Mexico is one of those countries you visit that has a lasting impression on you. It might be because of the incredible people you meet here, or the delicious food you get to enjoy. It may also be because Mexico is so vast and diverse that you can experience iconic waterfalls, impressive mountain ranges, pristine beaches and unreal deserts all within a short drive. Truth is, there are a ton of unique places and hidden gems to discover in Mexico.
Even after spending 5 full months in Mexico, we only scratched the surface of its beauty. That’s why we asked our favorite bloggers to help us compile the most unique places to visit in Mexico. Those secluded beaches only locals know about. Those beautiful towns that are off the beaten path. Those hidden gems that take you away from the crowds of tourists.
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Table of Contents
26 unique places to visit in Mexico
In this article, we’ll be covering a wide range of hidden gems in Mexico. We wanted to make sure that no matter what you’re into, you find the most unique place that fits into your Mexico bucket list and into your itinerary.
With the help of our blogger friends, we will be covering the best towns to visit, the most secluded beaches, non-touristy ruins and much more. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and discover some hidden gems in Mexico, this is the right article for you!
Top 10 hidden gem towns in Mexico
There are a ton of non-touristy towns in Mexico you can explore. These beautiful cities and pueblos (towns) are worth checking out, especially if you want to get off the beaten path in Mexico.
Here are the 10 best small towns to add to your bucket list. Some of these are small beach towns in Mexico, while others have something completely different to offer. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we’re convinced you’ll find the right place for you!
Booking.com1. Mazunte, a small town in Mexico worth discovering
Contributed by Julien from OaxacaTravelTips.com
Tucked between the southern edge of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Pacific Ocean is the beautiful coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. And at one of its southernmost points is the pueblo magico of Mazunte.
Consisting mostly of just a few sandy streets that lead you toward the ocean, Mazunte is best for couples and travelers seeking tranquility.
There are fresh juice and coconut stands, yoga classes, meditation retreats, and of course the calming sound of the ocean as its waves crash into the rocky cliffs. And in the evening, you can soak up the energy of Punta Cometa whose ridges appear to crest and swell in the same rhythm as the ocean waves below.
You’ll want to spend at least a couple of days in Mazunte. And more if you want to explore the beaches of its even smaller nearby neighbor, San Agustinillo.
The best time to visit Mazunte, Oaxaca is in November. At this time the hills are still incredibly green, the heat and humidity have lessened, and the high season has yet to begin.
With its relaxed atmosphere and small community vibe, Mazunte is a hidden gem in Mexico for when you want to relax and get away from it all.
2. Yelapa, a laid-back beach town in Mexico’s Bandera’s Bay
Contributed by yours truly at WeDidItOurWay.com
Yelapa is a small fishing town located near Puerta Vallarta. It’s a cute mountainous bay that has everything a Mexican dream vacation requires – A beautiful beach, no cars, a waterfall, good food and chill vibes.
What really makes Yelapa a unique town to visit in Mexico is that it’s a comunidad indigena, meaning that it’s a land grant or reservation legally set aside and protected for its indigenous people.
Because you have to take an hour-long bus ride to Boca de Tomatlan and then a water taxi to get there from downtown Puerto Vallarta, not many people make the trek here. That’s what makes it one of the best secluded beaches to explore in Mexico.
The beach is a lovely place to spend your day in Yelapa, as there’s not that much to do here. You can try some water sports or just enjoy one of the many restaurants that offer shaded seating and delicious food right on the beach.
The most notable landmark in Yelapa is the 98-foot waterfall. It’s a short walk from the coast, but you should know that the waterfall is not that impressive in the dry season as water levels diminish. If you want to keep walking after the waterfall, you will find another one that is a one-hour hike away – it’s much smaller at 13 feet high, but there are natural pools where you can swim.
Although you do have the option to go horseback riding or driving ATVs around town, we recommend just walking. The town is small enough that you can easily walk all around.
The best time to go to Yelapa is between September and February when the humidity drops. In December, you may be lucky enough to see the humpback whales in the bay! You can visit Yelapa on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta, or you can choose to spend a full day or two here. It really depends on what you’re looking to do.
3. Loreto, a unique and historic town in Mexico
Contributed by Daria from ExploreBajaCalifornia.com
Located 6,5 hours north of the popular Cabo San Lucas, Loreto is one of the best places in Baja California Sur to escape the crowds.
A designed pueblo mágico, Loreto offers a perfect mix of history and adventure. Here you can find the historic mission which was constructed when Loreto was the first capital of California. Today, the mission has been constructed into a museum and you can learn a lot about the history of the region when you step inside.
Walk around downtown Loreto to admire its historic buildings and enjoy a small-town charm.
And if you love the outdoors, make sure to spend at least a few days in Loreto because it’s a real getaway to adventure. Most activities in Loreto involve spending time outdoors whether it’s a hiking, diving or biking. The best time to enjoy spending time outside is from December through April when temperatures are milder.
