great places to visit in mexico

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in mexico for 2023-2024.

With year-round warm weather and diverse destinations ranging from metropolitan Mexico City to the sands of Tulum, Mexico boasts vacation spots that appeal to all sorts of visitors. To help you determine which locale is best for you, U.S. News compiled this list of the best places to visit in Mexico by factoring in cultural attractions, food options, beaches, water-based activities and nightlife, along with traveler votes and expert opinions. Vote for your favorite vacation spots below to help us determine next year's ranking. (Note: The U.S. Department of State advises against traveling to certain Mexican states due to crime; check the  website  for updates before booking your trip, and be cautious if you decide to travel.)

Zihuatanejo

Isla mujeres, isla holbox, mexico city, playa del carmen.

Located on Mexico's Pacific coast, Zihuatanejo offers travelers an authentic Mexico experience full of brilliant sunsets and laid-back vibes. In this fishing village, shopaholics can buy local handicrafts (think: ceramics and woodcarvings), and foodies can savor fresh fish tacos and ceviche along the beach. The city's Playa La Ropa serves as the main beach and stands out because of its clean, family-friendly atmosphere. Playa Larga, another excellent beach option, is set slightly outside of town, so it offers a quieter atmosphere and plenty of room to sprawl out. Just off the coast, divers and snorkelers can pick from several dive sites brimming with marine life.

Home to Mexico's most famous waterfront Mayan ruins, Tulum appeals to history buffs and water lovers alike. Positioned along a coastal stretch of the Riviera Maya, about 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum offers some of the best hotels in Mexico , ranging from small boutique hotels to wellness retreats to all-inclusive resorts. Regardless of where you stay, you can spend time lounging on some of the world's most beautiful beaches (try traveler-approved Playa Paraíso or Playa Ruinas), exploring ancient ruins (consider booking a daytrip to nearby Chichén Itzá for a larger-scale site) and swimming in secluded cenotes, unique underwater caves located around the Yucatán Peninsula.

This island is probably best known for two things: coral reefs and cruise ships. Travelers love this destination's brilliant blue water and laid-back beaches, plus its abundance of water sports activities. Numerous outfitters and resorts offer kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear. While you could spend every minute in the water or on the beach with a good book, Cozumel is also a quiet place to learn about Mayan culture. Visit the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio archaeological site for a dose of pre-Hispanic history.

Ixtapa's curved coastline is packed with hotels, restaurants and nightlife, giving the Pacific coast city (located just north of Zihuatanejo) a bustling vibe. Playa El Palmar, the main beach, often proves better for sunset strolls and people-watching than swimming or snorkeling due to the strong waves. Still, warm, clear and generally gentle water and coral beds farther offshore make Ixtapa one of the best places for beginner scuba enthusiasts. Anyone interested in the area's history should also explore the Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande, a small museum that details the various cultures and events that make the region unique. 

A great option for a weekend stay or a quick daytrip tour , Isla Mujeres is set off the coast of Cancún and offers beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and coral reefs ready for exploration. In fact, it's one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world thanks to a unique underwater museum and one of the world's largest coral reefs (home to all sorts of colorful fish). See marine life from another perspective on a glass bottom boat. When you want to catch some rays, Playa Norte is the most popular beach, framed by white sand, turquoise water and swaying palm trees.

Quiet beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and stunning crystal-clear water are some of Isla Holbox's standout attributes. This up-and-coming slice of paradise is perfect for travelers looking to truly get away from it all, thanks to its car-free, off-the-beaten-path location. Isla Holbox is situated off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and only 26 miles long. Expect quaint boutique hotels, stretches of white sand beaches (Playa Punta Cocos and Punta Mosquito are two top spots), opportunities for snorkeling and sailing, and more than 100 species of birds, including vibrantly colored flamingoes.

About 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a small beach town known for awesome surfing conditions and scenic stretches of sand. If you've never surfed before, sign up for a lesson from a local to learn. Visitors can also go whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding or zip lining, or hop on a relaxing boat tour. After a day of fun in the sun, head into town to check out the local art galleries and grab a bite to eat at one of the tasty restaurants (Sayulita is a burgeoning foodie destination), which feature everything from cheap eats to fine dining.

Anglers recognize Manzanillo as a world-class deep-sea fishing destination for anyone searching for sailfish and marlin, but many types of travelers will enjoy a trip to this Pacific coast destination, located 170 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. The city's two bays mean there is no shortage of beaches for visitors to swim and sunbathe on: Top spots include Playa la Audiencia and Playa Salagua. Water sports like snorkeling and kayaking are also popular activities to enjoy here. If you have time, visit the small town of Barra de Navidad (about 30 miles northwest) for charming hotels, restaurants and stores along the beach. 

Dreamy white sand , nightclubs, all-inclusive resorts and inexpensive flights from the U.S. make Cancún a go-to spot for spring breakers and vacationers seeking an easy beach getaway. But this city on the Yucatán Peninsula also sits close to lush jungles and tranquil cenotes, making it an excellent option for nature lovers. Not to mention, travelers will find diverse and cheap street food served from various carts in the downtown area. Visiting in fall or winter will ensure you see this city (one of the most-visited spots in Mexico) in its most tranquil light, but December through April is when the weather is closest to perfect.

Ornate baroque and neoclassical buildings, busy plazas and colorful homes are everywhere you turn in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Guanajuato, situated about 50 miles west of San Miguel de Allende, is known for its subterranean streets and tunnels, which you can explore on a walking tour or at your own leisure. After admiring the city's cobblestone roadways and charming colonial architecture, grab a souvenir or bite to eat at the bustling Mercado Hidalgo. If you enjoy art, arrive in October when the popular Festival Internacional Cervantino takes place.

As the capital of Yucatán, Mérida's rich culture is visible around every turn. White stone mansions line Paseo de Montejo (the city's main street), while vibrant Sunday markets provide a taste of old-world Mexico. Those looking for Mayan ruins are also in luck; many ancient archaeological sites are in close proximity, including the famed Chichén Itzá just 75 miles east. Meanwhile, museum and art enthusiasts praise El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida, as well as the city's art galleries and local murals. When it comes to lodging, travelers will have their pick of quaint boutique hotels.

The most populous city in Mexico is steeped in history and culture. Mexico City boasts delectable cuisine, ancient Aztec sites and world-class hotels – all at fairly low costs – but if you feel like splurging, you'll find an array of high-end shops along the tree-lined Avenida Presidente Masaryk in the Polanco neighborhood. Must-see attractions in Mexico City include the Zócalo, the Palace of Fine Arts, Chapultepec Castle and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And if you want to eat your way through the city, consider signing up for a food tour .

For a vacation packed with authentic character, head to Puebla. This city, which sits about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, is filled with colonial architecture and numerous churches, but its main draws are its stunning Talavera pottery, its historical forts and museums, and its sweet and spicy cuisine. Visitors must try mole poblano (made with numerous ingredients, including chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon and garlic) and chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit like peaches, apples and pomegranate seeds). When the sun sets, venture to Callejón de los Sapos to listen to live music.

Playa del Carmen boasts an exciting food scene, with eateries dishing out everything from delectable tacos and tostadas to sushi and expertly cooked seafood, plus an even hipper bar culture. What's more, this destination in the Riviera Maya beckons to vacationers with its soft white sand blanketing its beaches and its stunning shoreline views. Visitors can also bike to a nearby cenote for a refreshing dip or hit the links at one of the numerous surrounding golf courses. All-inclusive resorts , vacation rentals and boutique properties abound in Playa del Carmen, too, giving travelers plenty of options to find the best fit for their preferences and budgets.

This secluded vacation spot is known for its luxurious lodging options (from vacation rentals to high-end hotels like the St. Regis and the Four Seasons), golf courses and charming beaches, such as El Anclote and Playa de Punta Mita. The small resort village of Punta Mita sits on a peninsula in Banderas Bay and most appeals to travelers seeking a relaxing atmosphere. Those interested in scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and surfing will be able to enjoy those activities here as well. If you're visiting between December and March, book a whale watching tour for a chance to see humpback or orca whales.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Puerto Vallarta

Cabo San Lucas

San Miguel de Allende

Guadalajara

You May Be Interested In

Best Mexico Beaches for 2024

Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean for 2023

Best Spring Break Destinations

Central & South America

Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023

Best Cheap Winter Vacations

Best Cheap Mexico Vacations

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

21 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Mexico

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Mar 1, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Mexico is a country that will take your breath away. It's a country that has something to please absolutely everyone, from endless sunshine to stunning scenery, beautiful sandy beaches , gourmet cuisine, culture, art, festivals, mountains, and so much more.

