I'm Mexican, And I Told My Canadian Friends 6 Underrated Spots In Mexico To Travel To

If you can actually get on a flight right now, there's more to Mexico than Cancún.

Hey guys! My name is Pao. I'm with BuzzFeed LATAM but have been working closely with the Canadian team. As a thank you for their kindness and friendliness, I'll be spilling some secrets about the best places to visit in Mexico! Because let's be honest, Cancun is crowded and overpriced.

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1. Barrancas del Cobre

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Have you seen Harry Potter? Of course.  

Do you want to live the Mexican version? Of course.  

Hidden in some cute lil mountains is a place called Basaseachic. It's a  GORGEOUS waterfall. Don't try to pronounce it, it took me 20 years to do it and I'm Mexican.  

There's a train takes you through the mountains, and it definitely has a kind of magic to it. 

If you're brave enough and want to keep enjoying the views, you can check out this restaurant that has a transparent floor so you can see everything! Or you can chill in a cozy little cabin. It's perfect for autumn or winter if you can handle the cold (you're Canadian, ofc you can). 

2. Mérida

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Yes, like the princess! 

In my opinion, it is THE most beautiful place I've ever been. It's surreal. Beaches, cenotes, unbelievable food. Honestly, it has everything. This is the next Cancun, so go before the secret gets out. Everything is close: undiscovered lakes, Puerto Progreso (a beach), and even Mayan pyramids! You can have fun and swim, or walk around the city. Locals are very friendly so, listen to their recommendations!

Heads up - it's HOT. Mérida is really humid, you're literally in a jungle. 

3. Puerto Escondido

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The secret is out - Puerto Escondido is the perfect sport to surf in Mexico. The name literally means Hidden Port. If you want to meet cool people from all around the world just vibing in Mexico, this is the place to go. I promise you won't leave Puerto Escondido without some wild stories to share back home.

4. Cascada de Tamul

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Adrenaline junkies where you at??? Kayaks. Motorcycles. Rock climbing. La Cascada's got it all. Technically you're not allowed to jump from this waterfall but there are soooooo many others that you can jump from. They lend you a helmet and everything. As my Dad says, "if you're going to be stupid you better be safe"!

5. Bacalar

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This is for my ''don't bother me I'm on vacation'' people. Disappear from the face of the Earth, reconnect with nature and enjoy a pristine, undiscovered beach free of nosy tourists. What could be better? Don't let anybody stop you from grabbing a great book and feeling the breeze on your face.

Also: Freshest. Seafood. Ever. 

6. Dunas de Mexicali

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Alright, alright, I know a lot of you love Mexico because of the beaches. But let me tell you - it's not all beaches. In fact, the North is pretty dry. And honestly there's something about a desert that is so fun and inviting. Want to go Sandboarding? No problem. Joy riding in a Jeep or in a Can-Am? Done. Gives me fun, childhood memories. 

If you want an experience that feels a lil more deep, then trust me... star-watching and seeing the vastness of the desert hits different.

Just remember two desert rules: 

#1 Never go alone.

#2 Never uncover your head in the heat (unless you want to pass out).

Lmk if any of these caught your attention or if you want/need any tips! And in exchange, let me know some of your favourite or unknown places to visit in Canada!

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