The United Nations (UN) wears many hats, oftentimes on the darker side of the spectrum in places not deemed fit for tourists.
Take Haiti, for example. If you’ve been able to decipher real news through the election cycle’s talking heads, then surely you’re aware of Haiti’s continuous tragic downfall.
Founded in 1945, the UN’s purpose has been to promote peace, security, and basic human rights worldwide and step in as needed when nations fail to do so.
That’s why you’ll see the UN present for humanitarian crises, such as Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen – none of which ever sniff top tourism numbers.
But the UN also promotes tourism within their World Tourism Organization branch, especially unheard-of destinations in need of a boost.
In their own words, the hope is to encourage travelers to visit as a ‘driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability’.
Dozens of unknown places made the cut for their ‘Best Tourism Villages 2024‘ list.
To simplify said list, we’ll highlight Mexico’s 3 undiscovered towns because you’re not really going to visit Roches Noires, Mauritius or Azheke, China, are you?
Capulálpam de Méndez: Oaxaca’s Untouched Mountain Village
As one of Mexico’s hotspots for all types of travelers, Oaxaca’s gorgeous coastlines and immensely cultural namesake city have been well explored.
But venturing northeast through the Sierra Juarez is a quiet mountain town you’ve likely never heard of and may need to tap into your Rosetta Stone skills.
Capulálpam de Méndez may be a mouthful to say, but the UN believes it’s well worth a visit – and yes, ‘mouthful’ is a double entendre as there may be no better authentic food region in Mexico.
While the highly anticipated train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca is destined to showcase the region’s hidden gems, Capulálpam de Méndez is an extra layer of “hidden” as most travelers overlook the Sierra Juarez’s villages.
Set 7,710 feet high, this delightful town is oozing timeless charm. So much so, it can quite literally take your breath away.
In fact, the town’s real claim to fame was being designated as a pueblo magico in 2007, but it’s ready to embrace its newfound fame as Oaxaca has soared to new heights.
Start your day with a coffee and epic views at El Verbo de Méndez Café, wander timeless streets and witness the crown jewel, Parroquia de San Mateo, and rest your head at Hotel Chorromonte, housed in a traditional colonial building.
Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza: In The Heart Of Mexico’s Final Frontier
There are few states in Mexico where you may not recognize a city, but that’s the case for the state of Coahuila.
In fact, the claim to fame may be in Texas’ Big Bend National Park as a bi-national natural wonder stretching across the border.
Other than that, it’s quite likely you haven’t heard of a single place here. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, as there’s a bit of a loophole to visiting this small desert oasis.
Dubbed as the ‘Galapagos Of Mexico’, and also designated as a pueblo magico, if you’re into stunning nature and colonial charm, this off-path region is right up your alley.
Home to enormous craters, glassy rivers, vivid blue pools, along with postcard-worthy cobbled streets on the “urban” side, your sense of wanderlust will be redlining.
As off-the-beaten path as it may be, it’s not a treacherous journey. Two border towns, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras, offer bus routes, but if it were me, I’d fly into Torreon (nonstop flights from Dallas and San Antonio) and take a 3-hour bus from there for a safer option.
Palizada: Campeche’s Riverfront Treasure
Surprise, surprise – another pueblo magico. Experiencing old Mexico never gets, well, old.
Mexico’s ‘magic towns’ are teeming with rich history still permeating on every street.
Palizada is no different, but may be the most eye-catching of the bunch. Located in the state of Campeche, which has slowly begun creeping onto travelers’ radars, is gleaming with vibrancy and historic charm.
Wandering the streets is the best way to get a feel for the way of life here where you can visit local artisan shops, eat delicious local cuisine like Atapakua and Churipos, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rio Palizada.
The easiest way to get here is to fly into Villahermosa or Campeche, one of Mexico’s safest cities, and take a bus
As far as modern conveniences go, Palizada may be the most convenient of the bunch with well-preserved buildings, more accommodation options, and plentiful captivating excursions like river cruises and Mayan ruins tours, which you can read more about here on the town’s official tourism page.
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