Growing up in California, my early exposure to Mexico was its bustling and rather tawdry border towns. My friends and I would make a weekend or an afternoon of it down in Tijuana or Rosarito Beach, sipping margaritas and noshing fish tacos. Then we'd hustle back over the border with a pinata under each arm, grateful to be back where we could drink the water.
As I got older my friends and I started to venture deeper into the country down south. Our adventures lasted a week or longer, and we discovered that there's a lot more to Mexico than cheap cerveza and ceramic Elvis statuettes. So as spring approaches, here are seven travel ideas off the beaten path.
Oaxaca
From its rich historical offerings to Spanish-language classes, cooking courses and ample opportunities to explore the surrounding hills on foot and bicycle, Oaxaca abounds in adventure. The steady, cool climate also makes it one of the country's most popular destinations. The old colonial city features lovely plazas, courtyards as well as an abundance of hotels and restaurants that cater to both the extravagant and budget-minded.
Zihuatanejo
You might remember the name Zihuatanejo from the film 'The Shawshank Redemption', but long-time Mexico fans know the town for its pristine beaches and palate-pleasing seafood. This old-world fishing village sits in a secluded little bay about 150 miles northwest of Acapulco. Although there has been significant development over the last decade, it still remains one of Mexico's wonderful secrets.
Palenque
Most people have probably heard of the ruins at Teotihuacan whose epic pyramids are the subject of countless tourist photos. But, further south in the jungles of Mayan Mexico are a set of ruins that rise through the morning mist and comprise one of the most alluring architectural complexes of ancient Mexico. Palenque still has the feel of a place undiscovered and the surrounding jungles make for superb exploration.
Puerto Escondido
For years Puerto Escondido was one of those secret surfer hideaways where phenomenal waves attracted legions of board riders. Well, it's still kind of like that. Puerto Escondido's sprawling beaches remain relatively undeveloped and the towering waves of Zicatela beach make it one of the top 10 surfing destinations in the world. There's also a viable tourist infrastructure that includes numerous small to midsize hotels as well as excellent restaurants.
Lago Bacalar
The waters of Lago Bacalar, Mexico's largest lake, are stunningly clear and offer superb kayaking. Despite its proximity to overcrowded Cancun (about three hours), the tourist hordes are absent here, providing you with a feeling of being on a different planet, albeit a beautiful, pristine planet rich in exotic birds and ancient temples.
Copper Canyon
Located in the hot, arid state of Chihuahua, Copper Canyon is actually larger than the Grand Canyon. Its steep terrain offers gaping vistas and challenging fun such as horseback riding, mountain biking and canyoneering. If you're not up for a good sweat, you can ride the world-famous Chihuahua Pacific Railway, which chugs its way through the canyon and over perilous switchbacks.
Hidden Worlds Cenote Park
As a diver, I've always longed to find one of those secret dive spots that no one else knows about. The kind where you venture into the blue depths and see things others have only dreamed about. The Dos Ojos Cavern in Cenote Park is one of the must-do trips for diving enthusiasts. In fact, the caves were featured in the 2002 IMAX film, 'Journey Into Amazing Caves.'
More Mexico Ideas From Gadling.com:
- Kayaking Baja
- Riding Back From Zihuatanejo
- Cuidado, if You're Headed to Mexico
- Surf Safari for Women
- Destination December: Oaxaca, Mexico