So important are Mexico's ancient Aztec and Mayan sites and historic colonial cities that many have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites , ensuring they'll remain unchanged for generations to come. Interestingly, these Mayan ruins – including places like Guanajuato, Chichén Itzá, and Uxmal – are often as popular as traditional beach vacation spots like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen.

Of course, Mexico has some of the most modern and vibrant cities in the world, too, from its capital, Mexico City to smaller urban hotspots like Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Monterrey.

Topping the whole experience is the country's rich culture, a fascinating mix of native people, as well as colonial influences from Spain, that shows up in everything from the country's culinary creations to its vibrant music and dance traditions. It's also a country rich in flora and fauna, as it is spread across climate zones that encompass everything from arid deserts to lush tropical rainforests.

To ensure you plan the very best Mexican travel itinerary possible, check out our list of the best places to visit in Mexico.

1. Cancún and the Mayan Riviera

2. puerto vallarta, 3. cabo san lucas, san jose del cabo, and the los cabos corridor, 4. copper canyon: mexico's grand canyon, 5. mexico city's historic center, 6. chichén itzá: the mayan metropolis, 7. guanajuato, 8. ixtapa and zihuatanejo, 9. the ancient fortress of tulum, 10. cozumel: island life, 11. guadalajara, 12. mérida: yucatán's white city, 13. oaxaca: a taste of real mexico, 14. historic morelia, 15. riviera nayarit, 16. mazatlan, 17. cenotes, yucatan peninsula, 18. costa oaxaquena, 19. palenque, chiapas, 20. isla holbox, 21. huasteca potosina, san luis potosi.

For most first-timers to Mexico, their first stop will be Cancun or the surrounding beach towns up and down the coast of what is called the Mexican Caribbean, or the Riviera Maya . Cancun's airport is the second busiest in the country and it's all because tourists are flocking to the powder-white beaches , all-inclusive resorts, and endless activities.

The top destinations in the Mexican Caribbean are Cancun, Playa del Carmen , Tulum , and the island of Cozumel . But you'll find many other smaller destinations worth a visit, too, like the small village of Puerto Morelos , the tiny island of Isla Mujeres , and the magnificent turquoise-colored lake, Laguna de Bacalar.

My favorite things to do in the Riviera Maya are to pop in and out of the small coastal towns to escape the business of the main cities. Puerto Morelos is a must for its white-sand beaches, sandy streets, outdoor cafes, and small boutique shops. I also really love the village of Bacalar that sits overlooking the lagoon. Go here for raw, unspoiled nature, epic sunsets over the lake, and a rising boutique hotel scene.

But Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are positively brimming with fun things to do, such as dolphin and stingray swims; snorkeling among reefs and tropical fish; as well as scuba diving in the world's largest underwater museum, a spectacular collection of sculptures submerged at depths of up to eight meters.

Then, of course, the region has many ancient Mayan ruins , with some of the closest sites within walking distance of the beaches, while the largest and most impressive – Chichén Itzá and Tulum – are just a few hours away.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cancún

Puerto Vallarta started as a small fishing village, drawing visitors with its broad beaches and misty, jungle-covered mountains. Today it's one of the largest and fastest-growing coastal cities in the country , expanding at lightning speed and catering to every type of traveler. Still, Puerto Vallarta has protected pockets of untouched architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic homes, so you'll still be able to catch a glimpse of its fishing village vibes. I loved it so much that I now call it home and spend about three to six months there every year.

Nowadays, thanks to the many things to do in Puerto Vallarta , the city is as likely to attract an older cruise ship audience looking to swim with the dolphins as it is younger travelers looking for adventure, found here in activities as diverse as paragliding and jet skiing.

The best introduction to Puerto Vallarta begins in the Zona Romantica, the oldest part of the city . Here you'll find narrow, cobblestone streets that zig-zag up into the mountains. Walking the streets of the Zona Romantica, be sure to drink in the gorgeous colors, from the purple bougainvillea blossoms to the burnt orange of the terracotta tile roofs.

Other great neighborhoods to explore include Centro for the famous crown-topped Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Cinco de Diciembre for the shopping and beaches, and Versalles for its thriving restaurant scene. You'll also have the marina and Hotel Zone for more high-end shopping and fabulous resorts.

Of course, like any good resort destination in Mexico, you can't leave the city without visiting the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta . The beaches in the Zona Romantica are the busiest, thanks to a long string of open-air restaurants that runs along the length of the coastline. For quieter beaches, head north along the bay back towards the airport and the marina. Beaches like Playa Camarones, for example, are much quieter and cater to a local crowd.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

At the southern tip of the beautiful Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos – often referred to simply as "Cabo" – is one of Mexico's top beach destinations. Consisting of a large stretch of coastline that extends from the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo and known as the Los Cabos Corridor (Corredor Turistico), this 30-kilometer stretch of pristine beaches attracts visitors the world over for its clear waters, diving, snorkeling, and fishing (it also hosts the world's largest marlin contest).

What I love most about Cabo is its landscape. The drive from the airport down the corridor towards Los Cabos is one of the most beautiful stretches of natural beauty, with endless views of saguaro cacti, red rock desert mountains, and crashing cobalt-colored sea.

Cabo has so many fantastic things to do , as well, from visiting the natural rock formations at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas , to swimming and snorkeling on its calmer beaches. Keep in mind, many of the beaches around the peninsula are not safe for swimming. But a handful of beaches are renowned for their warm, calm, cove-like waters and fantastic snorkeling conditions. Playa Chileno is one of my favorites.

For some of Los Cabos' history and culture, the city of San Jose del Cabo is perfect. Its downtown has cobblestone streets, a massive main square, and dozens of art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. San Jose del Cabo is my favorite place to visit when I'm visiting the Los Cabos destination, particularly for its farm-to-table food scene at places like Flora Farms, Acre, and Tamarindos .

Numerous resorts have sprung up that cater to all tastes and budgets, from luxurious spas to golf-centered properties offering some of the best courses in North America. For the most part, however, Los Cabos most appeals to big-budget travelers. It is one of the luxury capitals of Mexico.

Read More: Baja Road Trip: Driving from San Jose del Cabo to Rosarito

Chihuahua, one of Mexico's most northerly states – it shares the border with New Mexico in the US – is home to one of the country's most visited natural attractions, the stunning Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre).

Located in a region known as the Sierra Madre Occidental and consisting of a spectacular group of deep canyons, Copper Canyon is in fact larger and deeper than its better-known cousin, the Grand Canyon. Taking its name from the distinctive copper-green coloring along its steep canyon walls, these amazing natural structures were formed by six rivers that converge in the Rio Fuerte before draining into the Gulf of California.

Thanks to the area's increased popularity as a travel destination, there are numerous options available to those wanting to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty, from scenic rail trips aboard the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico to more adventurous excursions by bike or even on horseback.

Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the world. I'd argue that Mexico City can compare with some of the world's most famous and iconic historic capitals like Paris, Rome, and London. This thriving, ancient city is stunningly beautiful, rich with history and culture, and buzzing with some of the world's best restaurants and hotels.

Mexico City (Ciudad de México) is not only the capital of the country and the seat of government, but it is also one of the country's most popular alternative travel destinations thanks to its many world-class museums, art galleries, and attractions. Don't be put off by its size. Instead, focus your efforts on the historic city center (Centro Histórico de la Ciudad), a 15-square-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting more than 1,400 important colonial buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

It's here, you'll find most of Mexico City's major highlights , many within walking distance of Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución, or the Zocalo), the city's bustling main plaza, including the National Palace , the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor with its Aztec relics. Adding to the whole experience are the huge volcanic mountains overlooking the city, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl , each over 5,000 meters tall and offering a perfect excuse to get out and explore the stunning scenery in this part of the Mexican Highlands.

Tip: Head to the rooftop restaurant at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico for one of the best views over the Zocalo. At night, you'll have a front-row seat for the colorful lights that cast an impressive glow over the centuries-old buildings.

A popular day trip for those visiting Cancún and Playa del Carmen or the Yucatán capital of Mérida , the magnificent Mayan city of Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico's most visited archaeological sites, as well as one of the biggest and best restored. Highlights of a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site are numerous. A must-see here is the massive El Castillo , also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkán, and at 30 meters high, the site's tallest structure.

