I have realized I need a lot more out of my travel lately. Yes, there are absolutely stunning all-inclusive pools out there, but once you have spent a week lounging by one, you have kind of done them all. Over the last year, I made a strict point to track down destinations across Mexico that would genuinely blow my mind for being, well, entirely different. I wanted bizarre, otherworldly, and visually staggering landscapes that completely disrupt the usual vacation routine. These 9 spots are baked into my memory forever, and you definitely need to see them at least once in your life.
1. Grutas Tolantongo (Hidalgo)
If you want a truly otherworldly experience, start right here. Tucked deep inside a steep limestone canyon, these natural thermal springs cascade down the cliffside in a series of perfectly tiered, bright blue infinity pools. The water is naturally heated by volcanic activity beneath the earth, keeping the pools at a perfect bathwater temperature year round. It looks like a luxury resort built on another planet, but it is completely carved by nature.
The Logistics: You fly into Mexico City or Querétaro, then grab a cheap private shuttle or rental car for the highly scenic three hour drive.
The Price: The daily entrance fee is $230 MXN (roughly $12 USD). Make sure you bring physical pesos because the entire canyon operates on a strict cash only basis.
2. Hierve el Agua (Oaxaca)
Standing at the edge of this mountain feels like you are staring at a massive frozen waterfall pouring over a steep cliff. In reality, it is a staggering collection of calcified mineral deposits formed over thousands of years of dripping water. You can hike the dirt trails to view the formations from below, and then swim in the natural infinity pools right at the cliff edge overlooking the sweeping Oaxaca valley.
The Logistics: Fly direct into Oaxaca International Airport. You can book a guided shuttle from the city center for roughly $20 USD.
The Price: The local community access charges total about $70 MXN (roughly $4 USD).
3. Las Pozas (San Luis Potosí)
Deep inside the dense Huasteca Potosina jungle, an eccentric British poet spent millions of dollars building a massive surrealist concrete playground. Walking through Xilitla feels exactly like exploring the ruins of an ancient, alien civilization. There are winding concrete stairs that lead absolutely nowhere, towering stone floral structures, and hidden waterfalls crashing directly through the middle of the lush green jungle.
The Logistics: Fly into Tampico or San Luis Potosí, then drive into the misty mountains.
The Price: Entry is around $150 MXN (about $8 USD). You will want to buy your tickets online in advance to secure a guaranteed spot.
4. Las Coloradas (Yucatán)
You do not need any camera filters for this one. Located on the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, these massive lakes are violently cotton candy pink. The bizarre neon color comes from a mix of natural red plankton and incredibly high salt concentrations. You cannot swim in the water to protect the delicate ecosystem, but walking the stark white salt flats next to the pink water is visually staggering.
The Logistics: Fly into Mérida or Cancun. It is a highly scenic drive through the peninsula, making it a perfect road trip stop.
The Price: Around $300 MXN ($16 USD) for a mandatory guided walking tour of the glowing lakes.
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5. Cave of the Swallows (San Luis Potosí)
This is a massive, terrifyingly beautiful natural sinkhole that drops over a thousand feet straight down into the earth. It looks like a literal portal to the center of the planet. Every single morning at sunrise, thousands of birds spiral out of the pitch black abyss in a massive synchronized flock, and they return in the exact same spectacular fashion right at sunset.
The Logistics: Fly into Tampico or San Luis Potosi and rent a car for the highly scenic three hour drive deep into the Huasteca Potosina mountains. Because the sinkhole is located right outside the town of Aquismon, you can easily tackle this and Las Pozas on the exact same road trip.
The Price: Entry is roughly $100 MXN ($5 USD) paid directly to the local caretakers.
6. Prismas Basálticos (Hidalgo)
These perfect, towering geometric columns of volcanic rock look like giant stairs built by a science fiction movie set designer. Formed millions of years ago by rapidly cooling volcanic lava, the hexagonal pillars are perfectly uniform. To make it even more surreal, natural waterfalls crash directly over the edges of the dark rocks into a deep forest ravine.
The Logistics: It is a remarkably simple two hour drive north from Mexico City, located right outside the magic town of Huasca de Ocampo.
The Price: About $100 MXN ($5 USD) at the gate for full access.
7. El Nido de Quetzalcóatl (State of Mexico)
This is a bizarre, sprawling architectural park shaped entirely like a giant psychedelic snake winding through a thick forest. Designed by visionary architect Javier Senosiain, the structure features vibrant stained glass windows, cave like walkways, and perfectly manicured alien gardens. It blends natural elements with wildly futuristic design in a way you have never seen before.
The Logistics: It is located in Naucalpan, just a quick and easy Uber ride from central Mexico City.
The Price: The park is private. To get inside, you have to book a stay in one of the snake belly apartments on a short term rental site, which usually starts around $350 USD per night.
8. Underwater Museum of Art (Quintana Roo)
Also known as MUSA, this is an eerie underwater gallery where you literally scuba dive or snorkel through hundreds of sunken human sculptures. The life sized concrete statues are slowly being reclaimed by the ocean, covered in growing coral and surrounded by schools of tropical fish. It is equal parts haunting and incredibly beautiful.
The Logistics: Fly into Cancun. Dive shops and boat tours depart daily from both the busy Cancun hotel zone and nearby Isla Mujeres.
The Price: Snorkel boat tours run around $45 USD to $60 USD, while full scuba diving trips will cost closer to $100 USD.
9. Hidden Beach at Marietas Islands (Nayarit)
Also known as Playa del Amor, this is a perfectly round secret beach completely encased inside a collapsed volcanic crater. The only way to access the pristine white sand is to jump off a boat and physically swim through a dark sea cave that opens up into the hidden sunlit cavern. It is the ultimate hidden paradise.
The Logistics: Fly directly into Puerto Vallarta. Authorized boat tours depart daily from the nearby marinas in Punta Mita.
The Price: Because the government strictly regulates daily visitor numbers to protect the reef, authorized access tours run around $100 USD to $150 USD per person.
Otherworldly Mexico
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