There are emerging destinations, places that suddenly appear and make their way, sometimes little by little, sometimes conquering all at once, until they become the new favorites of national and foreign travelers.
Emerging destinations nominated for the Best of Mexico 2023
Here you will find the seven emerging destinations that most attracted the attention of our community in the last year. Nominated in the “Best Emerging Destination” category, discover more about these places that are breaking into tourism, full of unexpected details. Remember to vote for your favorite on the lomejormexico.com page. You have until March 15!
And tell us what your first stop will be!
Cuyo, Yucatan
Imagine yourself with the turquoise sea of the Gulf before your eyes and your feet sinking into the fine white sand that stretches for miles and miles. There is no noise or the hustle and bustle of the famous beaches. Just you, the gentle waves, the birds and this moment. The Whose is a little-known little paradise, located between Holbox and Rio Lagartos. Here you will not find large hotel chains, or bars and nightclubs, but it is the ideal place for those who seek to disconnect and relax sunbathing, walking along the beach or the colorful town, practicing kitesurfing, paddle boarding or kayaking, or fishing quietly from the pier or on a boat. You can also practice ecotourism in San Manuel, see turtles in season or go to the lighthouse.
- What are your secrets?
The colonies of flamingos that dye the landscape pink. You can also travel by land to see many species of birds in Río Lagartos (and the hungry lizards, of course!), the pink lagoon of Las Coloradas and tours to virgin beaches like Punta Caracol.
Marias Islands, Nayarit
What about a getaway to this Biosphere Reserve? After the prison closed, the facilities on the main one of these three islands were remodeled to create a tourist destination that now offers visits to the old maximum-security prison, hiking trails, bike rides, and viewpoints with incredible views at sunset. To get here, you will have to take the official ferry from Mazatlan (4:30 hours of travel) or from San Blas (4:00 hours) that will leave you in Puerto Balleto, the new town on the island, where you will find a craft shop, a church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, as well as an agroecological farm.
- What are your secrets?
Marias Islands It is the ideal place for those who seek to meet nature and observe different species of birds and mammals, especially those that are endemic. You can also visit the Site Museum, go up to Cristo Rey, go to the salt mine or see the murals painted by former prisoners of the prison. The packages are for 2 nights and you can choose between several tour options.
You have until March 15 to vote for the best of these emerging destinations!
Hidalgo del Parral, Chihuahua
Surrounded by hills, this city retains its stately air thanks to the facades of its houses and buildings that display bright colors and colonial architecture. It is a perfect place to forget about the world, stop time and immerse yourself in long walks through the museums, churches and squares in the center, such as the Mina La Prieta Museum, which covers the history of the town while you go underground in the old mine. And, in addition to being able to learn about Villa’s life at the Pancho Villa Museum, you will see the place where he was killed.
- What are your secrets?
Don’t tell anyone, but their typical sweets really are delicious. Pecan nuts of excellent quality are produced in the surrounding area. For its part, the Gate of Time is a very interesting construction that also houses an underground chamber where there are objects, photographs and projects from an entire generation of Parral and it will be opened in a few years to see what has been achieved and new plans will be placed to the future.
Lobos Island, Veracruz
This is one of those magical places that, like in the movies, only opens for a few hours and then the “portal” closes again. Because? Because this island, being a protected natural area, does not have hotels or restaurants, but believe us when we tell you that the trip, even if it only lasts a few hours, will be worth every moment. As soon as you arrive by boat, you will be dazzled by the tones of the water and the white sand beach bordered by palm trees, ideal for resting, sunbathing or walking to the lighthouse or the water channel. But its real attractions lie in the sea, as it is an excellent place to practice snorkeling and diving thanks to the reefs that surround the island.
- What are your secrets?
Its waters hide several sunken ships covered in corals that are home to different species of multicolored fish, sponges, anemones and more. In addition, the island has four types of coral and formations up to 200 years old.
Discover the emerging destinations nominated for the Best of Mexico 2023!
Acaxochitlan, Hidalgo
Its name could well mean “Place where sawdust rugs are made” and we would believe it, because its inhabitants are very skilled at making monumental rugs to decorate squares and streets. Nestled between forests and mountains, this town of large houses with tile roofs is abundant in everything: flora and fauna, traditions, crafts and natural attractions. For example, there are the three dams where you can go boating, horseback riding, hiking, camping, fishing or riding an ATV, or the Chimalapa Waterfalls, a beautiful place where you can see and listen to numerous birds.
Walking the streets you will find the Archaeological Museum, churches, the kiosk and the Yemila Hacienda, a 19th century construction where they also offer hot air balloon flights.
- What are your secrets?
On Sundays there is a street market with food, clothing and handicrafts. You can also go to the Magic Path of the Goblins, where you will have to find the 110 goblin figures hidden among the trees.
Aguada Island, Campeche
It is probably its pier that juts out into the turquoise sea with views of intensely colored sunsets that has captivated hearts the most. Or perhaps it was the mangroves and wetlands that burst with terrestrial and marine life, and that surprise with the games that light plays as it passes through the treetops stirred by birds. Perhaps the dolphins that are suddenly sighted in the waters of the lagoon, or its virgin beaches whose calm atmosphere envelops and calms the soul… The truth is that Isla Aguada feels like a little piece of heaven. Located between the sea and a lagoon, this simple town is the ideal spot for those looking to get away from the cities and immerse themselves in a natural experience.
- What are your secrets?
In the Laguna de Términos you will be able to see bottlenose dolphins swimming in freedom all year round, a few feet away from your boat. Isla Pájaros, for its part, is a sanctuary for birds such as the pelican, the crested heron, the ibis and the flamingos. In addition, this Magical Town since 2020 is perfect for eating ceviches and shrimp cocktails and other fresh seafood from the area.
Union Juarez, Chiapas
Between mountains more than a thousand meters above sea level, stands this town of wooden houses with a very particular architectural style that contrasts with the forests that surround it. In its surroundings, the coffee plantations stretch for kilometers together with rivers and waterfalls in which, if you are not afraid of cold water, you can swim or do rafting. If you prefer something less extreme, you can venture into the orchid plantations and let your eyes delight in the variety of shapes and colors. Due to the altitude, the afternoons are usually a bit colder, but that makes them the ideal excuse to taste the region’s coffee.
- What are your secrets?
Despite being an active volcano, you can hire a tour to climb to the top of the Tacaná volcano at 4,100 meters high. If you climb Pico de Loro, you will not only have panoramic views of the mountains, but you will be able to see the Tajumulco Volcano of Guatemala.
After this tour of beaches, islands and mountains, it’s time to choose your favorite. Vote before March 15 at lomejormexico.com! And if you’ve been wanting to travel to any of these emerging destinations, plan your getaway now.
Mexico Unknown Get to know Mexico, its traditions and customs, magical towns, archaeological zones, beaches and even Mexican food.