Intro
When most people picture Mexico, it’s usually the pristine beaches of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cabo San Lucas that come to mind. Picture-perfect resorts, poolside cocktails, and curated day trips are the norm. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of luxury by the sea, that’s not the Mexico I fell in love with.
The truth is, there’s a whole other side to this country, a deeper, richer, more authentic Mexico that most tourists never get to see. And honestly? That’s where the real magic is.
Why Skip the Resorts? Here's What You're Missing
While millions flock to the coast every year, I’ve found that the soul of Mexico lives inland, in its mountain villages, colonial towns, and local food markets where no one’s selling beach towels or tequila shots.
One of my absolute favourites is Cuetzalan, a small town high in the Sierra Norte mountains of Puebla. This place is something else, winding cobbled streets, misty forests, vibrant markets full of Nahua traditions, and a sense of calm that feels untouched by time. It’s not touristy. It’s not flashy. But it’s unforgettable.
Hidden Gems in Mexico Worth Visiting
If you’re planning a trip and want to experience authentic travel in Mexico, here are a few more places that left a mark on me:
Guanajuato – A colourful maze of alleyways and underground tunnels, filled with colonial architecture, mariachi echoes, and a rich artistic soul.
La Huasteca Potosina – A lush, wild region in San Luis Potosí with turquoise rivers, massive waterfalls, and cave systems you can swim in. It’s pure jungle energy.
Balandra Beach (Baja California Sur) – Still technically a beach, but worlds away from the resort chaos. Crystal-clear shallow water, white sand, and peace. One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.
Real de Catorce – A former silver mining town turned mystical mountain escape. You reach it by driving through a 2km tunnel. Enough said.
Bacalar – Known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds but somehow still under-the-radar.
San Cristóbal de las Casas – Colonial charm, mountain views, and deep-rooted indigenous culture packed into one colourful little city in Chiapas.
These are places where you’ll find local traditions alive and thriving, not performed for tourists. The kind of places where you might share a meal with a family you just met or stumble into a festival you didn’t plan for.
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A Taste of Mexico: Must-Try Regional Foods
Now let’s talk food because wow, Mexican cuisine is so much more than tacos and guac (though I love those too). Each region has its own signature dishes, and they’re all worth travelling for.
Barbacoa (Hidalgo) – Slow-cooked in underground pits and wrapped in maguey leaves. Best enjoyed with fresh tortillas and plenty of salsa.
Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán) – Marinated pork cooked in banana leaves with achiote and bitter orange. Try it at a street stand in Mérida and thank me later.
Mole Poblano (Puebla) – A rich, complex sauce made with chilies, spices, and yes—chocolate. There’s nothing else quite like it.
Tlayudas (Oaxaca) – Think of it like a Mexican pizza—crispy tortilla base topped with beans, cheese, meats, and veggies. Crunchy, messy, and addictive.
Birria (Jalisco) – A spicy, slow-cooked stew that’s become famous through tacos and ramen hybrids—but trust me, the OG version in a Jalisco market hits different.
Carnitas (Michoacán) – Pork slow-cooked in its own fat until it’s fall-apart tender and perfect for tacos. Get it fresh from the copper pot for the full experience.
Each bite tells a story—of the region, the people, and generations of tradition
A Side of Mexico Most Tourists Never See
Traveling through Mexico has shown me just how much there is to discover beyond the beach resorts. From hidden waterfalls to remote towns filled with culture and warmth, this country rewards curiosity. It’s for the traveller who’s not afraid to get a little lost, who wants to see the world through a different lens, and who knows that the best experiences don’t come from a brochure.
Oh, and if you’re the kind of person who loves a wild story, you won’t want to miss the craziest and most dangerous festivals in Mexico. From explosive sledgehammers to pyrotechnic bull runs with, I’ve got another blog coming on that soon.
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Some pictures sourced from pixabay, freepik and pexels.