One of the main features of the area is Loreto Bay National Park. Established in 1966, It protects 790 square miles of the Sea of Cortez and the Islands of Loreto. The area is home to a lot of wildlife and you can spend a few days touring these islands.
The national park includes five islands: Danzante, Carmen, Coronado, Montserrat, and Santa Catalina.
Make sure to spend at least one night in Loreto to appreciate its clear dark skies and slower pace of life. Ideally, plan on staying 2-3 days in the area to enjoy everything that Loreto has to offer.
While Loreto is known for its adventurous side, it’s a great destination for anybody, whether you are traveling by yourself, in a couple, or with a group of friends.
4. San Sebastián Del Oeste, a non-touristy town in Mexico you have to visit
Contributed by Daria from TheDiscoveryNut.com
Located in the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Sebastián Del Oeste is a designated pueblo mágico and is one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta.
Visiting San Sebastián Del Oeste is a great option if you want to escape the crowds and heat of Puerto Vallarta, the nearest major city that is known for its beaches and a big party scene.
The drive to San Sebastián Del Oeste from Puerto Vallarta takes you along the stunning mountain road and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can also visit San Sebastián Del Oeste with a guided tour from Puerto Vallarta if you want to learn the history of the area.
Because of its location and high altitude, San Sebastián sits in the cloud forest, and the best place to enjoy the 360-degree view of San Sebastián is La Bufa, an overlook located on top of the Mountain above the Village.
You can get a tour of La Bufa with one of the local guides on the main street of San Sebastian.
You can also drive to La Bufa by car, but only do if it has four-wheel drive. The road to La Bufa is extremely winding, and you shouldn’t get on it unless you have experience driving on narrow mountain roads with a lot of turns.
For the best experience, spend the night in San Sebastián so you can watch an amazing sunrise the next morning and grab some coffee and pastries.
5. Zihuatanejo, a small beach town that’s a hidden gem in Mexico
Contributed by Shelley of TravelMexicoSolo.com
Zihuatanejo, Mexico is one of the country’s top off-the-beaten-path places to visit, but also one of the best beach towns in Mexico. If you’re wondering about the pronunciation, you pronounce Zihuatanejoas zee-waa-ten-nay-hoe, but you’ll often hear it called Zihua (zee-waa) for short.
For travelers who wish that they could have visited Tulum before it got famous (and overly crowded), Zihuatanejo is the place for you. It is a bohemian beach town, with laid-back vibes and friendly locals.
Zihua also has beautiful beaches and great tourism infrastructure, so it’s perfect for everyone from families to solo travelers to couples. The town is on the smaller side, so you could experience everything in four full days.
Zihuatanejo is located about 20 minutes from Ixtapa (pronounced icks-taa-pah), one of the best resort towns in the country. While Zihua has some luxury hotels, it is by no means a resort town like Ixtapa. However, being so close to a major town means anything you need (banks, hospitals, etc.) is within close proximity.
To get to Zihuatanejo, you’ll fly into Ixtapa-ZihuatanejoInternational Airport (code: ZIH). There’s no Uber in Zihuatanejo, but you can take a taxi from the airport to the beaches for only about $250 MXN pesos ($12.50 USD). Walking and taxis are the best way to get around in Zihua, and the taxis are quite safe.
6. Chignahuapan, a unique place to visit in Mexico
Contributed by Brodi of OurOffbeatLife.com
Chignahuapan is a magical hidden gem to visit in Mexico. The best time to visit Chignahuapan is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and the hot springs are at their most pleasant. However, during the winter the weather is fairly mild so this can be a fun year-round destination.
Chignahuapan is well suited for a variety of different types of groups, including couples, families, and groups of friends. Whether you are looking for an active trip full of outdoor activities or some relaxing downtime in the hot springs, Chignahuapan has something for everyone.
Ideally, a visit to Chignahuapan should last several days so that you have time to fully take advantage of all the town has to offer. There’s even a handblown Christmas ornament glass factory and an axolotl rescue that offers tours!
Pro Tip: Make sure to go to the glass factory for their free tour at 2pm daily!
To get to Chignahuapan from Mexico City or Puebla City, it is best to drive or take a bus. There are also some companies offering day trips for those who prefer not to drive themselves.
7. La Ventanilla, a unique town to visit in Mexico
Contributed by Shev from ShevStrolls.com
Tucked away on the Oaxacan coastline is the little beach village of La Ventanilla. In 1996, the residents of La Ventanilla saw the destruction that was happening to the nearby mangrove lagoon and decided to form a collective to preserve the area themselves!
Over the last 25 years, the people of La Ventanilla have planted thousands of new mangrove trees making the lagoon a rich habitat for birds, iguanas, and the main attraction – crocodiles! La Ventanilla also works to protect the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the white-sand beach.
