These Are The Top 5 Underrated Colonial Cities In Mexico

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We all know (and love) Mexico for its paradisaical Caribbean coast and with world-class resorts with the kind of five-star amenities you’d think would only be reserved for the elites, but lately, we’ve been craving more.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re definitely not ones to think we’re too intellectual, and above everyone else to look down on Cancun. In fact, you can find us in the nearest all-inclusive south of the border come January.

That being said, sometimes, mimosas by the poolside for a whole week won’t cut it.

Lucky for us culture-hungry travelers, Mexico has 5 other under-the-radar spots, away from the jam-packed Quintana Roo shores, that pride themselves in their authenticity, rich heritage, and fascinating history, and guess what: they’re yet to be spoiled but mass tourism.

Veracruz

A vibrant port city on the Gulf of Mexico that’s often bypassed by tourists, Veracruz is home to one of the best-preserved colonial centers south of the border, complete with grand plazas, a stunning Baroque cathedral, and even a European-style coastal fortress.

Its Zócalo, surrounded by Spanish-built edifices, is where locals gather and city life unfolds, while the scenic malecón, stretching along the azure waters of the Atlantic, is perfect for long walks (fueled by takeout tacos from the nearest street vendor).

Not to miss in Veracruz: San Juan de Ulúa (the aforementioned fort), the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, with its striking whitewashed exterior, and the many former convents scattered around town, the most beautiful of which has to be San Francisco.

San Luis Potosi

A hidden gem tucked away in central Mexico, San Luis Potosí has been growing in popularity lately as more Americans become keen on cultural getaways, though it is yet to be overrun with tourists. Think Mexico City, but smaller, more compact, and far less chaotic.

The colonial centerpiece here is the ornate Metropolitan Cathedral, built from red sandstone, though visitors are equally charmed by Plaza del Carmen, a verdant space flanked by beautiful minor churches, and Tangamanga, the second-largest urban park in Mexico after the capital’s Chapultepec.

San Luis is also one of Mexico’s most underrated food hotspots, and you simply can’t leave without trying their local enchiladas potosinas, which are lightly-fried red chile tortillas filled with cheese. You don’t even need to go to a fancy restaurant to try local delights: a stroll through Mercado Hidalgo will do.

Cuernavaca

The capital of Morelos state, Cuernavaca has only recently started gaining traction, especially after a story we published ourselves, and though we’d love to take credit for it, that’s largely due to the fact true beauty can’t stay under wraps forever.

Picture a monumental 16th century castle, that once used to serve as the home of Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés, a richly-decorated cathedral and an adjacent cloister, that both date back to the colonial era, and a plethora of world-class museums that are long overdue a shoutout.

If you love art, Museo Robert Brady is a major highlight: located in the namesake American collector’s former home, it boasts an eclectic international collection. Now, if it’s ancient history that makes your heart skip a beat, there are not one, but two pyramids right in the city.

Only a half-hour walk from the Palace, the Teopanzolco Archaeological Zone offers a rare glimpse into the city’s pre-Hispanic past.

San Francisco de Campeche

Another one of Mexico’s UNESCO-protected offerings, San Francisco de Campeche is considered both one of the country’s most beautiful colonial architectural ensembles, and safest state capitals. Look it up: Campeche is one of only 2 Mexican states where no safety warning applies.

Minimal pickpocketing risks aside, it is proudly distinguished for being one of only two surviving walled cities of the Americas, alongside Quebec City in Canada. The walls were initially put up to protect the town from pirate raids, but its city gates and watchtowers are now open-air museums.

Into architecture? The main cathedral is a must-see spot, with its Baroque-Neoclassical influences and religious importance, and let’s not forget Fuerte de San Miguel: featuring ramparts and even a drawbridge, the 320-year-old structure is now occupied by a Mayan History museum.

Patzcuaro

Small and unassuming, Patzcuaro wouldn’t be on your average traveler’s Mexico itinerary unless they are particularly drawn to Spanish heritage and they don’t mind the long drive.

The nearest airport is Morelia International, a whole 61 miles away, but perhaps that’s precisely what makes the town so enticing. It has a timeless townscape, with picture-perfect colonial arcades, historic cafes, and a soaring basilica to its name, but none of the usual crowds.

That is, unless it’s Dia de los Muertos, as Mexicans will flock here from all over the place on this date for the colorful celebration. For most of the year, however, Patzcuaro’s cobbled lanes and courtyards are incredibly peaceful.

Oh, did we mention Patzcuaro sits on the shores of a scenic lake, carrying the same name? Lake Patzcuaro is surrounded by mountains, and the island at its center, Isla Janitzio, with its fishermen’s houses and 40-meter statue of José María Morelos, is a short 25-minute boat ride away.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.