Do you want to experience some of the best in Mexico but want to avoid the crowds?
Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world, with its spectacular Mayan ruins in Yucatan, world-class museums in Mexico City, and incredible gastronomy in Puebla, Oaxaca, and Jalisco drawing droves of visitors. It also boasts 3,000 miles of coastline with some of the best beaches in the world.
Unfortunately, many of those places can also be crowded, so your best bet is to venture off the beaten track and see places that are harder to reach. The destinations on this list take time and effort to get to, typically situated far from civilization and away from major airports, so you will need to figure out your logistics if you decide to go there.
We will go over some of the most underrated destinations in Mexico that offer plenty of culture, scenery, and outdoor adventure – but no mass tourism.
1. Morelia
Morelia is the capital of Michoacan state. It is famous for its monarch butterflies, which migrate here every winter from Canada and can be found in several sanctuaries.
Founded in 1541, Morelia is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. Most tourists visit more popular locations like Valle De Bravo, Oaxaca, or Taxco, while Morelia receives little international tourism.
Yet, the city offers plenty to see: The city’s center is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts well-preserved colonial buildings made from pink quarry stone and Morelia Cathedral, a stunning church built in baroque style, with two towers and intricate façade located in the Zocalo (main square).
The Government Palace is where you can see works by the famous Mexican muralist Alfredo Zalce, who portrayed key moments in Mexico’s history.
Unlike some cities in Mexico, Morelia is very walkable, and you can get around its center on foot. After you finish exploring the city’s central square, check out Morelia Aqueduct, one of the main historic landmarks.
Michoacan is also well known for its gastronomy. Many dishes, like Corunda, originate in the Purepecha culture, and there are plenty of restaurants in Morelia where you can try them.
2. Bacalar
Bacalar is a small town in the southern part of Yucatan located along the lagoon of seven colors (Laguna De Siete Colores in Spanish), whose colors range from turquoise to ink blue.
Also known as the Maldives of Mexico, Bacalar sits near the Belize-Mexico border and is over four hours away from Cancun by car, which helps to keep many visitors at bay.
A trip to Bacalar might be worth the effort if you are looking for a tranquil setting in nature and want a break from the party scene in places like Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, which can be busy and expensive.
The Bacalar Lagoon is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. Many tour operators offer rides during sunrise and sunset when the sun lights up the lagoon in beautiful colors.
Bacalar has some interesting history, with landmarks such as the Fort of San Felipe, built in the 18th century to defend the area against pirate attacks.
The town also boasts several cenotes, some located within the lagoon, where you can cool off on a hot sunny day. One of the best cenotes for swimming is Cenote Azul, a small lake just outside of Bacalar where you can swim and dive.
3. Campeche
San Francisco de Campeche (more commonly known as Campeche) is the capital of Campeche State, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
If you read about Mexico’s controversial Maya Train, you may have already heard about Campeche. The train connects Mayan ruin sites in Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche — the three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula.
What makes Campeche special is its UNESCO-listed historic center, where colorful facades house stores and restaurants, especially along Calle 59, a pedestrian walkway that comes alive at night.
The best time to enjoy a walking tour of Campeche is early morning or late afternoon because it gets brutally hot. Since there’s no shade, it can be tough to enjoy your outing.
Another place you can’t miss in Campeche is the Malecon (a.k.a. promenade) along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the best place to watch the sunset in Campeche, and many travelers come here to see the stunning colors as the sun dips below the horizon.
Similar to its neighboring states, Campeche offers a rich flavor of Mayan culture. It has several archeological areas, including Edzna, Balamku, and Calakmul. Calakmul is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its tall pyramid, which you can climb to see incredible views of the jungle.
4. Loreto
Loreto is one of the best places to visit in Baja California. It offers a perfect blend of culture, eco-tourism, and adventures. If you want to make the most of your trip to Mexico, you should book a flight to Loreto or drive there from Cabo or Tijuana.
Located between the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range and the Sea of Cortez, Loreto offers outdoor opportunities year-round.
Whether you want to go hiking, take an ATV ride in the desert, or enjoy the pristine beaches and spot wildlife at the Loreto Bay National Park, you will not run out of things to do outside.
Compared to more busy destinations in Baja, Loreto offers a more relaxed and intimate travel experience. Besides the beaches and the desert, Loreto also has an interesting history.
Loreto is home to the first Spanish mission in Baja California, the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, founded in 1697. After the Jesuits established the Loreto mission, they founded 16 more missions throughout the region.
The Loreto mission has been carefully reconstructed, and today is home to a museum that contains important artifacts from Baja history. It’s one of the best museums to visit in Baja, California, to better understand the peninsula’s history and culture.
5. Puebla
Did you know that the tallest pyramid in the world is in Mexico and not Egypt?
To see it, you can take a trip to Puebla, a major city in Central Mexico that is just 1.5 hours from Mexico City. Although Puebla has been completely overlooked in the past, more travelers are discovering this underrated destination.
Home to the largest pyramid in the world, Cholula is a small town just outside of Puebla, which can be reached by a quick bus ride.
The city also has many preserved colonial buildings and churches, including the famous Puebla Cathedral. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Museo Amparo, located in Puebla’s historic center, houses an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary art.
Another cultural institution in the city is Museo Internacional del Barroco (International Museum of Barocco), designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito.
Puebla boasts one of the richest gastronomies in Mexico. The city is the birthplace of mole poblano, a rich and flavorful sauce made with chocolate and various spices that you can try in many restaurants.
Another famous dish from Puebla is chiles en nogada, which features stuffed poblano peppers with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds.
6. Taxco
Taxco, whose official name is Taxco de Alarcón, is the silver capital of Mexico and is known for some of the best silver masters in the country.
The city’s narrow streets are lined with dozens of family-owned silver jewelry stores and workshops where you can buy locally-made jewelry and silverware.
Although silver mining in Taxco is nowhere near as big as it used to be, the city still retains its reputation when it comes to silver production. It’s not just silver that makes Taxco a tourist magnet.
The city boasts picturesque settings along steep slopes and is home to one of the most famous churches in Mexico — Santa Prisca, built by a silver miner, Jose de la Borda.
Taxco’s narrow winding streets are best explored on foot, where you can find small shops and cozy restaurants to try typical Mexican dishes.
7. Copper Canyon
If you have never heard about Copper Canyon, you are not alone. While Copper Canyon is arguably one of Mexico’s most spectacular natural wonders, most tourists have no idea it exists, thanks to its location in northern Mexico beyond the prime tourist region.
Visiting Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) in Mexico is a spectacular adventure. It offers a combination of breathtaking scenery and thrilling outdoor activities.
Copper Canyon is a series of six canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental in northern Mexico. It is deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon, with lush forests and steep drop-offs.
The area has beautiful waterfalls like Basaseachic Falls and the Urique River. The area mostly sees domestic tourists from Mexico, but if you are up for an adventure, you will love this spectacular natural landmark that offers hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
