5 Underrated Alternatives To Popular Destinations In Mexico

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Are you searching for underrated alternate options to Mexico’s hottest locations? Check out these much less touristy, inexpensive, 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 provide beautiful seashores and loads of issues to do, guests may also encounter massive crowds and excessive costs.

Some locations, like Tulum, have develop into 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, if you happen to’re searching for underrated locations which have the identical vibe as Mexico’s hottest vacationer hotspots, listed here are one of the 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 recognition, Cancun can get extraordinarily crowded and costs soar throughout peak instances of yr like the vacations and spring break.

An important different to Cancun is Puerto Morelos, positioned 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 recognized for its seashores, resorts, nightlife, and coral reefs.

But if you happen to’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.

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 understood for its dramatic surroundings, nice seashores, and resorts.

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

A improbable different is La Paz, positioned about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas. This genuine Baja California metropolis is energetic 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 searching for one thing extra low-key, attempt Sayulita as an alternative.

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

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

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5. Tulum Alternative: Bacalar

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

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

For someplace much less developed and touristy, try 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 referred to as the Lagoon of Seven Colors. Bacalar is already being known as “the new Tulum” and it’s not exhausting to see why.