To get the full La Ventanilla experience, arrive in the early afternoon, after the hottest part of the day. You will then be guided on an educational tour of the beach and its unique magnetic sand, and then walk the short 5 minutes to the lagoon edge in order to be paddled around the mangrove forest and observe the crocodiles sunning in the lagoon.
After the crocodiles, enjoy an authentic Oaxacan dinner on the beach as the sun sets, before gathering around the turtle egg nursery for instructions on the turtle hatchling release!
La Ventanilla is a great educational family experience, but it’s recommended to anyone who wants to live a unique experience in Mexico! It’s also great to visit year-round because the different species of turtles hatch at different times throughout the year, so these activities are always available!
The area is easily accessible from Mazunte, Huatulco, and Puerto Escondido, and is very affordable at just $300 pesos per person for both the lagoon and turtle release. You will pay slightly more to take a tour from one of the nearby towns, but it is well worth it to have transportation included!
8. Cabo Pulmo, a small town in Mexico’s cape of Baja California you have to see
Contributed by Ashley from CreateYourOwnRoadshow.com
Cabo Pulmo is a remote village on the east Cape of Baja California located just 60 miles north of Los Cabos. It is home to a National Marine Park that Jaques Cousteau deemed “The World’s Aquarium.” The area offers the opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive one of the oldest reefs in the American Pacific. In addition, Cabo Pulmo is a great place for whale watching from January to March.
This area is great for couples, families, and solo travelers alike who are looking to explore the natural ocean wonders of Mexico. Despite being only a two hour drive from the bustling epicenter of tourism, Cabo Pulmo feels incredibly remote.
The community is home to just over 100 people and is off the grid, relying only on solar power. To get there, you’ll want to either rent a car or take a tour from Los Cabos. If you drive yourself, be advised the last 6 miles are bumpy but suitable for two wheel drive vehicles.
The best time to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving is April-November when the waters are calmer. The best time for whale watching is January through March.
You can go for a day trip or stay a few days and get your scuba diving certification. If you decide to stay a few days, accommodations are available through beach resorts, AirBnB, and VRBO.
9. Creel, a unique town in Mexico to get off the beaten path
Contributed by Daniel from LayerCulture.com
Creel is undeniably one of Mexico’s best-kept hidden gems. The town which lies in the Chihuahua state can be found 250km southwest of Chihuahua City. This pueblo magico is the reason many groups of travelers looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences visit the region, and with fascinating landmarks to see such as the 16th century San Ignacio Arareco church, what’s not to like?
May, June and July are the hottest times to visit the region but November and December are more pleasant and rewarding for those exploring the region by foot.
For most visitors to the magical town of Creel, the visit is merely a pit stop along the Copper Canyon trail, making the ‘El Chepe’ train ride one of the best ways to get there.
On arrival, aside from getting acquainted with the Tarahumara, a local indigenous tribe that can be seen around town, I recommend that you get on a day hike with one of the dedicated tour guides. Valle de las Monjas is a popular place to hike and also a place where you can see some of Mexico’s most interesting rock formations.
Whenever you get the chance to visit this remote region of Mexico, be sure to stop off in Creel and spend the night so you have time to do some of the outdoor activities.
Booking.com10. Taxco, a must-see town in Mexico
Contributed by Julien from CulturesTraveled.com
While Taxco’s history revolves around its silver mining industry, today, travelers to Mexico are drawn to its charming streets that wind through the mountainside of this pueblo magico. And of course, the opportunity to buy quality silver jewelry.
But this hidden gem in Mexico has a lot more to offer than picturesque viewpoints and shiny metals. In fact, nature lovers will delight in the outdoor activities near Taxco, Mexico.
Perhaps most impressive is Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, one of the largest cave systems in the world. Adrenaline seekers will want to purchase one of the various packages that include a zipline and repelling activities after exploring the caves.
Families will enjoy spending a leisurely day at Pozas Azules de Atzala. This series of blue pools and waterfalls is a top destination for local families during the weekend.
Keep in mind, it’s best to visit Taxco outside of the rainy season when these pools turn muddy from the rains. Although, morning temperatures in the winter can be a bit cold. The pueblo magico of Taxco, Guerrero is best for couples and families that want to explore a unique town in central Mexico.
The easiest way to get to Taxco is to take a bus (3 hours) from Mexico City, although there is transportation from other cities nearby as well.
7 less popular archaeological sites in Mexico you have to visit
Mexico is home to over 29 000 archaeological sites. However, only about 150 of them are open to the public. Of course, most are super popular and huge tourist destinations, like Chichen Itza and the ruins of Tulum. But there are still many archaeological sites that are not crowded and deserve to be explored.
Here are the 7 less popular ruins in Mexico that you can add to your bucket list. They are located all over the country, so no matter where you’re heading, you have an ancient ruin that you can visit.
11. Monte Alban, a non-touristy archaeological site in Mexico
Contributed by Ashlea from SheRoamsAbout.com
Monte Alban is one of the most impressive archeological sites in all of Mexico and is still an active dig site. Located just outside of Oaxaca City, this ancient metropolis is a sight to behold. Sitting atop a mountain, the views over the Oaxaca Valley are stunning and make it easy to imagine what life would have been like, conducting business up and down the mountain all those years ago.
