Is Mexico just the white sand beaches of Cancun or the busy streets of Mexico City? No, Mexico is much more than that! When we wanted to experience the real Mexico, we started the search for a city of places that are still unknown to many—hidden gems, where nature, culture, and history combine to create a different kind of beauty.
On our journey, we found the gentle breeze of secluded beaches, the stories of the traditions of mountain villages, the colorful wonders of pink lagoons, and foods that only locals know where to find.
We discovered hidden stories in the narrow streets of colonial cities as we walked, listened to the music of nature while sitting by waterfalls, and got lost in the warm hospitality of small villages.
This trip was not just about visiting new places, it was about feeling the soul of Mexico. If you want to know the real Mexico, come with us. Let's discover those hidden gems that will fascinate, surprise, and teach you to love this country.
So, let's explore the hidden beauty of Mexico!
Las Coloradas, Yucatán - Mexico’s Pink Wonderland
When we reached the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, we still didn’t know what awaited us. But as soon as we reached the small fishing village of Las Coloradas, we couldn’t believe our eyes! It was as if we had entered a colorful fairyland—a big lake with sparkling pink water! For a moment, it seemed like it wasn’t real, but part of a dream.
The secret to this real pink color lies in nature’s own magic. Here, natural salt flats and a special type of microscopic algae transform the water into a bright pink color.
When sunlight falls on the water, the color becomes even brighter. This pink hue of the water creates a wonderful contrast against the blue sky, which becomes an eye-catching experience.
This area is part of the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where we found a unique natural environment. Flamingos roamed freely around, as if they too had merged with the pink hue of the water.
One of the best moments of our trip was when the sun was slowly setting in the west, and its light spread a golden glow on the pink water. It is a sight that can only be believed if you see it with your own eyes.
Las Coloradas taught us how amazing nature can be, and how much hidden beauty awaits us all around us! If you want to see this unknown gem of Mexico, be sure to bring your camera—because the beauty of this place is so incredible that once you see it, it will be etched in your memory forever!
Accommodation, Transport and Food in Las Coloradas, Yucatán
Accommodation in Las Coloradas is very limited, as it is a small village. However, there are good hotels in the nearby towns of Tijimin and Rio Lagartos. We stayed at a small eco-resort in Rio Lagartos, where every morning started with the chirping of birds. And as for the food, the fresh seafood here was very tasty.
Shrimp fried in butter and garlic and fish cooked in a mixture of local spices satisfied our taste buds.
Getting to Las Coloradas is a bit of a challenge. We rented a car from Cancun. The three-hour journey was not tiring at all, as the beautiful scenery around us fascinated us along the way.
If you don’t have your own car, you can take a bus from Cancun or Merida to Tijimin. From Tijimin, you can easily take a taxi to Las Coloradas.
One of the best moments of our trip was when the sun was slowly setting and spreading its golden glow over the pink water. On such a calm evening, we were sitting on the river bank just enjoying the beauty of nature. It felt like we could spend our whole lives sitting here.
Before going to Las Coloradas, you need to make some preparations. To avoid the scorching sun, you should definitely carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella.
Going to a place where nature itself has spread its magic, we realized how small human creation is compared to nature. Coming to this wonderful Las Coloradas, we felt that there is so much left for us to see in order to see the true form of nature.
If you want to see this amazing beauty of nature, then the doors of Las Coloradas are always open for you. A wonderful pink world is waiting for you, which once seen, will remain in your memory forever.
Puebla de Zaragoza - A Colonial Masterpiece
About 130 kilometers southeast of Mexico City, we arrived in a city where time seemed to have stopped—Puebla de Zaragoza. At first glance, it felt like we had stepped into an old picture.
Surrounded by well-preserved colonial architecture, rows of colorful houses, tall towers of ancient churches, and narrow cobblestone streets—it all made for a beautiful sight! Walking through the old part of the city, it felt like we were lost in a chapter of history.
The first thing that on our eye is architecture. The facades of every building in the city are covered in Talavera ceramic, a unique feature of Puebla. The perfect design and bright colors of this ceramic bring each house to life.
