Zipolite is still a far cry from its more well-trodden neighbors to the north and south (Puerto and Huatulco, respectively). What used to be a hippie hideaway known for its natural vortex energy, nude beaches, and secret rocky Pacific Ocean coves has slowly been debuting luxe boutique hotels and boho-chic restaurants. About an hour south of Puerto Escondido, Zipolite is quickly gaining traction among the trendy set. The cat may already be out of the bag on this one-or, at the very least, itвЂ™s halfway out. Kick back at La Playita Beach Club for an afternoon lazing on the dock, sucking back incredibly fresh ceviche and tostadas. The best backyard for residents of Bacalar, youвЂ™ll always find people SUPing, kayaking, sailing, or swimming. ItвЂ™s hard to believe that Laguna de Bacalar is freshwater-it looks as clear and calm as the Caribbean Sea. The one must-do thing: Get out onto the lake. The town has plenty of swashbuckling history, too: Laguna de Bacalar is connected to the Caribbean Sea via several channels, which pirates used to use to gain access to the mainland.

Perched on the eponymous lake, Bacalar is a sleepy, laid-back town known for its eco-chic bungalows, lakeside restaurants, and easy access to some of the best ruins in Mexico. But now the areas south of Tulum are stepping into the limelight, and the star of the show these days is Bacalar. Most of us are already familiar with the stateвЂ™s northern half ( CancГєn and Playa del Carmen, anyone?). The southern half of Quintana Roo is having a moment. There are palms aplenty in this tropical town. Here are just a few of MexicoвЂ™s best-and most underrated-vacation spots. It may take more time and effort to reach these hidden gems, but that's exactly what makes them worthwhile. Instead of Tulum or Los Cabos for your beach fix, why not kick it up a notch (or down, more accurately) with a visit to Sayulita, MazatlГЎn, Puerto Escondido, or any number of beach towns youвЂ™ve probably never heard of? So, where will your next trip to Mexico take you instead? While everyone else zigs to San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, consider zagging to Zacatecas, San CristГіbal de las Casas, or one of MexicoвЂ™s other lesser-hyped cities. Yes, it's home to some of the world's best beaches, but this incredibly diverse country is more than just sun and sand: think towering mountains, steamy jungles, ancient ruins, rare mezcals, and some of the most delicious food anywhere, ever-all of which youвЂ™ll miss out on if you stay cooped up at a spring break-style hotel. Mexico's all-inclusive resorts are great-but let's forget about those for just a second.

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