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Sometimes, Americans ignore Mexico’s wonders, pondering Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta are the one seashore locations price visiting.
As for Mexico’s sprawl of cityscapes, Mexico City appears to be the exception to unwritten guidelines, as our southern neighbor is misrepresented primarily as a ‘harmful’ nation, when in actual fact, a majority of violent crime occurs in particular areas off the overwhelmed path from any welcoming places.
Having checked off the sixteenth Mexican vacation spot final week, I’m right here to inform you not solely is most of Mexico protected, it is a thrill to go to!
Whether or not it’s astounding coastlines with world-class all-inclusives or little-identified gems nestled inland with out a seashore in sight.
Yes, it is a exhausting promote to lure Americans away from the Caribbean paradise of Cancun and the comfortable luxurious of Cabo, however what I’m right here to disclose is the 3 Mexican locations that shocked me essentially the most — a trio of locations I look again on with pure unadulterated delight and would return to many times.
3) Chetumal: The “Border Town” You Don’t Know
Border cities have a nasty popularity, particularly in Mexico. It’s protected to say 99.9% of vacationers aren’t vacationing in Juarez, Mexicali, or Nuevo Laredo, however Mexico has one other border city close to the inland tip of Quintana Roo beaming with potential if solely extra vacationers knew it existed.
Hugging the Mexico-Belize juncture is certainly one of Mexico’s greatest surprises. Chetumal is a comparatively small metropolis with sights starting from accessible Mayan ruins, genuine vibrant streets, and a maze of genuine store-laden alleyways that do not really feel tacky, a scenic Malecòn lining a number of the most illuminous blue-hued waters possible, and the house to fairly presumably one of the best meals I’ve had in all of Mexico.
Chetumal itself is worthy of exploring for a weekend getaway, however must you wish to keep longer, you have got easy accessibility crossing Belize for one more passport stamp and might even hop aboard the San Pedro Belize Express to keep away from the dilapidated, dust-highway city previous customs (Belize’s first impression is not the postcard Cayes we have all envisioned).
But Chetumal’s actual draw is a superb base for exploring Bacalar, dwelling to the otherworldly “Lagoon of Seven Colors”, and close by sleepy seashore cities alongside Mexico’s seemingly forgotten coast, similar to Mahahual, certainly one of my favourite coastal getaways with low-cost seashore bars and comfy eco-lodges.
Unfortunately, there are not nonstop flights to Chetumal’s microscopic airport, however you may simply join by way of Cancun or Mexico City.
2) Guanajuato: Mexico’s Timeless ‘European’ City
I really like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and even had a blast in Monterrey, however in terms of exploring Mexico’s city delights, Guanajuato tops all of them.
Before you resolve to e book a visit, you must know that Guanajuato is each a state and a city. I’m particularly speaking in regards to the city, as surrounding cities like Leon do not have an awesome popularity.
On the flip aspect, although, San Miguel de Allende is exceptional and a protected haven for expats. I’ve discovered that Uber drivers are very useful in navigating protected routes to keep away from pointless conflicts between touchdown in Leon and getting you to both Guanajuato or San Miguel with out a hitch.
When you land in Leon (BJX), which has nonstop flights from quite a few U.S. hubs similar to Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, you will wish to take a brief stroll to the Oxxo comfort retailer to seize an Uber as taxis declare the airport grounds.
From right here, it is a few 35 minute journey to Guanajuato, the place immediately it feels you’ve got handed by way of a wormhole, rising right into a townscape that feels distinctly “European”.
Timeless cobbled streets and alleyways cascade by way of a coloration wheel of hillsides jam-packed prime to backside with cozy cafes, sensational eateries, and charming boutique inns. Nope, no title manufacturers right here.
In truth, certainly one of my favourite stays in Mexico is Guanajuato’s former citadel turned resort — and it is insanely low-cost! Hotel Castillo Santa Cecilia is simply $35 on Booking this summer season.
Don’t skip the callejoneadas performances you will certainly run into by happenstance, the superior mummy museum, quite a few rooftop bars pouring completely balanced mezcalitas, and most significantly, at all times order the salsa rojo with enchiladas.
1) Ixtapa: Dare I Say It’s Better Than Cabo?
There’s no knocking Cabo — it makes for an superior getaway to both unwind in unparalleled luxurious or hit the city runnin’ at world-well-known Cabo Wabo Cantina, amongst different celebration-centric institutions.
But what I am unable to wrap my thoughts round is how Ixtapa has remained hush-hush for thus lengthy. Given the state of Guerrero’s ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory, it is really a diamond within the tough, with the caveat that Ixtapa and neighboring Zihuatanejo are protected trip locations.
If that is been the deterring issue, I’m right here to inform you it is protected. Truthfully, it’s possible you’ll not go away the rows of luxurious all-inclusive resorts that spoil you anyway, similar to Barcelo, the place I stayed.
That is, except you hit up the pristine shores of Blue Flag-certified Playa El Palma, these very resorts’ entrance.
Better but, Ixtapa is dwelling to the key island (Isla Ixtapa) that is a should-go to, too. The ferry departing Playa Linda solely prices a couple of dollars (sure, guides settle for {dollars} and can politely “ask” for a tip), however as soon as right here, pestering distributors is minimal.
The waters are crystal-clear for snorkeling, and the ‘contemporary catch’ seafood is spectacular.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
