Mexico is a vast and diverse country, with many areas that are less touristic and more authentic. The benefits of getting out of the tourist areas of Mexico are huge. the best parts of Mexico are off the beaten path, where you can experience the local culture (not to mention local prices).
Traveling to less touristic regions of Mexico can be a rewarding and enriching experience. These regions often offer a unique glimpse into the country’s traditional culture and way of life, away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas. In addition, visiting these less traveled areas can also help support local economies and communities by providing them with much needed tourism revenue. Furthermore, exploring less touristic regions can also give travelers the opportunity to interact with locals and learn more about the history and customs of the area. Overall, traveling to less touristic regions of Mexico can be a fulfilling and authentic way to discover the country’s hidden gems.
Some of the less touristic areas of Mexico with zero (or almost zero) gringos include
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Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes, Mexico is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers a wide range of benefits for travelers. One of the key advantages of visiting Aguascalientes is the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, with a wealth of historic landmarks and museums to explore. Check out the Museo Nacional de la Muerte, which translates in English as the National Museum of Death.
In addition, the city is home to a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues to enjoy. When Mexicans think about Aguascalientes, most people think about the Feria de San Marcos held in the capital city of Aguascalientes. The city’s central location makes it a great base for exploring the rest of the region, with easy access to other popular destinations such as San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas. Overall, Aguascalientes is a fascinating and rewarding destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Mexico’s culture and history.
Campeche
Campeche, Mexico is a beautiful and historically significant destination that offers a wide range of benefits for travelers. One of the key advantages of visiting Campeche is the city’s well-preserved colonial architecture, with a wealth of colorful and ornate buildings that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the city is surrounded by a stunning array of natural beauty, including lush forests, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters. The local cuisine is another highlight of Campeche, with a wide range of delicious seafood dishes and traditional Mayan recipes to try. Furthermore, the city’s location on the Yucatan Peninsula makes it a great base for exploring the region, with easy access to popular destinations such as Merida and Chichen Itza. Overall, Campeche is a fascinating and diverse destination that offers something for every traveler.
Chiapas
Chiapas is another state that almost didn’t make the list – it’s gotten too popular recently. San Cristobal de las Casas is definitely part of the gringo trail, but the rest of the state is relatively unexplored. Chiapas is a state in southern Mexico that is known for its beautiful jungle landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. The state is home to many indigenous communities, and it offers many opportunities to experience traditional music, art, and other aspects of Mexican culture. Chiapas is less touristic than other parts of Mexico, and it is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the real Mexico.
Durango
Durango, Mexico is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers a wide range of benefits for travelers. It’s a place of wild west desert scenery and feels like you’re in a Western movie. The state is located in the northwest of the country, sandwiched between Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Zacatecas. The capital city of Durango, also called Durango, is home to a rich history and cultural heritage, with a wealth of historic landmarks and museums to explore. In addition, the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with a variety of outdoor activities and adventures to enjoy, such as hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. The local cuisine is another highlight of Durango, mostly based on meat and carne asada, with a wide range of delicious and authentic dishes to try. Overall, Durango is a fascinating and rewarding destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Mexico’s norteño culture and history.
Hidalgo
Hidalgo is a state located in central Mexico, with a population of over 2.8 million people. The capital city is Pachuca de Soto. The state is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, with a variety of outdoor activities and adventures to enjoy, such as hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Hidalgo is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with a wealth of historic landmarks and museums to explore. The local cuisine is another highlight of Hidalgo, with a wide range of delicious and authentic dishes to try. There are relatively few gringos despite its close proximity to Mexico City and abundance of pueblo magicos.
Michoacan
Michoacán is a state located in western Mexico, with a population of over 4.4 million people. The capital city is Morelia. The state has a reputation for narco violence that has kept most travelers away. Morelia is overall very safe and a great spot for digital nomads. Michoacán is also home to a rich cultural heritage, tons of museums and historic sites to explore. The local cuisine is another highlight of Michoacán, with tons of local dishes. You’ll find food and cost of living expenses to be exceptionally low in Michoacán.
