Interest in adventure travel is increasing in Mexico.

Thanks in part to the growth of tourism to Mexico City and the success of the "Magical Towns" program that highlights small cities and villages across the country, travelers are beginning to catch on to the fact there is much more to see and do beyond the typical, uber-marketed, all-inclusive coastal resorts.

The trickle-down has resulted in more interest in Central Mexico and its "interior" opportunities fueling a new wave of tour operators and ground-breaking itineraries. Coastal destinations, like Cancun and Los Cabo, are striving to show they can offer more than cushy lodging while many lesser-known regions, like San Luis Potosi, Chiapas, Tabasco and Guanajuato are beginning to up their international presence.

The Adventure Travel Mexico Trade Show-ATMEX-took place at the beginning of December in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Representatives from individual Mexican states, tour companies and outfitters met with international buyers and media to discuss the latest news and offerings in the country's adventure travel offerings:

Emerging Mexican Destinations

Chiapas: Touted as the adventure capital of Mexico, Chiapas is gaining momentum thanks to the ease of access provided by the growing city of Tuxtla. It's main attractions-including Sumidero Canyon, the Chorreadero cave system and Aguas Azules-are natural spectacles fit for an international audience and are within an hour's drive of Tuxtla.

San Luis Potosi: Located in the heart of the country, the state of San Luis Potosi is positioned on the Mexican Plateau, with an average elevation of 6,000 feet. The western part is relatively dry, while the east is tropical and wet, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities and ecosystems. The ghost town of Real de Catorce is a growing attraction, and there is a strong rebirth of mezcal production in and around the city of San Luis Potosi.

Guanajuato: The city of Guanajuato (the capital of the Mexican state of the same name) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colonial architecture and mining history. But the rest of the state is starting to make a name for itself, including another World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende. TravelPulse recently highlighted a handful of adventures you can have there.

Tabasco: This year's host state showed it's ready to up its game in adventure tourism. From colorful mountain villages like Tapijulapa to the artisanal chocolate producers and archeological sites at Comalcalco, the region is showing it has plenty to offer visitors despite its reputation as a rainy destination.

Standout Mexican Tour Operators

Petra Vertical: An Elite team of adventurers that specialize in canyoneering, caving and hiking in Chiapas.

Ecoexperiencias: Industry-leading ecotourism tours in Chiapas, including Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo.

The Muddy Boot: Country-wide tour operator focusing on off-beat adventures that combine the outdoors with cultural and educational experiences.

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More Good Finds:

Rural Oaxaca: Over the past half-decade, there has been much focus on Oaxaca as a destination for food, drink and culture. Some of the country's best chefs hail from Oaxaca, and its world-renowned Mezcal is no secret. But don't sleep on its opportunities for adventure. Companies like Chimalli Travel are offering multi-day tours of the countryside, including overnight stays in indigenous villages.

Huamantla: This relatively unknown "Magic Town" is a little more than two-hours drive east of Mexico City and is famous for its yearly Feria de Huamantla (Huamantla Fair) as well as its "magic carpets"-colorful, intricate carpets made of sawdust.

Colima: Just east of Manzanillo, the city of Colima is home to two volcanoes-one active, one dormant-that provide the backdrop and natural playground for visitors. Operators like Admire Mexico Tours are beginning to offer guided tours and hikes of the region.

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