This quiet town sits in Quintana Roo state, a four-hour drive from the Cancún airport, and is vastly different from the teeming resort city.

Bacalar

Bacalar Lagoon, or the Lagoon of the Seven Colors, is a sight to behold. The water becomes crystal clear as hues slowly transform between different shades of turquoise and blue.

You can swim, snorkel, kayak, take a boat ride, or visit the town and wander the Fuerte de San Felipe Bacalar, a fort built in the first half of the 1700s with a rich history.

On this stunning realm of five islands, you might see dolphins, blue whales, and orcas either from a boat or on snorkeling, diving, and fishing trips.

Bahía De Loreto

Wander around secluded bays, laze on quiet beaches, explore underwater caves, climb lofty dunes, plan long picturesque hikes, and go camping among the semi-arid terrain.

A bit further south of the Mayan ruins in Yucatan, the ruins of Calakmul are fabulous, far less busy, and well worth the effort of a trip.

Calakmul

The structures sit within a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, part of a massive forest network that bleeds into Belize and Guatemala, second only to the Amazon in size and age.

The 3,000-year-old site spans a large area. Believed to be the tallest among all the Mayan pyramids, the pyramids in Calakmul soar and have a vast array of carved stone slabs.

Chihuahua has a canyon of scenic beauty larger than the Grand Canyon, most rewardingly seen from the comfort of an iconic train ride.

Copper Canyon

Through the canyon, the El Chepe train winds its route to Los Mochis, making stops along the way with options for visitors to disembark and explore.

Less than 90 minutes from Mexico City, this town has a fabulous colonial feel and is worth staying in for a night or two.

Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca was a prized crop center by both the Aztecs and the Spanish. Plan to visit during the week, when the pace, sights, and restaurants are less busy.

Wander the town's central buildings and landmarks, like the Palacio de Gobierno (governor's palace), Zocalo (the town's main square), or the grand cathedral, built in the 1500s.