5 underestimated destinations in Mexico for a crowd-free outing

Cancun. Cabo. Mexico city. What do these have in common?

Worldwide fame often results in mainly inevitable crowds, unless you venture into the secret Hideaways of the local population.

At Travel Off Path we consider ourselves the #1 fans of Mexico, by forging and bringing the often dramatized security problems and to bed.

I only went to 19 different destinations throughout the country with nothing but rave experiences of the ‘dangerous’ streets of Tijuana to the few well-known coasts of Mahahual.

So allow us to be your guide this fall by presenting you 5 underrated onions to prevent baking packs, anti-tourism protests and entitled pensioners around the swimming bar.

Salud!

Aguascalientes 🍷

With direct flights from Dallas, Houston and LA, it is easier to reach one of the best kept secrets of Mexico, easier than you might think.

I have just returned from Aguascalientes for the first time and quickly developed a crush from the moment I stepped in the timeless city center.

Leave the towering Catedral de Aguascalientes Become your North Star for an unforgettable outing, full of sensational dishes, European-like streets full of Trotting cafés, and perhaps Vinocola Santossca – It is worth the trip!

It is difficult for budget travelers to find pressure to find cheaper everywhere. We talk $ 2 museums$ 3 Lattes and Uber drives less than $ 5 in the city.

And with a name like Aguascalientes, you know that you have to visit the hot springs. Baños Termales de Ojocaliente Is a great place to relax in a vintage bathhouse for less than $ 20.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo 🏝️

If you feel like Mexico’s paradise (and who wouldn’t do that?), You probably searched and searched for a perfect holiday in Cancun, Cabo or perhaps Puerto Vallarta.

I also guilty of that, but I also have so many Mexican journeys under my belt that I have. A leg on following the crowd, that is why my most recent beach journey south of the border was to less well-known Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

Much more popular for Canadians than Americans, this mouthful of a name consists of 2 neighboring beach cities – “Zihua”, being a designated Pueblo Magico With a luxury new (ISH) Thompson HotelAnd Ixtapa, a map-dotstad held in particular brand all-inclusive and a secret island for epic seafood and snorkeling excursions.

Call me crazy, but I really believe that Ixtapa is more beautiful than Cabo. It is the misunderstood travel advice for the state of Guerrero that scares most Americans, but Ixtapa is really a diamond in the rough.

Fly directly from Dallas, Houston, LA, including seasonal routes.

Guanajuato 🏰

If Europe is too far from a trek for an autumn outing, consider Guanajuato. This less well -known city shares the same name as the state he lives and is largely overlooked by more popular San Miguel de Allende.

In the same environment as the aforementioned aguascalientes, these lively, wonderful escape European vibes with towering cathedrals, a maze of paved walkways and Trotting cafés and boutique hotels with little glimpse of American branding.

No canals can run through the cityscape, but I guarantee that you will feel the same level of romance. Well … until you visit the museum or mummies….

In fact, there is a famous photo-on-called Callejon del BesoSo be prepared to pick up!

Moreover, you can stay in a historic castle that has been renewed in a beautiful hotel – and it is less than $ 50 per night!

There are numerous direct flights of large hubs such as Atlanta, Houston and Dallas here.

Travel tip: you have to fly into the city next door, Leon. Only know that Uber/Taxi conflicts here at the airport are still common, so you have to walk to the Oxxo store to book a rideshare.

Rosarito 🏄erson

Rosarito is the most striking beach city in Northern Baja. Often overlooked because of the proximity of the border, Californians come here to surf, enjoy cheap CervezasCeviche and Barhop around an area in the center that feels like a microcosm Cabo.

Although not all -embracing, there are countless hotels on the beach along the picturesque coast. Although it is only a 45-minute drive from San Diego (without border traffic), the beaches can be seen here a totally different atmosphere-awaited horses, massage tables, and yes, there are some suppliers that you want to lure until restaurants are smack DAB in the sand.

In general it is a really nice city and completely safe for tourists, which is why there is a thriving expat community.

Drive down from San Diego or fly to Tijuana via the only American flight route in the city from Phoenix.

Monterrey

Do you know Mexico City, and maybe Guadalajara – but do you know Monterrey, the second largest metropolis of Mexico?

This underrated city is a vast cultural hub supported by the stunning Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains, with many walks that are suitable for autumn.

There are many unsuspecting surprises along a nicely filled riverwalk that rings San Antonio, with more authentic restaurants, picturesque neighborhoods such as Barrio Antiguoworld class museums, and seemingly endless Hotels on the roof to start the pool and take the view.

Monterrey is one of the easiest cities in Mexico to reach, all thanks to Viva AerobusTheir flagship budget, who flies a surprising number of American cities, such as Austin, Denver, Orlando, to name just a few.

Sam Sears

SAM, our main writer and journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and wrote more than 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and throwing a light on lesser -known gems.