Mexico, I'm Gonna Miss You! My 4 Favorite Hidden Gems
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I have had the pleasure of traveling to Mexico many times over the years, and each trip has been filled with memorable experiences and breathtaking sights. But as I prepare to say goodbye to this amazing country for now, I wanted to share some of my favorite hidden gems that I will miss the most.
From the charming small towns and hidden beaches to the unique cultural experiences and delicious food, Mexico has so much to offer, and these are just a few of the things that have made a lasting impression on me.
Mexico is a country full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we share our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations in Mexico that are worth a visit. From the charming colonial town of San Miguel de Allende to the picturesque island of Isla Holbox, these hidden gems offer a unique and authentic experience that you won’t find in the more touristy areas. Get ready to add these destinations to your Mexico bucket list! Vamos…
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Mexico Travel - Off the Beaten Path
How can you only choose 4 Hidden Gems when there are over 130 Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns) in Mexico? Well, you can’t, but here are 4 that I have recently visited for consideration. Mexico, I’m gonna miss you! My 4 Favorite Hidden Gems… Vamos…
What are Pueblo Mágicos? Pueblos Mágicos, or “Magical Towns,” are a designation given by the Mexican government to certain towns and villages that are considered to be particularly beautiful or unique. The program was created to promote tourism and help preserve and protect these places’ cultural and natural heritage. In order to be designated as a Pueblo Mágico, a town must meet certain criteria, such as having a rich cultural and historical heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and a unique local cuisine and handicrafts. There are currently over 130 Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico, and they are popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
Why should you visit a Hidden Gem? There are many reasons why someone might want to visit a Pueblo Mágico in Mexico. These towns and villages are often rich in cultural and historical heritage, and they offer visitors a unique and authentic experience of Mexican culture. Many of them are also located in beautiful natural surroundings, with stunning landscapes, beaches, and forests. Additionally, many Pueblos Mágicos has a strong tradition of local cuisine and handicrafts, which can be experienced through their restaurants and markets. Visiting a Pueblo Mágico is a great way to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and discover the country’s hidden gems.
Top Hidden Gems in Mexico
It’s difficult to say exactly what the top hidden gems in Mexico are, as there are many beautiful and unique places in the country. However, some towns and villages that are often considered to be hidden gems in Mexico include:
- Parras de la Fuente
- Orizaba
- Cholula
- Becalar
- Valle de Bravo
- Patzcuaro
- Xilitla
- San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Bernal
- Atlixco
My Personal favorites: Taxco, Dolores Hidalgo, and Guanajuato City .
These places are all considered to be hidden gems because of their rich cultural and historical heritage, beautiful natural surroundings, and unique local traditions. Each of these towns and villages offers something special and unique, and they are all worth exploring if you have the opportunity to visit Mexico. But we will look at a few of the most commonly voted tourist favorites you may have heard of or even visited.
Ajijic
The secret is out with ex-pats on Ajijic, but for those that haven’t heard yet, this is probably the easiest landing spot for foreigners. I joked while being there that- I heard more English and saw more gringos in Ajijic than in my hometown of El Paso, Texas. And that wasn’t too much of a stretch. The good: it’s located on Mexico’s largest lake (Lake Chapala) with perfect weather year-round. All the shopping amenities you are used to back home and only roughly an hour from Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, and an international airport. Negatives: I can’t really think of any unless you want to see fewer ex-pats in your travels. I miss you already, Ajijic!
Ajijic is a small town located on the shore of Lake Chapala in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is a popular destination for ex-pats and tourists for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is its location. Ajijic is located in a beautiful and scenic part of Mexico, with a temperate climate and easy access to the lake and the surrounding mountains. The town is also known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage, with a thriving arts scene and several galleries and studios. Ajijic is also home to a large community of ex-pats, many of whom are retired Americans and Canadians, giving the town a unique and cosmopolitan atmosphere. All these factors make Ajijic a popular destination for ex-pats and tourists alike.
Resources
Check out the best Travel Tours list that features popular activities, guided packages, and hidden gems you must see at Viator.
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Sayulita
The hippie capital of Mexico and a surfer’s paradise. Sayulita is another ex-pat and tourist haven for good reason. Great waves for surfing, a unique vibe, and stunning scenery. Did I mention food? Well, there is fantastic food with very walkable streets. The beach is truly amazing, and if you don’t mind crowds from all over the world during tourist season, then this lesser-known city is for you. What is the lure to this well know gem? – It’s just different is the best way I can describe it, and not in a bad way. This is one of the most high-energy places I visited in Mexico and is a must-see.
