Mexico is such a vibrant country with so much beauty and culture to offer its visitors. The magic of Mexico can be found in its fascinating ancient traditions, gorgeous artisan handicrafts, remarkable landscape, abundant marine life, absolutely delicious local cuisine, and welcoming vibe you encounter everywhere you go in Mexico.
If you’re looking to have new experiences and adventures beyond the typical tourist trail, this comprehensive guide to the hidden treasures of some of the most amazing destinations in Mexico is for you! Take an adventure off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Los Cabos, Cancun, and Loreto to unveil the exciting culture and diverse landscape of Mexico.
So, let’s dive right in. Be sure to add these hidden treasures to your travel bucket list when visiting Mexico!
Puerto Vallarta
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Explore the Local Barrios of Puerto Vallarta
Take a day to explore the lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems of Puerto Vallarta, such as Emiliano Zapata and Gringo Gulch, to experience the rich local culture and authentic Mexican cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds.
Just a short 15-minute (4 mile) drive towards Rio Cuale from Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta, is the foodie-favorite barrio of Emiliano Zapata where the food gets better, more Spanish is spoken, and where you can experience the charm of “Old Puerto Vallarta”. Be sure to visit Emiliano Zapata with an empty stomach so you can indulge in the local delicacies.
Two miles away from Emiliano Zapata is the magical neighborhood called Gringo Gulch, a primarily residential barrio that’s nestled up in the hills and is a haven of bougainvillea-lined cobblestone roads and photo-worthy views of the bay. Take a moment to soak in the magic of this neighborhood, which also holds a piece of history. Gringo Gulch carries the legacy of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, two iconic figures who once called this neighborhood home. They lived in separate homes in the area and they built a fanciful white bridge connecting their separate homes, that allowed them to meet in secret. Today, their former homes have been transformed into Casa Kimberly, a boutique hotel that preserves their unique story. As you explore the area, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic bridge from the street right in front of the hotel, a reminder of their love story that adds a touch of romance and intrigue to this neighborhood.
Allow yourself to wander through these hidden neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and allure. Experience the vibrant local culture, savor the authentic Mexican cuisine, and create memories that will forever resonate in your heart. Puerto Vallarta’s hidden gems beckon you to explore, discover, and uncover the true essence of this remarkable destination.
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Take a Day Trip to Yelapa to Explore Nature
Take a day trip to the secluded and beautiful coastal village of Yelapa just south of Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by boat, and enjoy its tranquil atmosphere and pristine natural beauty. A scenic 45-minute water taxi ride from the Puerto Vallarta Marina (a short 5-minute walk from Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta) will put you in Yelapa in no time so you can start your adventure! Enjoy snorkeling in the warm tropical waters, visit the turtle sanctuary, hike to the waterfalls, or take a leisurely stroll through colorful markets filled with local crafts and food vendors selling the most delicious Mexican cuisine.
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Visit Faro de Matamoros Lighthouse
Explore the historic Faro de Matamoros Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the stunning coastline of Puerto Vallarta. The historic lighthouse which operated from 1932 until 1978 is located just over a mile from Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta. A five-minute taxi ride will drop you at the lighthouse, which is just opposite Gringo Gulch.
Climb to the top of the lighthouse and be captivated by the sweeping views that unfold before your eyes. From this vantage point, you can witness the city’s vibrant energy. If you go there at night, you can even witness the mesmerizing spectacle of nightly fireworks illuminating the sky.
Riviera Nayarit
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Experience a Traditional Temazcal Ceremony
If you want to experience something that is truly authentic to Mexican culture, participate in a traditional Aztec Temazcal Ceremony. This two-hour ceremony takes place in a traditional sweat lodge (Temazcal) that is led by a shaman (Temazcalero). This therapeutic steam bath is infused with different medicinal herbs and incense to improve overall health and help balance the mind, body, and spirit. Temazcal Ceremonies are frequently held in San Pancho and Sayulita (further north).
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Coral Island – The Hidden Gem of Riviera Nayarit
Embark on a memorable boat trip to Coral Island in Guayabitos, one of Riviera Nayarit’s hidden gems. Coral Island is the best natural, real-life aquarium that you’ll ever experience – it’s a fantastic adventure for the whole family. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters among schools of colorful tropical fish or give stand-up paddle boarding with the dolphins a try. Take in all the natural beauty and don’t forget to sample the local delicacies and fresh fish! To get to Coral Island from Villa del Palmar Flamingos Nayarit, take a 10-minute boat ride from Rincón de Guayabitos which is about 45 minutes (31 miles) from the resort.
Los Cabos
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Take a Day Trip to Todos Santos
Enjoy a chilled day trip to Todos Santos, a charming surf town most loved for its chic, yet laid-back vibe. The town is full of art galleries and boutiques and is particularly popular amongst surfers, artists, and hippies. Immerse yourself in the Todos Santos vibe by strolling the picturesque streets, visiting the Eagle’s iconic “Hotel California”, and getting out in nature for some surfing, whale watching, or turtle spotting. Todos Santos is about an hour’s drive (50 miles) north of Villa del Arco Cabo and Villa del Palmar Cabo and an additional 15 minutes (10 miles) from Villa La Valencia Los Cabos.
