Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
When you think about visiting Mexico on vacation, you probably think about a tropical beach paradise with a coconut drink in hand.
However, the inland of Mexico is full of treasures and fantastic places that you should consider visiting on your next vacation.
Read on to discover the best that Mexico has to offer outside of beaches and cabanas.
San Miguel de Allende
The colorful and vibrant city of San Miguel de Allende is a 90-minute drive from the closest airport. Although it will be a journey to access this town, it’s well worth it.
Known as a friendly place for Americans, this town is a hot spot for ex-pats, so getting around and communicating in English will be a breeze.
This vacation spot is known as a foodies’ paradise. To get to know the people, the cuisine, and the culture, stop by a few restaurants to try the local specialties: duck confit, shrimp cakes, and tacos al pastor. The wide array of food styles will surely impress you here.
Oaxaca de Juárez
Commonly known as Oaxaca, this city is dated for over 3,000 years and hosts several pre-Columbian ruins, such as Teotihuacan archeological sites.
The city is well known for its fantastic day-of-the-day parade, full of stunning colorful clothes, painted skulls, and flags strewn throughout the city.
Oaxaca is known for its mole, chocolate, chili sauce, and tlayuda, a thin fried tortilla smothered in refried beans, avocado, meat, and salsa.
The state also grows many of the best blue agave plants used to make some of the world’s best mezcal and tequila. Book a mezcal tasting while you’re there to learn more about this smooth drink.
Mérida
This city sits in the Yucatan Peninsula, and many people visit Mérida after a vacation in Tulum.
It hosts the Mayan Cultural Museum, showcasing ancient Mayan history and artifacts. You can also visit several Mayan pyramids and ruins when in the area.
Puebla
Puebla and the neighboring city of Cholula are known for their hot sauces, salsas, and moles.
The city is adorned with colorful and advanced architecture; it’s a magical city to visit. Be sure to pick up an intricately painted ceramic pot as a souvenir.
Here, you can visit Tlachihualtepetl, the largest pyramid in the western hemisphere; it contains tunnels to enter, so most of the excitement of the visit is entering the pyramid.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara sits in the Jalisco province, known for its blue agave plants that make some of the best tequila and raicilla. The city boasts stunning architecture and Gothic cathedrals.
The city is known for the birria, spicy slow-cooked goat stew, and torta ahogada, which translates into “drowned sandwich.” It’s smothered in spicy chile de arbol salsa. You must try these two dishes when visiting this area.
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