Growing up in the US—in a family that doesn’t travel, mind you—I spent my childhood and adolescence jealous. “My family just got back from Mexico,” friends (and enemies) would gloat after I’d spent my Spring Break on the couch watching Jerry Springer. Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum—oh my!
I wish I could go back and tell my childhood self the truth: That none of these people, all of whom had stayed entirely on the properties of all-inclusive resorts, had actually been to Mexico at all.
The good news? I’m almost 40 now, and have had many opportunities to discover destinations in Mexico besides Cancun. The better news? I’m about to share them with you now, no matter how you spent your vacations when you were in school.
Reminder: Cancún is Not the Only Place In Mexico
For some travelers, exploring Mexico beyond the Yucatan is merely a matter of time. You went to Cancún or Cozumel when you were a teenager, and are curious about what lies outside the bounds of your resort. You simply haven’t had a chance to dig deeper, though you are eyeing a weekend trip to Mexico City in the fall, or attending your friend’s bachelor or bachelorette party in Cabo.
In other cases, it could simply be that the beauty of the Yucatán is hard to leave behind. Maybe you loved Cancún so much that a trip to Tulum was a prospect you couldn’t pass up. Or perhaps your next trip will take you offshore, be it to mainstream Isla Mujeres, or to somewhere a bit more offbeat like Holbox. In either case, I feel you, but I do hope you’ll expand your horizons!
Amazing Places to Visit in Mexico (Besides Cancun)
Mexico City
I’ll be the first to admit that it wasn’t love at first sight for me and Mexico City. Still, in spite of the fact that I found much of the city center (from La Condesa to La Zona Rosa) underwhelming, I enjoyed the DF region. This is true whether I was going back in time visiting the pyramids of Teotihuacan, or making an excursion to see the monarchs of Michoacan.
Merida
It would be difficult to characterize the city of Merida as “Mexico off the beaten path,” given that it’s actually on the Yucatán peninsula. On the other hand, once you finish exploring the charming historic center of Mexico’s safest city, you can easily make unforgettable day trips to pueblos mágicos like Valladolid, cenotes such as the ones in Homun or the beaches of Puerto Progreso.
Guadalajara
I’m a big fan of underdogs, and Mexico’s city of Guadalajara is no exception. As has been the case in other places I’ve explored, I love the contrast between what you find in the city center (here’s its awesome Jalisco food and mariachi band performing on the streets) and just outside it, such as the picturesque agave fields you find en route to Tequila.
Guanajuato
There was a time when colorful Guanajuato (and nearby San Miguel de Allende) could be considered alternative Mexico destinations. While this is probably no longer the case, both of these towns will charm you into oblivion, whether at a rooftop restaurant overlooking San Miguel’s cathedral, or chasing views of eclectic Guanajuato from the miradores around the center.
Baja California
If you want to hit the beach but don’t want to stay at an all-inclusive, the Baja peninsula (also known as Baja California) might be just the place for you. This could be in mainstream destinations like the resort city of Cabo San Lucas, or up the coast in historical La Paz, or at any of the dozens of sleepier beach towns, as far north as the city of Tijuana near the US-Mexico border.
What is the Safest Destination in Mexico?
There are, of course, some travelers who legitimately fear leaving behind their all-inclusive. And, as a traveler who’s spent the majority of my 30s exploring extremely safe destinations in East Asia, I can’t blame them. The last few times I’ve been to Mexico, I’ve felt sketched out more than a few times, in all sorts of different cities and towns.
The good news is that there are plenty of relatively safe places in Mexico beyond Cancun. Mexico’s safest city, in fact, is Merida, which I’ve mentioned on this list for the fact that it’s just general awesome. Apart from this, touristic areas of major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara are perfectly safe, particularly during the daytime. In general, the closer to large groups of people you stay, the more secure your trip will be.
Other FAQ About Visiting Mexico Outside of Cancun
What is the best alternative to Cancun?
If you want to enjoy the same scenery as Cancún with slightly fewer tourists, nearby destinations like Cozumel and Tulum are probably your best bet. Alternatively, if you simply want to enjoy the great weather and captivating culture of Mexico, then the sky is literally the limit.
Is Tulum better than Cancun?
In the past, Tulum had a reputation for being a less crowded and more laid-back version of Cancun, with more surf-shacks than all-inclusive resorts, and a yoga-loving hippie vibe that was appealing to young adults in the early 21st century. These days, however, Tulum is much more mainstream than it used to be. It’s still a great place to visit, but you should set realistic expectations!
Is Yucatan too touristy?
The Yucatan Peninsula is a very touristy destination, which makes sense: It’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, millions of people have gotten word of this, which means that spots like Cancún, Tulum and Cozumel can be downright inundated.
The Bottom Line
No offense to the Yucatán, but I’ve always found places in Mexico besides Cancún to be a much better use of my time. From interior idylls like Guanajuato, Guadalajara (and, of course, Mexico City), to less commercialized beaches on Mexico’s west coast, you’re missing so much of what Mexico is about if you remain only on the Yucatán (and, in particular, trapped inside all-inclusive resorts). I hope this post has inspired you, and added several places to your Mexico bucket list. Want personalized help planning your trip? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach!
