Secret Mexico

Veracruz is known for its beautiful beaches, and while many of them are well-known and popular among locals and tourists, there are a few secret beaches that remain relatively untouched. These secluded gems offer a quiet and relaxing experience, away from the crowds.

Here are some of the best secret beaches in Veracruz:

Playa Montepio

4 hours away from Xalapa 

3 hours away from Veracruz

and 8 hours away from Mexico City.

This place is visited mainly by Mexicans; foreigners are unusual around here. In the low season, Playa Montepio is practically a ghost beach with a few hotels and restaurants and no lifeguards on the beach. But the water here is as clear as the sky!

The most popular attractions here are hiring a guide and a horse to take you to the beautiful waterfalls, climbing a hill called “Cerro del Borrego” where you can get nice pictures or visit the nearby caves by boat or kayak. The most beautiful cave is the one called “Roca Partida.”

If you are looking for accommodation nearby, check out Los Amigos Ecoturismo y Reserva Natural, located 30-minute drive from Playa Montepio beach.

Playa Balzapote

15 minutes away from Montepio

The best beach for swimming is very close to Montepio. It is considered a “forgotten” beach that was a port in the past. The population living here is only 550 people.

Playa Escondida

As the name says it (Hidden beach), this beach is hidden, and it is not that easy to reach. It is close to Balzapote and Montepio, but you have to arrive on foot or by horse. Two cliffs surround the beach and the access is through slippy steps, so you must be careful.

The inconvenience is worth it – you will arrive at pure nature. This beach is spectacular! And we can assure you there will be almost no one else on this beach.

There are no hotel accommodations here and don’t expect to have a phone signal or supermarket.

Barra de Sontecomapan

According to an official census, only 350 people live here, while most make their living through fishing.

This beach is the best-kept secret in this region! There is a lot of wildlife, sand dollars on the beach, and beautiful mangroves ( rent a boat from the fisherman and go for a ride – a must attraction! ). This is the place to admire nature and take some fabulous photos.

The beach is not developed, but it is beautiful and clean, with few restaurants that serve fresh seafood ( our favorite is “Estaralla”! )

There will be tourists here on Easter week, but the beach is almost empty for the rest of the year.

Playa Jicacal

6 hours away from Xalapa

8 hours away from Mexico city

5 hours away from Veracruz

The beach is located on a bay, and it is practically unknown. You will find here a few accommodations and a beautiful environment of jungle, sea, and sand.

It remains empty almost all the year except in Easter week.

La Mancha

1 hour away from Veracruz

2 hours from Xalapa

5 hours from Mexico City

According to a census, only 50 people are living in this area.

The place is a natural protected area with a lagoon, mangrove forest, beautiful beach, and jungle. Only 50 people live in this area, and the place is mainly known because you can witness the birds of the prey migration route. 

The hall area has not been harmed by human activity. People who want to build a house here must consult an ecologist certified by the government to avoid damaging the ecosystem.

The popular activities here are visiting the alligators and making bonfires.

Other beaches in Veracruz not that secret but beautiful:

Costa Esmeralda and Tecolutla

Costa Esmeralda and Tecolutla are close to San Rafael and well known by National travelers. Those beaches still have their charm and have a “local” environment. There are many hotels here but no resorts or famous hotel chains.

Tuxpan

Beaches around Tuxpan are well known among people from Veracruz, Puebla, and Mexico City. Those beaches are not a secret. Recently a toll road has been developed to connect Mexico City and Tuxpan. The Mexican government plans to make Tuxpan another international destination like Acapulco (actually, the toll road makes it easier for many people to reach Tuxpan instead of Acapulco) and Cancun.

But at this moment, Tuxpan is well known only by Mexicans. It still has no international projection like Cancun, Acapulco, or San Miguel de Allende, but it probably will at some point.