(MONEY Magazine) – ) Q. I love Mexico and its people but, these days, I do not enjoy the tourist traps. Can you list a few inland cities where one can see the real Mexico and not spend a mint? John B. Barnes Boise A. You said it. Landing in the heart of Mexico's $2.6-billion-a-year tourist market -- such as Acapulco or Cancun -- will definitely run up your bill. Off the gringo circuit, however, there are inexpensive inland cities and coastal towns favored by natives. Connecting flights from Mexico City are the best routes. Here's a quick tour (hotel rates are per night, double occupancy): Oaxaca, a mile-high city with a distinctive Indian flavor, is just six miles from the ancient ruins of Monte Alban. The Marques del Valle (telephone 52-951-63-295; $29), on the main plaza, has 95 rooms. Morelia, halfway between Mexico City and Guadalajara, evokes Old World Spain. Stay at a former monks' coach station, Posada de la Soledad (52-451-21-888; $44), or the Villa Montana (52-451-40-231; $72). Just outside Morelia, the colonial village of Patzcuaro is rustic and picturesque (see the map above). The Don Vasco is just $40 a night (52-454-20-227). Zacatecas is wedged into a narrow gorge not far from old silver mines northeast of Guadalajara. Near the historic center, the Quinta Real (52-492-29-104; $99) is elegant, or try the Motel de Bosque (52-492-20-745; $26), with 60 bungalows. Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico, is a native favorite, but Norteamericanos seldom visit (see the photo above). In the nearby fishing village of Boca del Rio, the Torremar has deluxe rooms on the beach (52-293-52-100; $65). For more information, call the Mexican Government Tourism Office (800-262-8900) or the Government Tourism Secretariat (52-525-00-123) in Mexico City.

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