9 Lesser-known but Marvelous Places in Mexico ...

1. Merida, Yucatan

If you’re looking to explore those lesser-known places in Mexico, then this is one you won’t want to miss. This cultural capital will leave your friends on social networks green with envy. It is a place full of museums, Sunday markets and wonderful narrow brick streets. If you are a sucker for culture then make sure you take a trip to the cathedral. If you love to shop for unique gifts for loved ones back home (or yourself!) then you'll enjoy the Sunday market, where locals sell crafts and play live music.

2. Oaxaca, Oaxaca

This place is a lifelong festival. Oaxaca is a place where there is always something to celebrate, and the locals know how to do just that! You'll find bands, dancers and fireworks. If you want a little quiet time then head down to one of the many art galleries, or take a trip just outside of town and watch locals create black clay pottery and carve colorful wooden animals.

3. Akumal, Quintana Roo

It doesn’t get much better than snorkeling in crystal clear waters on a hot day, but what about snorkeling with sea turtles? Just south of Cancűn is a quiet town on the Riviera Maya’s Half Moon Bay. This is an area renowned for sea turtles; in fact, over 30,000 hatchlings are released by visitors and volunteers. This is one of the lesser-known places in Mexico where you can get away from it all and chill out.

4. Tlaquepaque/Guadalajara, Jalisco

Who’s up for a Tequila? Off the beaten track in Mexico is where you will find Tlaquepaque, a place with a long history in pottery making. You can wander by the museum and find out more about the ancient technique that the locals still use for their craft. Make sure to take a train to the town of Tequila - which is about a 90 minute ride. Here you will see how the spirit is processed and you might even get a sample, or two!

5. Sayulita, Nayarit

Love the hippy vibe? Then Sayulita is for you! Lie back and relax in this beach town, or hit the waves on a surfboard. The locals gather on the beach front and come in all their shapes, sizes and with different interests. Diversity is key in these parts. If you do go to this laid back town, make sure you sign up for a surf camp or go sailing. The water around here is too beautiful to be missed!

6. San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato

This town is said to look and feel like Europe, and many people chose to go because it is much more convenient - and cheaper! It is a pretty World Heritage City, North West of Mexico City. They speak English in San Miguel and have towns filled with local art. If you do take a trip here, you must visit the Parroquia San Miguel Arcangel cathedral or head just out of the town and see the pre-Hispanic pyramids.

7. Ensenada, Baja California

If you’ve got a taste for a crisp wine, and want to know how they make it, then this is one of the lesser-known places in Mexico that you cannot miss! This is Mexico’s most popular wine-producing valley. Here you will find rustic family cellars, wineries that have won awards and B&Bs set on vineyards. The place has been compared to Tuscany or Napa, with its upscale and fancy restaurants to dine in. If you take a trip here then you’ll have the chance to taste wine at more than 55 wineries in Valle de Guadalupe and Ensenada - sounds pretty good!

8. Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

The Copper Canyon is actually bigger than the Grand Canyon. There waterfalls, lakes, caves and hot springs, making it a fantastic place to explore with friends. Hire a bike or go on a horseback with a local guide so that you get the most out of your trip. There’s also an amazing train ride through the canyon.

9. Campeche, Campeche

Ahh, me hearties! Explore pirate legends in this one of the lesser know places in Mexico. You can walk through the streets and see the buildings that were once surrounded by a city wall to prevent pirate attacks. The many forts and watch towers have been turned into museums rich in stories about the city.

If you really want to get to the heart of the matter, going off the beaten track in Mexico is a great reason to ditch the all-inclusive beach vacation. Fancy a trip?