The site itself is well preserved and features several buildings and structures still intact. This is also one of the few archeological sites in Mexico where visitors can still climb one of the structures. At only $70MXN [$3.50USD] per ticket, a fraction of the cost of other well-known archeological sites, Monte Alban provides a unique historical and scenic experience that will impress any visitor, not just history buffs.
A visit to Monte Alban would be incomplete without an official tour. The Mexican government takes history very seriously and only specially licensed guides can work within the site. The guide will spend about an hour walking through the site and explaining its history and importance, with time to explore independently at the end. English-speaking guides are available for hire at the gates for around $250MXN [$13USD].
Visitors to Monte Alban are capped daily so aim to go early in the morning, before opening to join the queue. While it’s possible to take a taxi, it’s more comfortable and often cheaper overall to book a small group tour with return air-conditioned transportation and guide included.
Top Tip: The sun is hot on the mountain so wear light clothing and remember to bring water and a hat.
12. Becan, a unique site in Mexico
Contributed by Steph from ANomadsPassport.com
The Becan ruins are located near Xpujil in the state of Campeche and are among the most unique places in Mexico. After all, these Mayan ruins were once the capital of the Rio Bec region and have influenced the architecture of many other ancient Mayan cities in the region and the Southern Mayan Lowlands.
This archeological site is full of buildings with crests and towers, features that are now recognized as Rio Bec-style architecture. Additionally, the entire main area of this ancient city was surrounded by a large trench – a feature, that makes Becan unique.
It is allowed to climb many of the structures, and structure VIII and structure IX offer the most impressive views of the surrounding ruins and area. The arched passageway and the stucco frieze of structure X are also highlights and make Becan a must-visit for everyone that loves architecture and history.
The site is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, but it is best to avoid the mid-day sun. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at the ruins. The entry fee is 70 MXN.
In order to get there, one first has to get to Xpujil. Hereby, you can take the ADO bus that departs Chetumal. Once in Xpujil, you can either rent a bike and bike there or take a taxi as the ruins are only 8 km away from the city center.
13. Yaxchilan and Bonampak, must-see places in Mexico
Contributed by Becki from MeetMeInDepartures.com
The ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak are located deep in the Lacandon Jungle in the southern state of Chiapas on the border with Guatemala. The two Mayan sites are at different locations, but because of their remoteness, they are often visited on the same day.
Bonampak is the smaller of the two sites, with the must-see thing being the colorful murals painted inside one of the tombs. They are still vibrant to this day and weren’t destroyed during the Spanish conquest.
Yaxchilan is the larger of the sites with a labyrinth-style temple that you can explore (take a torch!). If you’re squeamish with bugs, then take note that inside here, are dozens of enormous tailless whip scorpions (don’t worry, they are harmless to humans) and bats.
Although you could organize the trip independently, I highly recommend booking a tour as getting there requires 4×4, boats and shuttles, so getting them to align is a nightmare if you try to plan it yourself. Group tours are suitable for solo travelers, couples and families. Due to the nature of the sites, it would be challenging for very young children and anyone with low levels of mobility.
Also, take note that these ruins are a lot less excavated than the likes of Chichen Itza and Tikal in Guatemala. The ruins are very much still engulfed by the jungle (frequently you’ll see monkeys in the trees). With them being more rustic, there are a lot more hazards for tripping over. Rocky stones and tree roots are everywhere so go careful and wear sensible footwear.
Because of its location in the jungle, it’s extremely humid. There are bugs everywhere. Wear clothing that covers your skin, and take LOTS of bug repellent!
Prices vary depending on the size of the group but expect to pay around USD$70 upwards. This does include all the transfers, entrance, lunch and your guide for the day.
14. Calakmul, a hidden gem in Mexico
Contributed by Lara from TheBestTravelGifts.com
Calakmul is one of the best-kept secrets in southeast Mexico. It’s an ancient Maya site that’s hidden deep into the Calakmul Bioreserve. Despite it being a UNESCO world heritage site, Calakmul only sees about 60 visitors each day. A true hidden gem in Mexico!
The structures are beautiful, enormous, and still open for visitors to climb. The national park surrounding the ruins is stunning and is home to species such as jaguars, margays, spider monkeys, and toucans. Kids will love spotting animals and climbing the structures, while adults will be mesmerized by the grandeur of the sights. Making it a great place to visit for all types of travelers.
If you’re visiting make sure you explore both the national park and the ruins. You will need at least one full day and spend at least one night in Xpujil (the closest town, about an hour away from the ruins). The easiest way to get there is by car from Campeche or Chetumal. It’s also possible to reach Xpujil by public transport from Campeche, though you will need a guide and a car to reach Calakmul. Even if you do have your own car, taking a guide is highly recommended to learn more about the ruins and the wildlife.