Another noteworthy point of interest here is the magnificent Caracol , an almost 1,000-year-old observatory that stands a testament to just how advanced the Mayans were. The building is notable for the narrow slits in its walls allowing the sun to penetrate twice per year, so priests could accurately determine the date. Also of interest are the site's numerous statues, including many examples of the famous Mayan Chacmools holding their sacrificial vessels as they continue to protect these old temples.

• Read More: Visiting Chichén Itzá from Cancún: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its many old colonial buildings, winding lanes, and narrow alleys, Guanajuato is a city that just begs to be explored on foot. A particularly pleasurable experience is visiting its many plazas, including the delightful Jardin de la Union , the city's main square with its splendid old architecture. It's here, you'll find the beautiful old San Diego Church and the majestic Juárez Theater , along with fountains and flower beds, cafés, and restaurants.

Afterward, head underground to the city's subterranean streets, part of a network of tunnels that once carried a river but are now used by cars and pedestrians wanting to get around the city quickly.

Known as an art city, Guanajuato is home to many fine galleries, as well as interesting museums, none more so than the Museum of Quixote , dedicated to the works of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. The city also hosts Latin America's most important festival in honor of the writer, the International Cervantino Festival . And if you've got the stomach for it, check out the city's famous Mummies of Guanajuato exhibit, with its many naturally mummified remains of locals who died during an outbreak of cholera in the mid-19th century.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guanajuato

While there's no denying the appeal of Mexico's larger beach resorts, there's much to be said for paying a visit to some of the country's many smaller vacation destinations. Two of the very best are the towns of Ixtapa and its neighbor, the much smaller former fishing village of Zihuatanejo on the country's Pacific coast.

Although the larger of the two, the former coconut and mango-producing town of Ixtapa has been carefully master-planned as a tourist hub to good effect – its streets and beaches are uncluttered and easy to get around. Be sure to book one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Ixtapa.

The contrast to traditional beach resorts is even greater in beautiful Zihuatanejo, which has worked hard to keep its small-town feel. Still, the town offers a lengthy list of things to do . Lying along a small, well-protected bay, it's a delightful and safe town to explore, home to a number of fine hotels and restaurants. Fun activities include shopping in its fish market or, better still, taking a fishing excursion to catch something of your own.

Famous as the only fortified Mayan settlement located on the coast, the ancient city of Tulum is one of the Yucatán Peninsula's most visited attractions. In the Mayan Riviera and within easy reach of the beaches of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, the site's well-preserved ruins can be seen for miles around due to their location atop 12-meter-high cliffs overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Tulum is also famous for its tall walls, giving the site the feel of a fortress and suggesting a military, as well as religious significance. Dating from the 13th century, the town was inhabited up until the Spanish arrived in 1544 and contains many other important archaeological finds, including the Temple of the Frescoes (Templo de los Frescos), with its sculptures and reliefs, and the Castillo , the site's largest building, famous for its cliff-side location.

• Read More: Visiting Tulum: Attractions, Tips & Tours

The island of Cozumel has pretty much everything needed for a perfect Mexican getaway. Located 20 kilometers from the Yucatán Peninsula, this lush tropical paradise takes its name from the ancient Mayan, "Ah-cuzamil," which translated means "land of the swallows," and has long been inhabited. And while the first visitors to the island were reputedly Mayan pilgrims, followed by European smugglers and pirates, modern-day travelers are drawn here by the promise of endless sunshine. The top beaches for these sun-seekers are Playa San Juan , Playa San Francisco , and Playa Santa Rosa , to name but a few.

Many are attracted to Cozumel by the superlative diving experiences to be enjoyed around its coral reefs. These beautiful locations are rich with fish and other marine life, and it's relatively easy to include at least a little underwater activity by booking a diving experience through your resort (or ahead of your travel), or simply grabbing a pair of flippers and a mask when you get here.

If you're into serious diving, head to the Palancar Reef on the southwest tip of the island. Here, you'll be rewarded with an undulating seabed that plunges from its shallow spots to depths of 80 meters. A relatively new experience includes diving around man-made landmarks, including sculptures and bronze figures, as well as structures deposited to encourage coral growth.

Be sure to drag yourself away from the island's crystal-clear waters long enough to see at least a little of the island's capital, San Miguel de Cozumel. Here, you can grab a ferry for a day trip to either Playa del Carmen or Cancún , or explore top tourist attractions such as the Island Museum with its fascinating displays relating to the island's history, or partake in some shopping or dining.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Cozumel

Second only to Mexico City in size, Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, has successfully conserved its unique mix of colonial and native Tapatíos influences. Famous for its broad avenues flanked by picturesque parks and fine old buildings notable for their European flair, Guadalajara is a hotbed of traditional Mexican culture, from the mariachi music that seems to emanate everywhere, to its fascinating Charreadas, a type of rodeo that is usually accompanied by festivities such as dancing, singing, and plenty of great food.

It's a fun city to explore on foot due to the four large squares that together form the shape of a cross and comprise the old city center. The best of them, Plaza de Armas , is the perfect place to begin a sightseeing tour and includes such notable buildings as the 17th-century Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) and the beautiful Baroque Guadalajara Cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara), built between 1558 and 1616.

Whenever I visit Guadalajara, I like to explore the Colonia Americana neighborhood , which is within walking distance of Centro. Its leafy, tree-lined streets are flanked by great restaurants and galleries, and it has some of the best hotels in the city. Villa Ganz Boutique Hotel is a personal favorite, housed in a 1930s villa with a beautiful and tranquil backyard.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guadalajara

The capital of Yucatán, Mérida is one of Mexico's finest old colonial cities and is perfectly located to serve as a base from which to explore the region's many fine Mayan sites, including Chichén Itzá and Tulum. It's an equally popular day trip or overnight stopover from the resorts of the Mayan Riviera. Established in 1542 by the Spanish, Mérida is laid out on a grid pattern, making it easy to explore its numerous attractive parks and fine old buildings.

European influences are everywhere, particularly in the old city squares and plazas where evidence of French architecture can still be seen. It's also a remarkably neat and tidy city, something of a badge of honor for its citizens who like to dress in white, giving the city its long-standing nickname of Ciudad Blanca, the "white city."

My favorite place to hang out in Merida is near the Parque de Santa Lucia . Not far from the broad and historic Paseo de Montejo Boulevard, and close to the shopping and restaurants of Calle 59, Parque Santa Lucia is in the heart of the action and a nice, shady spot to escape the infamous Merida humidity.

• Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Mérida

Capital of the state of the same name, Oaxaca is one of the most popular city destinations for travelers interested in sampling a taste of the real Mexico. An interesting mix of native indigenous and Spanish elements, the city has remained largely untouched by the kind of large developments that have sprung up in some of the country's other popular destinations, and as a consequence, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

In addition to its unspoiled city center and old architecture, the city has become a cultural hub that draws crowds for its numerous events and festivals, including the spectacular Guelaguetza , an indigenous festival that takes place each July and includes traditional dancing, costumes, music, food, and crafts. The city also makes a great jumping-off point to explore the splendid surrounding scenery, along with numerous ancient ruins such as those of the Monte Alban .

One of my favorite things to do in Oaxaca is to take a trip to the magical Hierve El Agua natural mineral pools . These beautiful clifftop pools , which are open to the public for swimming, have spectacular views out over the surrounding valley and mountains. Even more impressive, from a distance, the spillage from the pool has calcified to the cliff below, creating the illusion of a waterfall frozen in time.

If you happen to extend your stay in Oaxaca, it's worth a trip down the mountains to the coast to experience some of the state's very best beaches .

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Oaxaca

A gem of a city, the colonial-era Morelia is a delightful place to linger in Mexico, whether you're here for a few days or longer. Little change has been made to the layout of this historic city, founded in 1541, and thanks to the more than 200 well-preserved buildings that date back many hundreds of years, the entire downtown core has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

A highlight of a visit is spending time in the magnificent Plaza de Armas . Laid out nearly 500 years ago, this large public square is perfect for those who like to explore on foot. In addition to its many great cafés, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, here you'll find everything from statues of revolutionary heroes to attractive stretches of gardens and pleasant fountains, making for one of the prettiest cityscapes in all of Mexico.

Nearby attractions you'll want to visit include the attractive Morelia Cathedral , built from local stone over a period of 100 years, starting in 1640, and still dominating the skyline to this day. Be sure to pop inside, too, and spend time examining interesting features, including its amazing artwork. A short walk from here is another must-see: the Morelia Aqueduct . Completed in 1789 and featuring over 250 arches, it, too, was built of local stone, and for years was the city's main source of drinking water.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Morelia

If you haven't heard of it yet, chances are you will very soon. Riviera Nayarit is the stretch of coastline north of Puerto Vallarta that begins in the neighboring state of Nayarit. Familiar towns that stick out might include Sayulita , or the luxury enclave peninsula that is Punta Mita. But Riviera Nayarit has so much more to explore and is practically overgrown with natural beauty.

