We’ve been singing its praises for years, and we’ll keep hammering it home until it sticks: Mexico is so much more than its Caribbean beaches, larger-than-life luxury resorts, and touristy pyramids.
We can’t exactly take full credit, but after years of covering off-path destinations in Mexico that most mainstream travel publications ignore, we feel it’s time to give ourselves a little self-congratulatory tap on the shoulder:
The underrated Pacific state of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, has never been more popular than it is now.
Oaxaca’s Top 3 Fastest-Rising Tourism Spots
The numbers are officially in, and according to the DataTur monitoring program and the State Comprehensive Tourism Information System, Oaxaca hosted around 6.289.000 domestic and international visitors in 2025, its best year in tourism yet.
In all honesty, we can’t say we’re surprised:
Between Oaxaca’s historically rich colonial towns and UNESCO-listed sites, down to the pristine coastline and lush nature, it is one of Mexico’s most diverse states, but three spots in particular account for over 54% of tourist arrivals (and were responsible for 86.6% of the economic impact).
Everyone’s going to Oaxaca this year, and it’s these gems they’re hitting up:
Puerto Escondido
Tulum, before it got completely ruined, Puerto Escondido is an aptly-named hidden spot for Mexican locals—and trusted foreigners—whose sole aim is to kick it back, enjoy the sun, and not pay exorbitant amounts of money while they’re at it.
It’s home to beautiful, protected beaches, like Carrizalillo, set in a cove flanked by steep cliffs, and Zicatela, a surfing hotspot backed by youth hostels and beach bars, and though it does have a buzzing nightlife, it’s nowhere near Yucatán’s level of crazy.
In the heart of town, the Principal Beach is the trendiest place to be: a long stretch of sand dotted with palm trees and thatch-roofed bars. Ordering a cheeky pre-lunch cocktail will cost you only $4 on average, while a meal in a casual waterfront restaurant ranges from $10 to $15.
Don’t miss Mercado Benito Juárez, the vibrant local market, or El Adoquín, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare lined with street food stalls and local crafts.
Fly Nonstop To Puerto Escondido (PXM)
| Departure city (airport) | Airline | Flight time | Frequency | Typical days | Approx. roundtrip fare (USD) |
| Dallas (DFW) | American Airlines | 3h15 | 2/week | Wed., Sat. (year-round) |
$540–$650 |
| Houston (IAH) | United Airlines | 2h45 | 1/week | Sat. | $900–$1,000+ |
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Huatulco
Still on the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca state, Huatulco has been drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors thanks to its string of 9 scenic bays, which include a whopping 36 beaches, a quiet atmosphere, and verdant nature.
Seriously, everywhere you look, there seems to be lush jungle as far as the eye can see.
That’s due to Huatulco’s unique location, wedged between the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and the azure Atlantic. Dense green hills sit right behind the bays, and there are even jungle-covered cliffs along the coastline.
One of the best ways to explore the gazillion swimming spots in offer is booking a boat tour of the Huatulco bays.
They typically start from $30, and regardless of the company you book with, you can rest assured the itinerary will feature stops at Bahía de Santa Cruz, the most iconic bay, and La Entrega, a snorkeling paradise known for its calm, clear waters.
In town, La Crucecita has that small Mexican town vibe, perfect for an evening stroll and dinner, and if you love old colonial churches, the local Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe has one of the largest Virgin of Guadalupe murals in the entire world.
Fly Nonstop To Huatulco (HUX)
| Departure city (airport) | Airline | Flight time | Frequency | Typical days | Approx. roundtrip fare (USD) |
| Dallas (DFW) | American Airlines | 3h15 | 7/week | Daily | $540–$1,000+ |
Oaxaca City
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca de Juárez is the capital and largest city of the eponymous state, with the kind of well-preserved 16th-century buildings and beautiful architecture you could only wish would have been preserved in America following the industrial boom.
For the best part, Oaxaca has remained virtually untouched.
The crown jewel of the colonial ensemble, the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is arguably one of the prettiest in Mexico, with its Baroque front and ornate gold interior. Even if you’re not exactly crazy about churches, this one just hits.
Dominated by an equally beautiful cathedral, the main square is bordered by European-style cafés, outdoor terraces, and all, and the cobble-paved Centro, with its typically Spanish townhouses, winding alleys, and small galleries, is an absolute delight to wander.
Also, why did no one ever tell me Mercado 20 de Noviembre is virtually the definition of food heaven? Tlayudas, mole, tacos, and every other Mexican delicacy under the sun—not to mention a whole ‘smoke corridor’ (Pasillo de Humo) for the grilled meat lovers.
Brb, flying to OAX from a miserably rainy Paris for the week.
Fly Nonstop To Oaxaca (OAX)
| Departure city (airport) | Airline | Flight time | Frequency | Typical days | Approx. roundtrip fare (USD) |
| Houston (IAH) | American Airlines | 3h15 | 7/week | Daily | $540–$1,000+ |
| Dallas (DFW) | American Airlines | 2h56 | 7-14/week | Daily | $500–$650 |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Volaris | 4h05 | 4/week | Sun., Mon., Wed., Fri. | $340–$380 |
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