Mexico Off The Beaten Path

  Slums of Mexico City
by Kuznetsov_Sergey
 
  • Slums of Mexico City
      Slums of Mexico City
    by Kuznetsov_Sergey
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by pedroebc
  • Cascadas de Moctuniha
      Cascadas de Moctuniha
    by DSwede
  • Iglesia viejo y cemeterio
      Iglesia viejo y cemeterio
    by DSwede
  • The Falls of Misol Ha
      The Falls of Misol Ha
    by DSwede
 

Most Viewed Off The Beaten Path in Mexico

101.

Isla Mujeres   Cancún

Isla Mujeres, Cancún

 14 Reviews  Spanish for "ISLAND OF WOMEN" , the picturesque fishing village of Isla Mujeres is a tropical paradise just a short, 15-minute ferry ride from Cancun. The origin of the island's name is uncertain. A... 

 See All 106 Off The Beaten Path in Cancún

102.

Nearby Towns   Puerto Vallarta

Nearby Towns, Puerto Vallarta

 44 Reviews  As we were driving from our hotel to the restaurant for dinner, I sincerely enjoyed the transition from crowded city to thick foliage and quaint villages. At one point, I said, to noone in particular,... 

 See All 92 Off The Beaten Path in Puerto Vallarta

103.

Cenotes   Playa del Carmen

Cenotes, Playa del Carmen

 4 Reviews  This cenote is in Puerto Aventuras not far south of Playa and can be easily accessed by colectivo, see my tip re transport. It's a beautiful crystal clear cenote, one part is open like a lake, the... 

 See All 39 Off The Beaten Path in Playa del Carmen

104.

Other Towns   Cabo San Lucas

Other Towns, Cabo San Lucas

 9 Reviews  When you are tired of the fast paced Cabo San Lucas, rent a car and head north about 45 minutes to Todos Santos. About 5,000 people live here and is one of only 15 cities in Mexico with the... 

 See All 31 Off The Beaten Path in Cabo San Lucas

105.

Food / Drink   Tijuana

Food / Drink, Tijuana

 6 Reviews  One of my favorite places in Tijuana is the Mercado Hidalgo, which is located at Av. Independencia and Sanchez Taboada. This is an open air fruit and vegetable market. There also are stores that sell... 

 See All 39 Off The Beaten Path in Tijuana

106.

Day Trips   Mazatlán

Day Trips, Mazatlán

 6 Reviews  This picture was taken at a Tequila Factory. This site was not ready for tourists yet. Our guide knew the owner, so he took us there. Love the colors. This place will soon (if not already) be part of... 

 See All 41 Off The Beaten Path in Mazatlán

107.

Grutas de García   Monterrey

Grutas de García, Monterrey

 3 Reviews  Outside of the city you can find more interesting places Grottos de García (like Caverns): they are at about 40 km. from the city of Monterrey, in the municipality of Garza García. You are arrive to... 

 See All 23 Off The Beaten Path in Monterrey

108.

Beaches   Acapulco

Beaches, Acapulco

 6 Reviews  Isla de Roqueta. The secluded beach was gorgeous but apparently in the last 2-3yrs the restaurant that you have to pass by to get to that gorgeous beach (a bit rocky, so watch your step and beware of... 

 See All 23 Off The Beaten Path in Acapulco

109.

Hierve el Agua   Oaxaca de Juárez

Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca de Juárez

 4 Reviews  It is a not pleasant drive to get here from San Lorenzo it was bad then we had to change and get in a kind of truck. the 2 waterpools are made by men. but the view is awesome. dont go to close to the... 

 See All 47 Off The Beaten Path in Oaxaca de Juárez

110.

Cenotes   Cancún

Cenotes, Cancún

 10 Reviews  We visited Ik Kil after a tour of Chichen Itza. If you have the option to do this (sometimes your tour will offer the stop), go for it! It was one of the highlights of our entire trip. I think entry... 

 See All 106 Off The Beaten Path in Cancún

111.

Local Places   Puerto Vallarta

Local Places, Puerto Vallarta

 20 Reviews  Yelapa is truly unique. A small village of about 1,500 native residents, now with electricity that arrives by wire and not by solar cell. There used to be only five phones - one is in the hotel but... 

 See All 92 Off The Beaten Path in Puerto Vallarta

112.

Sian Ka'an   Playa del Carmen

Sian Ka'an, Playa del Carmen

 7 Reviews  Si'an Kaan is a national park to the south from Tulum, where you can see lots of wildlife. A boat will take you around a huge bay with mostly fresh water. You'll see lots of birds in mangrove brush.... 