I was standing in Zocalo Square, the heart of the city, enjoying the beauty around me, and just then the bells of the huge cathedral rang. It felt like I had returned to a day hundreds of years ago.
Not only the architecture, Puebla was a paradise for us in terms of food as well. No trip would be complete without trying ‘Mole Poblano’! The taste of this traditional sauce made with chocolate and various types of peppers is absolutely exceptional.
At first, I was surprised to hear it—hot sauce with chocolate. But after eating it once, I understood why it is one of the most famous dishes in Mexico. The taste of mole is so deep and complex that once you eat it, you will want to eat it again and again.
Another extraordinary dish was ‘Chiles en Nogada’—it is one of the national dishes of Mexico. The taste of hot peppers mixed with Granada and creamy sauce was absolutely incredible!
Accommodation, Transport, and Food in Puebla de Zaragoza
Accommodation, staying in Puebla is a great experience. There are many beautiful small boutique hotels in the city center, which are traditionally decorated.
We stayed in an old colonial house that had been converted into a hotel. The old wooden doors, colorful ceramic tiles, and tall windows—everything has a touch of tradition! In the morning, we sat in the small courtyard of the hotel and had coffee, looking at the colorful houses around us.
Coming to Puebla is easy. It's only a two-hour bus ride from Mexico City. You can also rent a car if you want. The city's streets are best explored on foot, as there's something new hidden around every corner.
Every moment of our trip is etched in our memory. Every brick of the city, every alley, every taste of food—everything will remain in our memory as a unique experience. If you ever plan to travel to Mexico, don't miss Puebla de Zaragoza. It's not just a city, it's a living stage of history, architecture, culture, and amazing food.
La Paz, Baja California Sur - The Tranquil Escape
"La Paz" means peace in Spanish, and this town is a true reflection of its name. Far from the bustling resorts of Cabo San Lucas, we found a completely different experience here—quiet beaches, fresh air, and the sheer wonder of nature. Sitting by the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, we felt what true relaxation could mean.
La Paz gave us some moments that will last a lifetime. In the morning, we set off by boat to the island of Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As we sailed, we were mesmerized by the scenery around us—the clear turquoise water, the dramatic formations of the rocky islands, and the fresh air.
When we reached the island and started snorkeling, it was like entering a whole new world. Among the vast marine life, the most incredible experience was swimming with sea lions.
The moments seemed like a dream as these curious and friendly creatures played around us. Not only the aquatic life, but the natural beauty of La Paz is really great.
In the evening, we went for a walk on the Malecon—a long, oceanfront promenade where locals and tourists mingle. The sun slowly sank into the waters of the Sea of Cortez, transforming the sky into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple. We have rarely seen a sunset like this— it was the best part of La Paz.
Accommodation, Transport, and Food in La Paz, Baja California Sur
La Paz did not disappoint us with food. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, and we enjoyed every bite. One evening we ordered ‘tacos de pescado’—tortillas made with fresh fish from the sea—at a local restaurant, and at the first bite, we understood why it is so popular.
Freshly caught fish from the Sea of Cortez, a little lime juice, and a slice of avocado—this simple yet extraordinary combination of flavors.
We chose a small but charming boutique hotel to stay in, right by the sea. We could see the blue waters from the window of our room and woke up in the morning to the sound of the gentle waves of the sea. We prefer small and private spaces to large resorts, and this place was even more beautiful than we expected.
The best way to get to La Paz is to take a direct flight from Los Cabos or Mexico City. It is also easy to rent a car in the city, but most places can be explored on foot.
This city is a place where time slows down, the hustle and bustle subsides, and nature becomes the center of life.
Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo - A Pristine Wildlife
Tucked away in the Caribbean Sea off the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Contoy is a nature lover's dream. It's about 30 kilometers from Cancun, this small island is far from the hustle and bustle of tourism, where nature reigns in its true form. Only 200 visitors are allowed to visit this officially protected island per day, which makes it even more special and intimate.
