8 places in Mexico tourists have yet to ruin

Without a doubt Mexico has some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world. But just because you’ve caught the sunset off the Bay of Banderas, basked on the sugary beaches of Tulum or sampled the scrumptious street snacks of Mexico City, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve seen and done it all. In fact, you’ve barely scratched the surface. Mexico is home to more than 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has some of the deepest canyons and highest mountains in the world, ancient ruins that extend well beyond Chichen Itza, crystal clear lakes, and so much more. Before crossing Mexico off your list, make sure you’ve really done the country justice by seeing all it has to offer.

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Barrancas del Cobre
While our Grand Canyon is quite spectacular, Mexico has one that serves ours a slice of humble pie. In Mexico’s northern state of Chihuahua is Barrancas del Cobre, or Copper Canyon. The natural phenomenon spans more than 25,000 square miles and is made up of six canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. Their depth reaches as far as 6,135 feet below sea level, and their name was given due to the greenish copper color that reflects off the canyon walls in the sun.

Bacalar
While most visitors to Quintana Roo make Tulum their final destination, another two hours south will open up a whole new world that begins with Bacalar. One of Mexico’s Magic Towns, Bacalar is home to the Lake of Seven Colors, a jewel-colored lagoon whose shades of blue morph throughout the day. On the lake you can kayak, sail, sunbathe, swim among the mangroves, or give yourself a natural mud bath with the limestone sediment at the bottom.

Tamul Falls
Waterfalls abound in the eastern state of San Luis Potosi, all of which are near Ciudad Valles. If you’re looking for natural beauty in Mexico, this is the spot to explore. Tamul Falls are the highest and most spectacular as they plunge an eye-popping 340 feet. Down river, about 25 miles, frolic among the pre-Columbian ruins at the site of Tamtoc.

Canon del Sumidero
Hidden within the 53,000-acre Sumidero Canyon National Park is its namesake feature—the impressive Canon del Sumidero. The canyon was formed by the Grijalva River and runs through the southern state of Chiapas. The walls of the canyon climb nearly 3,200 feet. Within the park are other smaller caves, the most notable of which is the Cueva de Colores, which is named for the colorful mineral deposits that brightly festoon its walls.

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Calakmul
Chichen Itza and Tulum are fine for beginners. But the real Mexico pros are going to want to venture deeper into uncharted territory. For impressive (and off-the-radar) Mayan history, head toward the state of Campeche to discover Calakmul. A jungle reserve in the state covers more that 15% of the state’s territory and within this jungle is this impressive set of ruins, only a small part of which has been uncovered. The site was said to have been occupied for about 1,400 years and was the rival city to Tikal in Guatemala.

Firefly Forest of Tlaxcala
The summer months in the state of Tlaxcala are more than magical as they come alive with a celestial glow. Within the dense forests near the municipalities of Nancamilpa and Espanita, the trees radiate ethereally with the light of thousands of fireflies. As the sun goes down, the oyamel trees sparkle with a fairytale trail through the inky forest.

Pico de Orizaba
Mexico is all about its beaches, but a shocking 75% of the country actually sits above 3,300 feet. The tallest peak in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba, sits at a lofty 18,491 feet above sea level, only to be surpassed in the U.S. by Denali. Its summits are targets for expert mountaineering and climbing.

Mineral de Pozos
This ghost town will give our own Wild Wild West a run for its money. The abandoned mining village in the state of Guanajuato is a spot that is forgotten in time. During its heyday, Mineral de Pozos was a hotspot for silver mining and was home to nearly 70,000 people. Today only 2,200 make up the population, many of whom are local artisans breathing new life into the community. Tip: It’s a great backdrop for some truly Instagram-worthy photos.

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Tagged: Mexico, Top 10 Lists