So, you’ve checked the Mexico travel must-dos off your list — the art scene of San Miguel de Allende, the boho beach clubs of Tulum and the buzzy Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. But these destinations, while great on their own, are only the beginning.
Beyond the hot spots, Mexico hides a wealth of underrated destinations that deliver all the magic with half the crowds. These lesser-known locales — or “detour destinations,” as Expedia dubbed them in its 2025 trend report — promise adventure, natural beauty and an under-the-radar vibe that every die-hard traveler craves within a few hours of a major destination or airport.
From secret surf towns to misty mountain escapes, these more remote spots prove that Mexico’s best-kept secrets are just a short trip away from its biggest hits. Take the road less traveled and you’ll find Mexican destinations that are worth the detour.
Guanajuato
Detour from: San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende gets all the love, and for good reason. Its candy-colored historic buildings and rooftop bars make it a visually stunning hub of chic social activity. But just an hour’s drive west, Guanajuato offers all the architectural splendor with an added layer of intrigue. Picture cobblestone alleyways that wind like a labyrinth, underground tunnels repurposed as roads, and a university town vibe that pulses with bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato, so visiting the Diego Rivera House Museum is essential. Teatro Juarez also serves cultural cred, while the Museum of the Mummies dials up the macabre. If you visit in October, don’t miss the Festival Internacional Cervantino, a world-class arts and culture event that brings the city to life.
TPG tip: Stay at Casa del Rector, a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and views of the city’s colorful facades. Rates start at $183 per night.
If you prefer to use your points, check into the Hotel Indigo Guanajuato, an IHG Hotel. Rates start at $84 or 14,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Punta Allen
Detour from: Tulum
Tulum has evolved from an off-the-grid escape to one of the world’s hottest, most recognizable destinations. But if you’re craving a return to that untouched, toes-in-the-sand Mexico, Punta Allen is your answer. This sleepy fishing village at the southern tip of a peninsula in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offers undeveloped beaches, dizzying marine life and zero crowds.
Getting there requires a bumpy (and we mean bumpy) 2.5-hour drive from Tulum, but the reward? Snorkeling with sea turtles, spotting dolphins in the wild and lounging in beachfront hammocks with not another tourist in sight. Pack your patience for the ride in, but once you arrive, the Robinson Crusoe vibes make every pothole worth it.
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TPG tip: Stay at Hotel Cielo y Selva, where beachfront eco-cabanas, glamping tents and starry night skies make for the perfect unplugged getaway. Rates start at $80 per night.
Barra de Navidad
Detour from: Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a staple for beach lovers, but Barra de Navidad is the spot if you’re looking for a Pacific coastal escape minus the high-rise resorts. This laid-back surf town on the Costalegre has meandering swaths of golden sand, a wildlife-rich lagoon and palapa-topped beachfront restaurants serving juicy shrimp tacos and whole-grilled fish. Think of it like Puerto Vallarta from 25 years ago. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta, or you can fly into Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO), about a half-hour away.
Spend your days sipping coconut water (or a tangy michelada), stroll along the palm-fringed Malecon or take a boat ride to the nearby Isla Navidad. Come dinnertime, grab a beachfront chair at Restaurant Nacho and enjoy the catch of the day as you watch the fiery sunset explode over the bay.
TPG tip: Stay at Casa Misifus, a colorful boutique hotel with a pool and an easygoing vibe just steps from the beach. Rates start at $48 per night.
Mazamitla
Detour from: Guadalajara
When the heat and pace of Guadalajara start to wear you down, escape to the pine-scented paradise of Mazamitla. Dubbed the “Switzerland of Mexico,” this mountain town swaps cacti for conifers and offers an alpine experience (think: log cabins, misty forests and waterfalls that look like they belong in a fairy tale) just two hours from the city. Adventure seekers can go zip lining or all-terrain-vehicle riding, while food lovers can tuck into local dishes like borrego al pastor (slow-cooked lamb).
TPG tip: Stay at Monteverde Hotel de Cabanas, where cozy wooden cabins with fireplaces make a cozy retreat after hiking. Rates start at $117 per night.
San Jose del Pacifico
Detour from: Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido’s beachy bliss is hard to beat in Oaxaca, but sometimes, you just need a change of scenery. Enter: San Jose del Pacífico, a misty mountain hideaway three hours south of Oaxaca City that is famed for its otherworldly cloud forests and “magic” mushrooms. Yes, those mushrooms.
Even if you’re just there for nature, the fresh mountain air, pine forest views and smudgy purple sunsets make it an unforgettable stop. Hike to panoramic viewpoints, relax in a temazcal (traditional sweat lodge) and stop into one of the town’s cafes for healthy food and hot chocolate. Pop into La Morenita for a cup of the good stuff, and order a tlayuda while you’re at it. Tlayudas are Oaxacan regional dishes of charcoal-grilled tortillas topped with beans, meat, lettuce and cheese.
TPG tip: Stay at Cabanas la Cumbre, where rustic cabins with valley views will have you hardly missing the beach. Rates start at $44 per night.
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