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Visiting certain cultural Mexican cities will make you forget all about the beaches of Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta.
One is Guanajuato, an enchanting city that feels like a time capsule of Europe.
But Travel and Leisure has revealed another unknown gem in the vicinity, a place few Americans go to and may have never heard of.
Cheap, authentic, and far fewer tourists than any other worthwhile Mexican getaway, those with wanderlust pumping through their veins will love discovering Jalisco’s timeless hidden gem.
From preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eye-popping cathedrals, to mouthwatering cuisine, the affordable city of Lagos de Moreno is poised for stardom.
Best Of Both Worlds: Jalisco’s Hidden Treasure Near Guanajuato
Lagos de Moreno may be located in Jalisco, but it’s actually closer to Guanajuato, allowing travelers to savor 2 of Mexico’s most cultural states.
U.S. travelers can fly nonstop to León (BJX), the largest city in Guanajuato, with several airlines, including budget carriers:
- Dallas (American, Viva Aerobus)
- Houston (United, Viva Aerobus)
- San Antonio (Viva Aerobus)
- Fresno (Volaris)
- Oakland (Volaris)
- San Jose (Volaris)
- Los Angeles (Volaris)
- Chicago (Viva Aerobus, Volaris)
In other words, Lagos de Moreno is just as easy to reach the charming cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.
The latter and Lagos de Moreno are both 90 minutes from BJX compared to over 2 hours from Guadalajara.
Rather than head east from BJX, it’s time to venture west to Lagos de Moreno. As a multi-time flier from BJX, here are 2 valuable tips to know:
- Due to Uber/taxi conflicts, Uber passengers will need to book rides from the OXXO store just off-site from the airport grounds
- BJX’s lone airport lounge is worth the splurge! For approx. $35, indulge in endless drinks and food in a clean environment
A Trip Back In Time With Virtually No Tourists
Your Uber driver from BJX is going to assume you’re heading to either Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende, but once you flip a U-ey east, you’re on your way to an untouched gem, at least from a tourism standpoint.
But don’t let the lack of tourists deter you – it’s well-equipped for visitors. The city is home to over 100,000 residents, with delightful cobbled streets to explore and cozy boutique hotels to make your base.
Grab a local cuppa Joe at the top-rated Corbu Café to start your day and spend countless hours roaming the historic streets.
Wind down as cheap stays, such as Mesón del Alcalde under $50 per night or level up at Hotel Lagos Inn for under $100.
The location simply can’t be beat!
Lagos de Moreno is a renowned Pueblo Magico, and its sightly historic center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The exact type of destination perfect for exploring on foot to absorb all the historic sites, but most notably the Parroquia de La Asunción, dating back to the 16th century.
This unmissable marvel highlights the city center, along with other worthwhile sites such as the 18th-century church, Templo del Calvario, living up to this city’s moniker – the ‘Athens of Jalisco’.
While you won’t find savory gyros and ancient remnants of the Greek Empire, do tacos ever disappoint?
Jalisco’s Underrated Foodie Destination
Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara top Jalisco’s tourism numbers, but Lagos de Moreno could easily be the third most popular if only travelers knew of this place.
From Tijuana to Chetumal, tourists love to indulge in Mexico’s wide-ranging flavorful cuisine, where every region has its own unique offerings.
And let’s just say Jalisco has a town named Tequila…
Lagos de Moreno is most known for these 3 dishes:
- Birria Tatemada: slow-cooked meat dish, typically marinated in a blend of spices and then smoked over wood fire
- Rice Mole: their own twist on a complex dish made with a blend of chilies, spices, and chocolate served over rice
- Pacholas: small, savory pastries packed with ground beef and spices, typically served by street vendors
No-frills Restaurante Santo Remedio is just the place to savor the flavor of local cuisine on a budget.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.