 See All 39 Off The Beaten Path in Playa del Carmen

113.

Beach Activities   Cabo San Lucas

Beach Activities, Cabo San Lucas

 9 Reviews  Cerritos Beach is (was) an off the beaten path kind of beach but now everyone knows!! About an hour north of Cabo, just before you get to Todos Santos. They have now built a restaurant/beach club... 

 See All 31 Off The Beaten Path in Cabo San Lucas

114.

Residential Areas   Tijuana

Residential Areas, Tijuana

 12 Reviews  "La mona" or "La mujer casa" (the doll or The house women) She looks as the statue of liberty, but is a home. The home of Armando Mu?os and Family. Mu?oz was a dreamer, and made of his dream a... 

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115.

Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island)   Mazatlán

Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island), Mazatlán

 3 Reviews  When we take the local ferry to Stone Island, we leave from the fishing docks where the local fishermen keep the fishing & shrimping boats. It's quite interesting seeing the area because it probably... 

 See All 41 Off The Beaten Path in Mazatlán

116.

Bioparque Estrella   Monterrey

Bioparque Estrella, Monterrey

 1 Review  Bioparque Estrella (Star Biopark) is an atractive free zoo, where people can see african spices in this huge park. Many others activities let to know regional flora and fauna. It is 40 Km south of... 

 See All 23 Off The Beaten Path in Monterrey

117.

Yagul   Oaxaca de Juárez

Yagul, Oaxaca de Juárez

 4 Reviews  Getting to Yagul without a tour can take some time, patience, and some walking. The bus the plies the road between Oaxaca City and Mitla and onwards passes within 1.5 kilometers from the archeological... 

 See All 47 Off The Beaten Path in Oaxaca de Juárez

118.

Chichen Itza   Cancún

Chichen Itza, Cancún

 15 Reviews  Stoped in a small town on the outskirts of Merida and stayed in a Hacienda. Very different from the usual hotels etc but very interesting and cozy. Took the local transportation. Cost 10 pesos and... 

 See All 106 Off The Beaten Path in Cancún

119.

Festivals/Customs   Puerto Vallarta

Festivals/Customs, Puerto Vallarta

 7 Reviews  I wish more people would include the "good" prices they negotiate! I started at the top of the Malecon and worked my way down to the Romantic Zone. The prices were cheaper at the starting end, but I... 

 See All 92 Off The Beaten Path in Puerto Vallarta

120.

Beach   Playa del Carmen

Beach, Playa del Carmen

 5 Reviews  paraiso beach club is a great place to have happy hr. starts at 3:00 also try their amberjack slightly breaded, delicious & I'm not much of a fish eater, went back twice last trip. when sitting on... 

 See All 39 Off The Beaten Path in Playa del Carmen

121.

Tours   Cabo San Lucas

Tours, Cabo San Lucas

 4 Reviews  I just returned from Cabo, Mexico and I had a wonderful trip. We stayed at the Fiesta American Grand, which I will have to tell you is a true 5 star experience. It is not just beautiful but the staff,... 

 See All 31 Off The Beaten Path in Cabo San Lucas

122.

Flags / Monuments   Tijuana

Flags / Monuments, Tijuana

 3 Reviews  This photo shows a south view of Tijuana and includes the giant Mexican flag which flies above the city for all to see. It is about 86 feet wide and 150 feet long and can be seen from the USA side as... 

 See All 39 Off The Beaten Path in Tijuana

123.

Cultural/Historical   Mazatlán

Cultural/Historical, Mazatlán

 19 Reviews  Desde los tiempos en que las oficinas aduanales fueron cambiadas del poblado de Villa Unión al Puerto de Mazatlán en el año de 1828, se hizo evidente que se requería de un edificio apropiado que... 

 See All 41 Off The Beaten Path in Mazatlán

124.

Cola de Caballo   Monterrey

Cola de Caballo, Monterrey

 2 Reviews  Waterfall Cola de Caballo Buses leave at the central bus station and go about an hour, then a mini bus will take you up to waterfall. To get in without paying the fee walk up the street a bit and take... 

 See All 23 Off The Beaten Path in Monterrey

125.

Tree of Tule   Oaxaca de Juárez

Tree of Tule, Oaxaca de Juárez

 7 Reviews  booked the 18th a tour for tule, teotitlan del valle, mitla ,hierve el aqua and mazatlan. I went here on the 20th of februari 2008. Needed to be at ready at 9.45 - 10.00 at hostal Ponchon. bus came to... 

