Mexico is a favorite destination for our family. We’ve always felt safe and were treated with great hospitality. We also enjoyed many exciting adventures. We also love the amazing Mexican food.
We’ve enjoyed the more popular, vibrant places like Cancun and Los Cabos. But we prefer the slower pace of other Mexican destinations. They are more authentic, less crowded and provide unforgettable experiences that we will talk about for many years.
Here are our top destinations that offer a glimpse of Mexico’s real, undiscovered side.
Zihautanejo
Zihuatanejo may be a name you’ve never heard before, but it is the idyllic beach that Red meets Andy on his boat at the end of The Shawshank Redemption.
Zihautanejo (pronounced “zee-wah”) is located on the Mexican Riviera (west coast), midway between Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco. This charming and unpretentious destination, with its picturesque bay surrounded by lush green mountains, has managed to maintain its small-town vibe over the years.
Playa La Ropa, with its golden sands and calm waters ideal for swimming. Playa Las Gatas, for its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende, located in Guanajuato in Mexico’s far east, at 6,200 feet above sea level is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
This charming mountaintop community, nicknamed ‘Heart of Mexico,’ is full of Old Mexican charm.
In this magical place, the old and the new blend in perfect harmony. San Miguel De Allende is a place of folklore, old traditions, and beautiful cobblestone streets.
San Miguel’s pure colors, light, and character are like moths attracted to a fire. All of this gives San Miguel a magical quality that draws visitors back again and again.
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Todos Santos, a small town located on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur in Mexico, is about 50 miles north from Cabo San Lucas, and 45 miles south from La Paz. The town is known as a picturesque town with cobblestoned roads, a charming atmosphere and enriched cultural heritage. It dates back to 18th century, when Spanish missionaries established it as a town of missions.
It’s clear that the town’s designation as one Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos was well deserved. Todos Santos, with its colonial architecture and iconic structures such as the Hotel California, which inspired the Eagles’ song, is a destination that you should put on your list of must-visit destinations.
Bucerias
Bucerias, which means “place of diver” in Spanish, is a town located in Nayarit state. It was once a small fishing community with cobblestone streets and colorful homes (with huge doors) that still maintains its laid-back lifestyle.
Bucerias has been compared to Puerto Vallarta 50 years ago. With its colorful sculptures, wall murals, and boutique shops, it’s an easy-to-walk town. We wonder how long it will be before word spreads about this little slice of paradise in Mexico. For now, the village is still charmingly quaint.
Merida
Merida, the capital of Yucatan, is located in Mexico’s southeast. It is known for its vibrant culture, rich history and colonial architecture. The “White City”, as it is often called, is a result of the use of white stone in many of its buildings.
Merida is an interesting blend of Mayan influences and Spanish ones. The current city was founded in 1542 on the site where the former Mayan City T’ho once stood. Remains of the ancient civilization are still visible in the surrounding area.
Centro Historico, the historic downtown area of Mexico City, is a major attraction. It has beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Add to that museums offering insight into Mayan culture, a vibrant cultural scene, including the Jarana dance of Yucatan, and numerous festivals. You have the perfect recipe for a popular Mexico destination. The ancient Mayan ruins at Uxmal and Chichen Itza can be easily accessed from the town.
La Paz, Baja California Sur
Visitors to Mexico have probably experienced the magic of the capital city of Baja California Sur, located about two thirds of the way down the long Baja Peninsula on the Sea of Cortez. La Paz has a rich and diverse marine life. La Paz is home to a wide variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins and sea lions. There are also more than 800 different species of fish, such as the whale sharks.
Espiritu Santo Island is a hidden treasure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that provides many wildlife encounters and pristine beaches, as well as crystalline waters, that are not often known to visitors.
Belandra Bay, located only 20 minutes away from La Paz’s heart, is a secretive place that feels like a different world. Belandra Bay, surrounded by massive rock formations and a variety of turquoise and blue colors and warm shallow waters that are ideal for swimming or kayaking is also called “Laguna de la Colores”.
Mazunte, Oaxaca
The small village of Mazunte, located on the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca is known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere and environmental consciousness.
Mazunte, once a busy fishing village, has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and natural experience. This is often associated with alternative and holistic lifestyles. Yoga retreats, meditation centres and workshops that promote sustainable living and natural medicines are available to visitors.
The village is nestled in between verdant hills and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The beaches are golden and wide, with turquoise water that is crystal clear. The National Mexican Turtle Center in Mazunte plays an important role in conservation and preservation of sea tortoises.
We also enjoy the incredibly fresh fish that chefs can transform into culinary masterpieces. There are many beachfront seafood restaurants and shacks that offer delicious food and breathtaking ocean views.
Consider one of these less-visited Mexican destinations the next time you think about going to Mexico for an authentic and enriching Mexican adventure that you will never forget.
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