This Secret Colonial City In Mexico Has Cheap Prices & Is Still Undiscovered

Most tourists know Mexico for its pristine Caribbean coastline, world-class hotels, and ancient Mayan heritage, but as anyone who’s dared to venture beyond the main tourist path will know, that’s only the tip of the iceberg—or should we say pyramid?

From the snow-capped hills surrounding Puebla, to the lush valleys of Oaxaca, to the golden-sand beaches of the Gulf, there’s much more to Mexico than just partying and mojitos by the poolside.

We could write at length about our southerly neighbor’s hidden gems. Trust us, here at Travel Off Path, we’ve spent years helping Americans discover the true Mexico beyond surface level, but one city continues to fly under the radar:

Discover Orizaba, Mexico’s Last True Hidden Gem

A picture-perfect colonial treasure in the state of Veracruz, a short 1h30 drive inland from the namesake capital, Orizaba offers both culture and affordable prices if you’re looking for an alternative to the all-inclusive vacation model.

Founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century, at the foot of the towering Pico de Orizaba (known in the local indigenous language as Citlaltépetl), it is home to a nearly-intact 19th-century townscape, lush parks, and vibrant public markets.

The most prominent building in town, Palacio de Hierr,o is an iron-made, palatial structure directly inspired by French and Belgian civic buildings, designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel—the same guy who sketched the Eiffel Tower!

The European links don’t end there: inside, there are five different museums, including a beer museum and the Raíces de Orizaba gallery, which chronicles the city’s founding. Go easy on the local brew, though, as you’ll have plenty of sightseeing ahead:

When Traveling To Mexico Feels More Like Being In Europe

Around the Historic Center, deserving of a UNESCO World Heritage designation, if you’re asking us, you’ll also come across the landmark Teatro Ignacio de la Llave, inaugurated in the neoclassical style in 1875. Even if you don’t catch a show, visiting it for the architecture alone is worth it.

Now, don’t get us started on the plethora of beautiful churches scattered around Orizaba’s timeless colonial core:

The most important, without question, is Catedral de San Miguel Arcángel, the main cathedral. It is known for combining elements of Baroque and Neoclassical, and is easily distinguished from the rest due to its yellow-and-orange exterior and soaring bell tower.

Just east of downtown, in the quaint neighborhood of Omiquila, a 15-minute walk from the cathedral, you’ll find the visually striking Santuario de Santa María de Guadalupe. Its portal is decorated in the ornate churrigueresque style, and the interior is just as full of detail.

Finally, don’t miss the Parroquia de San José de Gracia, a former Franciscan convent with Gothic cloisters and an Old World feel.

Stunning Nature All Around

If you love scenic walks, strolling along Paseo del Río is an absolute must: a riverside promenade along the Orizaba River, which passes historic bridges, some of which date back to the 16th century, colonial facades, and open-air art galleries.

To gain a bit of perspective, take the local teleférico up Cerro del Borrego, one of the tallest peaks in the vicinity of the city. Rising up to 5,512 feet, it boasts a breathtaking panorama of Orizaba and the mountain-flanked valley it’s in.

There are also hiking routes starting at the foot of Pico de Orizaba, including the popular Waterfalls Route. A 6.2-mile out-and-back trek, it reaches two beautiful mountainside drops, as well as areas of unspoiled highland forest.

That being said, we strongly advise against attempting it on your own; book a hiking tour, which averages approximately $145 per person. Although there are tourist-friendly paths, no one truly knows these mountains as well as locals do.

The last thing you want to happen is suffering an accident while south of the border in a remote mountain.

How Affordable Is Orizaba?

A significant appeal of Orizaba over many Mexican coastal hotspots is its affordability. No matter how great an all-inclusive package deal you get for Cancun, you know prices in loco will always be inflated as the city is literally built around tourism.

In Orizaba, prices still reflect the local purchasing power, and let’s face it, most Mexicans aren’t exactly top earners.

A top attraction for foodies in town is Mercado Melchor Ocampo, a covered market filled with street food and local produce stalls. Orizaba’s famous tacos de bistec, found all over the place, are usually priced around MX$15–20 each (around USD$1.10).

The popular gorditas de chicharrón prensado are thick corn cakes stuffed with pressed pork, and they’re equally cheap, costing about MX$25–30 (USD$1.59).

As for a sit-down, cantina-style meal, those will cost you anywhere between $9.47 and $24.30 (if ordering multiple dishes and drinks). A spot tourists and locals alike love is Bocoles, serving Huatesca cuisine.

When it comes to hotels, Budget Your Trip has found that downtown stays range from an economical $57 to $106-a-night. On average, a 3-night visit to Orizaba will set you back $171 on accommodation.

Can’t get enough of Mexico? Check out these other alternative Mexico destinations that are just as stunning (and inexpensive to visit).