12 Tourist Traps in Mexico That Couples Should Skip (And Better Places to Go)

ByRachna Chandira

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People walking near a large fountain with the Guadalajara Cathedral in the background at sunset.
Roman Lopez/Unsplash

Mexico is a country filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and incredible history. However, not all of its famous destinations live up to the expectations. Many popular tourist spots have become overcrowded and commercialized, losing their charm. For couples seeking a more authentic experience, there are hidden gems that offer the same beauty, but with fewer crowds. Here’s a guide to 12 tourist traps in Mexico that couples should skip and the better places to go instead.

Cancun vs. Isla Holbox

A split view comparing Cancun's busy beach with a tall hotel in the background on the left, and the serene, palm-lined shores of Isla Holbox on the right, offering a more peaceful, secluded atmosphere.
Francisco Cardona/Unsplash, Nathan Cima/Unsplash

Cancun is often packed with tourists and bustling resorts, making it feel crowded and commercialized. Instead, Isla Holbox offers a more peaceful escape with its secluded beaches, vibrant wildlife, and relaxed atmosphere. Couples can enjoy the island’s serene vibe, take a boat ride to see bioluminescent waters, and explore the island by bike. Holbox remains untouched by the tourist masses, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking a more intimate Mexican getaway.

Tulum vs. Bacalar

A split view comparing Tulum on the left, with its famous cliffside beach and turquoise waters, and Bacalar on the right, showcasing the tranquil, pristine beauty of the Lagoon of Seven Colors with overwater huts.
chopin92/Pixabay, Lidia Tretyakova, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Tulum’s popularity has led to overcrowded beaches and expensive resorts that detract from the charm of its pristine coastlines. A better option is Bacalar, home to the beautiful Lake of Seven Colors. This hidden gem offers crystal-clear waters, unique cenotes, and a peaceful atmosphere. Couples can enjoy swimming in the lake, kayaking through the natural beauty, and discovering the region’s rich cultural heritage, far away from the crowds that swarm Tulum.

Playa del Carmen vs. Isla Mujeres

A split view comparing Playa del Carmen on the left, with its vibrant beach scene and the iconic "Portal Maya" sculpture, and Isla Mujeres on the right, featuring a tranquil wooden pier leading to a thatched-roof hut by the turquoise waters.
dronepicr, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons, Julie Radloff/Unsplash

Playa del Carmen is known for its tourist-heavy Fifth Avenue and high-end resorts, which can feel a bit too commercial. Isla Mujeres, just a short ferry ride away, offers the opposite: quieter beaches, laid-back bars, and intimate spots to watch the sunset. Couples can explore the island’s lush natural beauty, visit the underwater museum, and enjoy a more relaxed vibe without the chaos of Playa del Carmen’s bustling streets.

Puerto Vallarta vs. Sayulita

A split view comparing Puerto Vallarta on the left, showcasing a lively promenade with coconut trees and tourists, and Sayulita on the right, highlighting a peaceful sunset over the beach with surfers in the distance.
Orlie Wayne Faustorilla/Pexels, Philippe Gauthier/Unsplash

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its busy waterfront, resorts, and nightlife, which can sometimes overshadow its natural beauty. Sayulita, however, offers a more bohemian experience, with colorful streets, cozy boutique hotels, and a vibrant arts scene. Perfect for couples, Sayulita provides peaceful beaches for relaxing, surfing, and exploring, along with a local charm that feels untouched by mass tourism. The intimate vibe makes it a much better choice than Puerto Vallarta for a romantic getaway.

Mexico City vs. Puebla

Mexico City’s grand architecture vs. Puebla’s peaceful mountain lake views.
Ivon Gorgonio/Pexels, Rafael Villarreal, Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

Mexico City is vibrant and full of history, but it’s crowded streets, traffic, and urban chaos can overwhelm visitors. Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a more relaxed pace with its stunning colonial architecture, traditional cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Couples can wander through the beautiful city center, explore historical landmarks, and sample the famous mole poblano in a quieter, more charming environment. Puebla is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City.

Los Cabos vs. Todos Santos

Los Cabos' luxury vibes vs. Todos Santos' laid-back surf charm.
Carlos Gilbert/Unsplash, Bruno Storchi Bergmann/Pexels

Los Cabos is known for its luxurious resorts and party scene, which can be overwhelming for couples looking for peace and intimacy. Instead, Todos Santos offers a small-town charm with a bohemian flair. Known as a “Pueblo Mágico,” it is filled with art galleries, boutique hotels, and stunning beaches. Couples can visit the historic town, explore nearby hiking trails, and unwind at the beach without the large crowds that flood Los Cabos. It’s an ideal alternative for a quiet escape.