The ruins are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and will cost about 80 pesos. However, you need to enter the national park in order to reach the ruins and this will cost another 65 pesos. The best time to visit Calakmul is during the dry season from December to April.
15. Cantona ruins, a must-see archaeological site in Mexico
Contributed by JB from DiscoverPuebla.net
If you like visiting archaeological sites but fear the crowds of Teotihuacán and Chichen Itza, then you need to visit the Cantona ruins in Puebla. It’s perhaps one the most astonishing and well-preserved archaeological ruins in Mexico. A true hidden gem to visit!
The Cantona archaeological site is an ancient city that was built around 50 CE. At its peak, it had a population of around 80,000 inhabitants, most of whom were farmers or traders who dealt in obsidian. For unknown reasons, the city was abandoned in 1050 before being rediscovered in 1855. Today, it’s believed to be one of the largest and most urbanized Mesoamerican cities in pre-Hispanic Mexico.
Unfortunately, Cantona doesn’t get many visitors because of its remote location. Situated in the northeast region of Puebla, close to the border with Veracruz, it’s difficult to get there using public transportation so you’ll need to drive yourself or book a guided tour.
When you visit, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. It’s a massive site that covers an area of around 12 sq km. You’ll be exposed to the elements so be sure to bring a hat and put on sunscreen when you go. Bring a bottle of water too.
Cantona is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm. Entrance is MXN 85 per person. The site receives a few local tourists on weekends but if you go on a weekday, there’s a good chance you’ll have the entire place to yourself.
16. Dzibilnocac Ruins, a unique archaeological site in Mexico you have to visit
Contributed by Andrew from FlightsAndFootsteps.com
The Dzibilnocac Archaeological Site in Campeche, Mexico is not something one just happens across. It’s pretty far off the beaten path, about 2.5 hours outside Campeche City, one of the safest places to stay in Mexico.
The good news is, there are two other archaeological sites on the way; Edzna and Hochob. You can make a whole day out of visiting Mayan ruins.
I recommend doing this during winter. December and January will be less hot and humid and much more tolerable, as shade is hard to come by at Dzibilnocac.
Once you pass the entrance gate (there was no admission fee when I went), you’ll notice a lot of unrestored ruin piles. A short walk onto the premises and you’ll see a sprawling grass courtyard that is remarkably well-kept.
The restored Palacio structure is in the center of the courtyard, with large towers on either end. It is believed that the structure’s use was mainly ceremonial. The only other intact structure on the premises is a stone circle platform, like the ones seen at other ruin sites.
The only way to reasonably get to Dzibilnocac is to rent a car and drive there or book a private driver. The roads are paved but watch for potholes. There are a bunch!
If you don’t feel up to the drive, you can likely find a driver/tour guide from Campeche. The prices for such things in Campeche will be more reasonable than in some other bigger destination cities.
17. Textcotzingo, non-touristy ruins worth visiting in Mexico
Contributed by Bella from PassportAndPixels.com
Mexico is bursting with ancient ruins, but if the idea of traipsing around in the hot sun with thousands of other tourists getting in all your photos fills you with dread, fear not. Because there are dozens of lesser-known ancient sites in Mexico that almost no one’s even heard of.
One of the coolest Aztec sites in Mexico is the hilltop place and gardens at Texcotzingo (sometimes spelled Tetzcotzinco). Texcotzingo was built in the 15th century by a king named Netzahualcoyotl who ruled a place called Texcoco, an independent city-state that formed an alliance with the Aztecs. Netzahualcoyotl wanted a hillside retreat away from the heat of the lowlands, so he built this massive place and ornamental gardens with fountains and water channels, and even an outdoor royal bath with an amazing view.
Texcotzingo is a great destination for anyone who likes hiking, the Aztec ruins, and getting off the beaten track. The site is about 2 hours from Mexico City center, so doable on a day trip. You can hike up and see the site in about 3-4 hours. There’s no shelter or facilities there, so bring your own water and snacks, and the best time to visit is during the dry season (otherwise you may get rained on!)
It takes about 45 minutes to hike from the car park up to the ruins of the palace and aqueducts, but it’s worth it for the magnificent views, which you’ll probably have almost entirely to yourself. The downside of that, of course, is that there is a risk of getting robbed, so don’t take anything valuable with you.
Entry is free, and it’s open daily except for Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm.
6 natural wonders in Mexico you have to see
We mentioned it before – Mexico is one of the most beautiful and diverse places we’ve visited. You can go from the beach to the desert in a matter of minutes. From mountains to lush forests to cenotes in the same day. If you’re into adventures or just chilling around, the nature here will blow you away.
Here are the 6 best natural wonders that are some of the most unique places in Mexico. So no matter what you’re looking to do, there’s something on this list for you.
