5 detour destinations in Mexico beyond the tourist hot spots
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.
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.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.