Mexico is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resorts and cultural landmarks. Whether you're looking to visit for vacation, a bachelorette party or an anniversary trip, Mexico has so much to offer. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, Mexico’s tourism hit an all time high in 2024 generating a record $32.96 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Not only does this show that people are visiting Mexico, but also spending their hard earned money on hotels, tours, restaurants and more.There are some popular destinations that many of us are familiar with or hear about a lot, such as beach cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Tulum.But if you're looking for somewhere to visit in Mexico outside of those well-known spots, Doni Belau, award-winning travel expert and founder of Girls' Guide to the World, has one surprising Mexican destination that she believes should be on everyone's radar. Related: 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman
Belau recommends people visit Oaxaca City in the state of Oaxaca if they are planning a trip to Mexico. "Oaxaca City has an excellent year-round climate, it's chock full of art and culture as well as some of the most talented artisans in all of Mexico," she tells Parade. "The colorful colonial buildings in Centro (downtown) are stunning and well preserved too."Oaxaca City is also a great spot for those foodies as the gastronomy culture is rich with complexity partly because of the 19+ ethnic groups that make up Oaxacan culture.Related: 7 Best Travel Outfits for Women, According to Celebrity Stylists
Belau's 3 Best-Kept Secrets About This Location
If it’s your first time visiting, Belau says you absolutely must go on a Mezcal tour outside of the city. "We always go with Antonio Kerchovei from Mezcal Tour Oaxaca," Bealu tells Parade. "You’ll leave with not only a detailed understanding of the ancestral traditions that go into making Mezcal but also an appreciation for the wide-ranging flavor profiles."
2. Take a cooking class
Since Oaxaca City is a foodie destination, Belau recommends signing up for a cooking class to learn how to cook like the locals. "Take a cooking class and learn how to make a blue corn tortilla from scratch," she says. "And don’t be afraid to try chapulines as they are crunchy and a bit spicy."
According to Belau, Oaxaca City is the epicenter for Day of the Dead celebrations making that one of the best times of year to visit. "It’s arguably the most vibrantly colorful, cheerful, and artful festivity on earth," she says."The streets are decorated with flowers, and pretty much every bar, shop, café, and house in town has set up an altar (ofrendas) to commemorate the departed. All through town, you’ll run into 'comparsas'—a carnival-like parade with people in costumes, dancing performers, and marching bands winding their way through the streets."Related: The Surprising Tropical Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman
If you're looking for delicious restaurants to try on your trip to Oaxaca City, then Belau has two favorites she recommends to first time travelers and return visitors. "Everyone should go to Casa Oaxaca," she says. "Most of the seating is open air on the rooftop looking towards the cathedral. Your meal begins with a homemade Tlayuda (flat crispy tortilla) and a salsa made table-side. The menu changes seasonally, but they’ll usually have a mole as well as other dishes presented with a great sense of beauty and color."Another favorite for Belau is Teocintle, a small restaurant just east of Centro. "They feature a tasting menu of highly elevated cuisine that is modern in execution but rooted in traditional Oaxacan ingredients," she explains.
Belau's Top 2 Travel Tips
1. Visit during the winter months
Belau recommends visiting between November and February when the temperatures are cooler. "It'll be in the high 70s/low 80s during the day and high 50s/low 60s at night, with virtually no rain," she tells Parade. "It’s comfortable to eat outside almost every evening (a lot of the restaurants are outdoors, either roof-top or in a courtyard)."
2. Stay at a boutique hotel
Although there's no shortage of Airbnbs in the area, Belau says you really can't go wrong with a boutique hotel for your visit.Pug Seal is located in the city center and has touches of Mexican culture throughout the property that bring it to life. Plus, breakfast, snacks, and soft drinks are included which is an added benefit.Another great pick is the Otro which is located directly across the street from the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman. The 16 guest rooms have elevated, highly conceptualized interiors and beautiful views making them a top choice for visitors.
Up Next:
Related: The Surprising French Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The One Surprising Mexican Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once )
Also on site :
- Sputnik V creator warns of global ‘cat flu’ pandemic
- Trader Joe's is Giving This Viral Chocolate Bar Its Own Spin and Shoppers 'Can't Wait' To Try It
- Former Microsoft engineer fired over protest on Israel AI ties