 See All 47 Off The Beaten Path in Oaxaca de Juárez

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Mitla

by manil51

Mitla was occupied until the 16th century when the Spaniards destroyed or dismantled an Indian building in order to use the foundation and many of the cut bricks from the original city to build a cathedral. What we now call the Town of Mitla grew up around the ruins (and cathedral), which makes an interesting contrast between a once beautiful and great city in ruins and the current city, which has never regained the stature of the pre-Spanish era. If you have the time, this is the number two (after Monte Alban) must see site near Oaxaca. The ruins of Mitla are one of Mexico's most interesting sacred places. Evidence shows that the site was occupied from about 900 B.C. Mitla's visible structural remains date from about 200 A.D. to 900 A.D. when the Zapotecs were ruling the area. from 1000 AD when the Mixtecs took control of the site, and from 1200 AD (some sources say 1500), when the...

COBA,Yucatan

by manil51

One of the oldest Mayan cities, Coba was a grand settlement that developed in the jungle around a group of lakes and cenotes (sinkholes) that, like Tulum, belong to the Classic and Postclassic periods of Mayan culture.The first traces are from 100 to 200 AD, although it flourished during the period between the years 300 and 900 of our era. Its political importance in the region lasted until 900 and 1200 AD.Coba's importance in its time is linked to the great cities of Tikal and Copan. It may have been a center of crop production and the place from where goods and services were distributed between the coast and the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula--something like a commercial, political and religious capital.Indicative of this is the existence of an enormous network of trails or sacbe that served to connect distinct groups of importance in Coba with other places in the region, reaching...

Uxmal,Yucatan

by manil51

Uxmal is an archeological zone located 49 miles south of the city of Merida. If you are interested in Mexican archeology, you can stay in Merida for a few days in order to visit Uxmal, one of the most gorgeous cities of ancient Mexico.This Mayan city reached its height in the Late Classic period (600 to 900 AD) and was constructed in the purest example of Puc style, apparent in its main structures: the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle and the Palace of the Governor.The particular style known as "Puc" or Puuc, owes its name to the region of hills in which can be found the constructions and the cultural manifestations of those people who developed there.

Tip Photo
Swim In An Underground Pool With Blind Fish

by Waxbag

From Valladolid, you can rent a one speed bike and ride to two cenotes; Dzitnup and Samula. Cenotes are what the locals call caves. The Yucaten Penisula is full of caves and these two are very accessible and beautiful. Bring your swim suit as the water is clean and refreshing and the natural sky light from the hole at the top provides an etheral light to the space.Samula cenote as a hole at the top where the roots of an alamo tree reach all the way to the bottom of the pool. It is a very unusual site. Both cenotes have a species of eyeless, and harmless fish. Locals like to come and swim here often. As far as I can tell, security is not an issue. The locals are increadibly friendly.Bikes can be hired at the Albergues la Candelaria Hostel. This is also an excellent place to stay, one of the best in Mexico.Address:West on route 180 from ValladolidDirections:Go west on Calle 39 or Calle 41...

Tip Photo
Kabah's Masks and Statues

by Waxbag

One of the more interesting Mayan cities in the region in terms of art and architecture is Kabah. El Palacio de los Mascarones (Palace of Masks) is a unusual wall with three rows of about 300 chac masks staring at you. Most of the curvy noses protrude about foot from the wall.On the east side of El Palacio are two restored atlantes (two male figures used as a support column). Cost $2 US, Free on Sundays113 km from Merida, Hwy 26123 km south-east of UxmalYucatan State, MexicoCheck out my Kabah page for more information.Kabah

Tip Photo
Labna on La Ruta Puuc

by Waxbag

Labna is one the most interesting sites along La Ruta Puuc. It is located in a jungle setting although all the structures have been cleared and mostly restored. Labna is a Late Classic site reaching its height in the 9th century with approximately 3000 residence. Like all Mayan cities in the Yucatan water was a major issue due to the dry climate. Labna had many cisterns or chultunes to support its people throughout the year. The architecture of these structures is very detailed and decorative that is typical of the Puuc Style. Check out my Labna page.Labna

Tip Photo
Valladolid, Great Off the Beaten Path

by Waxbag

Valladolid is a miniature Merida. It is a nice small colonial town with a slow paced life. It has a nice park, Parque Francisco Canton Rosado, that is typical to the Yucatan; broad, well manicured, and full of people and vendors. It has some nice eateries, bakeries and shops around the park. There are some nice churches in town including San Bernardino and Convento de Sisal which were constructed in 1552 as a church and fortress.The accommodation is here is quite good. One of my favorite hostels that I have ever experienced is here, Albergue la Candelaria. It is a beautiful hostel with open gardens and nice, clean facilities.The town is also in an excellent location to visit the nearby caves or cenotes like Cenote Dzitnup and Cenote Samula. This really should not be missed. They are a most unusual site and are worth seeing. There is also a nice cenote right in the middle of town called...