While Puerto Vallarta was building and expanding, surfers for decades have been flocking to the jungle-beaten paths and virgin beaches to the north. The picture is a little different these days, as once-fishing villages have turned to sleepy boutique hotel towns. Five-star resorts and villas dot the hillsides, and former surf towns have been reinvented as havens for yoga retreats and boho-chic galleries. The ultra-high-end luxury is well on its way.

Still, the more north you go up the coast, the more you'll be traveling back in time to a simpler time of Mexico beach beauty – complete with rolling, emerald-colored peaks, craggy cliffs that plummet into the ocean, and nothing but a string of shady palapas along golden-colored sand, as far as the eye can see.

A personal favorite along the Riviera Nayarit is the small village of San Pancho . It neighbors Sayulita, but receives a fraction of the tourists and is geared much more toward travelers "in the know." Things are changing, and soon San Pancho will be less of a well-kept secret, but for now, it's one of those coastal gems that makes you feel like you have the entire place to yourself.

I adore Mazatlan. In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated places to visit in Mexico . It's one of the only historic cities on the sea, which means visitors to Mazatlan have the best of both worlds. Starting from the Centro Historico, you can walk the cobblestone streets of Mazatlan's history. The Spanish colonial architecture reveals beautifully decorated cathedrals, broad plazas, and buildings bathed in bright, almost vibrating, colors.

The Centro Historico is where you'll find the charming, boutique hotels of Mazatlan, as well as its best restaurants. Directly across the main street from the historic downtown is a stretch of beautiful shoreline, which is a rarity in Mexico's historic cities.

Be sure to explore the Plaza Machado , surrounded by historic buildings, and home to the beautiful Angela Peralta theater. A walk around the square will get you to the heart of the city, and it's one of the most vibrant places for street performers, arts and crafts fairs, murals, and much more.

Up the coast is where the beach resorts can be found. These all-inclusive beachfront resorts have beautiful pools, rooms with strong air-conditioning, and sweeping views out to the Pacific. Mazatlan is also a wonderful home base for outdoor activity, from surfing and hiking to ATVing on the beach.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Mazatlan

One of the best things to do in Mexico is to head underground into its mysterious world of cenotes. Most prevalent on the Yucatan peninsula, Cenotes are large sinkholes in the earth that give entrance to a web of underground rivers and caves carved out of the ancient limestone bedrock. You can find more than 6,000 cenotes in this part of Mexico.

The Mayan people believed that cenotes were the entrance to the underworld, and are still considered to be sacred spots. Many of them are on privately owned land and are protected, but visitors can explore them through organized tours. The gorgeous, crystal-clear pools of water are mesmerizing and can be wonderful places to visit for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Exploring the caves underneath the earth's surface is another popular activity, with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites that give these cavernous spaces an eerie, other-worldly vibe.

Down from the mountains of Oaxaca City – a 10-hour bus ride, to be exact – the elevation descends rapidly towards the stunning coast of Oaxaca. This stretch of the Pacific is one of the last wild coasts of Mexico. Over the years, it has managed to evade mass development, remaining one of the truest, raw, and wild places to experience undeveloped beaches.

The main town along the Oaxacan coast is Huatulco , a series of nine bays carved out of the coastline. Here is where you will find the majority of hotels and restaurants, as well as a port. As you go farther north, things become much more rugged and remote. You'll pass through the hippie beach havens of Mazunte and Zipolite, before you reach the surf mecca of Puerto Escondido.

Puerto Escondido, or "Puerto" to the locals, is my favorite spot along the entire Oaxacan coastline . Stroll along Playa Zicatela, the main beach in Puerto. This is where the famous Mexican Pipeline crashes just offshore, and is the best place for surfing in all of Mexico . The beach is strewn with lively restaurants, swimwear boutiques, and spots for a fresh juice or acai bowl.

Today Puerto Escondido is seeing a flurry of hotel and restaurant development, and before long it will probably become one of the many Tulums of Mexico, with boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and shopping. But the spaces in between these hives of activity are where you truly get lost in the craggy, mountainous splendor of the Oaxacan coast.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Puerto Escondido

The beauty of Mexico's Mayan ruins is that many remain tucked away in thick, lush jungle. Coming upon them only helps to set the tone of these "lost" cities. Palenque, located in the jungles of the southern state of Chiapas, is one of the most magical Mayan archaeological sites. And seeing as it's not as easy to get to as Tulum or Chichen Itza, you'll feel like you've stepped into another world when you visit.

The ruins of Palenque date back more than 1,000 years and are thought to be one of the rival cities with other Mayan cities like Calakmul and Tonina. The site is most famous for its Temple of the Inscriptions, a pyramid temple with hieroglyphics that have been integral in helping archaeologists interpret the Mayan language.

A huge portion of the city remains unexplored, the rest shrouded in the surrounding jungle. Still, what has been uncovered is breathtaking to explore.

Flecked off the northeastern corner of the Yucatan peninsula, Isla Holbox is about as close as Mexico gets to its own Caribbean island. The car-free, skinny barrier island is accessed via a very quick ferry ride from the port town of Chiquila.

Once on-island, visitors will find the pace slows way down. Sandy roads run the length of the island, from the small main town all the way to the farther, palm-fringed reaches. This island is all about taking it slow, from the daily yoga activities to the laid-back beach restaurants and boutique hotels.

Barefoot and casual, this island has long been on the backpacker and digital nomad trail. It started to gain serious traction in the last few years, and more brand hotels are taking interest in it. But for now, it still remains one of the best-kept secrets along the Mexican Caribbean.

Mexico has many deep canyons and raging rivers, but none is as beautiful as the La Huasteca Potosina region. The Huasteca region of Mexico is the area home to the Indigenous Huasteca people, and it spans many states. But the region in the state of San Luis Potosi is particularly known for its epic waterfalls.

This hot and humid jungle is simply bursting with tropical flowers that explode from the thick, green foliage. Its veins are coursing with bright blue water, which give way to beautiful ribbons of gushing falls – and swimming holes to go along with them.

Huasteca Potosina is not terribly convenient to get to, but it is particularly appealing to adventure travelers who want to see a side of Mexico that few international travelers get to experience.

More on Mexico

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

24 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico

From charming small towns to stunning islands, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.

shalamov/Getty Images

Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, rugged landscapes, and colorful cities galore: Find all this and more in Mexico. While our neighbor to the south is teeming with awe-inspiring locales, narrowing down which are worth a spot on your must-see list can be tricky, especially considering how vast the country is. For this reason, working with someone with in-depth knowledge of the country and its many regions is crucial, says Zachary Rabinor, a T+L A-List Travel Advisor specializing in Mexico and the founder of Journey Mexico . According to the pro, these individuals can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on your interests and preferences, whether that’s searching for the best street food, securing a coveted dinner reservation, or arranging a private driver to take you to and from Mexico’s most iconic attractions.

Ready to start planning your Mexico escape? Travel + Leisure can help: From hidden-gem beaches and mountain towns to world-famous archaeological sites and major metropolises, we’ve rounded up 24 of the most beautiful places in Mexico, according to experts.   

El Pescadero, Baja California Sur

Cavan Images/Getty Images

Rabinor describes El Pescadero as a “hidden gem along the Pacific Coast,” just an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas . The small farming community boasts gorgeous swaths of sand — most notably, Cerritos — which, per the pro, are “ideal for surfing and sunbathing.” Rabinor also tells T+L that no trip here is complete without stopping at Barracuda Cantina (conveniently located just steps from Cerritos) to try the Baja fish tacos.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Marc Romanelli/Getty Images

Just eight miles north of El Pescadero lies the town of Todos Santos , which, according to Rabinor, is renowned for its thriving arts scene and colorful colonial architecture. If that’s not enough to wow you, then the pristine beaches, such as Punta Lobos and Playa La Cachora, definitely will. Rabinor also describes Todos Santos as “a foodie’s paradise” — his personal picks include Docecuarenta   “for some of Baja’s best roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries;” Jazamango , a farm-to-table restaurant led by one of Mexico’s renowned chefs, Javier Plasencia; and “fresh oysters at Oystera .”

Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Mardoz/Getty Images

Oaxaca was named the best city in the world in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards — and it’s easy to see why. What’s more, says Rabinor, this colorful, vibrant city is renowned for its 17th-century architecture, buzzy downtown area, rich Indigenous heritage, and artisan communities. The greenery-filled Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca and the 18th-century Oaxaca Cathedral are also must-visit spots. And, if all of the above weren’t enough to lure you in, then the food and drink scene — famous for its mezcal and moles — certainly will. 

La Paz and Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur

MattGush/Getty Images

According to Rabinor, the capital of Baja California Sur beckons travelers with its “tranquil beaches, Malecón waterfront promenade, and the opportunity to swim with gentle whale sharks.” Plus, says Rabinor, no trip here is complete without a boat ride to the breathtaking Isla Espiritu Santo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , this small rocky island is known for its secluded beaches and excellent snorkeling and kayaking opportunities — and you may even spot some playful sea lions.

Mexico City, State of Mexico

Jorge Castro/Travel + Leisure

According to Rabinor, Mexico’s capital city “seamlessly blends cosmopolitan vibrancy with a rich Indigenous past and history.” He also goes on to describe the cityscape itself as “a fascinating tapestry of old and new — soaring modern skyscrapers stand alongside meticulously preserved colonial architecture.” Must-visit attractions include Templo Mayor,  Palacio de Bellas Artes, Castillo de Chapultepec, and The Pyramids of Teotihuacan (but more on those a bit further down).

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

This idyllic island — known for its gorgeous natural surroundings, including powdery white-sand beaches and shallow turquoise waters  —  is about three hours from Cancun . “Holbox exudes a relaxed and laid-back vibe with car-free and unpaved sandy streets, making it the epitome of a barefoot chic vacation,” says Rabinor. The island, part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, is home to abundant marine life and birds, including whale sharks, flamingos, herons, dolphins, and manta rays. For the ultimate adventure, book a bioluminescence kayak tour. 

Merida, Yucatán

S. Greg Panosian/Getty Images

Hope Smith, a travel advisor at Montecito Village Travel , a Virtuoso Agency, tells T+L that some of the richest displays of Mexican culture can be found in Merida , “a city full of wonderful food, beautiful mansions, haciendas, and lush gardens.” Additionally, she says, “You will also find historic Mayan archaeological sites, including Uxmal, La Ruta Puuc, and Chichén Itzá.” For a stay just as eclectic as the city itself, Smith recommends Chablé Yucatán , which she describes as a “five-star experience in a hacienda-style setting.” 

Morelia, Michoacán

Arturo Peña Romano Medina/Getty Images

“History enthusiasts will fall in love with Morelia, Michoacán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by lake and mountain views,” says Smith. That’s because it’s chock-full of centuries-old architecture, with the landmark Morelia Cathedral being one of its most famous attractions. Travelers can also carve out an afternoon to explore nearby towns like Pátzcuaro, which, per Smith, is home “to one of the largest plazas in Mexico and great local art shops.”

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Alex Borderline/Getty Images

According to Fora travel advisor Natalie Stegman , this under-the-radar Oaxaca beach town is known for its beaches, surfing, and laid-back atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a stretch of sand for every type of traveler, be it bustling Zicatela Beach, which has an abundance of waterfront bars and cafes; the scenic Playa Carrizalillo, where you’ll find golden sand, swaying coconut palms, and turquoise waters; and the tranquil Playa Manzanillo, which, with its calm waters, is perfect for families. And, per Stegman, no trip is complete without taking a detour to nearby Playa del Palmarito, one of the largest turtle nesting beaches along the Mexican Pacific Coast (just note that nesting season takes place between July and January). After a fun-filled day in the sun, rest your head at  Casona Sforza (located directly on the beach) or Hotel Terrestre (where each of the 14 villas has a private pool ). 

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Anna Haines/Travel + Leisure

“With its unique blend of Mexican culture and European influences, San Miguel de Allende is a visual masterpiece that will capture your heart,” says Fora travel advisor Elizabeth Kaczka . The city — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is home to well-preserved buildings adorned with colorful facades and intricate details, which, per Kaczka, “create a picturesque setting.” She also recommends leaving ample time to wander the cobblestone streets, visit the pink-hued Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and explore the local arts and shopping scenes. And, despite the destination’s charming small-town vibe , it’s teeming with top-rated hotels ranging from the ultra-luxe Rosewood San Miguel De Allende to the boutique Casa Delphine .

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California Sur

cesar fernandez dominguez/Getty Images

According to Fora travel advisor Swaylah Faroqi , Valle de Guadalupe is considered the premier wine-producing area of Mexico —  hence why it’s referred to as Mexico’s very own Napa Valley. Per the travel pro, the region has also “gained international recognition for its high-quality wines and stunning landscapes.” Splurge on a stay at the recently opened Montevalle Health & Wellness Resort . This luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort , set on 10 hectares of land dotted with olive trees, lavender plants, and vineyards, offers villa accommodations and state-of-the-art wellness facilities such as a spa, meditation labyrinth, and reflexology path.

Bacalar, Quintana Roo

loeskieboom/Getty Images

The aptly named town of Bacalar is located on Lake Bacalar (sometimes called Bacalar Lagoon) and is known as The Lake (or Lagoon) of Seven Colors for its vibrant shades of blue. “Take a boat ride across the lagoon, visit the cenotes that dot its shores, or simply relax in a hammock while gazing at the mesmerizing hues of the water,” says Kaczka. The destination is home to a handful of unique boutique hotels like Boca de Agua and Habitas Bacalar ; meanwhile, Banyan Tree Vega Bacalar — which will feature a spa designed to resemble a cenote, 35 suites, and an overwater restaurant — is slated to open its doors in 2025.  

Islas Marietas National Park, Nayarit

ferrantraite/Getty Images

Accessible only by boat, Islas Marietas National Park is about one hour from Puerto Vallarta and 15 minutes from Punta Mita. These uninhabited islands are home to abundant marine life, including dolphins, manta rays, and tropical fish galore. As such, they’re especially popular for snorkeling, explains Fora travel advisor Nadia Bess . It’s also here where you’ll find an Instagram-famous hidden beach inside a cave . 

Tepoztlán, Morelos

©fitopardo/Getty Images

“ Situated just a few hours outside of Mexico City, Tepoztlán is similar in feel to San Miguel de Allende but is not as well known,” says Fora travel advisor and co-founder Henley Vazquez . She continues, telling T+L, “It’s designated as a ‘Pueblo Mágico,’ which means it is sacred to Mexican culture.” This charming mountain town is also home to El Tepozteco, an ancient Aztec temple dedicated to Ometochtli-Tepoztēcatl, the god of pulque (an alcoholic beverage), fertility, and drunkenness. 

Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas

The Sumidero Canyon was carved by the Grijalva River and dates back 35 million years.  Here, you’ll find 3,000-foot-tall rock walls, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls. Fora travel advisor Sara Wilcox recommends booking a scenic boat tour for the best views of the canyon. And, if you’re lucky, you may spot majestic wildlife like spider monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars, and snakes. 

Las Coloradas, Yucatán

Karliux_/Getty Images

Located on the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula — about 3.5 hours from Tulum and the Riviera Maya — Las Coloradas is an Instagram dream come true with its pink-hued waters. (According to Wilcox, this is due to a high concentration of red-colored algae and shrimp.) ”The beautiful pink tones continue thanks to a large population of flamingos, which are attracted to the salt ponds,” says the travel advisor. 

Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur

MartinaPal/Getty Images

“Home to one of the most diverse coral reefs in North America, this National Marine Park is truly spectacular,” says Fora travel advisor Amy Shamus of Cabo Pulmo. In addition to pristine beaches, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a coral reef-filled shallow bay that hundreds of marine species call home, including but not limited to sea turtles, humpback whales, manta rays, and whale sharks. With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that diving, snorkeling, and swimming are so popular here.

Suytun Cenote, Yucatán

Simon Dannhauer/Getty Images

Cenotes are natural swimming holes that are considered sacred by the Maya. And, while the Yucatán Peninsula boasts several thousand cenotes — each of which is nothing short of awe-inspiring — Suytun Cenote is amongst the most picture-perfect with its circular platform, which makes the perfect setting for your photo. Post-picture, enjoy a refreshing soak in the crystalline waters and take a moment to bask in the subterranean surroundings, with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites from nearly every angle.