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Snorkel the Vibrant Coral Reef at Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
If you’re interested in ecotourism, taking a day trip to Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the top things to do in Cabo. Have a fun day of snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters that is home to the largest living coral reef on the peninsula. It’s also home to a very diverse marine life including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, sea lions, and humpback whales. The drive from Villa La Valencia Los Cabos will take around 2 hours (80 miles) and an additional 15 minutes (10 miles) from Villa del Arco Cabo and Villa del Palmar Cabo.
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Give Sandboarding a Try and Ride the Dunes
Baja California is popular for riding its waves, but did you know it’s also popular for riding its sand dunes? Sandboarding in Cabo San Lucas has become all the rage for adventure junkies.
Cabo’s expansive coastal sand dunes offer ideal conditions for sandboarding, which is basically like snowboarding – but on the sand! There are several companies that offer sandboarding tours which include transportation, instruction, and equipment.
Cancun
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Explore the Wildlife at Croco Cun Zoo
Get up close and personal with fascinating wildlife at Croco Cun Zoo including crocodiles, monkeys, jaguars, and more. The zoo itself is beautiful but what makes this zoo special is its amazing interactive program that your kids will surely love. They can hold baby crocodiles and snakes for photo ops, feed the white-tailed deer, and chat with chirpy parrots. If you’re looking for a fun family-friendly activity that will tick the boxes for kids and adults alike, add this to your Cancun activity itinerary! Better yet, it’s just a 45-minute (26-mile) drive to Croco Cun Zoo from Villa del Palmar Cancun.
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Explore Cancun’s Open-Air Art Gallery of Exciting Street Art
An ambitious new urban art project in downtown Cancun is giving visitors to the area a reason to skip beach activities for a day. Downtown Cancun is a short 10-minute (5-mile) drive from Villa del Palmar Cancun. Take a stroll along Avenida Bonampak and Calle Lopez Portillo in downtown Cancun to explore the vibrant street art scene. Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant, expansive public murals created by celebrated street artists from Mexico and around the world, which are popping up all over Cancun. These captivating artworks are transforming the lively resort city into a dynamic open-air art exhibition.
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Day Trip to Cozumel’s Magnificent Coral Reefs
Escape to the nearby island of Cozumel for a day of adventure and underwater exploration in the stunning coral reefs. Divers return again and again to this beautiful hidden gem off the coast of Cancun. Cozumel’s Palancar Reef is a component of the Mesoamerican reef system, ranking as the world’s second-largest reef. Within this magnificent coral ecosystem, a remarkable assortment of marine life thrives, including parrot fish, squirrel fish, sea fans, butterfly fish, seahorses, and numerous other fascinating species. Plan on leaving Villa del Palmar Cancun early morning to make the most of the day. The 45-minute ferry to Cozumel departs from Playa del Carmen, which is a one-hour (45-mile) journey by car.
Islands of Loreto
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Snorkel with the Sea Lions at Coronado Island
For those looking to go beyond the tourist trail to discover virgin beaches and unspoiled nature in Loreto, take a boat tour to the nearby Coronado Island (Isla Coronados) for the very best of land and sea. While on the island, you can partake in bird watching, hiking, and sunbathing on the virgin white sand beaches, or you can spend your day snorkeling in the turquoise waters swarming with schools of fish, sea turtles, and sea lions. The pleasant and scenic boat ride takes about 30 minutes from Loreto. To get to Loreto from Villa del Palmar Islands of Loreto, the drive is around 40 min (25 miles).
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Untouched Beauty at Bahia Concepcion
For all the off-the-beaten-path adventure seekers, the remote and spectacular Bahia Concepcion (Concepcion Bay) has a lot of great reasons to visit it. It’s easily one of the most untouched landscapes in the region. The clear and tranquil blue waters are otherworldly, making it a fantastic spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. An hour’s excursion on the water can reward you with views of sea lions, humpback whales, stingrays, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks! The 4-hour (300-mile) scenic drive from Villa del Palmar Islands of Loreto Resort to Bahía Concepción will give you a glimpse of just how beautiful the area is.
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Birdwatching in Loreto
For birdwatching enthusiasts, the area of Loreto and the surrounding islands offer amazing birdwatching opportunities. Explore the diverse ecosystems and observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitats including resident and migratory birds such as the rare blue-footed booby birds, Xantus hummingbirds, the resident gray thrasher, the vermillion flycatcher, and 50 more species of birds. To improve your chances of catching a glimpse of these exotic birds, we recommend booking a birdwatching excursion with a local tour company.
As you can see, there are many amazing destinations beyond the tourist trail in Mexico, and every single one of these hidden treasures has its own appeal that makes a visit worthwhile. From adventure-based destinations to remote destinations where you can soak up the natural splendor of Mexico, you can see it all without having to travel too far.
When you visit any of our Villa del Palmar Beach Resort destinations in Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, or Loreto you’ll be in some of the most beautiful and culturally rich places in the country. If you have any questions about tours or activities, please contact Member Services at 1-800-852-4755.
Take a step off the beaten path to immerse yourself on a magical journey through Mexico to discover all its hidden treasures. After all, Mexico is so much more than resorts and dream-like beaches, the natural landscape and rich traditions of art, handicrafts, music, and cuisine have so much to offer visitors to Mexico.