Sayulita is one of the more well-known best-kept secrets of Mexico. It is well-known worldwide in specific demographics, but the average tourist may not be aware of this gem. If you are in Puerto Vallarta – this is a must-stop while in town.
Sayulita is a small town located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit. It is a popular destination for tourists and people moving to Mexico for several reasons. One of the main reasons is its location. Sayulita is situated on a beautiful and unspoiled stretch of coastline, with a warm and sunny climate, crystal-clear waters, and palm-fringed beaches. The town is also known for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, which attracts many visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, Sayulita is home to a growing community of ex-pats and digital nomads who are attracted by the town’s affordable cost of living and its vibrant arts and culture scene. All of these factors make Sayulita a popular destination for tourists and people moving to Mexico.
San Pancho (San Francisco)
Why is the big brother always the more popular in school? San Pancho is the little brother of Sayulita and is often overlooked. I still cannot understand why when it has so much charm. I found myself constantly envisioning if I could live there or not, and the answer was – YES. A short ride from Sayulita with the same great beaches and food options but with fewer crowds. Did I mention the humidity? Well, there is plenty of that and sun during your day trip to San Pancho. I could easily see a life thereof peaceful sunsets on the beach, strolls down the enchanting streets at night, and finding a place for a fantastic dinner. This is an ideal small beach retirement location. If I could ever get used to humidity again and was looking for a beach location to live – San Poncho would be my choice.
San Pancho, also known as San Francisco, is a small town located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit. It is a popular destination for tourists and ex-pats for many of the same reasons that make other towns in the area, such as Sayulita, popular. These reasons include its beautiful location, warm and sunny climate, crystal-clear waters, and palm-fringed beaches. The town is also known for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, which attracts many visitors who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, San Pancho is home to a growing community of ex-pats and digital nomads, who are attracted by the town’s affordable cost of living and its vibrant arts and culture scene. All these factors make San Pancho a popular destination for tourists and people moving to Mexico.
Taxco
Last on the list but first in my heart is Taxco – you can read more about it here and my other favorite Guanajuato.
I fell in love with Taxco while researching Pueblos Magicos to visit. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew I had to go. Located roughly 3.5 hours southwest of Mexico City and easily reachable by luxury bus from CDMX. What makes it great? Everything. The taxis all are white and the old-style Volkswagen beetles. Beautiful cathedrals and churches, many shops to explore (The silver capital of Mexico), and fantastic food. I still remember the best mole I ever had from there.
What is impressive is the city is built into the side of a mountain, so you better have some good shoes and stamina walking Taxco. I spent many days just walking, getting lost, and discovering the fantastic architecture of this incredible Pueblo Magico. I didn’t want to leave and couldn’t wait to return.
Taxco is a small town located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and rich cultural and historical heritage. Taxco is famous for its silver mines, which have been in operation since the 16th century. The town is home to a number of silver workshops and artisans who produce beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry and other items. Taxco is also a popular destination for tourists and ex-pats because of its location in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, which offers stunning views and a cooler climate compared to other parts of Mexico. Overall, depending on your preferences and interests, Taxco can be a good location to visit or live in.
Ready to Visit a Hidden Gem or Move There?
The cost of living and quality of life in a Pueblo Mágico can vary depending on the specific town or village you are considering. In general, however, many of the Pueblos Mágicos are located in rural or semi-rural areas, often more affordable than living in a major city. Additionally, many of the Pueblos Mágicos have a strong sense of community and a laid-back lifestyle, which can contribute to a high quality of life. However, it’s important to do some research and visit the town or village you are considering before making a decision. The cost of living and quality of life can vary depending on many factors, such as the availability of housing and amenities, the local economy, and the town’s infrastructure and services.
Can you live there for under $1200 a month? It is possible to live in a Pueblo Mágico with a family of one for less than $1,200 per month or even less, depending on the specific town or village you choose and your personal living situation. Read our cost of living in Mexico HERE.
Mexico is a vast and diverse country with endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. While the more popular tourist destinations are certainly worth a visit, it’s the hidden gems that truly make Mexico an unforgettable destination. So if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Mexico truly, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the well-known tourist spots and discover the hidden gems that this amazing country has to offer.
Tell us some of your favorite hidden gems! 🚗🌄✨
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, Mexico.
We thank you, and as always… Live Con Todo
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Personal Experiences
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Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand