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Whether by cruise, train or plane, there are 3 Mexican cities increasing enormously in popularity this winter.
Cancun is, of course, America’s favorite beach getaway in Mexico, but there are three Pueblo Magicos nearby, all worth a visit.
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of Cancun doesn’t pass the mood check for certain vacationers, but this side of Mexico is too beautiful to pass up entirely.
Whether Cancun is your mainstay or the gateway to this beautiful coastal region, travelers should check it out Cozumel, Bacalar and Tulum.
These trio of magical cities have become tourist hotspots and will only rise further in 2024.
The island of Cozumel
Just off the coast of another tourist hotspot, Playa del Carmen, the beautiful island of Cozumel is within easy reach.
As a popular cruise port in the region, many consider it just an intermediate step in their Mexico travel plans. Cozumel deserves much more than just a ‘stop and go’ destination.
If the hustle and bustle of Cancun isn’t your problem, Cozumel might be the next best thing. This beautiful island is home to luxurious all-inclusive resorts; there are just fewer to choose from.
Since Cancun is the most popular international destination for Americans, Cozumel is almost guaranteed to have fewer crowds to enjoy more elbow room.
Cozumel isn’t as developed as the busy tourist zone of Cancun, so you can explore its blue waters, incredible beaches and lush green jungles as a more secluded getaway.
The alien city of Bacalar
Vacationers who come to Mexico expect pristine beaches overlooking the vast ocean, but what about a visit to a lake?
Lake Bacalar is a trek from Cancun, but the otherworldly blue waters are worth the 4-5 hour journey. However, the new Mayan Train will definitely speed up your journey.
This off-the-grid little town has seen a surge in popularity, with travelers completely forgetting about the Mexican Caribbean and completely content with this picture-perfect lagoon.
So perfect that the water changes shades of blue over the course of the day, earning it the name Lagoon of the Seven Colors.
Despite its small size, the city has plenty to offer to keep you busy. It goes without saying that you want to spend most of your time in and around the water. Here you can swim, kayak, take a boat trip or laze in a hammock.
It is easy to understand why this beautiful area is known as the “Mexico Maldives”. Nestled along the same enchanting body of water are several cenotes to enjoy a nice swim in other scenic spots.
And if you need a break, you can easily walk into the town itself, where you can visit local restaurants and shops.
Tulum – Mexico’s trendiest destination
Where to start with Tulum? Perhaps the most transformed destination heading into 2024 is this beautiful getaway a few hours south of Cancun.
Soon, flying to Cancun will no longer be a requirement to reach Tulum, as the new international airport is now open and new flights from the US will arrive in the spring.
Additionally, travelers can board the highly anticipated Mayan Train to visit Tulum as well. However you get here, you simply won’t regret being here.
This magic village is starting to look more and more like magic city with its growth and rising popularity. Already home to a thriving arts scene, travelers are now flocking to more natural attractions such as Playa Paraiso Beach and the Cristal en Escondido cenotes.
Others venture into the jungle to view the preserved remains of historic Mayan ruins. In addition to its beautiful coastlines with popular beaches, Tulum has become an ecotourism hub where travelers see this as a safe haven to focus on sustainability and their own health and well-being.
Yoga retreats have become increasingly popular, while sustainable destinations such as the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the recently opened Jaguar Park are top eco-powered attractions.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