18. Hierve el Agua waterfall, a must-see place in Mexico’s state of Oaxaca
Contributed by Shelley of TravelToOaxaca.com
Located about 5,800 feet above sea level (1,767 m), in the Sierra Madre mountains of Oaxaca state, Hierve el Agua is a true hidden gem in Mexico. This natural wonder has two facets: a calcified waterfall and the infinity pools, and you’ll want to visit both.
You might hear people call Hierve el Agua a waterfall. It is actually what’s called a calcified waterfall, as there’s no water actually falling, though it does look like there is. It is one of only a handful of calcified waterfalls in the world.
Looking for more waterfalls to visit all around Mexico?
Check out our full guide with the 21 best waterfalls all over the country.
The underground water at Hierve el Agua is full of minerals, and over time as that water dripped down the cliff-face, some of the mineral deposits built up, and now look like falling water. You can see the waterfall effect from the top of the cliff, or you can hike down to the bottom for even better views.
Besides the “waterfalls,” there are also hot spring pools. Hierve el Agua translates to “boil the water” or “boiling water,” and while the water isn’t boiling, it is usually quite warm. The springs here are natural, but the infinity pools are man-made. They are the perfect place to soak after the one-hour hike down to the bottom of the waterfall.
You can visit on a tour, by taxi, driving your own rental car, or taking the caminoeta. The caminoetas are pick-up trucks that go up to the site every 30-minutes or so, and you can ride in the truck bed for only about $30 pesos each way ($1.50 USD).
Hierve el Agua is located about 1.5 hours from Oaxaca City. Visitors will want to spend 2-5 hours there, depending on if you want to do the hike or just soak in the pools. The entrance cost is $50 pesos ($2.50 USD).
The best tip for visiting is to get there right when they open, so you avoid the crowds. Hierve el Agua is open from 9am-5pm. It is suitable for travelers of all ages, though not ideal for visitors with mobility limitations.
19. Check out these must-see waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina
Contributed by yours truly at WeDidItOurWay.com
If there’s one thing we still reminisce about during our time in Mexico, it’s the waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina. If you’re an adventure-seeker or love admiring the beauty of the natural world, Huasteca Potosina is the place for you.
The best place to set up camp is in Ciudad Valles. There’s not much to do in town, but it’s the biggest city in San Luis Potosi where you can reach all the waterfalls, the natural pools and the crazy activities you want to do. Make sure to rent a car while you’re in the area, as getting around with public transportation is not the most efficient way.
As we said, the waterfalls in the area are absolutely stunning. Each one has something unique to offer, and each is a must-see place in its own right.
Tamul waterfall is the tallest in the area at 105-meters high. There are two ways to get there – you can go the usual route and canoe there. But we recommend hiking to Tamul waterfalls. You will need to rent a sturdy and reliable car, as the road is quite bumpy to get there, but it’s well worth it. Just note that in the summer months, the width of the waterfall spans 300 meters, and hiking to the falls becomes impossible. You can easily spend a whole day at Tamul waterfall if you hike there.
Other notable waterfalls in the area are the waterfalls in Tamasopo. Here, you want to jump off platforms and swings, swim at the foot of many waterfalls, eat at the many restaurants and do the obstacle courses. Minas Viejas is another option where you have a few things around like restaurants.
Salto del Agua is a hidden gem of a waterfall that is visited mainly by locals. There’s not much around (actually, there’s nothing) but if you bring some snacks, food and water, you have enough to spend a full day here.
There is so much to see in Huasteca Potosina that we recommend spending at least 5 full days here if you can allow it. This will give you enough time to visit all the best waterfalls in the area at a leisurely pace.
If you want to read more about the amazing waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina, make sure you read our full article here.
We cover the 10 best waterfalls in the area, most of which are located a short drive from Ciudad Valles.
20. Las Coloradas, a unique place to visit in Mexico
Contributed by Ruma from TheHolidayStory.com
Las Coloradas is a heavenly place on Mexico’s tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. The term Las Coloradas translates into “the colored” in Spanish. The name perfectly signifies the unique pick cotton candy color of the water of these lakes.
Las Coloradas is a part of the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. It’s a protected habitat for wild animals and birds. The pink lakes are properties of a salt company that created these lakes to produce salt on a larger scale. The water’s high salinity allows certain algae, plankton, and brine shrimps to grow in these lakes and give it its characteristic pink color.
Tourists visit to capture some aesthetic photographs with the pink backdrop. You can also find pink flamingos and other birds flying around in this area. The best time to visit the lakes is on a sunny afternoon before the salt harvesting is done.
Visiting Las Coloradas from Cancun or Playa del Carmen takes a three-hour car ride. A day trip will suffice for the visit. You can also spend the weekend exploring the biosphere reserve and the nearby town of Rio Lagartos.
There is an entry fee of 75 pesos. Photography with professional cameras is not allowed; you can take a picture with your phone. Special permits are required to shoot using drones. The pink water bodies are highly secured, and tourists are prohibited from touching the water. It’s open throughout the week from 9 am to 5 pm.