Acapulco vs. Zihuatanejo

Side-by-side view of Acapulco (left) showing a busy beach with families and high-rise hotels, and Zihuatanejo (right) with a person relaxing by an infinity pool overlooking a rocky, serene ocean view.
Miguel Angel Alvarez Bernardo, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons, S L V/Pexels

Acapulco, once a glamorous destination, has become overcrowded and lacks the charm it once had. Zihuatanejo, just a short drive away, offers a much more serene experience with its quiet beaches, charming fishing villages, and intimate atmosphere. Couples can enjoy the calm waters, walk through cobbled streets, and relax in boutique accommodations without the overwhelming crowds that fill Acapulco. Zihuatanejo offers a more authentic and peaceful way to experience the Mexican coast.

Mazatlán vs. San Blas

Side-by-side view of Mazatlán (left) with people enjoying a sunset on the beach, and San Blas (right) showing a lush, coastal town with tropical greenery and scattered buildings near the shoreline.
Alejandro Juarez/Pexels, Vic0, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Mazatlán has long been a popular spot for tourists, but its commercialized beaches and resorts may not offer the authentic experience many seek. San Blas, a hidden gem on the Pacific coast, offers a slower pace of life with its quiet beaches, lush mangroves, and rich history. Couples can explore the town’s historical landmarks, enjoy secluded beaches, and witness the incredible birdlife, all without the mass tourism that has taken over Mazatlán.

Chichen Itza vs. Uxmal

Side-by-side view of Chichen Itza (left) with its iconic stepped pyramid El Castillo, and Uxmal (right) featuring the rounded Pyramid of the Magician surrounded by lush greenery.
Cvmontuy, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons, Matthias Bethke, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Chichen Itza, one of Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites, attracts large crowds, which can make it difficult to fully appreciate the grandeur of the ruins. Uxmal, an ancient Mayan city in the Yucatán Peninsula, offers an equally impressive experience but with fewer visitors. Couples can explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Pyramid of the Magician, and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere. Uxmal provides a more intimate and reflective experience compared to the overrun Chichen Itza.

Xcaret vs. Rio Secreto

Side-by-side view of Xcaret (left) showing a lively beach lagoon with swimmers and palapas, and Rio Secreto (right) featuring an underground cave with clear turquoise water and dramatic stalactites.
Michelle_Pitzel/Pixabay, Río Secreto, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Xcaret is a popular eco-park with many attractions, but it’s often overcrowded and can feel too commercial. Rio Secreto, an underground river system in the Yucatán, offers a more immersive natural experience. Couples can explore the stunning caves, swim in crystal-clear waters, and walk through incredible rock formations. This alternative to Xcaret offers a more peaceful and personal connection with nature, making it the ideal spot for couples who want to experience the region’s beauty in a more intimate setting.

Cozumel vs. Isla Contoy

Side-by-side comparison of Cozumel (left) with a rocky beach, palapas, and crowds, and Isla Contoy (right) featuring a quiet, pristine beach with white sand, turquoise water, and palm-thatched shelters.
Michelle_Pitzel/Pixabay, Lucas Rossi/Unsplash

Cozumel’s popularity with cruise ships has led to overcrowded beaches and tourist-centric activities. Isla Contoy, a protected island reserve, is the perfect alternative for couples looking for a quiet escape. The island offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, including sea turtles and exotic birds. Couples can snorkel in the coral reefs, relax on the untouched beaches, and enjoy the beauty of an island far from the bustling crowds of Cozumel.

Teotihuacan vs. Tula

Side-by-side view of Teotihuacan’s Pyramid of the Sun (left) with tourists at its base, and the Tula archaeological site (right) featuring Atlantean warrior statues atop a stepped pyramid.
Roland DRz/Pexels, mediosaudiovisuales/Pixabay

Teotihuacan’s Pyramid of the Sun and Moon is a must-see, but it’s also a major tourist hotspot, which can detract from its historical significance. Tula, with its lesser-known but equally impressive ruins, provides a more serene experience. Couples can explore the Atlantean statues and discover the ancient Toltec city in a much quieter environment. Tula offers a peaceful way to immerse in Mexico’s ancient history, without the crowds that often fill the famous Teotihuacan pyramids.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.