Mexico is famous for being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the beaches to the food, to the culture, to its history, Mexico has it all. In addition to the many known wonders of Mexico, there are also many more off the beaten path treasures waiting to be discovered.
Here are 4 hidden gems you must visit on your next trip to Mexico.
IMG: Holbox Island – Mexico-1. Christopher William Adach . Flickr. Creative Commons.
Holbox Island
Holbox is a tiny, remote island off the coast of Mexico that despite its small size boasts an inordinate amount of wildlife. Some people have called Holbox the Maldives of the Gulf of Mexico. This island makes you feel like a king or a queen on your own private island. Without another soul in sight, you can enjoy pristine beaches, plenty of wildlife, and well-deserved relaxation. Holbrook is especially popular with surfers, beach bums, bird watchers, and those seeking lots of beauty and a little bit of solitude. The island is located within Mexico’s largest ecological preserve Yum Balum, which means there are plenty of opportunities to take in the sights of animals, water, reefs, serenity, peace, and relaxation.
IMG: Holbox Island – Mexico-4. Christopher William Adach . Flickr. Creative Commons.
IMG: Ex-hacienda Gogorrón – SLP México. Lucy Nieto. Flickr. Creative Commons.
San Luis Potosi
San Luis Potosi has the makings of a great road trip as it is at least two hours from San Miguel Allende making it well off the beaten path. This region of Mexico boasts some of the most interesting and far-out scenery in Mexico. From a ghost town named Real de Catorce to abundant outdoor adventures, this is the trip for you. One of the best features of the region is the Cave of Swallows which is recognized as the world’s largest cave shaft. On the outskirts of Real de Catorce, you can find whitewater rafting and hiking adventures, you can explore breathtaking waterfalls, and so much more.
IMG: Cascada de Tamul. San Luis Potosi. Rene De la Garza. Flickr. Creative Commons.
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Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
In the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara Madre mountains lie Copper Canyon. Copper Canyon is comprised of six individual canyons that were formed by six rivers that merge together into the Rio Fuerte and end in the Gulf of Mexico. An interesting fact about Copper Canyon is that it is much much bigger than the Grand Canyon. From an aerial perspective, Copper Canyon looks like a giant green prairie but upon closer inspection inside the depths of the canyon, you may encounter some of the last remains of Mexico’s indigenous tribes that have been preserved and untouched by the progress of the modern age. Originally Copper Canyon was home to the Tarahumari and Raramuri peoples who reside there to this day but very reclusively as they want to preserve their way of life.
IMG: Alessandro Capurso. IMG_3428. Copper Canyon. Flickr. Creative Commons
IMG: Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida. Shawn. Flickr. Creative Commons.
Espiritu Santo Island
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected site since 1995, Espiritu Santo Island has been called the Galapagos Islands of the northern hemisphere. Espiritu Santo is a natural jewel and an important eco-tourism site. The 12th largest island in Mexico, Espiritu Santo offers some of the most pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. You may never find a better opportunity to relax, relate, and release in such a beautiful environment. The reefs that surround the island are home to a wide variety of bio-diversity both in plant and animal life. From schools of fish to turtles, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, sea lions and if you’re lucky sometimes whales, snorkeling here is not to be missed.
IMG: Espíritu Santo. No Barriers – ETC Baja. Flickr. Creative Commons
These are only four of the best must-see and off-the-beaten-path travel destinations in Mexico, and the list could easily include many more destinations.