Mexico, a land of contrasts and natural and historical wonders, has much more in store for you than its famous beaches and seaside resorts.
This country abounds in hidden treasures, for the daring who aspire to venture off the beaten track.
This article invites you on a journey through some of Mexico’s lesser-known places, where history, nature and culture combine to offer unforgettable experiences.
1. Cancún: beyond Mexico’s paradise beaches
When you hear Cancún, images of idyllic beaches immediately spring to mind.
Yet this popular destination hides much more intriguing facets, far from the tourist hustle and bustle. Just a stone’s throw from the seaside resorts, get ready to discover another Cancun, rich in culture and nature.
The Cenotes of Cancún in Yucatán, vestiges of Mayan culture
The area around Cancún is full of cenotes, natural wells dear to the Mayan ancestors, offering a unique bathing experience in crystal-clear waters.
Take the time for a guided tour of the cenotes to refresh yourself, but also to understand their historical and ecological importance.
Among them is Cenote Ik Kil, with its impressive waterfalls and lush vegetation. It offers an almost unreal setting for swimming, giving a strange sensation of connecting directly to the sources of this mythical culture.
For history buffs, visit the El Rey ruins in Cancun itself. You can appreciate the Mayan heritage without leaving the city.
This ancient Mayan city, though less imposing than other archaeological sites in the Yucatán, offers a peaceful atmosphere and a fascinating glimpse of pre-Columbian civilization.
Moving slightly away from the city, you’ll have the pleasure of exploring the surrounding jungle through day trips, offering hiking, zip-lining and immersion in the local biodiversity. These adventures are the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and discover the region’s unique flora and fauna.
2. Unforgettable excursions away from mass tourism
Mexico’s hinterland is full of unique adventures, far from the crowded beaches and seaside resorts.
In the Yucatan, we recommend a visit to Cenote Multum Ha. It’s just 10 minutes from Coba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
This cenote is considered one of the most beautiful underground cenotes in Coba, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and magnificent cavern. Cenote Multum Ha is an absolutely spectacular natural site.
3. Discover the mystical cenotes of Yucatán
Let’s take a look at the cenotes, so typical of the Yucatan Peninsula. These are veritable natural gems. These freshwater chasms, formed by the collapse of limestone rocks, were regarded by the Mayans as portals to the other world.
Sites like Gran Cenote near Tulum or Cenote Dos Ojos offer a unique snorkeling or diving experience in transparent turquoise waters, surrounded by spectacular rock formations and fascinating aquatic life.
4. Tulum: a window on the past
Tulum, famous for its Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is a must-see for history buffs. But beyond the most-visited archaeological sites, Tulum conceals hidden treasures.
The ruins of Muyil, located in the jungle a few kilometers from Tulum, offer an immersion in the Mayan world far from the crowds.
This lesser-known site allows you to appreciate the masterly beauty of the ancient Mayan cities and to immerse yourself in the history of this lost yet fascinating civilization.
5. The call of the canyon
Mexico is also home to spectacular canyons, offering breathtaking panoramas for outdoor enthusiasts.
Among them, the Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas stands out for its vertiginous cliffs plunging into the emerald waters of the Grijalva.
A river cruise allows you to admire the majesty of the canyon, while views from the land offer different perspectives on this natural wonder.
The rich fauna, including crocodiles, monkeys and a variety of birds, makes the unique experience of this place even richer.
6. Hierve el Agua: petrified waterfalls
In Oaxaca, the Hierve el Agua formations offer an extraordinary natural spectacle.
These “petrified waterfalls”, created by mineral-rich springs deposited over thousands of years, seem frozen in time. The natural pools at the top offer not only a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley, but also the opportunity to bathe in the cool waters.
The hike to Hierve el Agua takes you through semi-desert landscapes punctuated by spectacular views.
Campeche, a walled city on the Gulf of Mexico, is an architectural gem often overlooked by conventional tourist circuits.
Its historic ramparts, witness to pirate attacks in centuries gone by, encircle a colorful town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Strolling through the streets of Campeche is like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved colonial buildings, peaceful plazas and revitalized waterfront.
Campeche is an ideal starting point for exploring the lesser-visited but equally impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the surrounding area. Don’t miss the archaeological zone of Edzna, Xcalumkín or Xpuhil.
8. Calakmul: in the heart of the jungle
Located in the heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in the state of Campeche, the ancient city of Calakmul is one of the hidden treasures of the Mayan world.
This ancient metropolis, surrounded by a vast expanse of jungle, is less accessible than other Mayan sites, giving it an atmosphere of mystery and adventure.
A walk through the ruins of Calakmul plunges you into ancient history, while enjoying the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area, home to jaguars, spider monkeys and a multitude of bird species.
10. Sian Ka’an Reserve: an ecological paradise
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, near Tulum, is an ecological sanctuary encompassing lagoons, mangrove forests, coral reefs and a variety of wildlife.
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers exceptional opportunities for ecotourism, from diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring ancient Mayan canals by kayak.
A visit to Sian Ka’an is an educational and inspiring experience, highlighting the importance of conserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
