5 Underrated Destinations In Mexico For A Crowd-Free Getaway

Cancun. Cabo. Mexico Metropolis. What do these have in widespread?

World fame usually ends in largely unavoidable crowds, until you enterprise into the locals’ gatekeepers’ secret hideaways.

At Journey Off Path, we think about ourselves to be Mexico’s #1 followers, forging via the customarily dramatized safety issues and placing them to mattress.

I alone have been to 19 completely different locations throughout the nation with nothing however rave experiences from the ‘harmful’ streets of Tijuana to the little-known shores of Mahahual.

So, permit us to be your tour information this fall by presenting you 5 underrated getaways to keep away from jam-packed seashores, anti-tourism protests, and entitled retirees surrounding the swim-up bar.

Salud!

Aguascalientes 🍷

With direct flights from Dallas, Houston, and LA, reaching certainly one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets and techniques is less complicated than you would possibly assume.

I simply bought again from Aguascalientes for the primary time and rapidly developed a crush from the second I stepped foot within the timeless metropolis heart.

Let the towering Catedral de Aguascalientes grow to be your North Star for an unforgettable getaway, filled with sensational delicacies, European-esque streets brimming with sidewalk cafes, and maybe North America’s most neglected countryside vineyards, equivalent to Vinocola Santossca — it is definitely worth the trek!

For price range vacationers, you will be hard-pressed to seek out wherever cheaper. We’re speaking $2 museums, $3 lattes, and Uber rides beneath $5 throughout town.

And with a reputation like Aguascalientes, you recognize you gotta go to the recent springs. Baños Termales de Ojocaliente is a superb place to unwind in a classic bathhouse for beneath $20.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo 🏝️

When you’re craving Mexico’s paradise shores (and who would not?), you doubtless by default have searched and searched to craft an ideal trip in Cancun, Cabo, or perhaps Puerto Vallarta.

I have been responsible of that too, however I even have so many Mexican journeys beneath my belt I’ve. a leg up on following the crowds, which is why my most up-to-date seaside journey South of the border was to lesser-known Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

Way more well-liked for Canadians than Individuals, this mouthful of a reputation consists of two neighboring seaside cities — “Zihua”, being a delegated Pueblo Magico with a luxe new(ish) Thompson Hotel, and Ixtapa, a map-dot city lined with name-brand all-inclusives and a secret island for epic seafood and snorkeling excursions.

Name me loopy, however I actually imagine Ixtapa is prettier than Cabo. It is the misunderstood journey advisory for the state of Guerrero deterring most Individuals, however Ixtapa is actually a diamond within the tough.

Fly direct from Dallas, Houston, LA, amongst different seasonal routes.

Guanajuato 🏰

If Europe is just too far off a trek for a fall getaway, think about Guanajuato. This lesser-known city shares the identical identify because the state it resides, and is essentially neglected by extra well-liked San Miguel de Allende.

In the identical neighborhood as aforementioned Aguascalientes, this vibrant, wondrous escape oozes European vibes with towering cathedrals, a maze of cobbled walkways, and sidewalk cafes and boutique accommodations with few glimpses of American branding.

There could also be no canals operating via the cityscape, however I assure you will really feel the identical stage of romance. Properly….till you go to the Museum of Mummies….

The truth is, there is a well-known photo-op known as Callejon del Beso, so be ready to pucker up!

Plus, you’ll be able to keep in a historic citadel that is been revamped into a shocking lodge — and it is beneath $50 per evening!

There are quite a few direct flights right here from main hubs like Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.

Journey Tip: You may should fly into town subsequent door, Leon. Simply know Uber/taxi conflicts are nonetheless prevalent right here on the airport, so you will have to stroll round to the Oxxo retailer to ebook a rideshare.

Rosarito 🏄🏻‍♂️

Rosarito is Northern Baja’s most notable seaside city. Usually neglected as a result of its proximity to the border, Californians flock right here to surf, bask in low-cost cervezas, ceviche, and bar-hop round a downtown space that seems like a microcosm of Cabo.

Whereas not all-inclusive, there are quite a few beachfront accommodations lining the scenic coast. Although it is solely a 45-minute drive from San Diego (with out border visitors), the seashores listed below are a completely completely different vibe — count on to see horses, therapeutic massage tables, and sure, there are some distributors seeking to lure you into overpriced eating places smack dab within the sand.

General, it is a actually enjoyable city and fully secure for vacationers, which is why there is a thriving expat neighborhood.

Drive down from San Diego or fly into Tijuana via town’s solely U.S. flight route from Phoenix.

Monterrey

You recognize Mexico Metropolis, and maybe Guadalajara — however have you learnt Monterrey, Mexico’s second largest metropolis?

This underrated metropolis is a sprawling cultural hub backed by the staggering Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, with loads of hikes appropriate for fall.

There are quite a few unsuspecting surprises alongside a fun-filled riverwalk that rivals San Antonio, that includes extra genuine eating places, picturesque neighborhoods like Barrio Antiguo, world-class museums, and seemingly infinite rooftop accommodations to sit back poolside and take within the views.

Monterrey is certainly one of Mexico’s best cities to achieve, all because of Viva Aerobus, their flagship price range provider, flying a stunning variety of U.S. cities, equivalent to Austin, Denver, Orlando, to call just a few.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.