With over 40 varieties of tacos, stunning beaches, and welcoming culture, it’s no surprise that Mexico is a preferred travel destination. Places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen have become the most visited spots for this country below the U.S. border.
However, with 32 states, Mexico is a wonderland of exploration.
If you’re looking to visit Mexico, why not go a little off the beaten path? Visit these three cities that U.S. News has named some of Mexico’s best places to visit.
Cozumel, Puebla, and Punta Mita, were voted one of the best places to visit in Mexcio. Have you heard of them? Let’s get into what makes these places great and what they have to offer visitors.
Cozumel
A small island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula charms visitors year-round with its turquoise-colored water and smooth sand beaches. Visitors are often dazzled by the beautiful reefs surrounding the island, which makes it an ideal location for snorkeling.
Cozumel is a popular stop for cruise ships. But if you explore a little past the port, you’ll discover some fascinating gems the island offers.
One of the most unique finds of Cozumel is the pearl farm. If you’ve never heard of this unique excursion, you’re in for a surprise. Farmers have created a technique for cultivating pearls, like farming fruit or fish.
When visiting the farm, you can take a tour to learn the history of the place. Then, you can participate in the hatchery and swim and dive for pearls. Towards the end of your visit, you can relax and swim in the clear blue waters. You can even stop a life-sized underwater statue of the Virgin Guadalupe.
U.S. News ranked this paradise #2 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations and #4 in Best Beaches in Mexico. With these high rankings, you’ll want to dig your toes into the shores of beaches such as Playa San Martin, Playa Chen Rio, and Playa Punta Morena.
Puebla
If you’re not a beach person because not everyone is, Mexico has plenty of destinations to explore inland. If you head 80 miles southwest of Mexico City, you’ll find a charming city called Puebla in the Valley of Cuetlaxcoapan.
Puebla is a city for history buffs and foodies with much to offer, including their magnificent Talavera pottery. For those that thirst for knowledge and history, you’ll want to check out places such as:
- The Cuexcomate Volcano, despite its name, is an inactive geyser with a legend of being the love child between two volcanos. It is known as the smallest volcano in the world.
- The International Museum of the Baroque showcases Baroque-style art from 1598 and 1752.
- The Palafoxiana Library was established in 1646 and is the oldest public library in the Americas.
For food lovers, your taste buds will be delighted when you try Puebla’s infamous mole poblano, a mixture of different ingredients, including meat, chiles, chocolate, cinnamon, and garlic. Another well-known dish is chiles en nogada, chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit.
If you need to work off your full stomach, stroll down the Alley of the Toads, also known as Callejon de los Sapos. This famous street is decorated with colorful buildings of bright yellow and orange. The road got its name because toads once overran the area. While not many toads remain to this day, you can find a toad fountain that gives tribute to these jumpy creatures.
Punta Mita
One of the village’s most prominent attractions located on the peninsula in Banderas Bay is whale watching between December and March. You can spot orca and humpback whales frolicking along the coast during these months.
Another great attraction is the surf. The two most well-known spots to ride the waves, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, are Playa Punta Mita and Playa La Lancha. Or if you’re looking for a place to relax, you can visit El Anclote.
You can hike on Monkey Mountain to dry off after catching some waves. Located just on the outskirts of town, walking up the mountain will give you a fantastic view of the jungle and the ocean.
