Top 10 Hidden Gems in Mexico

Mexico is full of natural and exotic beauty. It’s well known by adventurers and travelers as a tropical paradise with so much to explore and see.

Most of Mexico is known for is abundant beach towns and nightlife in their big cities, but there is so much more to see, than these popular tourist beaches and Mexico City.

Mexico is full of Hidden gems, that you will want to add to your list of places to see.

There are sandy beaches, cenotes, coral reefs, jungles, waterfalls, and Mayan ruins scattered around the country, many of which are untouched by tourists.

After spending several months in Mexico, and continually heading back there anytime I have some extra vacation I have learned where to go and where to avoid.

These are some of my favorite hidden gems in Mexico. Places that won’t be over run with tourists. Great places to escape to if you are looking for alternatives to Tulum or Cabo San Lucas.

These are rare and unique locations, if you are looking for somewhere different.

So, if you’re looking for a trip to Mexico that is exciting, different, and full of new experiences, you’ve come to the right place.

This article will give you the best-hidden gems in Mexico; the best places off the beaten path.

In these best-kept secrets, you’ll find fewer visitors and truly get to experience why these locations are so awe-inspiring and unique.

Top 10 Best Hidden Gems In Mexico

1. Copper Canyon

Also known as Barranca del Cobre, this canyon might be even better than the Grand Canyon in the U.S. because it’s many times longer and deeper.

It is a natural wonder that will leave you in awwweee.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of six separate canyons located in Northwestern Mexico in the desert area of the major mountain range, the Sierre Madre Occidental.

This Canyon is 25,000 sq miles and got its name from the copper/green hue of the canyon walls.

The most popular and arguably the greatest way to view the canyon is by taking the El Chepe train which rides from Los Michos to Chihuahua and stops in many locations along the way.

It is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

The railway covers 390 miles and crosses 39 bridges and 86 tunnels. Two different trains make the trek each day and the first-class option goes from one end to the other in about 13 hours.

Many tourists will choose this train and stop about halfway to spend a night in the heart of the canyon.

It’s important to book your ticket and lodging ahead of time as it can fill up fast but it’s worth it for stunning views of the canyons.

You don’t have to stay overnight, either. Many tourists will ride the train only for a stop or two to experience the canyon from this unique perspective and explore quaint little towns along the way.

Truly the best views come from El Chepe and it’s also the easiest way to access the canyon but of course, you can view the canyon without taking the train.

2. Hierve el Agua

In Spanish, this means “the water boils” and it’s a set of rock formations that looks like a waterfall.

It’s located in San Lorenzo Albarradas and there is an unpaved road that will lead you to this magnificent site. This is just outside of Oaxaca city, and something you should add to your list of things to do in Oaxaca.

Your eyes will fool you as it looks like a running waterfall but it’s actually solid, white rock that has created the illusion of cascading water.

Hierve el Agua consists of two rock cliffs that were created by freshwater springs that had over-saturated calcium carbonate in the water.

The excess was deposited on the cliffs which created the white effect on the rock and formed over thousands of years.

Cascada Chica is the more easily accessible and often visited “waterfall.” There are four springs at this cliff with small natural pools of water and two large artificial pools where visitors can swim.

The water in the pools is a turquoise color because of the high mineral concentration of the fresh spring water.

Don’t be fooled though, the water here is very cold. It still makes for a lovely day trip and a great way to get outside and stretch the legs.

3. Cenote Oxman

This list wouldn’t be complete without a cenote which is one of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula greatest treasures.

Cenotes are great natural wonders that were created when a collapse of limestone bedrock forms a sinkhole of groundwater. Some are completely underground and others are open-air formations.

Although there are over 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, some are pretty unique formations that are worth visiting and others are still being found to this day.

Cenote Oxman is located outside of Valladolid.

Because of its remote location, it’s less visited than many other cenotes around Playa del Carmen which makes it one of the perfect hidden gems in Mexico.

The best way to get to this cenote is by renting a bike in town which makes it an even more fun excursion.

This open cenote brings in a lot of light over the beautiful turquoise-blue water. It’s located on the land of an old hacienda. Which was a colony of the Spanish Empire.

There are gardens and a countryside mansion on the property.

As well as a pool at the entrance with a pool-side bar for visitors to enjoy. Now that is how I like to spend my vacation. A cocktail in hand while I relax in a pool.

At the cenote, you will find, rope swings for jumping into the serene water. As well as beautiful rock formations that create walls around this natural pool.

It’s truly a treasure of Mexico and so worth the trek to the countryside.

4. Laguna de Bacalar

Another one of Mexico’s hidden gem is Laguna de Bacalar. In English, it’s known as the “Lagoon of 7 Colors” because the water always appears to be at least 7 shades of turquoise, blue, indigo, and green.

Because the water is crystal clear and the sand is powdery white, the water is morphed into these unique color palettes.

Making it one of the most colorful spots to visit in Mexico. There aren’t many tourists here because it’s located 4 hours from Cancun at the southern tip of Quintana Roo.

Making it a little harder to access. All the more reason to visit this magnificent place.

It looks like the ocean, but it’s actually a freshwater lake fed by underground cenotes.

This laguna contains some of the oldest life on the planet, the cauliflower-like stromatolites that only exist here and in a few other locations.

There are plenty of things to do in Bacalar and the best way to arrive to Bacalar is either by car or bus.If you rent a car you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the town.

You can also walk along the shore for different views of the lagoon which is 37 miles long.

