International travelers eagerly head to Mexico to enjoy the country's exquisite beaches, abundant sunshine, and delicious cuisine. While tourist hotspots like Cancún and Tulum promise to please wanderers on the hunt for some coastal relaxation, several destinations in Mexico offer an authentic experience that can't be found by staying on the beaten path. Rich history, small-town charm, and unique landscapes round out this catalog of less-traveled spots in Mexico that deserve a place on that ever-growing travel bucket list.
10 Puebla
Historical beauty and creative wonder unite to make Puebla a dream destination for culture enthusiasts. Charming, cobblestone streets replace crowded beaches, and the buildings come alive with vibrant colors guaranteed to put a smile on travelers' faces.
The entirety of Puebla's city center is a UNESCO world heritage site, the architecture reflecting the region's rich history with stunning cathedrals and colonial buildings. Top-notch museums highlight the works of artists new and old, and the signature Mole and local sweet treats give guests even more to savor. By night the enlivening sounds of mariachi echo through the streets, beckoning travelers to find their rhythm.
9 Isla De Las Muñecas (Island Of The Dolls)
Most people hop on a boat during a vacation in hopes of seeing a slice of paradise not visible from the mainland. Travelers with an affinity for all things strange will find what they're looking for lingering in the waters near Mexico City.
The Island of the Dolls is precisely what it sounds like. A short boat ride takes travelers to a tiny island overrun by dolls hanging from trees, peeping through the windows of houses, and decorating the roadsides. Local folklore tells the spooky and fascinating story of how and why the dolls ended up on the island, sparking the curiosity of tourists everywhere.
8 Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala is another Mexican destination that perfectly blends the past with the present. The region contains over a thousand archaeological sites, including the impressive Cacaxtla with preserved ancient Mayan murals and ceremonial buildings. Ancient pyramids and ruins take travelers back in time in Xochitecatl, a location steeped in pre-Colombian history dating back over 2,000 years. The colorful capital is home to Palacio de Gobierno, an orange-tiled palace decorated in the highly realistic murals of renowned Mexican artist Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin.
7 Puerto Escondido
The vibes are good in Puerto Escondido, a less-traveled beach town renowned for its prime surfing on the Mexican Pipeline. The beaches are as beautiful as top destinations like Cancún, but the skyline is free of high-rise hotels. Instead, small boutique inns and authentic eateries serving up delicious local fare rule the land, enhancing the laid-back feel of the coastal Oaxacan paradise.
6 Yelapa
The remote village of Yelapa is ideal for travelers looking for somewhere to unplug. The town sits inside the cove of Bahía de Banderas, a bay wreathed by lush jungle and decorated by cascading waterfalls. There are no cars, no electricity, and no phones, making Yelapa a unique escape from the bustle of tourist hotspots. Travelers can access the remote wonderland by water taxis that regularly depart from Puerto Vallarta, witnessing the developed coasts transform into a wild landscape straight from a daydream.
5 Zacatecas
Zacatecas overflows with natural and architectural beauty. The region was a silver mining hub during the 16th-century, and the fortunes acquired are on display in the impressive colonial buildings lining the streets. Travelers will witness remnants of history on underground train rides to Mina el Edén, a prosperous mine with striking mineral formations and antique machinery. The pink-hued Catedral de Zacatecas rises from the historic city center, warming the eyes and hearts of architecture lovers.
4 Barrancas Del Cobre (Copper Canyon)
Move over, Grand Canyon. It's time to shed some light on Chihuahua's Barrancas del Cobre, a collection of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can spend several days exploring the natural playground named for its copper-hued rock faces.
Two distinct environmental zones make the area one of the most biodiverse in Mexico. Snow-capped mountains covered in dense pine forest exist near subtropical flora in the canyon's plateaus, attracting an array of unique wildlife. The destination is popular among hikers, rock climbers, and anyone moved by the incredible beauty of nature.
3 Parras De La Fuente
Travelers looking to fill their cups will find what they're looking for in Parras de la Fuente. The village name is often prefixed with "Pueblo Mágico," which means "magical village." Groves of walnut and cypress trees rise from fertile ground fed by enchanting springs, an environmental curiosity considering the region is surrounded by desert.
Parras de la Fuente is known for its vineyards and wine cellars, including the oldest in the country, Casa Madero. The picturesque village is also home to Estanque la Luz, a beautiful turquoise-colored pond surrounded by lush vegetation ripe for a relaxing soak session.
2 Mérida
There's something for everyone in Mérida. The capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatán is a culture lover's heaven. A distinctive blend of Mayan and conquistador history come together to provide an authentic flavor absent from many tourist hotspots. Visitors head to the archaeological site Dzibilchaltún to watch the sunrise through the doorways of the Temple of Seven Dolls, named for the discovery of seven effigies uncovered during discovery. Colorful colonial buildings line the charming, narrow streets, and exotic fruits fill market stalls in broad plazas. Impressive cathedrals and museums give travelers even more to explore.
1 Todos Santos
The diverse mix of residents in Todos Santos gives the charming town its unique culture. Fishermen, artists, surfers, and spiritual folk unite to provide a retreat that's as welcoming as it is beautiful. Anyone attracted to the stunning landscapes of Cabo San Lucas can enjoy much of the same scenery without all the touristy business, as Todos Santos is only an hour's drive from the more-traveled destination. Aside from its picturesque beaches, Todos Santos boasts delicious, creative cuisine and several galleries exhibiting local art.