5 Underrated Alternatives To Popular Destinations In Mexico

Last Updated 2 hours in the past

Are you in search of underrated 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 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

While all of those locations supply beautiful seashores and loads of issues to do, guests can 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.

However, if you happen to’re in search of underrated locations which have the identical vibe as Mexico’s hottest vacationer hotspots, listed here are the most effective 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 instances of 12 months like the vacations and spring break.

An ideal various to Cancun is Puerto Morelos, situated simply forty minutes to the south. Puerto Morelos has the identical attractive seashores as Cancun, however it’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 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 if you happen to’re in search of a extra underrated various, 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 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 via April.

A implausible various is La Paz, situated about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas. This genuine Baja California metropolis is full of life and has heaps 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 if you happen to’re in search of 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.

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5. Tulum Alternative: 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, 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 isn’t truly on the seashore.

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