We are going to Cancun but have heard that its a bit commercialized. I still definitely want to go but its also very important to experience the traditional cultures, archtectures, colours etc of Mexico. Are there any places close to Cancun where I can have this experience ?
You can go to cancun airport, and then go to a several towns near Cancun,where you can see Culture, culture, @Aqueology, and spectaculars Beauty Nature. ( cenotes )
Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Akumal
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Claus has got the right idea: head west, not south, to see a more authentic Mexico. But you don't even have to go as far as Merida. Valladolid (wrong on the map, it's only 2 hours by bus/car from Cancun) is a lovely colonial town that's smaller and less busy than Merida. From there you can take a day trip to the archeological site of Chichen Itza. Here are details of my experience: http://bigtravelnut.com/valladolid-and-chichen-itza/. Have fun!
I have not been to San Miguel de Allende, but I have been to nearby San Luis Potosi and nearby Guanajuato They are both very pretty and very pleasant cities. I have a few travel tips for Guanajuato on this blogpost http://travellingclaus.com/travel-tips-guanajuato/ 
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I would suggest a trip to Merida. It's not a coastal town, so it has a lot less tourism than Cancun. But it's a very Mexican town, with nice architecture and local life.
Hanri
