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We’ve all seen the pictures of the dreamy beaches and incredible-looking food from all over Mexico this summer, but if you’ve actually been there yourself (or are close to someone who has), you know that that’s far from the whole picture.
The beaches are jam-packed, you’ll have to wait an obscene amount of time just to take a picture or two in front of a famous attraction, and getting a dinner reservation in one of those trendy restaurants you’ve seen all over the place is near impossible.
The good news is that if you’re not set on a destination yet, you still have time to plan a Mexico getaway with all the fun, relaxation, and stunning scenery you expect with none of the crowds.
Just take a look at these four underrated gems scattered across the country and try to book those tickets while you still can!
Mahahual
After years of dealing with insufferable crowds and miles-long lines, I’ve officially fallen in love with Mahahual, and it’s not hard to see why.
The once-secluded fishing village has become one of the trendiest, most fascinating beach hubs in the country while maintaining its authentic and laid-back flair—in today’s hectic travel world, that’s no easy feat!
And if you’ve yet to experience the Mexican hub firsthand, count yourself lucky.
You’re getting a chance to take in all of its charm right as the town slips into its low season.
Don’t worry, though; temperatures still sit at a pleasant 75°F-90°F range (24°C-32°C), so make sure to pack lots and lots of swimsuits.
Your days here will be spent taking a peaceful stroll along the town’s Malecón, snorkeling along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or just soaking in the sun at Maya Chan Beach (a personal favorite).
And for all my adventurous souls out there eager to take in the region’s incredible underwater landscape, there are so many amazing diving centers in Mahahual you’ll have a hard time picking just one, though, if I were you, I’d start with either Mar Adentro or Doctor Dive.
Bacalar
Bacalar has long been touted as the next Tulum, but I think the comparison doesn’t do it justice.
Don’t take my word for it, though – The Cancun Sun just came out with a report naming the town the most sought-after destination in the entire rand Costa Maya tourism corridor.
And remember, most of the rooms available in the area are already sold out, so if you want to book that Bacalar trip anytime soon, you’ll want to comb through the article linked above for some amazing hotel recommendations.
My tip would be to choose the cheapest option you’re comfortable with – you’ll be spending little to no time in your hotel room anyway,
Instead, you’ll be swimming in the crystal-clear lagoon, exploring the surrounding cenotes, and strolling through the narrow streets that take you right to the historic Fort of San Felipe – it really doesn’t get any better than this!
Puerto Morelos
There’s no denying the draw of Cancun – it’s exciting, relaxing, and downright gorgeous.
But if you’re put off by the insane crowds and hefty price tag, there’s a place you can go less than 40 minutes away where you’ll get a much quieter, more peaceful experience at a fraction of the price – Puerto Morelos.
With its fishing village charm and old-world vibe this often overlooked gem promises a blissful beach vacation, complete with quaint streets, a darling town square, and dreamy weather with temperatures that hover around the mid-80s°F.
Out of all the places to make it to today’s list, this is probably the one I’d recommend most to foodies.
Don’t get me wrong, the other towns all have their fair share of great restaurants, but the chicken fajitas and males you’ll find in El Charro are truly in a league of their own.
La Ribera
Finishing off with an even lesser-known town that’s nestled just north of Los Cabos, La Ribera has emerged as one of the season’s trendiest hubs, and considering the competition, that’s no easy feat.
While everyone can have the time of their lives here, I’d especially recommend La Ribera for those who’ve been traveling a lot to Mexico these past couple of years and are looking for someplace to re-experience the types of untouched beaches and crowd-free scenery that’s long been lost in bigger cities.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
