5 Underrated Alternatives To Popular Destinations In Mexico

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Are you searching for underrated options to Mexico’s hottest locations? Take a look at 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 12 months. 2023 is shaping as much as be one other record-setting 12 months 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

Whereas all of those locations supply beautiful seashores and loads of issues to do, guests may even encounter giant crowds and excessive costs.

Some locations, like Tulum, have change into just about 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.

Nonetheless, should you’re searching for underrated locations which have the identical vibe as Mexico’s hottest vacationer hotspots, listed below are the perfect options to take a look at:

1. Cancun Different: 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.

Due to its recognition, Cancun can get extraordinarily crowded and costs soar throughout peak instances of 12 months like the vacations and spring break.

An ideal different to Cancun is Puerto Morelos, positioned simply forty minutes to the south. Puerto Morelos has the identical attractive seashores as Cancun, but it surely’s extra laidback and cheaper.

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

2. Playa del Carmen Different: Isla Holbox

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

However should you’re searching for a extra underrated different, attempt Isla Holbox. This laidback, car-free island is positioned two hours to the north of Playa del Carmen, plus a brief ferry experience. Like Playa del Carmen, it has nice seashores and wildlife, together with sea turtles and whale sharks.

Nonetheless, 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 Different: La Paz

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

However crowds and costs can get excessive, particularly throughout peak season from December by April.

A incredible different is La Paz, positioned 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. However 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 Different: Sayulita

Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked resort metropolis on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It’s extraordinarily touristy and over-developed, so should you’re searching for one thing extra low-key, attempt Sayulita as a substitute.

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

There are many things to do in Sayulita, from browsing throughout the day to partying at seaside golf equipment and bars at evening.

5. Tulum Different: Bacalar

Tulum is among the most infamous locations in Mexico identified for its sky-high costs and crowds that flock to fashionable eating places, cafes, seaside golf equipment, and nightlife.

As soon as often known as a quiet hippie haven, Tulum has exploded in recognition as a consequence of its Instagrammable locales.

For someplace much less developed and touristy, try Bacalar as a substitute. Positioned about 2.5 hours from Tulum, Bacalar just isn’t truly on the seaside.

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