What is the main reason Americans flock over to Mexico? It is not usually the colonial cities, the incredible mountain ranges, or the deep history. It is almost always the beaches, the all inclusive resorts, and the margaritas.
But in reality, the more I have explored over the last 10 years, very few things can compare to the exhilarating feeling of laying eyes on a perfectly preserved 16th century colonial city for the first time. Walking cobblestone streets not made for cars and feeling like you have suddenly stepped into a real life storybook set in ancient Spain is a completely different kind of magic.
To be fair, after dozens of trips to the coast, it is only natural that I would start taking the beach for granted, especially after being worn down by the maddening crowds and irritated by the surging prices in places like Tulum and Cabo. These five underrated Mexican gems reminded me of what it is that I love about this country so much. They come with perfectly intact colonial architecture, proper dinner outings that will not set you back by over ten dollars, and most importantly, way smaller, if not zero crowds.
Campeche, Campeche
If you want intact defensive walls and pirate history, you have to head to the Yucatan Peninsula. Campeche currently holds a Level 1 safety advisory, which is the absolute safest rating possible. Tucked away on the western coast of the peninsula, a region very few Americans dare venture into, Campeche is a picture perfect colonial settlement lining the Gulf of Mexico. It is completely surrounded by imposing stone walls and heavy defensive fortresses built in the 1700s to keep actual pirates out.
Walking through the pastel hued streets feels exactly like wandering through a quiet town in southern Europe. The beautiful facades of the colonial townhouses are the real deal, and the entire fortified core is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. The absolute shocker is that it gets a tiny fraction of the visitors that nearby Merida receives.
Average Prices In Campeche
- Fresh street taco: $1.50 to $2.00
- Local seafood main dish: $8.00 to $12.00
- Three course meal in a mid range restaurant: $15.00 to $25.00 per person
- Cappuccino: $2.50 to $3.50
- Local draft beer: $2.00 to $3.00
- Simple guesthouse or hotel: $45.00 to $65.00 per night for two
- Boutique historic hotel: $85.00 to $120.00 per night
Valladolid, Yucatan
Just two hours inland from the massive crowds of Cancun sits Valladolid. Like Campeche, it is located in a Level 1 safety state, making it one of the most secure destinations in the entire country. The town was founded in the 1500s, and today it features a stunning collection of pastel colored colonial buildings, quiet cobblestone streets, and a massive Spanish cathedral towering over the main plaza.
Instead of fighting for space at a crowded resort pool, you can use Valladolid as your basecamp to explore massive underground freshwater cenotes. You can literally walk from the main town square to Cenote Zaci, climb down a stone staircase, and swim in crystal clear water inside a collapsed cave.
Average Prices In Valladolid
- Fresh order of cochinita pibil tacos: $2.50 to $4.00
- Massive plate of local smoked sausage and rice: $7.00 to $10.00
- Three course meal in a mid range courtyard restaurant: $15.00 to $22.00 per person
- Cappuccino: $2.50 to $3.00
- Local craft beer: $3.00 to $4.00
- Simple guesthouse or B and B: $40.00 to $60.00 per night
- Boutique stay with a private pool: $80.00 to $130.00 per night
Loreto, Baja California Sur
When most travelers think of Baja California, they immediately think of the massive yachts and thousand dollar hotel rooms in Cabo San Lucas. If you drive a few hours north, you hit Loreto. Located in a secure Level 2 state, Loreto was actually the very first colonial settlement in all of the Californias, founded way back in 1697.
The town features the original stone mission church, quiet tree lined streets, and zero mega resorts. It sits directly on the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, meaning you get the charming European style architecture with immediate access to world class snorkeling and whale watching. It is the ultimate authentic alternative to the chaotic southern tip of the peninsula.
Average Prices In Loreto
- Fresh battered fish taco right on the water: $2.00 to $3.00
- Plate of authentic seafood ceviche: $6.00 to $9.00
- Three course meal in a mid range restaurant: $18.00 to $28.00 per person
- Cappuccino: $3.00
- Ice cold Pacifico beer: $2.00 to $3.00
- Simple guesthouse: $55.00 to $75.00 per night
- Historic courtyard hotel: $90.00 to $140.00 per night
Cholula, Puebla
If you want to combine colonial architecture, ancient history, and dramatic natural landscapes, Cholula is completely unmatched. Located in the highly secure Level 2 state of Puebla, this vibrant town is famous for having a stunning yellow Spanish church perched literally on top of the largest pyramid by volume in the entire world.
The pyramid itself is completely overgrown with grass, looking like a massive natural hill right in the middle of the city. But the real showstopper is the backdrop. The entire town sits in the direct shadow of Popocatepetl, a massive, snow capped active volcano that regularly puffs huge plumes of smoke into the sky. Getting a photo of the ancient colonial church with the smoking volcano looming right behind it is an absolute bucket list experience. The town below is a maze of cobblestone streets, incredible coffee shops, and some of the best street food you will find anywhere in North America.
Average Prices In Cholula
- Fresh cemita sandwich packed with meat and cheese: $3.00 to $5.00
- Plate of authentic mole poblano with chicken: $7.00 to $11.00
- Three course meal in a mid range restaurant: $15.00 to $25.00 per person
- Local artisanal coffee: $2.50 to $3.50
- Local draft beer: $2.00 to $3.00
- Simple hotel room: $40.00 to $60.00 per night for two
- Luxury converted historic building: $85.00 to $130.00 per night
Tlaxcala City, Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala is the smallest state in Mexico, and it is widely considered to be one of the absolute safest. It proudly holds a Level 2 safety advisory. It is so far off the radar for international tourists that it has become an inside joke among locals that the state does not actually exist.
The reality is that Tlaxcala City is a stunning colonial masterpiece. The historic center features bright red brick buildings adorned with white stucco and incredible tiled facades. It is home to one of the oldest Franciscan monasteries in the Americas, dating back to 1537. The entire town sits in a lush green valley surrounded by massive volcanoes. It is incredibly cheap, incredibly safe, and you will likely not see another foreign tourist during your entire stay.
Average Prices In Tlaxcala City
- Order of fresh local basket tacos: $1.50 to $2.50
- Traditional Mexican breakfast: $4.00 to $6.00
- Local main dish like slow roasted pork: $7.00 to $10.00
- Three course meal in a mid range restaurant: $15.00 to $22.00 per person
- Local artisanal coffee: $2.00 to $3.00
- Local beer: $2.00
- Simple guesthouse: $35.00 to $55.00 per night
- Restored luxury hotel: $70.00 to $110.00 per night
Mexico’s Colonial Gems
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