hidden but beautiful.
- Patzcuaro, MexicoThelmadatter / Foter / CC BY-SA
Comala is a small, hidden town filled with stunning architecture and an abundance of history. Offering amazing views of the nearby Nevada and Fuego volcanoes, its location is hard to beat. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and valleys, the town is just 5 miles from the city of Colima. Those in search of a small town for an authentic Mexican experience should look no further than Comala.
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Patzcuaro, a small city known for its wondrous colonial architecture and Old World atmosphere, is another hidden gem in Mexico. Surrounded by hills and idyllic villages, this city is definitely worth a visit just for its unique beauty. Nearby, Lake Patzacuaro makes for a picture perfect photo op. Though off the beaten path for most tourists, the city of Patzcuaro offers plenty to see and do.
The ruins of Tulum are another undiscovered attraction in Mexico. Less frequented by tourists compared to other Mayan sites, Tulum boasts approximately 60 Mayan structures. As the only seaside city built by the Mayans, it is truly unique. Just a 2 hour drive from Cancun, the ruins of Tulum offer both cultural history to explore and stunning natural beauty to take in.
The caves of the Yucatan remain largely hidden from most tourists yet offer spectacular natural beauty to discover. Those seeking a break from the crowds and hot beaches should venture into these wondrous, underground caves to see their unrivalled beauty. Known for their incredible beauty, the caves of the Yucatan are another hidden gem in Mexico to discover.
Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful seaside town filled with great beaches and plenty of shops, restaurants and nightlife spots. The town is a great starting point for whale watches and other maritime activities. Largely overlooked by tourists, Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful and lively place to visit.
Merida, a historic colonial city in the heart of the Ucatan Peninsula, blends tropical beauty with rich culture and many centuries worth of history to explore. Founded in 1542, Merida is slowly being discovered by tourists thanks to its rich architecture and fascinating landmarks. Its top attractions include Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, and its wealth of great restaurants and shops.
There are even more hidden attractions all throughout Mexico to discover. These include Viveros de Coyoacan in Mexico City, the city of San Luis Potosi in central Mexico, and Copper Canyon.
Millions of tourists flock to Mexico’s most famous and celebrated attractions each year. Yet away from all the beaches and major cities, Mexico offers a plethora of hidden gems to discover. Though seeing them requires being adventurous and straying from the beaten tourist path, they are well worth the visit. From hidden towns to ancient ruins, the hidden attractions of Mexico are as diverse as they are beautiful.
British Airways, Thompson and Thomas Cook all fly direct to Mexico from the UK in around 11 hours. Or alternatively, you could fly with one of the other airlines and spend a few days in a stopover in the likes of Madrid, Washington or New York.
I love finding out hidden places to visit, sometimes we tend to stick to the travel guide and miss out fantastic places. I really want to go see those Mayan ruins by the sea, I can´t believe they are the only ones by the ocean. Great facts and I am an architect so tips like this really excite me, looking at colonial towns is great.