Sometimes, Americans ignore Mexico’s wonders, pondering Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta are the one seashore 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 reality, 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 protected, it is a thrill to go to!
Whether or not it’s astounding coastlines with world-class all-inclusives or little-identified gems nestled inland with no seashore in sight.
Yes, it is a arduous promote to lure Americans away from the Caribbean paradise of Cancun and the soft luxurious of Cabo, however what I’m right here to disclose is the 3 Mexican locations that stunned me essentially the most — a trio of locations I look again on with pure unadulterated delight and would return to time and again.
3) Chetumal: The “Border Town” You Don’t Know
Border cities have a foul status, particularly in Mexico. It’s protected 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 certainly one of Mexico’s largest surprises. Chetumal is a comparatively small metropolis with sights starting from accessible Mayan ruins, genuine vibrant streets, and a maze of genuine store-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 presumably the most effective meals I’ve had in all of Mexico.
Chetumal itself is worthy of exploring for a weekend getaway, however do you have to need to keep longer, you’ve got quick access crossing Belize for one more passport stamp and might even hop aboard the San Pedro Belize Express to keep away from the dilapidated, filth-highway 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, house to the otherworldly “Lagoon of Seven Colors”, and close by sleepy seashore cities alongside Mexico’s seemingly forgotten coast, comparable to Mahahual, certainly one of my favourite coastal getaways with low-cost seashore bars and comfy eco-lodges.
Unfortunately, there are not nonstop flights to Chetumal’s microscopic airport, however you may simply join by means of Cancun or Mexico City.
2) Guanajuato: Mexico’s Timeless ‘European’ City
I like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and even had a blast in Monterrey, however in the case of exploring Mexico’s city delights, Guanajuato tops all of them.
Before you resolve to ebook a visit, it’s best to know that Guanajuato is each a state and a city. I’m particularly speaking concerning the city, as surrounding cities like Leon haven’t got an excellent status.
On the flip facet, although, San Miguel de Allende is outstanding and a protected haven for expats. I’ve discovered that Uber drivers are very useful in navigating protected routes to keep away from pointless conflicts between touchdown in Leon and getting you to both Guanajuato or San Miguel with no hitch.
When you land in Leon (BJX), which has nonstop flights from quite a few U.S. hubs comparable to Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, you may need 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 trip to Guanajuato, the place out of the blue it feels you have handed by means of a wormhole, rising right into a townscape that feels distinctly “European”.
Timeless cobbled streets and alleyways cascade by means of a coloration wheel of hillsides jam-packed prime to backside with cozy cafes, sensational eateries, and charming boutique inns. Nope, no identify manufacturers right here.
In reality, certainly one of my favourite stays in Mexico is Guanajuato’s former citadel turned resort — and it is insanely low-cost! Hotel Castillo Santa Cecilia is just $35 on Booking this summer time.
Don’t skip the callejoneadas performances you may certainly run into by happenstance, the superior mummy museum, quite a few rooftop bars pouring completely balanced mezcalitas, and most significantly, at all times 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-well-known Cabo Wabo Cantina, amongst different get together-centric institutions.
But what I can not wrap my thoughts round is how Ixtapa has remained hush-hush for therefore lengthy. Given the state of Guerrero’s ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory, it is actually a diamond within the tough, with the caveat that Ixtapa and neighboring Zihuatanejo are protected trip locations.
If that is been the deterring issue, I’m right here to let you know it is protected. Truthfully, you could not go away the rows of luxurious all-inclusive resorts that spoil you anyway, comparable 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 house to the key island (Isla Ixtapa) that is a should-go to, 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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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
