When you think of Mexico, you probably imagine the white sand beaches of Cancun, luxurious tourist centers perched along the sunny coast of Cabo and the animated food markets in Mexico City. That is not a surprise, because Mexico is the most visited country in Latin America.
Mexico has a well -established travel route, with popular cities such as Cancun, Tulum, Oaxaca, Mexico City and Cabo San Lucas receiving the greatest attention of foreign visitors. But there is also a different Mexico: less famous and without freezing, but no less spectacular.
If you want to get out of the threshing road and see the side of the country that most tourists lose, this article is for you. The cities on this list are perfect if you want to explore the hidden jewels, where you will not find crowds, but you will enjoy an authentic atmosphere, a delicious regional food and a lot of culture.
1. Morelia
Morelia It is one of Mexico’s best kept secrets. Despite the relatively low number of international tourists, it easily rivals popular destinations such as San Miguel de Allende or Oaxaca. Established in 1541, Morelia is one of the oldest cities in Mexico, and until today, it has a well -preserved colonial architecture and world -class museums that show the key events in the country’s history.
The city also has a vibrant artistic scene, with several free museums and an annual international film festival in Morelia that attracts people around the world. The city is recognized for its gastronomy, from the famous carnitas and corundies to Uchecos and Atole de Grno, all deeply rooted in the Purapeha indigenous culture of Michoacán.
2.Theret
Only 3 hours from the northwest of Mexico City by bus, Santiago de Querétaro (little called Queretaro) is a cultural center of the region with a lot of history, culture, gastronomy and without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
This colonial city offers authentic Mexican experience away from the usual critical points, including San Miguel de Allende just north. Queretaro has the historic center of the UNESCO list, where the cobbled streets lead to vibrant squares, centennial churches and baroque mansions that whisper stories of the historical past of Mexico.
Querétaro’s culinary scene is equally Rica. Here you can savor the enchilada quertanas, take the artisanal evil and enjoy cheese and wine. The state of Queretaro is the second largest wine producing region in Mexico after Baja California, and can try the local wine in many local restaurants.
3. Loreto
Loreto is a colonial city in the heart of the desert of Baja California that is not yet known by most travelers by their remote location. It has a unique mixture of culture and ecotourism thanks to whales, dolphins and even the orcs that often appear near their coasts.
The first permanent European settlement in Baja California, Loreto, is the home of the mission of Our Lady of Loreto, a seventeenth mission that marks the beginning of the historic real path the road.
The nearby Loreto Bay National Park is a UNESCO marine reserve with beautiful volcanic islands, virgin beaches and abundant marine life. You can make a boat tour from Loreto to see dolphins, marine lions and even blue whales from January to March.
4. Campeche
Campeche’s main attraction is his old sweet helmet that appears as a Unesco world heritage site. But Campeche is more than just photogenic architecture. It is surrounded by old defensive walls, which were built by the Spaniards to protect the city from pirates who wandered in the area in the past.
5. La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, one of the two states that form the Peninsula of Baja California. Although peace does not have an impressive old town with colonial buildings or a rich history of other destinations on this list, it has some of the best beaches in Mexico and ecotourism.
The city is a gateway to Cortez nicknamed “The World Aquarium” by French naturalist Jacques Cousteau, due to its incredible variety of marine life. Whether you want to swim with playful marine lions on Holy Spirit Island, snorkeling with whale sharks or see gray and humpback whales, peace has everything.
The beaches here are some of the best in Mexico with soft white sand, crystalline waters and a fraction of the crowds in Cabo and many other popular beach cities throughout the country. Located only 35 minutes from La Paz, Balandra Beach is a medium -shaped bay often called the most beautiful beach in Mexico.
6. Guanajuato
Many visitors jump to Guanajuato in favor of San Miguel de Allende, a town that was once calm that became one of the most modern destinations in Mexico. However, Guanajuato (the same name as the state where it is) is a delight for a curious traveler.
Guanajuato is known for its silver mining history and its subsequent growth that paved the way to become an important player in the country’s impulse due to the independence of the Spaniards. The Historic Center of Guanajuato appears as a World Heritage site of UNESCO and home of several popular reference points such as the Kiss Alley (the Kiss Alley), the Museum of the Mummies (the Mummy Museum) and the monument to the Pipila, an observation cover that offers panoramic views of the city.
7. Hermosillo
If you have never heard of Hermosillo, you are not alone: the capital of the state of the northwest of Sonora is closer to Arizona than from most places in Mexico.
Hermosillo is not a tourist center in any way, however, it offers an interesting version of northern Mexico and offers an escape to many natural reference points in the area, including the Tiburon Island, the largest island in Mexico, the virgin beaches of Kino Bay (Kino Bay) and the Pinacate, one of the most spectacular natural reserves in the country that is the home of Volcanos and Sprawling.
Some of the most prominent reference points of Hermosillo include the vibrant Plaza Zaragoza, Cerro de la Campana, which provides a show of the city, and the historic cathedral of La Asuncó, an ornate church of the nineteenth century in the heart of the city.
8. Xalapa
Despite being an entrance door to some of the most spectacular destinations in the state of Veracruz, most tourists do not know Xalapa. The city is often overlooked in favor of coastal cities, but has a unique mixture of culture, green mountain landscapes and fascinating history.
The Xalapa cathedral is the heart of the center. The Xalapa Anthropology Museum, one of the most important museums in the country is the home of an Olmec artifact collection, including the famous giant stone heads, as well as historical pieces of Totonac and Huastec cultures that lived in this part of Mexico during pre -Hispanic times.
Daria Bachmann
Daria is a travel writer who encourages her audience to leave her comfort zone and explore more. He directs two blogs, the discovery and explores Baja California, where he focuses on Mexico and other adventurous destinations.