Hierve El Agua, Oaxaca

Msznz/Getty Images

Whether you choose to hike, swim, or just sit back and admire the natural formations, a trip to Hierve El Agua is truly one for the books. “This absolutely gorgeous historical and natural site is roughly an hour outside of Oaxaca and features travertine rock formations, a petrified waterfall, and multiple natural warm pools, all overlooking jaw-dropping views of the valley below,” says Bess. If you don’t mind waking up early, the travel pro recommends arriving here “just before sunrise” so that you can soak up the gorgeous views and have the place “(almost) all to yourself!” 

Teotihuacan Pyramids, State of Mexico

benedek/Getty Images

These ancient pyramids, which are thought to date back to 100 B.C.E., are just one hour from bustling Mexico City. Its main attraction, the Pyramid of the Sun, clocks in at over 215 feet tall. According to Bess, those who truly want to appreciate the pyramids’ vast size and beauty should take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over them. 

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

“ Nestled along the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen is a tropical paradise that entices visitors with its turquoise waters and powdery white-sand beaches,” says Kaczka. Beyond the beaches, travelers can choose from an array of activities, be it swimming in cenotes, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or dancing the night away in one of the clubs that line Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen’s main strip). The town also boasts an abundance of hotels and resorts , which include some of Mexico’s best all-inclusive resorts . 

Guanajuato, Guanajuato

As the capital of the eponymous Mexican State, Guanajuato —  a UNESCO World Heritage Site — attracts travelers with its breathtaking architecture and art. You can easily spend hours wandering the quaint cobblestone alleys adorned with vibrant buildings and ornate plazas. Some of Kaczka’s must-dos: Explore the famous Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), visit the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city's numerous festivals.”

Chichén Itzá, Yucatán

Gerard Puigmal/Getty Images

Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico, and best of all, it’s an easy day trip from Cancun . These ancient Mayan ruins span about four square miles, and the massive El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan), which towers over the other monuments at 78 feet, is arguably the most famous of the bunch. The Great Ballcourt features intricate stone carvings, as does the Temple of the Warriors. Don’t miss the Wall of Skulls, where you’ll find hundreds of, yes, stone skull carvings.  

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

jejim/Getty Images

Also known as the Grand Canyon of Mexico, Copper Canyon is comprised of not one but six separate canyons. This natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses over 25,000 square miles in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. While many choose to experience Copper Canyon and its postcard-worthy surroundings on foot or horseback, those aren’t the only options. Instead, says Kaczka,  “Hop aboard the Chihuahua al Pacífico railway, also known as the Copper Canyon Train, for a scenic journey through rugged landscapes, towering cliffs, and picturesque villages.”

The best things to do in Mexico: 19 unmissable experiences

Oct 7, 2023 • 14 min read

Get to know the country with these top things to do in Mexico, from visiting ancient pyramids to swimming in underground cenotes © Oleh_Slobodeniuk / Getty Images

Mexico is a wonderland. One moment, you're sipping smoky mezcal, and the next you're floating in the bluest of natural pools or being serenaded by mariachi singers while Frida Kahlo peers down from a mural.

Things feel even more fantastic when you find the tastiest food while discovering plumed serpents, pyramids and millennia of history around the next corner. No matter how many times you visit, Mexico 's stunning nature and its vibrant towns let you find an everyday life steeped in surrealism, natural wonders and incredible history.

Here are the best things to do in Mexico.

1. Admire the monumental power of a pyramid

Pyramids humble you. Gaze skywards at the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán , and it’s easy to feel tiny. It’s the third-largest ancient pyramid in the world, bringing the ancient priests closer to the heavens at its summit. No wonder the pyramids at Teotihuacán were chosen as temples for human sacrifices to the gods.

The Aztecs did the same at the fascinating Templo Mayor at the heart of their empire, Tenochtitlán, modern-day Mexico City.

Other pre-Hispanic civilizations, such as the engineering Maya, constructed pyramids to also be the center of public life. At Chichén Itzá and Palenque , they buried their powerful leaders inside them and used the monumental structures, which push above the forest canopy, to navigate their lands.

Similarly, in Tulum a Maya pyramid squats over the turquoise waters and was used as a lighthouse.

Yet Mexico has even mightier pyramid, the largest by volume in the world. The Pirámide Tepanapa is bigger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Outside, it looks like a grassy hill, which fooled the Spanish conquistadors, sparing its destruction. Inside, it takes 15 minutes to walk through the cool tunnels crossing through the Pyramid of Cholula. With each tight turn, you feel minuscule.

2. Learn about Mexico's artisan traditions

Gorgeous Mexican artesanías (handicrafts) charm you with their sweetness. When you hold up a piece at a workshop, you are also grasping centuries of skill and traditions.

A psychedelic beadwork mask might leap out at you. The pulsing colors carry on the mythology of the Huichol of Jalisco. Or look into Taxco silverware, which shimmers with history, first as silver gifts to Aztec gods and then ransacked for Spanish pockets.

The kaleidoscopic work of generations of embroiderers, pre-Hispanic weavers, Oaxacan potters and metalsmiths tells Mexico's diverse story. Pick up a piece from an artisan to contribute to their stories.

3. Cycle Mexico City’s leafy neighborhoods

Bike lanes are plentiful across some of  Mexico City's best neighborhoods , including Condesa, Roma and artsy Coyoacán. Archways of trees guide you down streets lined with elegantly tiled houses and boutique stores. Parks are alive with young families or teenagers practicing dance moves, while around their edges, the well-dressed lounge about at cafes.

Planning tip: Join Mexico City's free Sunday bike rides , when the main avenues of the country’s capital turn into a car-free zone. Cyclists go for pleasure rides, and you can be part of the action at any time with a free or low-cost bike rental.

4. Learn to dance the salsa and  danzón

Mexicans have the music in them, and just trying to dance is a part of the Mexico experience. Dressed in hats and heels or casual clothes, couples take to the outdoor Plaza Ciudadela in Mexico City every Saturday to dance, mingle, and learn to salsa and do the danzón .

It’s open to the public, but if you need some courage, there are also bars around town to learn to dance for the cost of a tequila. Mama Rumba turns out a show with its live big band. 

Planning tip:  If you want to seriously move, Salón de Bailes Los Ángeles is part school, part legendary venue. It's where stars of Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema, such as Cantinflas and María Félix, went to boogie.

5. Float in subterranean cenotes

To the Maya, cenotes were a portal to speak to the gods, so they built villages around them. For a visitor today, cenotes, natural limestone swimming holes , are wondrous hidden pools to cool off in the jungle. Cenotes are created by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, forming pools that are filtered to crystal clarity. The majority of cenotes are found in the  Yucatán Peninsula .

Underwater photographers, cavers and snorkelers revel in the clear cenotes, as do swimmers who want a peaceful swim shielded by the glorious tree canopy.

Unlike seawater, the turquoise water in cenotes is fresh and wonderfully mineral-rich. Floating in these still waters feels like slipping into prehistory. Look up at the columns of vines and the shafts of sunlight drifting through. Hummingbirds zigzag by, and it seems like little has changed since the Maya were here.

Planning tip: Take cash to pay entrance fees, plus a day-pack with all your supplies, including shoes you can get wet to protect your feet and reef-friendly chemical-free sunscreen. 

6. Eat your fill of Mexican street food

Want to know where to get the best tacos? It’s not in a white-tablecloth restaurant. It's on the street.

There is something special about feeling the red-hot embers on the pyramid of chargrilling pork that makes tacos al pastor tastier at places like El Vilsito . It could be the sizzling hot plate that gives handmade quesadillas stuffed with zucchini flowers or nopales (cactus) the perfect bite. Or the tubs of self-serve salsas that make sopes (tortillas sprinkled with white panela cheese and lettuce) and tlacoyos (diamond-shaped blue-corn parcels of beans and meat) much feistier (and tastier) than you had intended. It’s definitely the freshly cut limes and impromptu chats that give eating Mexican street food that extra zing.

Mexican foodie capital Oaxaca squeezes some of the best street food into market stands at Mercado 20 de Noviembre , or check out Los Cucuyos and vegan eats at  Por Siempre Vegana Taquería in Mexico City.

Local tip:  To find the freshest and tastiest street food, pause at a stand and observe. The best have a hissing comal (hot plate) where even the smoke smells alluring.

7. Glide along the canals of floating Aztec gardens in Xochimilco

Xochimilco , south of Mexico City, is the only remaining part of the country's pre-Hispanic waterways. Colorful wooden trajinera boats glide across the canals, passing chinampas (floating gardens). Fruits, vegetables and flowers grow atop garden beds constructed from reeds.

