BEST UNUSUAL AND UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN MEXICO: 9 Mexico Hidden Gems!
More articles at the bottom of the page: Ultimate Mexico travel guide and tips |
Here is a list of the most unusual and unique places to visit in Mexico: 9 Mexico hidden gems you need to discover.
The country takes over most of the southern portion of North America, the diversity of Mexico’s landscape makes it a unique place to visit. A land characterized by cenotes, caves, lush forest, snowcap mountains, and glaciers as well as colorful traditional towns, modern cities, and vibrant cuisine.
Discover Mexico off the beaten path is easier than expected, the country offers something unique and breathtaking at every corner. Read on to find out the best unique places to visit in Mexico, the best things to do, and some essential information in order to plan your perfect trip!
Best Unique Places to Visit in Mexico
This list showcases a few of the best unique places to visit in Mexico, the country counts thirty-five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including twenty-seven cultural sites, six natural sites, and two mixed sites. No wonder why Mexico is considered one of the best destinations to visit for adventure seekers and families alike.
Edward James Surrealist Garden ‘Las Pozas’
Where: La Huasteca Potosina
Edward James was one of the most eccentric twentieth-century surreal art collectors. He was captivated by the incredible landscape of “Las Pozas” in Mexico and decided to create a unique and very peculiar home. This surreal place is located near the village of Xilitla, a seven-hour drive north of Mexico City. The garden was built using concrete structures that resembled floral elements, it’s overgrown and has beautiful flowers bed growing all over the structures. The line to get inside can be very long during high season and weekends, therefore make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. Guided tours are available for a slightly higher price.
This outstanding structure and garden have earned its spot as one of the best unique places to visit in Mexico.
Hierve el Agua
Where: Oaxaca
Hierve el Agua are natural springs that have calcified over a sheer cliff in the mountains of the state of Oaxaca. The waterfall formation was a slow process that has taken thousands of years. In March 2021 the sights closed down to tourists after a long conflict between the indigenous communities and the Oaxacan government. Today the beautiful and unique Hierve el Agua are open for a limited amount of visitors. It is one of the most popular day trips from Oaxaca, for around 100 USD it will include a guide, transportation, and hiking around the area (day trip bookings and information)
Isla de las Munecas
Where: Mexico City
Official website, bookings, and more information
Isla de las Munecas is an artificial island, part of a larger group called chinampas, built during the pre-Hispanic times in order to increase agricultural production. Today the island is a must for anyone interested in macabre and unique places to visit in Mexico. 50 years ago a tragedy occurred on the island when a young girl died in the water, since then a man named Julián Santana Barrera (the island caretaker and girl’s uncle) started collecting dolls. Today Isla de las Munecas is an easy day trip from Mexico City, disfigured and decapitated dolls are hanging over the trees, on the paths, and all over the island. Locals swear they have heard the dolls whisper to each other and seen them move around the island.
Copper Canyon
Where: Chihuahua
Official website, bookings, and more information
Copper Canyon, in northern Mexico, is a series of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. The area surrounding the canyons is famous for hiking and outdoor activities. You can experience the Copper Canyon by foot, biking, trekking, horseback, or four-wheeling; however, the most popular option is to take the Copper Canyon Train, perhaps not the cheapest option but defiantly one of the best train journeys in the world.
The largest of the canyons are Urique, Sinforosa, and Batapilas which are bigger and deeper than the better-known Grand Canyon across the border in the USA.
Sierra Madre mountains are one of the most spectacular places in Mexico, there is an infinite variety of landscape and vegetation, river and gorges, and breathtaking views.
Pet Cemetery Cenote
Where: Tulum
Tulum’s cenotes are very well known all over the world, but this particular one offers something very unique and unusual. The remains of dead animals have been tossed at the bottom of this cave a long time ago, probably before it became submerged by water. (including species of long-extinct animals). Today it is possible to organize scuba diving or snorkeling tours of the cave.
Dead animal bones aren’t the only reason why this cave deserves a spot as one of the best unique places to visit in Mexico…the cenote has jaw-dropping rock formations of stalactites and stalagmites and a soft, sandy dune-like surface at the bottom. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to visit this Cenote without a guide.
Los Prismas Basálticos Waterfalls
Where: Mexico City
Prismas Basálticos waterfalls drop over volcanic rock formations on the Santa María Regla Canyon. There are a series of hanging bridges, observation decks, and pathways that offer breathtaking views of the picturesque landscape. The waterfall really stands out due to its natural geometric columns, these have formed millions of years ago by the slow cooling of volcanic lava.
The Los Prismas Basaltiges waterfalls are a famous day trip from Mexico City as they are considered one of the country’s natural wonders. There are also plenty of activities available in the area, such as horse riding and hiking.
Bacalar Lagoon
Where: Riviera Maya
The Bacalar Lagoon is a beautiful lake with turquoise blue waters; it hides only 3 hours away from Tulum and it’s one of the most beautiful and best unique places to visit in Mexico. It’s a huge space of shallow water, with very soft white sand, small independent hotels, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s truly a secret paradise.
Bacalar lagoon is also known as the “lagoon of seven colors” as it showcases many different shades of blue, it’s a freshwater lake feed by underground cenotes, but truly looks like a unique ocean.
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and relaxing on the beach are the most popular activities, but boat tours, snorkeling, and scuba diving are also available.
El Nido de Quetzalcóatl
Where: Naucalpan
Official website, bookings, and more information
Mexican architect Javier Senosiain designed the eccentric structure of El Nido de Quetzalcóatl. It hides in a thick forest only an hour away from Mexico City, and it offers the possibility to spend the night in a snake-shaped building. This unique structure is one-of-a-kind and a perfect off-the-grid spot. Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit without a booking, Airbnb is the only way to witness this spectacular building starting from 300 USD a night. Despite not being a cheap option, it’s definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico.
El Nino de Quetzalcoatl structure respects nature and fits perfectly within the landscape; it was named after the Aztec serpent god, Quetzalcoatl.
Pink Lakes Of Las Coloradas
Where: Yucatan Peninsula
The lake is known for its pink cotton candy-looking waters, even the name Las Coloradas means “the colored” in Spanish. This is a protected UNESCO Biosphere that homes many exotic and beautiful animals like flamingoes, crocodiles, and jaguars. It’s located just over 3 hours from the city of Cancun, making this a perfect spot for a short trip over the weekend. It’s possible to organize a boat tour, bathe in the salt waters or have a mud-bath. The small colorful town lying next to the lake specializes in salt production and fishing.
Perhaps not one of the most Mexico off the beaten path locations but defiantly worth a visit!
In conclusion
Step away from the usual tourist destinations and discover the best unique places to visit in Mexico. This vibrant country has so much to offer, from hunted islands to pink lakes and breathtaking waterfalls; here are 9 Mexico hidden gems ready to be discovered.
Share it, like it and repost it...
Don't forget to PIN IT!
Leave a Reply