Tip Photo
BEWARE OF POLICIA

by member007

They are not your friends !!!!! they are not there to help you !!!!! do not do anything that will allow them to approach you. you do not want to end up in a Mexican jail. TRUST ME ! In the mean time, keep a little cash on you at all times. if for some reason you do get in trouble you can usually buy your way out of it. do not wear nice jewelry because that is the first thing that they will go for.

Tip Photo
BEWARE OF POLICIA

by member007

They are not your friends !!!!! they are not there to help you !!!!! do not do anything that will allow them to approach you. you do not want to end up in a Mexican jail. TRUST ME ! In the mean time, keep a little cash on you at all times. if for some reason you do get in trouble you can usually buy your way out of it. do not wear nice jewelry because that is the first thing that they will go for.

Tip Photo
Take the walk to the town of Yelapa

by baciofirenze

If you are staying at Verana take the 30 minute walk into the tiny village of Yelapa. This is a charming little Mexican hamlet full of little kids running around, horses riding by, and just alot of locals who seem very happy to be living there. The locals are very friendly, the beach is beautiful, and the small "on the beach" food choices are all excellent! Stop for a few Corona's and watch the world go by.

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Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Mexico
  1. Cancún Off The Beaten Path
  2. Puerto Vallarta Off The Beaten Path
  3. Playa del Carmen Off The Beaten Path
  4. Mexico City Off The Beaten Path
  5. Cabo San Lucas Off The Beaten Path
  6. Tijuana Off The Beaten Path
  7. Tulum Off The Beaten Path
  8. Mazatlán Off The Beaten Path
  9. Isla Cozumel Off The Beaten Path
  10. Isla Mujeres Off The Beaten Path
  11. Monterrey Off The Beaten Path
  12. Acapulco Off The Beaten Path
  13. Guadalajara Off The Beaten Path
  14. Ensenada Off The Beaten Path
  15. San José del Cabo Off The Beaten Path
  16. Guanajuato Off The Beaten Path
  17. Oaxaca de Juárez Off The Beaten Path
  18. Ruinas Chichén-Itzá Off The Beaten Path
  19. Akumal Off The Beaten Path
  20. Mérida Off The Beaten Path
  21. Ixtapa Off The Beaten Path
  22. San Miguel de Allende Off The Beaten Path
  23. Querétaro Off The Beaten Path
  24. Puerto Morelos Off The Beaten Path
  25. Puerto Peñasco Off The Beaten Path
  26. Manzanillo Off The Beaten Path
  27. Rosarito Off The Beaten Path
  28. San Cristóbal de Las Casas Off The Beaten Path
  29. Teotihuacán Off The Beaten Path
  30. Sayulita Off The Beaten Path
  31. San Miguel de Cozumel Off The Beaten Path
  32. Palenque Off The Beaten Path
  33. San Luis Potosí Off The Beaten Path
  34. Loreto Off The Beaten Path
  35. Cuernavaca Off The Beaten Path
  36. Puerto Escondido Off The Beaten Path
  37. Zacatecas Off The Beaten Path
  38. La Paz Off The Beaten Path
  39. Mexicali Off The Beaten Path
  40. Veracruz Off The Beaten Path
  41. Progreso Off The Beaten Path
  42. Isla Holbox Off The Beaten Path
  43. Morelia Off The Beaten Path
  44. Aguascalientes Off The Beaten Path
  45. Santa Cruz Huatulco Off The Beaten Path
  46. Ciudad del Carmen Off The Beaten Path

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Questions and Answers

Hermanater profile photo

Q:  Going to Puerto Vallarta for Cino de Mayo. Never been to PV before. Any tips you can provide me? 

lmkluque profile photo

A: I have not been to Puerto Vallarta but know about it as a popular tourist resort town. I do live next to the Mexican border and have experience with Mexicans and... 

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