The Very Vibrant Riverside Mexican Town Famed For Architecture And Overlooked By Tourists

These days, it can feel difficult to find destinations that aren't overrun by tourists. While it's wonderful that travel is becoming more accessible for everyone, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to visit destinations teeming with visitors. Luckily, there are still some hidden gems left, and the expansive country of Mexico is the perfect place to explore if you're looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Mexico is a fantastic place to visit, and it's easy to reach from almost anywhere in North America. The country is most famous for its gorgeous beaches, which have been popular places to vacation for generations. Many tourists spend their entire vacation simply relaxing in the sun and sipping margaritas at sprawling all-inclusive resorts in coastal cities like Cancún and Cabo, but if you want a taste of authentic culture you should consider heading to the smaller cities and stunning, lesser-known Mexican beaches. 

Tlacotalpan — located in the Mexican state of Veracruz — is a gorgeous town famed for its rich history and colonial architecture. It's perfect for history buffs, and anyone with an appreciation for natural beauty and cultural experiences. If you're looking for a place to travel in Mexico that isn't on the usual tourist itinerary, add Tlacotalpan to your bucket list.

When searching for small towns to visit in Mexico, many travelers stick to the enchanting Pueblo Magicos for uncrowded, unique trips, which have received a special designation by the Mexican government. There are over 100 fantastic Pueblo Magicos, or magic towns, scattered across the country. The state of Veracruz has six. For whatever reason, some incredible small towns didn't make the cut, which means they often get overlooked by tourists. Tlacotalpan is one such place.

The historic city of Tlacotalpan is located near the Gulf of Mexico along the banks of the beautiful Papaloapan River, which means "river of the butterflies". Originally founded in the mid-1500s by Spanish colonizers, it was used as an inland port that played an important role in trade due to its location. The surroundings provided protection from pirates, allowing Tlacotalpan to prosper.

Fans of traditional Spanish colonial-style architecture will fall immediately in love with Tlacotalpan. The colorful and elaborate buildings have been remarkably well preserved, and the city was planned in a grid-like pattern with wide streets that cover nearly 200 acres and 153 blocks. The streets are lined with large covered walkways supported by columns, and the historic buildings have traditional tile roofs and are vibrantly painted in shades of pink, green, yellow, and blue. There are plenty of parks and open spaces with large mature trees where locals and tourists can relax and enjoy the scenery and charm. Due to its incredible preservation of historic character, Tlacotalpan was established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Today the small city is home to just under 13,000 people.

Perhaps one of the reasons this enchanting Mexican city has remained unspoiled by tourism is because getting there requires some effort. The nearest major airport is located in Veracruz City. If you're flying from the United States, there are a few direct flights from Houston and Dallas. Otherwise, your best bet is to fly through Mexico City — a must-visit destination for art lovers. From Veracruz, you can either rent a car or take the bus to Tlacotalpan. The total driving distance is about 64 miles, and it takes about an hour and a half. The bus ride will take closer to three hours, but it's a great option for anyone traveling through Mexico on a budget because tickets cost just under $10.

If you're looking to stay right on the riverfront, Hotel River Blue offers rooms in a renovated colonial-style mansion. There is an outdoor swimming pool with beautiful views overlooking the river. Hotel Casa de las Sirenas (whose whimsical name translates to "house of the mermaids") is an elegant choice close to the river, parks, and museums. The rooms and suites are decked out with tiled floors, antique furniture, beautiful four-poster beds, and spacious bathrooms. There are two swimming pools and plenty of common areas where you can relax.

One of the best things to do in Tlacotalpan is to simply wander around admiring the historic buildings. The main square, Plaza Doña Marta, is a great place to start to admire the architecture, and don't forget to take a colorful boat ride on the river and sample the local seafood. For an unforgettable cultural experience, visit during one of the festivals that occur throughout the year, like the traditional Candelaria Festival held in February for the town's patron saint.