Six secret Mexican gems for the budget traveler
— -- Isla Holbox
A refuge from the mega-resorts and the pseudo eco-parks of Mexico's Caribbean coast, Isla Holbox promises travelers a laid-back beach retreat and the chance for authentic encounters with nature. This small sickle-shaped island sits north of Cancun in the placid Gulf of Mexico (rough water is often a problem on the Caribbean coast), making it a great destination for swimmers and wildlife watchers who come to see the birds and marine animals that congregate in waters nearby.
Relaxing is the main island pastime. There are miles of undeveloped beach on which to stroll and in the town you can sip cerveza and dine on fresh, locally caught seafood at open-air restaurants. You should make the effort to view the island's wildlife if possible. Kayak out to the lagoon on the mainland-facing side of the island and paddle among the mangroves to view birds like pink flamingos, spoonbills, and white ibises. If you're here between May and mid-September, you'll have the rare chance to swim with migrating whale sharks—the largest fish in the world. Whale shark tours depart from the island and cost about $90 per person.
For cozy digs right on the beach, stay at the top-rated (according to sister site TripAdvisor) Posada Mawimbi where nightly double occupancy rates start at $65. There's an on-site bar where breakfast, lunch, and happy hour are served and a tropical garden with palm-thatched palapas and hammocks. The hotel can arrange for whale-shark swimming and other tours.
Queretaro
At once one of Mexico's most modern cities and a colonial gem, Queretaro offers visitors both the chance to immerse themselves in the city's fascinating 475-year history and enjoy a sophisticated dining and nightlife scene. Queretaro is often overlooked by tourists who come to the region to visit the more popular nearby town of San Miguel de Allende, but it's well worth a few days' exploration, and is generally easier on the wallet.
Founded by the Spanish in 1531, Queretaro was the scene of several pivotal moments in Mexico's history, such as the conspiracy that started Mexican independence and the convention that produced the country's constitution. Its historic heart is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with numerous monuments, baroque churches, and mansions to see. Take yourself on a walking tour along cobblestone streets to see sites like the Plaza de la Independencia, which is lined with restored colonial mansions; the Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbos, Queretaro's most ornate baroque church; and the Museo de Arte de Queretaro, a former Augustine monastery that is now an art museum.
In the evenings, pick one of the city's numerous plaza-view restaurants for good people watching and try local favorites such as xoconostles (sweetened prickly pear cactus) or barbacoa de borrego (baked lamb). Later on, you can head to a Queretaro nightclub or try to catch a free live concert in the main plaza.
