Mexico is the number one destination for Americans going abroad, with millions of vacations a year flocking into the glitzy resort zones of Cancun or Cabo, or taking city breaks in the bustling Mexico City, one of the most vibrant cities in the Northern Hemisphere.
That being said, much of Mexico remains undiscovered by the average tourist, who will typically restrict their stay to the Mexican coast or the capital while ignoring other gems altogether, especially if located further inland.
Though not nearly half as popular, these 4 destinations offer culture and a more authentic Mexico experience away from the usual tourism hotspots––and the best part is, you can fly there nonstop from several departure hubs in the States:
Zacatecas
Located in central Mexico, Zacatecas is one of Mexico’s best-preserved colonial cities.
It was founded by the Spaniards at the peak of their Transatlantic Empire and quickly flourished in relevance as a silver mining hub.
Other than admiring the beautiful architecture around the Historic Center, dominated by imposing buildings like Zacatecas Cathedral and Calderón Theater, visitors can go on a mini-cart tour of the 16th-century Mina El Edén, where most of the extraction of silver took place.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a unique place to stay, and preferably one that oozes Old World allure, make sure you check out Quinta Real, a hotel located in the former Plaza de Toros, where bullfighting was once practiced, with the historic El Cuno aqueduct for background.
Overnight stays start from only $137 this season.
Fly To Zacatecas (ZCL) Nonstop From:
Texas, TX
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) with American Airlines, 2 flights a day every day
Illinois, IL
- Chicago Midway (MDW) with Volaris, 1 flight a day every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
California, CA
- Los Angeles (LAX) with Volaris, 1 flight a day every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday
Puebla
A former viceregal city, Puebla is characterized by its Renaissance-inspired cathedral, with a set of magnificent twin towers that overlook a central square, charming Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a vast selection of museums.
Perhaps the most famous of all, Museo Amparo is located right in the center, and it’s considered one of the grandest museums in Mexico, owing it to an impressive collection of colonial, modern Mexican, and even pre-historic art, though you shouldn’t.
If you’re interested in History, know no visit to Puebla is complete without a day trip to Cholula:
Located a short half-hour drive away, this picturesque colonial-era village is home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, a large pre-Columbian monument now topped with a striking yellow sanctuary (added by the Spaniards).
Fly To Puebla (PBC) Nonstop From:
Texas, TX
- Houston (IAH) with United Airlines, 1 flight a day every day
Santiago de Queretaro
Yet another UNESCO-listed city, Santiago de Querétaro plays host to a high concentration of Spanish-built monuments, including an aqueduct that laps around a Baroque old center like a city wall and numerous ornate buildings (think pink-stone Santa Rosa de Viterbo Church).
The Querétaro Regional Museum features a large display of artifacts, from pre-Hispanic to republican, and the casual La Consentida Restaurant, found at Calle 15 de Mayo 14, is known to serve the best tortas in town (at reasonable prices ranging from USD $4 to $7).
In case you’re as enthusiastic about bygone eras as we are, we have to share with you one of our best surprises in visiting Querétaro: this guided circuit around the historical zone in a 1908 vintage Ford T, with options to visit the aqueduct, the legendary Hill of the Bells, or the Old Railway Station.
It starts from only $10.83 (tips excluded), and it’s the ideal way to explore Querétaro’s highlights if you’re short on time––you might as well do it in style.
Fly To Querétaro (QRO) Nonstop From:
Texas, TX
- Dallas (DFW) with American Airlines, 5-6 flights a day every day
- Houston (IAH) with United Airlines, 3 flights a day every day
- Houston (IAH) with VivaAerobus, 1 flight every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday
- San Antonio (SAT) with VivaAerobus, 1 flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Georgia, GA
- Atlanta (ATL) with Aeromexico, 1 flight a day every day
Michigan, MI
- Detroit (DTW) with Aeromexico, 1 flight a day every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Illinois, IL
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) with Volaris, 1 flight a day every Tuesday, Friday
Oaxaca
The capital of the state with the same name, Oaxaca is a 16th-century settlement located in the foothills of Sierra Madre, best known for its culturally-charged historic center, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and unique blend of pre-Columbian and colonial cultures:
One of the most important landmarks in town, the Temple of the Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo, was built by Spaniards with stones removed from nearby archaeological sites, and it’s the textbook example of the historical progression from Mesoamerican to Hispanic civilization.
All around town, there are countless colorful facades to admire, cobbled streets to explore, as well as unique activities, from retracing the steps of ancient Zapotecs in Monte Albán, a well-preserved pyramid complex, to attending local chocolate-making workshops.
For those staying 3 nights or more, taking a day trip out is also an option: check out this Handicrafts Route, visiting as many as 5 artisan towns, for as little as $38.13 on GetYourGuide.
Fly To Oaxaca Nonstop From:
Texas, TC
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) with American Airlines, 1 flight a day every day
- Houston (IAH) with United Airlines, 1 flight a day every day
California, CA
- Los Angeles (LAX) with Volaris, 1 flight a day every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
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