5 Underrated Alternatives To Popular Destinations In Mexico

Last Updated 1 hour in the past

Are you in search of underrated alternate options to Mexico’s hottest locations? Check out these much less touristy, inexpensive, and fewer crowded various locations in Mexico!

Young woman looking out over the water at Balandra Beach

Mexico set a brand new tourism file 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

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

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

However, in the event you’re in search of underrated locations which have the identical vibe as Mexico’s hottest vacationer hotspots, listed here are the very best 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 reputation, Cancun can get extraordinarily crowded and costs soar throughout peak occasions of 12 months like the vacations and spring break.

A terrific various 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.

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 fashionable vacation spot alongside the Riviera Maya in Mexico. It’s identified for its seashores, resorts, nightlife, and coral reefs.

But in the event you’re in search of a extra underrated various, 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.

However, it has a extra low-key environment 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, positioned in Baja California, on the western aspect of Mexico, is thought for its dramatic surroundings, nice seashores, and resorts.

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

A implausible various is La Paz, positioned about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas. This genuine Baja California metropolis is energetic 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 in the event you’re in search of one thing extra low-key, attempt Sayulita as a substitute.

Located only one hour away, this seaside city retains its laidback environment regardless of rising in reputation amongst vacationers.

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

(*5*)

5. Tulum Alternative: Bacalar

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

Once referred to as a quiet hippie haven, Tulum has exploded in reputation resulting from its Instagrammable locales.

For someplace much less developed and touristy, take a look at Bacalar as a substitute. Located about 2.5 hours from Tulum, Bacalar isn’t really on the seaside.

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