Also, don’t forget to rent kayaks or take a boat tour out on the lake, it is truly magical.

5. Tamasopo Waterfalls 

Another natural beauty in Mexico is the Tamasopo waterfalls.

That is because they are not visited by many tourists. Located in the Huasteca Potosina region in central Mexico, Tamasopo is a great town to visit with many places to swim and relax.

The Tamaposa Waterfalls are full of lush, green jungle that looks like a modern-day Eden.

The sound of the rushing water and the opportunity to observe large sheets of liquid crash on the rock is a beautiful experience.

There are many falls to spend your time at in this area but Puente de Dios is one of the best spots.

The flow of the Gallinas River will slowly push you towards a small cavern that is illuminated by rays of sun through crevices in the rock.

Many stalactites and stalagmites cover the area, making it an unforgettable and very relaxing experience.

6. Palenque Ruins

If Mayan ruins weren’t already a spectacular site, Palenque tops the list.

Located in Chiapas, this place has remarkable ancient ruins that include palaces, temples, courtyards, and fortifications.

These ruins are mind-blowingly amazing and Palenque has so much to see and appreciate.

This place was once a Maya city that flourished in the 7th century and the ruins date back from 226 BC to 799 AD.

It was then covered by jungle but has since been excavated and restored to its historical state.

If you plan on visiting here while you are south of the border you won’t be disappointed.

There are still many structures covered by the jungle to this day. However, historians have been able to learn so much about this ancient civilization through its preservation of these ruins and leaving some still covered in the jungle.

The incredible detail and work that went into these structures are truly inspiring and should be seen by all.

7. Guanajuato City

The colorful Guanajuato City. Mexico’s most colorful and prettiest cities.

It is located in central Mexico that is known for its colorful buildings.

The city features houses and buildings of every single color in the rainbow. It is as bright, colorful, and magical as can be.

It’s a great way to take some time off from the beach and explore this quaint place.

You could spend the day walking in and out of restaurants and shops and taking countless pictures as it’s one of the most beautiful places.

A popular place to check out in Guanajuato is the Museo de las Momias (The Mummy Museum) which truly is a museum of real mummies if you still need a reason to visit this beautiful city.

It is truly one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities.

8. Puerto Escondido

Located in the state of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is a small surfer town and much less known to tourists.

It’s a great place to surf in Mexico and is also perfect for relaxing.

Since it is one of the hidden gems in Mexico you can also score great deals on accommodations.

You’ll be able to enjoy the Pacific sun and beautiful beaches while finding a more true Mexican experience than a resort can give you.

Surfers visit this area from May to July when the waves can reach up to 30 feet.

It’s a great place to spend your days on the beach and try authentic Mexican meals, visit shops and small food markets.

It’s a quaint and unique little town that will give you a chance to truly relax without being around many other tourists.

If you want a jaw-droppingly beautiful beach to yourself, this is the place.

9. The Sea of Cortez

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without a great snorkeling spot in Mexico. That is if you couldn’t get enough snorkeling in Cozumel.

The sea of Cortez separates the Baja California Peninsula and Mainland Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There is so much marine life to see and the chance to swim with sea lions tops the list.

Snorkelers and divers that know about this spot love it because of the diverse and colorful marine life to observe.

It’s been nicknamed “The Aquarium of the World” because of how much life there is here. 

Whether you choose to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, relax on the beach, or all of the above, you’ll truly have a trip of a lifetime. Plus, there are so many small beach towns along the Sea of Cortez to stay at.

10. Cancun Underwater Museum

Ok, Cancun is full of tourists, but most of them don’t go here.

This museum of underwater sculptures, known as MUSA, was created as an alternative place for divers to explore to save the reefs.

It opened in 2010 and consists of hundreds of sculptures. The museum benefits the protection of the coral reefs and depicts detailed people and scenes of life.

There are many artificial coral reefs in the ocean that marine life inhabits such as sunken ships and other debris on the ocean floor.

The point of these sculptures is not only artistic but creates a new home for coral to grow and marine life to inhabit.

The statues are made of materials that help foster new life as an artificial coral reef and have holes for sea animals to colonize and feed.

The statues have already begun to be transformed by underwater life and eventually, the sculptures will barely be visible once they’re fully engulfed as a coral reef.

There are various ways to view these sculptures including scuba diving, taking a glass-bottom boat ride, and snorkeling.

It’s quite the experience to see these magnificent sculptures especially because the idea for them is so unique.

Their benefits for marine life and coral reefs make it even more amazing and these magnificent statues are worth checking out! It is also a quick drive from Playa del Carmen if you plan on staying there.

Planning on doing the underwater museum? You might want to bring your own mask, as well as these other important items to Cancun.

Plan on Renting a car while in Cancun? Be sure to drive to Valladolid another bonus hint gem. An old colonial town only a couple of hour’s drive away. There are plenty of cool and unique things to do in Valladolid.

Conclusions

Mexico is a beautiful country that has more to offer than the normal tourist traps.

Mexico has such a diverse landscape and character. It’s truly a natural haven and worth the visit. With everything from jungles, to cenotes, to some of the best snorkeling in the world, it’s one of the most beautiful and adventurous countries.

A trip to Mexico will open your eyes to such tremendous beauty and fill your hearts with adventurous desires.

Whether you are there to visit the best-hidden gems in Mexico or stay on a path more traveled, Mexico will not disappoint.

Related Content

• Small Beach Towns in Mexico
• Things to do in Holbox
• Nude Beaches in Mexico