Sometimes, Americans ignore Mexico’s wonders, pondering Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta are the one seaside locations value visiting.
As for Mexico’s sprawl of cityscapes, Mexico City appears to be the exception to unwritten guidelines, as our southern neighbor is misrepresented primarily as a ‘harmful’ nation, when in truth, a majority of violent crime occurs in particular areas off the overwhelmed path from any welcoming places.
Having checked off the sixteenth Mexican vacation spot final week, I’m right here to let you know not solely is most of Mexico secure, it is a thrill to go to!
Whether or not it’s astounding coastlines with world-class all-inclusives or little-known gems nestled inland and not using a seaside in sight.
Yes, it is a exhausting promote to lure Americans away from the Caribbean paradise of Cancun and the comfortable luxurious of Cabo, however what I’m right here to disclose is the three Mexican locations that stunned me essentially the most — a trio of locations I look again on with pure unadulterated delight and would return to repeatedly.
3) Chetumal: The “Border Town” You Don’t Know
Border cities have a nasty fame, particularly in Mexico. It’s secure to say 99.9% of vacationers aren’t vacationing in Juarez, Mexicali, or Nuevo Laredo, however Mexico has one other border city close to the inland tip of Quintana Roo beaming with potential if solely extra vacationers knew it existed.
Hugging the Mexico-Belize juncture is one among Mexico’s greatest surprises. Chetumal is a comparatively small metropolis with points of interest starting from accessible Mayan ruins, genuine vibrant streets, and a maze of genuine shop-laden alleyways that do not really feel tacky, a scenic Malecòn lining a number of the most illuminous blue-hued waters conceivable, and the house to fairly probably the perfect meals I’ve had in all of Mexico.
Chetumal itself is worthy of exploring for a weekend getaway, however must you wish to keep longer, you might have easy accessibility crossing Belize for an additional passport stamp and might even hop aboard the San Pedro Belize Express to keep away from the dilapidated, dirt-road city previous customs (Belize’s first impression is not the postcard Cayes we have all envisioned).
But Chetumal’s actual draw is a superb base for exploring Bacalar, residence to the otherworldly “Lagoon of Seven Colors”, and close by sleepy seaside cities alongside Mexico’s seemingly forgotten coast, akin to Mahahual, one among my favourite coastal getaways with low-cost seaside bars and comfy eco-lodges.
Unfortunately, there are now not nonstop flights to Chetumal’s microscopic airport, however you possibly can simply join via Cancun or Mexico City.
2) Guanajuato: Mexico’s Timeless ‘European’ City
I really like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and even had a blast in Monterrey, however in relation to exploring Mexico’s city delights, Guanajuato tops all of them.
Before you resolve to e-book a visit, you need to know that Guanajuato is each a state and a city. I’m particularly speaking in regards to the city, as surrounding cities like Leon do not have an incredible fame.
On the flip aspect, although, San Miguel de Allende is exceptional and a secure haven for expats. I’ve discovered that Uber drivers are very useful in navigating secure routes to keep away from pointless conflicts between touchdown in Leon and getting you to both Guanajuato or San Miguel and not using a hitch.
When you land in Leon (BJX), which has nonstop flights from quite a few U.S. hubs akin to Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, you will wish to take a brief stroll to the Oxxo comfort retailer to seize an Uber as taxis declare the airport grounds.
From right here, it is a couple of 35 minute experience to Guanajuato, the place abruptly it feels you’ve got handed via a wormhole, rising right into a townscape that feels distinctly “European”.
Timeless cobbled streets and alleyways cascade via a colour wheel of hillsides jam-packed prime to backside with cozy cafes, sensational eateries, and charming boutique accommodations. Nope, no identify manufacturers right here.
In truth, one among my favourite stays in Mexico is Guanajuato’s former fort turned lodge — and it is insanely low-cost! Hotel Castillo Santa Cecilia is barely $35 on Booking this summer time.
Don’t skip the callejoneadas performances you will certainly run into by happenstance, the superior mummy museum, quite a few rooftop bars pouring completely balanced mezcalitas, and most significantly, all the time order the salsa rojo with enchiladas.
1) Ixtapa: Dare I Say It’s Better Than Cabo?
There’s no knocking Cabo — it makes for an superior getaway to both unwind in unparalleled luxurious or hit the city runnin’ at world-famous Cabo Wabo Cantina, amongst different party-centric institutions.
But what I can not wrap my thoughts round is how Ixtapa has remained hush-hush for thus lengthy. Given the state of Guerrero’s ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory, it is really a diamond within the tough, with the caveat that Ixtapa and neighboring Zihuatanejo are secure trip locations.
If that is been the deterring issue, I’m right here to let you know it is secure. Truthfully, you might not go away the rows of luxurious all-inclusive resorts that spoil you anyway, akin to Barcelo, the place I stayed.
That is, except you hit up the pristine shores of Blue Flag-certified Playa El Palma, these very resorts’ entrance.
Better but, Ixtapa is residence to the key island (Isla Ixtapa) that is a must-visit, too. The ferry departing Playa Linda solely prices a couple of dollars (sure, guides settle for {dollars} and can politely “ask” for a tip), however as soon as right here, pestering distributors is minimal.
The waters are crystal-clear for snorkeling, and the ‘contemporary catch’ seafood is spectacular.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.