November 27, 2017 - Yonder
Last Updated On 12/3/2020
If you’ve ever been to Mexico, you already know the country is full of beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, delicious food, and so much more. For many, the main cities that come to mind when they think of Mexico are Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel…the classic waterfront spots that are among the most popular, and for good reason – they’re truly gorgeous and can be a whole lot of fun! But we know of a handful of spots that are off the beaten track that you might want to check out, especially if you’re looking for something a little more low key and a lot less populated.
Here are our favorite hidden gems in Mexico:
For Authentic Beach Town Experience:If vacationing at a beautiful Mexican oceanfront without the throng of partygoers interests you, look no further. Yelapa will meet your destination needs. Called Mexico’s “last authentic beach town” by some, it remains generally unpopulated. This may be because you can only get there by boat. This means you will need to either take a water taxi or hire a private boat to get there.
Once you arrive, you won’t find any chain restaurants, hotels, or shops in Yelapa. You will find relatively secluded beaches, authentic Mexican dining and accommodations, and the perfect place to relax on your visit. You’ll be happy to know that if you plan on staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental during your stay, travel insurance could cover you —here’s what you need to know though. There are also plenty of resorts to choose from!
For Yoga & Relaxation:Located in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coastline, San Pancho is the perfect getaway for wellness gurus, especially those who practice yoga. Unlike Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita, neighboring cities that have become somewhat overpopulated meccas for yogis, San Pancho is still under the radar, offering a different kind of peace and relaxation. San Pancho isn’t an overdeveloped destination. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, so you can really take a break from it all and destress with spectacular views.
For Remote Beaches:Looking for a coast as gorgeous as the ones in Cancun, but much less populated by party animals of all ages? Check out Isla Mujeres, a smaller beach less than eight miles away from popular resorts in Quintana Roo, but worlds less chaotic. You can hang out by the water or revel in one of the village’s unique attractions, including an underwater sculpture museum and a chance to swim with whale sharks – one of the only destinations in the world where that’s an option!
For an Outdoor Adventure:Have you been to the Grand Canyon before? If you’ve experienced its vastness, you may be shocked to hear Mexico’s Copper Canyon is, somehow, four times its size. The crazy part is…no one seems to know about it, or very few people at least. This means you’ll have the views and hikes to yourself when you visit. We recommend taking the Chihuahua al Pacifico railway through the Mexican wilderness, which stops along the way so you can take a few days to explore the canyons, of which there are actually six.
Since you might not be located near a medical facility, purchasing travel insurance is that much more important. This way, you’ll have 24/7 access to an emergency assistance team to help find the nearest hospital or arrange a medical evacuation, if needed. You can best be prepared for your travels with a travel insurance policy in hand. Get a free quote and compare policies from the top providers in the travel insurance industry!
For a Historical Experience:While Mexico is famous for its beautiful shores, it also has an incredibly rich history, as you likely know. If you’re more interested in exploring a Mexican city that will provide a glimpse into the country’s history and culture, try Merida. On the list for one of the safest cities in Mexico, you should have peace of mind traveling to this location.
It’s located in the Yucatan state–a colonial town that dates back to the 16th century. The town is chock full of museums, churches, and historical sites. While you’re there, take a free walking tour of the city (they start at 9am every day at the Merida Tourism Office!), peruse the Museum of the Mayan World, take in a reenactment of the traditional Mayan ball game Pok Ta Pok, or enjoy a night of dancing in one of the town’s weekly fiestas!
Have you discovered a hidden gem in Mexico that we didn’t cover here? Tell us about it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