21. Cenote Xux ha, one of the must-see places in Mexico
Contributed by Isabella from MexicoCenotesAndRuins.com
If you are looking for a beautiful cenote to visit near Valladolid that is not overcrowded you should stop by Cenote Xux-Ha. It’s located in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, home to many of these amazing hidden treasures.
Cenote XUX-ha comes from two words HA means water and XUX (pronounced shush) means honeycomb in the Mayan language. In fact, there are a lot of bees buzzing around the place, but they won’t bother you.
The area is very tidy and well kept and equipped with all the necessary facilities. The cost is 120 MXN per person and it’s open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
The best way to get to Cenote Xux-ha is by car. From Valladolid, you must take the main road but the libre, not the highway (cuota) direction Chemax or Cancun. You will see the cenote entrance about 20 minutes’ drive from Valladolid
You can also get there by public transport from Valladolid. Those are minivans (colectivos) that head in direction of Chemax. You must tell the driver to drop you off at the Cenote Xux-ha sign.
From there you will need to walk about 200 mt to get to the cenote entrance and ticket office.
There are plenty of cenotes to explore in Mexico. In fact, they say that there are over 6,000 of them. We have 2 different articles for you, if you’re looking to discover cenotes.
The first covers all the cenotes in the Yucatan. Ones that are close to Merida, Valladolid, Cuzamá & Homún.
While the second is for all the best cenotes in Quintana Roo, near Tulum, PDC, Cancun & Bacalar.
22. Prisma basálticos waterfall, one of Mexico’s most unique places
Contributed by Isabella from LetsTravelToMexico.com
Huasca de Ocampo, in the Hidalgo state of Mexico, was one of the first towns in Mexico to be proclaimed Pueblos Magicos, a marketing program in Mexico that selected some of the most charming towns to promote their cultural heritage and natural wonders.
In fact, in Huasca de Ocampo, you can find one of the most beautiful rock formations in Mexico, the Basaltic Prisms.
Located only 5 minutes’ drive from town, you can find spectacular cliffs made of basaltic rocks shaped like prisms, from where waterfalls and rivers flow down. These kinds of formations are very common in this region and in fact if you drive around you will see many of these beautifully formed rocks.
However, the part that is enclosed in the Prismas Basalticos park is particularly beautiful and worth a visit.
The entry fee is 100 MXN ($5USD) and the opening hours are 9 am to 6 pm every day, while on Sunday it is open until 9 pm. I recommend going early in the morning and avoiding weekends to make the best of it with fewer people around. Walk around across the hanging bridge and down to the bottom of the waterfall and all the way to the very end of the path from where you can see the spectacular old Hacienda of Santa Maria Regla.
If you have time I would recommend staying in the hacienda for a couple of nights and learning about its fascinating history. If not, make sure you go for a visit, for 100 pesos + tips a guide will show you around and share the history of the original owners. Besides, you will have another perspective of the Basaltic Prismas as well.
23. Bacalar, the unique lagoon of seven colors in Mexico
Contributed by yours truly at WeDidItOurWay.com
Bacalar is a short 3-hour drive from Tulum, and it’s one of the most chill places you’ll visit in Mexico. Although there is no beach in Bacalar, you still get those chill laid-back beach vibes.
The main attraction in the town is the Lagoon of Seven colors. If you’re looking for one of Mexico’s most stunning natural wonders, its stunning blue waters, without any of the sargassum (that nasty seaweed that washes up on the Caribbean coast of Mexico), look no further. Plus, it’s a great alternative to Tulum, if you want to escape the crowds.
Bacalar is known for its blue lagoon. This is the perfect place to spend your days. You can catch a sunrise here, hang out on the docks of the lagoon during your day, or catch a sunset boat ride at dusk. It’s truly one of the most unique places in Mexico!
What’s also great about this Pueblo Magico is that you can find amazing food (yes, vegan meals too) without the steep price tag. There are plenty of delicious options available all over town.
There are also some cenotes to visit in Bacalar, as well as Mayan Ruins nearby and a historic fort right in the middle of town. Bacalar has kept its chill vibes, despite some clubs opening up in recent times.
You can visit Bacalar any time of year. January and February are the best months to go to avoid the rain. Not only will the weather be great, but you’ll also be in the shoulder season, which means fewer crowds and cheaper prices. June to August tend to be the hottest months, going up to 33℃ (92℉), with May being the hottest month. December to February can see temperatures as low as 19℃ (66℉).
You can check out our full Bacalar guide here.
And if you want to check out other alternatives to Tulum, we have another article for you to discover.
Top 3 secluded beaches in Mexico
Mexico is a country that is full of beautiful beaches. For example, Balandra is constantly rated as one of the best beaches in the world. Since Mexico is such a popular destination for snowbirds looking to escape the cold, most beaches tend to get very crowded.
Luckily, our favorite bloggers came to the rescue and recommended these 3 amazing secluded beaches in Mexico. Here, you can escape the troops and enjoy some downtime away from all the tourists.
