Posted by: Luis Cruz - Posted on: 01-13-2010

When you think of vacationing in Mexico, two names easily come to mind – Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. However, if you are thinking of going somewhere off the beaten path, below is a list of ten of Mexico’s top hidden vacation spots.

La Manzanilla is a small village which is found to the south of the Bay of Tenacatita, which tends to be a hive of activity over the Easter holidays as well as during winter, but settles down to some quiet during the summer. La Manzanilla may be accessed through a three hour drive south of Puerto Vallarta, and a one hour drive along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, north of Manzanillo.

Isla Mujeres is another ideal vacationing spot which is located a mere 8 miles across the bay from Cancun. Isla Mujeres which means the “Island of Women” is a small island covering only half a mile wide and five miles in length. It is a charming fishing village complete with restaurants, shops and small hotels as well.
Cabo San Lucas is yet another ideal spot to vacation in Mexico which is located at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. Cabo San Lucas has managed to maintain its small charming fishing village atmosphere despite its rising popularity amongst vacationers in Mexico. With an almost perfect year round climate of around 78 degrees, Cabo San Lucas is not a place to miss in Mexico.

Tulum is yet another spot popular with vacationers seeking a more unique vacationing experience in Mexico. This Mexican hideaway is located about one hour’s drive south of Playa Del Carmen on the Mayan coast and is renowned for its small impressive ruins which are perched high on the tops of the limestone cliffs.

Another hidden gem in Mexican vacations is Akumal which is also known as “the Place of Turtles.” Akumal is located about one hour’s drive south of Cancun on the Mexican Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan peninsula. Akumal has long been a secret getaway for the more adventurous vacationers travelling down the coastline - who once discovered it and just kept coming back.

Huatulco is one of the most recently developed resort projects in Mexico which is tipped to bring competition to the more established vacationing spots in the country. Spread across twenty miles of pacific coastline in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco’s bays include Bahia Chahue, Bahia de Santa Cruz and the Bahia Tangolunda.

Santa Rosalillita is a remote fishing village on the rugged coast of the Baja California peninsula. Currently, a new marina is being built at Santa Rosalillita, 410 miles south of the US-Mexico border which will house yachts for pleasure boaters visiting the region. However, this development is not viewed positively by fans of this little seaside village of Baja.

San Jose Los Cabo offers a welcome respite from the fiesta like atmosphere in Cabo San Lucas which is about 20 miles south. San Jose Los Cabo remained mainly backwater until sport fishers and sunbathers begin to go there in the sixties and seventies. The town’s main attraction is its 18th century architecture and tranquil ambience.

Puerto Angel is another small fishing village in Mexico complete with tranquil beaches, friendly locals and a relaxed laid back atmosphere. One of its key attraction are its beaches such as the Playa Principal whose pier is always a hub of activity in the mornings, with fishermen delivering their fresh catch of tuna, red snapper, lobster, shark, octopus and many more. Other notable beaches include Playa Panteon, Playa Zipolite, Playa Agustinillo and Playa Mazunte.

Puerto Escondido is a traditional Mexican fishing village in Oaxaca on the southern tip of the Mexican Pacific Coast. This town has managed to retain much of its original charm and is sometimes referred to as “the Mexico Pipeline”. It is recognized internationally as a surfer’s paradise and is home to the annual international surfing competition. In addition to this, Puerto Escondido boasts some of the best beaches in the country.

So next time your in the mood to go south of the border, consider heading to one of these beautiful locations.