Our journey began on a quiet beach in Cancun, where we boarded a small boat. As we crossed the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and approached Isla Contoy, it felt like we had arrived on an island of pristine beauty. There were no luxury hotels, no large resorts—just pure nature and abundant wildlife roaming freely.
As soon as we reached the island, the silence around us captivated us. The chirping of birds in the wind, the soft white sand, and the huge waves in front of us—everything seemed to evoke a strange sense of tranquility.
Isla Contoy is essentially a bird sanctuary, home to over 150 species of birds. We saw giant frigatebirds, long-billed pelicans, and bright pink spoonbills roaming around here in a natural way.
We then decided to go snorkeling to get acquainted with the island's aquatic life. As we dived into the crystal-clear water, we entered another world—multicolored tropical fish, colorful coral, and the occasional shark swimming around us.
The underwater was so clear and pristine that it felt like we were in an aquarium. Luck was on our side, as we even caught a glimpse of a giant sea turtle, which slowly walked past us.
As the day progressed, we got hungry, and then an authentic Mexican seafood meal awaited us in the small kitchen on the island. The simple but delicious meal included freshly caught fish, handmade tortillas, and a tropical salad with lime and chili. The light sea breeze on one side and the taste of the food on the other—this moment is one I want to remember forever.
There is no overnight accommodation on Isla Canto, as it is a protected island. So we had to return by boat in the afternoon. But as we said goodbye, it felt like we were returning to a pristine paradise of nature. There is no luxury, no noise—just nature flowing at its own pace.
For those finding pure peace in nature, Isla Contoy is a great place for you. Coming here, it feels like the greatest luxury is to leave behind the artificiality of modern life and get lost in the serene lap of nature.
Yucatán’s Cenotes - Nature’s Underground Pools
Hidden beneath the large limestone terrain of the Yucatan Peninsula are thousands of cenotes—clear pools of miraculous beauty that were once sacred to the Mayan civilization. Even today, diving into their mysterious beauty and eerily cool waters is a dreamlike experience.
We started our journey at Ik-Kil Cenote, a magnificent open-air reservoir created by nature. From the top, it seems as if it is a secret door to the world, with a curtain of green vines hanging down its edge, as if time has stopped.
The feeling of jumping into its cool water in the hot temperatures was unique—the silence around our ears as we went deeper into the water, and looking up at the open sky above, it felt like we had entered a different world.
We then moved on to Dos Ojos Cenote, whose name means "two eyes," and it's easy to see why it's so famous. It's essentially the junction of two huge cenotes, beneath which lies a vast world of caves and tunnels.
We had the opportunity to snorkel here, where the clear water and the play of light reflections were created, it was really great. Looking underwater, we could see countless shapes of ancient stalactites and stalagmites, which have been formed over millions of years. For those who dare to dive, the secret caves of this cenote open the door to an adventure.
Each cenote has its own unique characteristics, but they all have a unique charm. Some cenotes are like small ponds hidden in the middle of a deep forest, where only the soft sound of the wind and the calls of birds from afar can be heard.
Spending the whole day exploring these natural pools, it felt like nature had poured all its creativity here.
The water of the cenotes not only cools the body but also fills the mind with peace. Coming to these underground wonders of Mexico, we felt as if we had crossed the boundaries of time and become part of an ancient mystery.
Final Thoughts
Is Mexico all about Chichen Itza, Cancun beaches, and tacos? Our trip proved that this country is a mysterious land full of wonders beyond its famous attractions.
The incomparable colors of the pink lakes, the silence lost in the dark waters of the cenotes, the heritage of colonial cities, and the calm waves of the Sea of Cortez - all of them seemed to surprise us at every moment.
Each destination not only gave us the joy of traveling but also opened a new window of perception. The sea lions of Espiritu Santo Island, the rare birds of Isla Contoy, and the colorful streets of Puebla—all reminded us of how nature and history can create magic together.
Adventure in Mexico is not limited to the mountains or the sea, it is in every bite of new flavor, in the golden light of every sunset.
So, if you ever want to experience the real Mexico, pack your bags and head out. Go off the beaten path and embrace the unknown. Because, around every corner, there is a new wonder, just waiting to be discovered.