24. Xpu-Ha beach, a secluded beach in Mexico’s Caribbean coast
Contributed by Christine from JourneyToMexico.com
Playa Xpu-Ha (pronounced “Ish-poo-ha”) is a picture-perfect Mexican Caribbean beach with white sand and blue waves. For those who want to enjoy the region’s more pristine natural beauty, travelers can head to Xpu-Ha, where they may relax on a stunning beach away from the masses. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet at the beach without having to sacrifice convenience or fun, this is the place to go. Everyone, from those on their own to married couples and families, will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Xpu-Ha.
The southern part of Xpu-Há beach, where two beach clubs are located, is where most people congregate, yet the north is typically isolated.
To reach Xpu Ha Playa, you can either rent a car and drive or take a cab or colectivo. From Playa del Carmen, go south on Highway 307 for about 15 miles. Note that if you’re driving, you pay 50 to 100 MXN (2 to 4 dollars) to access the beach road.
June through August are the best months to visit Xpu-Ha because of the pleasant weather. From Playa del Carmen, a trip to the beach may be done in a day, although spending a weekend or three days there is recommended. Spending more time at Xpu-Ha allows you to see the dawn, relax on the beach until the sun goes down, and travel the length of the island from north to south while engaging in various water sports.
25. Isla Blanca, a secluded beach in Mexico, near Cancun
Contributed by Isabella from LetsTravelToCancun.com
If you are looking for some of the few hidden places close to Cancun, Isla Blanca is where you need to go.
One of the best beaches in Cancun, Isla Blanca is located north of Cancun where everybody thinks there is nothing more left to explore. Instead, you will find this small piece of paradise for kite surfers and beach lovers.
It’s a strip of untouched white sand beach separated and flanked by a thick bush of mangroves and turquoise blue water. Behind the bush, you will find a huge lagoon with shallow waters where kite surfers love to practice.
Actually, if you want to learn how to kite surf you can check out Ikaro school right there. They also run a small bed and breakfast where you can stay and kite surf all day long
Avoid going on the weekend as it is packed with visitors. If you have the chance, visit during the week and make sure you park in the paying parking lot. You can bring your own snacks or get some local food from the small restaurant on the beach.
Keep in mind though that if you walk along the spectacular beach there is no shade to protect you from the sun so make sure you have good sunscreen. Otherwise, at the restaurant, you can rent a beach umbrella.
If you decide to drive across the beach you can, but you will be transpassing a private property and will have to pay a small fee. However, keep in mind that when the tide is high the water from the lagoon will rise up and you won’t be able to go back to the road until the next day
26. Isla Holbox, hiking to a secluded beach
Contributed by Alexander from TravelYourMemories.com
Isla Holbox is everything you imagine from an island paradise. Endless white beaches, trendy guesthouses, plenty of nice restaurants, and great street art. Ideal for backpackers or couples who want to relax. The island is located on the north coast of Yucatan Mexico and from Cancun, it is about a three-hour drive to the town of Chiquila, from where the ferry departs. The best time to travel to Isla Holbox is late May to early September.
Isla Holbox is not a big island so you can easily walk around it in a day, or half a day. It is advisable to stay 4 nights to be able to do different activities. In addition to the well-known activities such as swimming with whale sharks or spotting the connotes, you can also do some great hikes in Isla Holbox. When the tide is out, you can walk all the way through the water from Las Nubes to Punta Mosquito. The water will be no more than your knees and you have a great view on all sides. If you are lucky, you will encounter several pelicans and flamingos along the way and maybe even see dolphins swimming.
Las Nubes is the last hotel you encounter when you walk or cycle from the center along the beach. You can park your bike or golf cart here to begin your walk through the water to Punta Mosquito.
At Punta Mosquito, you will find a beautiful beach where you can relax. Make sure you bring enough food and drinks with you because after Las Nubes there is literally nothing left.
26 unique places and hidden gems to discover in Mexico
There you have it! The 26 most unique places in Mexico. We tried to cover a wide range of different things, from natural places to ruins, secluded beaches and non-touristy towns. Hopefully, you found something that will help make your Mexico trip wonderful.
- Xpu-ha beach
- Monte Alban
- Becan
- Mazunte
- Yaxchilan and Bonampak
- Calakmul
- Loreto
- San Sebastián Del Oeste
- Zihuatanejo
- Hierve el Agua waterfall
- Chignahuapan
- Huasteca Potosina
- Yelapa
- La ventanilla
- Cabo Pulmo
- Cantona ruins
- Dzibilnocac Ruins
- Hiking in Isla Holbox
- Textcotzingo
- Creel
- Bacalar
- Las Coloradas
- Cenote xuxha
- Prisma basálticos waterfall
- Taxco
- Isla Blanca
Let us know in the comments if we missed any other hidden gems in Mexico. Which places are you most excited to visit? Have you ever been to any of these places?
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