Non- touristy places in Mexico that are a must- see?

Question

prefferably aztec areas....

Answer 1

Oaxaca, in the state of Oaxaca, is a beautiful city with interesting architecture and an authentic character.  It has a huge zocalo (town square), where you can sit outside the cafes on the sidewalk and enjoy a drink and the atmosphere.  The best time to go is during the last two weeks in July.  In fact, the two Mondays following July 16 are  when the annual Gueleguetza celebration is underway.   Various versions exist explaining the purpose of the celebration.  I was told by a local guide the festival celebrates the original seven tribes from the area.  However, the most frequent explanation seems to be that the event is a tribute to the indigenous gods of the region.  Another version states Gueleguetza specifically celebrates the goddess of corn.

During this time, the city is alive with activity.  The sights to be enjoyed from the zocalo often include marching bands and kids tossing monstrously-long balloons into the air.  A major event occurs at the arena, where dancers in colorful costumes perform dances to represent different aspects of the culture, including specific fruits, vegetables, hats, etc.  At the end of each dance, each dancer throws the object of the dance into the crowd.  (You have to be alert when they toss the pineapples!)   Other memories of Oaxaca that have stayed with me include the sight of women walking down the street while carrying huge pots atop their heads, and farmers working their fields with oxen.  

For a visit to a small town with amazing natural beauty, I would recommend San Carlos, in the northern state of Sonora.  Located on the Sea of Cortez, approximately 250 miles south of the Arizona border, it is popular with American snowbirds, fishermen and divers, though much smaller than the better-known hot spots such as Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cancun, etc.  

Happy trails!

Answer 2

Best Museums -- Mexico City

Best Indian Culture -- San Cristobal de las Casas

Best Surf -- Sayulita

Best Place to Snorkle -- Xelha

Best Maya Ruins -- Palenque

Best Place to SCUBA -- Cozumel or Holbox (when the whale sharks are there)

Best Place to Shop for a Guitar -- Paracho

Best Place to Shop for Silver -- Taxco

Best Place for Mardi Gras -- Mazatlán

Best Place to Study Spanish -- Oaxaca

Best Place to Shop for Onyx -- Puebla

Best Place to Shop for Opals -- Queretaro

Best Place to Shop for Hammocks -- Merida

Best Place to Shop for Crafts -- Tlaquepaque

Best Place to Shop for Woven Goods -- Teotitlan del Valle

Answer 3

the beaches that arn't well known are really nice along the yucatan peninsula, and the waters are so blue