5 Underrated Alternatives To Popular Destinations In Mexico

Last Updated 1 hour in the past

Are you on the lookout for underrated alternate options to Mexico’s hottest locations? Check out these much less touristy, cheaper, and fewer crowded different locations in Mexico!

Young woman looking out over the water at Balandra Beach

Mexico set a brand new tourism report in 2022, welcoming more than 20.6 million tourists final yr. 2023 is shaping as much as be one other record-setting yr for tourism as guests proceed to flock to Mexico.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the most well-liked locations in Mexico for vacationers:

Cancun
Playa del Carmen
Cabo San Lucas
Puerto Vallarta
Tulum

While all of those locations supply gorgeous seashores and loads of issues to do, guests can even encounter massive crowds and excessive costs.

Some locations, like Tulum, have grow to be nearly unrecognizable within the final decade as this as soon as hidden-gem vacation spot reworked into one of many trendiest and most-visited locations in Mexico.

However, for those who’re on the lookout for underrated locations which have the identical vibe as Mexico’s hottest vacationer hotspots, listed here are the perfect alternate options to take a look at:

1. Cancun Alternative: Puerto Morelos

Cancun is the primary hottest vacation spot in Mexico for American vacationers, with more than 40 nonstop flights from cities in the United States to Cancun every day.

Because of its recognition, Cancun can get extraordinarily crowded and costs soar throughout peak occasions of yr like the vacations and spring break.

An awesome different to Cancun is Puerto Morelos, situated simply forty minutes to the south. Puerto Morelos has the identical attractive seashores as Cancun, nevertheless it’s extra laidback and cheaper.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Turquoise Colored Ocean And A Sandy Beach In Puerto Morelos, On The Caribbean Coast Of Mexico

2. Playa del Carmen Alternative: Isla Holbox

Playa del Carmen is one other extraordinarily in style vacation spot alongside the Riviera Maya in Mexico. It’s identified for its seashores, resorts, nightlife, and coral reefs.

But for those who’re on the lookout for a extra underrated different, strive Isla Holbox. This laidback, car-free island is situated two hours to the north of Playa del Carmen, plus a brief ferry journey. Like Playa del Carmen, it has nice seashores and wildlife, together with sea turtles and whale sharks.

However, it has a extra low-key ambiance and fewer crowds, while still having plenty to do.

Scenic view of Holbox island and ocean in Mexico

3. Cabo San Lucas Alternative: La Paz

Cabo San Lucas, situated in Baja California, on the western facet of Mexico, is understood for its dramatic surroundings, nice seashores, and resorts.

But crowds and costs can get excessive, particularly throughout peak season from December via April.

A incredible different is La Paz, situated about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas. This genuine Baja California metropolis is vigorous and has tons to do, like Cabo.

It additionally has seashores and landscapes that rival Cabo. But you’ll discover that it stays an underrated gem with decrease crowds and decrease costs.

Aerial View Of Balandra Beach In La Paz, Mexico

4. Puerto Vallarta Alternative: Sayulita

Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked resort metropolis on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It’s extraordinarily touristy and over-developed, so for those who’re on the lookout for one thing extra low-key, strive Sayulita as an alternative.

Located only one hour away, this seashore city retains its laidback ambiance regardless of rising in recognition amongst vacationers.

There are loads of things to do in Sayulita, from browsing through the day to partying at seashore golf equipment and bars at night time.

(*5*)

5. Tulum Alternative: Bacalar

Tulum is without doubt one of the most infamous locations in Mexico identified for its sky-high costs and crowds that flock to fashionable eating places, cafes, seashore golf equipment, and nightlife.

Once often known as a quiet hippie haven, Tulum has exploded in recognition as a result of its Instagrammable locales.

For someplace much less developed and touristy, take a look at Bacalar as an alternative. Located about 2.5 hours from Tulum, Bacalar will not be really on the seashore.

It’s on Lake Bacalar, also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors. Bacalar is already being referred to as “the new Tulum” and it’s not laborious to see why.