More than 500 years ago, the mighty Aztec city of Tenochtitlán ruled from an island in interconnected lakes. The Aztecs balanced a complex system of brackish and fresh water. As you float by, imagine Xochimilco in Aztec times, with gardeners tending to the plots of green bean vines, furry purple amaranth, and plump chilis and tomatoes to feed the city, as they still do today.

8. Sip artisanal mezcal

Mezcal is a smoky, rich elixir drunk in warmly lit bars by dreamers, artists and the heartbroken. The older sibling of fast-living tequila, mezcal is distilled from the same agave plant but is hand-roasted under volcanic rocks. For a long time, visitors to towns in Oaxaca would smuggle back flasks of the potent stuff from mom-and-pop farms.

Now mezcal has hit the heights in the cities, and small artisanal distillers are revered in mezcalaría bars like Mexico City's hidden Bósforo and Mano Santa with its tasting flight of drinks. You can learn all about the agave drinks at Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal in the capital.

Most mezcal is created in small batches and available only in Mexico. Artisanal producers with further reach are the upmarket and impressive Los Danzantes . Oaxaca is the capital of mezcal. 

Local tip:  A perfect mezcal day starts with a guided distillery visit, taking you through the process of slow cooking the agave piñas (hearts) in a volcanic rock pit with the smell of roasting catching the air. Continue at one of the many tasting rooms. Drink the traditional way with a slice of orange sprinkled with sal de gusano (agave worm salt with mild chili) on the side. 

9. Experience a 3000-year-old temascal ceremony

A temascal is more than a sauna; it’s an ancient Maya-Zapotec ritual that uses 3000 years of indigenous cultural knowledge as medicine. A shaman guides you through a ceremony inside a dome while you sit in a circle, giving you the kind of experience that people swear is life-changing.

In the semi-darkness, the shaman throws an herbal infusion sizzling on the pit of hot rocks at the center. The dialogue begins between the shaman and other participants, thanking the earth and acknowledging our connection to the villages of animals and nature. Sometimes the guide intones words in the indigenous Náhuatl language.

This is no touchy-feely session. Warriors endured this ritual before battle to steel them. After 90 minutes of building resilience and releasing toxins, both physical and mental, you emerge and dip into cold pools, cleansing yourself. 

Planning tip:  For a real temascal experience (not just a sauna), follow spirituality seekers to Tepotzlán  or get the full picture of the Zapotec civilization in Oaxaca. We love Xquenda in Huatulco for its full pre-Hispanic ceremony and mural.

10. Tap into the songs of Mexico with a mariachi performance

Mariachi bands have a song for every mood and life milestone. Happy? More trumpet. Somber? More strings and a heartfelt bolero style. Mexicans hire these singing troupes for big events, including birthdays, weddings and funerals. They are not a mere tourist attraction but a way to tap into the songs of Mexico. You’ll find them roaming around major plazas from Mérida to Cuernavaca.

A top choice is Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi , which has been bringing together restaurants and music since 1925. Get serenaded in mariachi's heartland in Guadalajara , which holds the world's largest mariachi festival each September at the Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria .

11. Get insight into Frida Kahlo’s artistic life

Bottles filled with paint glisten in their tray next to an easel. It feels like the artist has just stepped out.   Handicrafts – clay fertility figures, papier-mâché skeletons and dangling cherubs – from across Mexico sprawl out across the rooms.

The  Blue House  is where Frida was born, lived and spent her last days, with everything as she left it. The artist’s silver jewelry, short bed, crutches, wheelchair and prosthetic leg are here. Kahlo had a lifelong disability and channeled her physical and emotional pain into her art while showcasing pre-Hispanic art and traditions.

Kahlo famously wore traditional dresses and shawls from Oaxaca to summon the female power of the women of her mother’s hometown. Mexico City has other interesting places to find Frida  and trace her life. But to stand in her house and its courtyard of volcanic stone is to feel her passion for Mexico and its people. This museum is an unmissable insight into her life and her art.

12. Travel through Mexican history at a museum

Mexico City alone has more than 150 museums, beating New York City and Paris. Some of them are makeshift and obscure – torture museum , anyone? – but all of Mexico's history can be found in its museums, from indigenous handicrafts to revolution , human rights and tequila .

The headline act is Museo Nacional de Antropología , which is one of the best in the world, with a dramatic giant water feature at the center of its Maya-inspired courtyard. 

Mexico's top male painters are known as the "big three" muralists. Made to be seen by the average Mexican worker, murals by Diego Rivera , José Clemente Orozco and David Siqueiros grace many public buildings. All three daub the patio walls of Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso and inside the splendid Palacio de Bellas Artes , notably Diego Rivera’s monumental El hombre en el cruce de caminos (Man at the Crossroads). 

Other museums cater to specific tastes, like the Museo del Calzado shoe museum, which displays the trainers of Mexican fútbol heroes and replicas of Neil Armstrong’s lunar boot.

13. Mark Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Once a year, the spirits of the dearly departed can follow a path of marigold petals back to their loved ones. Altars are piled with their favorite dishes and objects, and photos of the deceased are lit by candlelight and shrouded in incense smoke.

Far from a withdrawn sad time, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time of remembrance through joy. It’s been this way for more than 3000 years, and the tradition can be traced back to Aztec customs and the even more ancient Olmecs.

Visit Mexico at the end of October, and you’ll see the nights turn festive as people crowd the squares, with businesses and museums to judge the best-decorated altars. In towns like Naolinco, Pátzcuaro and Mixquic, mass processions drift to the cemeteries for a night of drinking and singing.

Local tip:  Tagging along at a respectful distance is accepted, and the sight of thousands of candles and marigold flowers glowing orange into the night is a true Mexico experience.

14. Devour some mole

Of all the attention-grabbing Mexican dishes, mole is the most intriguing for its complex mix of herbs and spices. Cocoa and three kinds of chilis give the sauce a chocolatey warmth, but mole contains a checklist of more than 15 ingredients, including sesame seeds, aromatic herbs, peanuts and cumin. In Puebla , it is eaten in restaurants tiled in hand-painted blue talavera .

Planning tip:  Oaxaca is known for its seven multicolored moles . The star is mole negro , a smoky "black" sauce that differentiates itself with a hit of hoja santa  or "sacred leaf," which tastes somewhere deliciously between licorice and eucalyptus. Mole is best smothered over chicken or enchiladas (tortillas filled with cheese or chicken).

15. Experience everyday Mexican life in a market

Boisterous piñatas dangle above you. Flowers and mangos perfume the air, while fat sacks of spices and mounds of dried chilis beckon you.

On a balmy day, the cool of a Mexican market is an inviting wonderland of fruit salad stands, old-world barber shops, and storekeepers touting woven baskets and Virgin candles. A mercado (market) is where everyday Mexican life happens without the airs and graces, no matter if you’re in an upmarket neighborhood or a mountain village.

In one market, you might smell wafts of incense floating on the air and pork crackling glistening under heat lamps. Eat alongside families or get nuts and chili-lime grasshoppers for the road. Taste delicious Mexican fruit like honey-almond flavored mamey  and tuna (prickly pear fruit) blended into juice. Every walk through a Mexican market is an adventure.

16. Learn history through botany in Oaxaca

History is palpable at the Jardín Etnobotánico . You can stain your hands bright red with cochineal from the prickly pear cactus. At its height, the smooshed-bug blood was used to dye garments for Europe’s elite, giving the Spaniards wealth second only to silver.

The storyteller guides at the garden explain how indigenous people used plants for clothing, shelter, food, rituals and medicine. A fascinating story brings to life Maya mythology, which saw the ceiba tree as the universe itself, with its roots in the underworld and the peculiar thorns on the trunk representing the people.

17. Visit a magic town

Mexico has more than 132 pueblos mágicos , and they truly feel like "magic towns." In each place, you can experience the beauty of traditional Mexican life.

Many of the towns have a leafy zócalo piazza or square at their center where families and lovers laugh, whisper and enjoy a weekend or long summer evening outdoors. What makes them "magical" is not just that they’re lookers – most are – but they maintain some natural or historical charm.

For example, in Taxco, where silver was mined by the Aztecs and Spaniards, all-white retro VW taxis crisscross its cobblestones. In lovely Papantla, people come for the spectacle of seeing the voladores whirl around a maypole, attached only by their feet.

18. Lounge on beaches without the crowds

If you want to swim alongside Mexicans, not just tourists, head to the coast of Oaxaca. Huatulco has 36 golden-sand beaches to enjoy in peace. In Puerto Escondido,  Playa Carrizalillo beach is a jewel in a sheltered cove, reached by steep steps to deter most tourists.