Morelos
Morelos is a state located in central Mexico, with a population of over 1.8 million people. The capital city is Cuernavaca. The capital city, Cuernavaca, is a great starting point for exploring the region, with a wealth of historic landmarks and museums to visit, such as the Palace of Cortés and the Museo de las Culturas de Morelos. The city is also known for its beautiful gardens, such as the Jardín Borda and the Jardín Juárez. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Morelos, with a variety of natural attractions to explore, such as the Parque Nacional Lagunas de Zempoala and the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa. The state is also home to several thermal springs, such as the Balneario La Gruta and the Balneario La Primavera, which are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating.
Oaxaca
We almost didn’t include Oaxaca on this list, because Oaxaca has gotten very popular in recent years. Certainly Puerto Escondido is not very escondido and is in fact overrun with gringos. However, once you get into the interior of the state of Oaxaca there are very few gringos and tons of local culture. In fact, many people in Oaxaca speak indigenous languages as their mother tongue. Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico that is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. The city of Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to many museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions. The state of Oaxaca is less touristic than other parts of Mexico, and it offers a more authentic and laid-back experience.
San Luis Potosi
San Luis Potosi is a vibrant and culturally rich state (and city) located in central Mexico. The capital city is known the Casa de la Marquesa and the Museo de las Culturas de San Luis Potosi. The city is also home to several beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Jardín de San Francisco and the Parque Tangamanga, which are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in San Luis Potosi, with a variety of natural attractions to explore, such as Parque Nacional Gogorrón. The state is also home to several thermal springs and waterfalls, such as the Cascadas de Micos and Cascada de Tamul, which are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating. The pueblo magico of Real de Catorce is also a must. Very few gringos and international tourists make it to this state.
Tabasco
Tabasco is a state located in southeastern Mexico, with a population of over 2.1 million people. The capital city is Villahermosa. Tabasco is a has a northern coastline on Gulf of Mexico, but the beaches aren’t great. In Villahermosa, Parque Museo la Venta is known for its zoo and colossal stone sculptures dating to the Olmec civilization. The grand Museo de Historia de Tabasco chronicles the area from prehistoric times, while the Museo Regional de Antropología has exhibits on native Mayan & Olmec civilizations. This state definitely punches above it’s class in terms of museums, due to the history of pre-hispanic civilizations.
Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas is a state in northeastern Mexico that is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Even though this state borders the American state of Texas, there is very little tourism in Tamaulipas. This state has a bad reputation for violence, but in recent years things have calmed down considerably. The state is home to many national parks and other protected areas, and it offers many opportunities to explore the outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico. Tamaulipas is less touristic than other parts of Mexico, and it is an ideal destination for travelers who want to escape the crowds and experience the real Mexico.
Tlaxcala (si existe)
There’s a common joke in Mexico that Tlaxcala doesn’t exist. If it did, it would be a state located in central Mexico, with a population of over 1.5 million people. The capital city is Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl. Check out the Templo de San Francisco and the Museo Nacional de la Muerte. Tlaxcala is also home to a variety of natural attractions, such as the Parque Nacional Cacaxtla and the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, which are perfect for outdoor activities and adventures.
Veracruz
Veracruz is a massive state bordering the Gulf of Mexico, home to numerous beaches as well as the country’s highest peak, Pico de Orizaba, a dormant volcano. The modern port city of Veracruz was founded by Hernán Cortés in 1519 as a base for Spain’s conquest of the Aztec Empire. Today the capital city of Heroica Veracruz (el puerto) is famous for its exuberant annual Carnival festival. This state has every thing from beaches to pre-hispanic ruins to coffee plantations to jaguars and jungle. Veracruz is very underrated among international tourists.
Zacatecas
Zacatecas is a large state in north-central Mexico, northwest of Mexico City. if you visit, be sure to check out the La Quemada archaeological site, a large pre-Columbian settlement with a museum, hilltop pyramid and columns. The state’s high-altitude capital, also called Zacatecas, is home to the Mina El Edén, an old silver mine with an underground train that passes unique rock formations, displays of mineral deposits and antique mining machinery. The second biggest city of Fresnillo, founded in 1554, is also worth a visit. This state is home to tons of gold rush and silver ming history. This means there is tons of ghost towns and frontiersmen history. It’s a huge state with tons to explore.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many less touristic areas of Mexico that offer a more authentic and laid-back experience. We highly recommend you make the effort to spend time in the lesser-known regions of Mexico. When you get away from the touristic spots, you benefit from lower prices and incredible sites all to yourself. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, or stunning landscapes, Mexico has many hidden gems that are worth exploring.
