Out of the Beaten Tracks places to visit in Mexico

Out of the Beaten Tracks places to visit in Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond the Resorts

Isla Holbox

Why Go: A laid-back, car-free island known for its bohemian vibe, shallow turquoise waters, and incredible wildlife. It’s a world away from the hustle of Cancun.

Key Activities:

• Swimming with whale sharks (seasonal, typically June to September).
• Kayaking through the Yum Balam Nature Reserve mangroves.
• Witnessing bioluminescence on a nighttime tour.
• Walking out to Punta Mosquito during low tide to see flamingos.

Traveler’s Note: Embrace the island’s rustic charm. Be aware that Wi-Fi is often spotty and ATMs can be unreliable. We recommend bringing sufficient cash for your stay. Isla Holbox is an ideal place to truly disconnect and relax.

Laguna Bacalar (The Lake of Seven Colors)

Why Go: A spectacular freshwater lagoon with stunning shades of blue and turquoise, offering a tranquil alternative to the often-crowded Caribbean coast.

Key Activities:

• Taking a boat or sailing tour to explore different cenotes within the lagoon.
• Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters.
• Visiting the historic Fort of San Felipe for views and history.
• Floating down the gentle currents of the Canal de los Piratas.

Traveler’s Note: This is an excellent alternative if sargassum seaweed is affecting coastal beaches. For the most immersive experience, we suggest staying in a small eco-lodge situated directly on the lagoon.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Why Go: Explore towering, ancient Mayan pyramids that emerge from an endless jungle canopy. A UNESCO World Heritage site that combines nature and history with a fraction of the visitors of Chichen Itza.

Key Activities:

• Climbing the main structures for breathtaking 360-degree views over the jungle.
• Spotting wildlife like howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and ocellated turkeys.
• Visiting the nearby “Volcán de los Murciélagos” (Bat Volcano) at dusk to see millions of bats emerge.

Traveler’s Note: Please be prepared for the remoteness of this site. A rental car is essential for access. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and effective insect repellent. The drive from the main road to the ruins takes over an hour through the jungle.

The Pacific Coast: Hidden Gems

Mazunte & San Agustinillo, Oaxaca

Why Go: Two adjacent, tranquil villages offering a bohemian, eco-conscious atmosphere with a focus on yoga, wellness, and sea turtle conservation.

Key Activities:

• Visiting the National Mexican Turtle Center in Mazunte.
• Hiking to Punta Cometa for one of Mexico’s most spectacular sunsets.
• Taking a boat tour to spot dolphins, whales (in season), and sea turtles.
• Enjoying the quiet, swimmable beaches of San Agustinillo.

Traveler’s Note: Consider these villages a more rustic and spiritual alternative to the busier Puerto Escondido. Accommodations here are generally more basic, often consisting of charming eco-cabins and small guesthouses.

The Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí

Why Go: An adventurer’s paradise, this region is a surreal landscape of turquoise rivers, powerful waterfalls, and deep jungle-shrouded sinkholes.

Key Activities:

• Rafting or boating on the Tampaón River to the base of the stunning Tamul Waterfall.
• Waterfall jumping at the Micos waterfalls.
• Exploring Las Pozas, the surrealist garden of Edward James in the town of Xilitla.
• Witnessing the morning exit of birds from the Cave of Swallows (Sótano de las Golondrinas).

Traveler’s Note: This is a destination for active travelers seeking adventure. For safety and ease of logistics, we highly recommend booking guided tours for most activities. A basic understanding of Spanish will be very helpful in this region.

Yelapa, Jalisco

Why Go: A charming fishing village and artist enclave accessible only by boat from Puerto Vallarta, offering a true sense of escape.

Key Activities:

• Hiking or riding a mule through the jungle to the Cola de Caballo waterfall.
• Relaxing on the main beach, enjoying fresh seafood and pie from the famous “pie ladies.”
• Exploring the small, roadless village and its quirky art galleries.

Traveler’s Note: Access to Yelapa is by water taxi, which can be taken from Boca de Tomatlán or the Los Muertos pier in Puerto Vallarta. With its limited connectivity, it serves as an ideal destination for a digital detox.

Central Highlands & Colonial Surprises

Guanajuato City

Why Go: A vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city built in a narrow ravine, famous for its colorful colonial architecture, subterranean tunnels that serve as roads, and lively cultural scene.

Key Activities:

• Wandering the labyrinthine alleyways, including the legendary “Alley of the Kiss” (Callejón del Beso).
• Taking the funicular up to the El Pípila monument for the best panoramic city views.
• Visiting the surprisingly fascinating (and macabre) Mummy Museum.
• Enjoying an evening “callejoneada,” a walking musical tour led by student minstrels.

Traveler’s Note: Very comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the city is built on steep hills with many stairs and narrow lanes. Its character is distinctively more bohemian and less manicured than nearby San Miguel de Allende.

Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo

Why Go: A breathtaking box canyon featuring a thermal river, a large grotto with a hot waterfall, and dozens of cliffside thermal infinity pools (“pocitas”).

Key Activities:

• Soaking in the man-made “pocitas” overlooking the canyon.
• Exploring the main grotto and tunnel with its warm, cascading water.
• Swimming and relaxing in the turquoise, geothermally heated river.

Traveler’s Note: Please note the travel logistics: the site is a 3-4 hour drive from Mexico City. The entire complex is cash-only, so plan accordingly. To avoid significant weekend crowds and enjoy the pools in the morning or evening, we recommend an overnight stay in one of the simple on-site hotels.