What are some of the most underrated places to visit in Mexico?
Mexico is a country that needs no introduction. With profound roots spanning multiple millennia, it has given the world iconic civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, attracting tens of thousands of tourists each month. It is also home to world-class cuisine that ranks among the finest globally, with only a handful of countries able to compare.
When visiting Mexico, the number of things to do depends on how long you plan to stay. The country’s culturally diverse landscape reveals countless opportunities—both famous landmarks and underrated treasures. In fact, beneath its surface, you may uncover hundreds of hidden gems waiting to be explored.
The list below highlights some of the lesser-known spots in Mexico that offer much more than they first appear, inspiring you to look beyond the typical tourist trail. Whether popular or offbeat, these places showcase Mexico’s incredible diversity.
Before setting out on your adventure, ensure you apply for Mexico eVisa in advance so your travel is smooth and stress-free.
Which Type of Mexico Visa is Required for Tourism?
For leisure or sightseeing trips, international travelers are required to obtain a Mexico Tourist eVisa (FMM – Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This visa typically allows a stay of up to 180 days and is intended for tourism, cultural visits, and other non-work-related purposes.
Applying online ahead of your trip is the easiest way to secure your entry. So, if you’re planning to explore Mexico’s hidden gems, be sure to apply for Mexico eVisa before departure.
Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur
Cabo Pulmo is a small desert town located in the Southeastern corner of Baja California, and it is home to one of the largest natural coral reefs in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is also a social hub for people who are willing to try scuba diving at some of Mexico’s most pristine beaches. Even with this engaging and fun activity, tourists have been blindsided by its more popular neighbour, Los Cabos!
The fresh cuisine options are also unique and fulfilling, from their trademark Tacos filled with fresh, cooked fish and served with several of the town’s sauces.
The town’s most popular forms of activity include scouting for exotic sea creatures, such as various types of sharks, fish, and even the majestic Manta Ray, which frequents this area almost daily and is a big draw for people new to the town.
Possibly one of the more unique towns you may ever visit, Yelapa is a very minimalist town with a size that is barely visible to the naked eye. This town’s main feature is actually the process of getting from point A to point B, by boat!
This is why many who visit the small town tend to feel very relaxed throughout their journey on the boat, as it creates a pleasant feeling of contentment and clarity for all who travel to and from the town.
Another important highlight that this small town has, which should increase its popularity, but for some reason doesn’t, is the number of waterfalls nearby. Although for a much more rewarding experience, some of the locals would recommend that you go deeper into the jungle, where an even grander waterfall will show itself!
Yelapa is also just a genuinely great place to lie back and relax to cosy tunes while you admire the sun-tanned beaches, while inside one of the bars that are plopped right beside the beach!
Calakmul Ruins and Xpujil, Campeche
Did you know that this relatively unknown area near Campeche has the highest known Mayan structure in the world? This alone serves as a waypoint for lost tourists seeking these ruins.
The journey to these ruins is also quite a journey in itself! Located just over 60 kilometres within the Mexican jungles surrounding Xpujil, it is currently undergoing a large-scale excavation process that has been ongoing for some time.
You can still see plenty of unearthed murals and other intricate forms of artwork being excavated and carefully placed on pedestals nearby, which may give a slight indication of the number of treasures and other important pieces of Mexican heritage still buried under all that dirt.
Lastly, these ruins stand directly at the centre of the largest biosphere region currently in Mexico. While driving towards these historical ruins, you may have the chance to spot the infamous jaguar, a native to this part of the land.
This intriguing little town feels like it was ripped right out of Europe, thanks to the roads and houses themselves, which have a distinct European flair. The addition of unevenly laid cobblestone pebbles along the pathways and houses, which resemble those built into a mountainside, only adds to the charm.
One of the more popular reasons for visiting this quaint little town is its exceptional taxi service, which the iconic Volkswagen Beetle provides.
This town also offers activities designed for individuals who crave a bit more of a challenge in their lives, such as climbing massive cliffs, zip-lining across entire cliffs, and touring inside some of the largest cave formations in Central America.
Lastly, as you head south of the caves, you will be met with one of the most gorgeous waterfall formations in Mexico: The Thousand Waterfall, also known locally as Mil Cascadas.
