Tourists are flocking to these 3 underrated destinations in Mexico

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We’ve been singing its praises for years, and we’ll keep hammering it until it sticks: Mexico is so much more than its Caribbean beaches, larger-than-life luxury resorts and tourist pyramids.

We can’t exactly take credit, but after years of off-path destinations in Mexico that most mainstream travel publications ignore, we think it’s time to give ourselves a little smug tap on the back:

The underestimated Pacific state of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, has done just that never been as popular as it is now.

Oaxaca’s top 3 fastest rising tourist spots

The numbers are officially in, and according to the DataTur monitoring program and the State Comprehensive Tourism Information System, Oaxaca received approximately 6,289,000 domestic and international visitors in 2025, the best year for tourism yet.

Honestly, we can’t say we’re surprised:

Between Oaxaca’s historically rich colonial towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites, to pristine coastline and lush nature, it is one of the most diverse states in Mexicobut three places in particular are responsible for more than 54% of tourist arrivals (and were responsible for 86.6% of the economic impact).

Everyone is going to Oaxaca this year, and it’s these gems they’ll encounter:

Puerto Escondido

Tulum, before it was completely destroyed, Puerto Escondido is an aptly named hidden spot for Mexican locals (and trusted foreigners) whose sole purpose is to kick back, soak up the sun, and not pay extortionate amounts while they’re at it.

It is home to beautiful, protected beaches such as Carrizalillo, located in a bay flanked by steep cliffsand Zicatela, a surfing hotspot with lots of youth hostels and beach bars, and while it has a vibrant nightlife, it’s nowhere near the crazy level of Yucatán.

In the heart of the city, Principal Beach is the trendiest place to be: a long stretch of sand dotted with palm trees and thatched-roof bars. Ordering a cheeky cocktail before lunch will cost you just $4 on average, while a meal at a casual waterfront restaurant varies from $10 to $15.

Don’t miss Mercado Benito Juárez, the lively local market, or El Adoquín, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare full of food stalls and local crafts.

Fly non-stop to Puerto Escondido (PXM)

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Huatulco

Still on the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors thanks to its series of 9 picturesque bays, including no fewer than 36 beaches, a tranquil atmosphere and green nature.

Seriously, everywhere you look there seems to be lush jungle as far as the eye can see.

This is due to Huatulco’s unique location, wedged between the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and the azure blue Atlantic Ocean. Dense green hills lie just behind the bays, and there are even jungle-covered cliffs along the coastline.

One of the best ways to explore the numerous swimming spots is to book a boat trip through the bays of Huatulco.

They usually start from $30, and regardless of which company you book with, you can be assured that the itinerary will include stops Bahia de Santa Cruzthe most iconic bay, and La Entrega, a snorkeling paradise known for its calm, clear waters.

In town, La Crucecita has a small Mexican town atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll and dinner, and if you like old colonial churches, check out the local Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. one of the largest murals of the Virgin of Guadalupe around the world.

Fly non-stop to Huatulco (HUX)

Oaxaca City

A UNESCO World Heritage SiteOaxaca de Juárez is the capital and largest city of the state of the same name, with the kind of well-preserved 16th-century buildings and beautiful architecture that you only wish would have been preserved in America after its industrial boom.

For the most part, Oaxaca has remained virtually untouched.

The crown jewel of the colonial ensemble, the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is perhaps one of the most beautiful in Mexicowith its baroque facade and ornate golden interior. Even if you’re not particularly into churches, this one just hits the spot.

The main square is dominated by an equally beautiful cathedral and lined with European-style cafes, terraces and the like, and the cobbled Centro, with its typical Spanish townhouses, winding alleys and small galleries, is an absolute pleasure to wander around.

And why didn’t anyone ever tell me that Mercado 20 de Noviembre is pretty much the definition of food heaven? Tlayudas, mole, tacos and every other Mexican delicacy under the sun – not to mention a whole ‘smoke aisle’ (Pasillo de Humo) for grilled meat lovers.

Brb, a week to OAX from the miserably rainy Paris.

Fly direct to Oaxaca (OAX)

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.