Maybe it just has to be the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya. We get it: the clear blue ribbon of water and white sand is enticing, and you can still escape the crowds.

If you’re stuck in the overdeveloped parts of Cancún and Tulum , follow the locals to a spacious public beach. At Playa del Carmen , the beach runs adjacent to "5th Avenue," where all prices are in US dollars, yet step a mere two blocks back from the souvenir strip, and life seems preserved from another era. Eat at an unpretentious garden restaurant, drink at a wooden shack bar and stroll across squeaky sand into the warm arms of the Caribbean.

19. Enjoy a steaming hot tortilla at a tortillería

One of Mexico's simplest pleasures is hearing the squeak of a neighborhood tortillería (tortilla maker). Mesoamericans unlocked the secret of nixtamalization more than 3500 years ago, ramping up the nutrition and turning corn into tortillas. For passersby, the magic is seeing the steaming hot tortillas parade down the conveyor belt before being bundled up in paper for a waiting line of locals. Most neighborhoods have  tortillerías every few blocks.

Planning tip:  You can count on a mercado (fresh produce market) to have at least one tortillería  on the streets immediately around it, such as Mexico City's  Mercado Medellín , where you'll find several.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated October 2023

Explore related stories

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

After years of hard work, what better way to celebrate than with an amazing adventure? Here are the best places for a graduation trip.

Feb 1, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 17, 2023 • 11 min read

Aug 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 8, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 7, 2022 • 5 min read

Aug 11, 2022 • 6 min read

Jun 27, 2022 • 6 min read

Apr 29, 2022 • 6 min read

37 Best Places to Visit in Mexico You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Nestled in the southern portion of North America, Mexico is a long-standing favourite vacation destination. This vibrant country is home to rich culture with an intriguing mix of native traditions and Spanish influences.

In Mexico, you’ll come across an abundance of stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring architecture, cultural attractions, and historical landmarks. There is so much to explore in the country, but a few spots certainly deserve to be on your bucket list.

To help you compile the perfect travel itinerary when touring Mexico, I’ve highlighted the best destinations for an unforgettable trip. From resort towns to natural attractions, you can find them all below.

37 Best Places to Visit in Mexico

Whether you’re looking to visit a breathtaking beach vacation spot or explore a historic city, you’ll find a variety of diverse destinations in Mexico. Here are the top spots that you should visit.

1. Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country. If you’re a culture-loving adventurer looking for an affordable trip, visiting this capital city would be perfect for you.

Tourists flock to the city for its lively atmosphere, renowned arts, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene. A stroll in the downtown area will allow you to experience the city’s colonial-style architecture and intriguing past.

Some of the top attractions and famous landmarks in the city include the Frida Kahlo Museum, Museo Nacional de Antropologia, and Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. Another must-visit location is the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It is a notable cultural centre in the city that has hosted esteemed events in music, theatre, dance, opera, and literature.

Located on the Caribbean coastline of Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum is a must-visit location. This ancient city boasts well-preserved Mayan ruins and beautiful white sand shores with turquoise waters.

After soaking up the sun at the beach, you can tour the Tulum Archaeological Site, where you’ll learn more about the area’s fascinating history. For more spectacular experiences in the area, check out Playa Paraiso, Cenote Calavera, Coba Ruins, and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Tulum offers spectacular experiences with a range of accommodation options. Whether you want to stay at a 5-star resort or beachside bungalow, there are plenty of options to fit your taste.

Don’t Miss my Post on 33 Fantastic Things to do in Tulum .

3. Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is one of the top beach destinations in Mexico. This resort city is situated on the southern tip of the stunning Baja California Peninsula. Here you’ll come across several beautiful beaches and scuba diving locations.

Some of the marine life you can expect to see in the dazzling waters include striped marlin, stingrays, and mahi-mahi. When visiting, be sure to check out the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, El Medano Beach, Playa del Amor (Lovers Beach), and Mt. Solmar for a fun outing.

In Cabo, you’ll also find numerous world-class resorts and deluxe villas. A few of the best resorts include the Villa del Palmar Beach Resort , Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos , and Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas .

Oaxaca is a vibrant destination that offers a taste of the real Mexico. It comprises a fascinating mix of native Indian and Spanish elements and has remained mostly untouched throughout the years. As such, it has maintained much of its natural beauty.

This unspoiled city is home to plenty of captivating old architecture. Here you’ll also come across several weekly markets, colourful fiestas, and a vibrant art scene. Other must-see attractions include the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Oaxaca and the nearby Monte Alban.

Don’t Miss my post on 23 Must-See Landmarks in Mexico .

5. Copper Canyon

If you’re looking for a destination that’s rich in biodiversity and cultural history, the Copper Canyon is certainly worth visiting. Nestled in northern Mexico, you can find this group of deep canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.

This renowned natural attraction gets its name from the distinctive copper-green colour of the canyon walls. When visiting this scenic destination, you can enjoy several activities, including hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding.

One of the best ways to explore the area is aboard the Ferrocarril Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon Railway). On this scenic trail ride, you’ll have stunning views of tropical valleys, alpine forests, and rocky landscapes of the canyons.

You might enjoy reading my article on Mexico Fun Facts.

6. Cancún

Cancún is a lively resort and beach destination located on the eastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula. The bustling city attracts countless travellers each year and is a popular spring break holiday destination among university students.

There are plenty of fun things to do in this city, including snorkelling, jet skiing, and swimming among reefs and tropical fish. Another exhilarating experience is exploring the Cancún Underwater Museum . Here you’ll come across a stunning collection of sculptures submerged in water that will leave you in awe.

7. Guanajuato

Nestled in central Mexico, Guanajuato is renowned for its silver mining history and stunning colonial architecture. The historic city was founded in the early 16th century and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Today, it’s a charming vacation spot that offers spectacular experiences. If you’re looking for a central location to tour the city, the Jardin de la Union plaza is ideal. It’s the perfect location to explore the winding lanes and tunnels on foot.

You’ll also find numerous fine art galleries, intriguing museums, and an abundance of architectural gems. Some notable attractions to check out include the Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato, Juarez Theater, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato.

8. Puerto Vallarta

Located on the Pacific coast in Jalisco state, Puerto Vallarta promises exceptional experiences for those looking for a beach holiday. There are plenty of enjoyable water activities for every kind of traveller.

Whether you want to swim with the dolphins or relax on a luxury yacht sightseeing tour , adventure is abundant in the sparkling sea. In addition to the city’s stunning shores, you’ll find several boutique stores and a range of restaurants along the cobblestone streets. When touring the city, be sure to visit the Puerto Vallarta Pier, Los Muertos Beach, and Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Cozumel is a popular Mexican island located just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It is an ideal destination for sun-seekers wanting to explore the magnificent marine life found in the Caribbean Sea.

Cozumel is renowned for its scuba diving spots around its coral reefs. You’ll also find diverse marine life such as manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins in the glistening waters.

A few of the top beaches on the island include Palancar Beach, Paradise Beach, and Playa Punta Morena. Other notable attractions in the area are Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio, Discover Mexico Park, and Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park.

If you want to discover the magnificent Mayan sites in Yucatan, Merida is the place to be. In the city, you can easily access historical attractions such as the Chichen Itza and Tulum.

This capital city is one of the most outstanding old colonial areas in Mexico. Merida is known as the “white city” due to its collection of white stone mansions. While it is called the white city, Merida is a truly colourful and vibrant place, filled to the brim with rich culture and history.

You’ll find eye-catching European influences with French architecture in the area. And there are plenty of admirable places to visit, such as the Mayan World Museum of Merida, Paseo de Montejo, and Plaza Grande.

11. Chichen Itza

The spectacular Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico. You’ll find this massive and well-restored site situated on the Yucatan Peninsula.

The ancient city is home to magnificent structures that have been around for thousands of years. Chichen Itza thrived from around 600 A.D. to the 1200s. Today, it is visited by countless travellers seeking to experience the rich Mayan culture.

One of the most popular points of interest in the area is the massive step pyramid, El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan). Many travellers enjoy a Chichen Itza day trip to this magnificent location during their stay in Merida, Cancun, or Playa del Carmen.

12. San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era city nestled amongst central Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains. It is known for its Colonial and Spanish architecture and visual arts.

This city features a romantic atmosphere and is perfect for couples. It’s also a top spot for travellers looking to explore the thriving art scene, music, food, and culture festivals.

In the historic city centre, you can enjoy strolls through the 500-year-old narrow walkways. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of artisan shops that sell stunning jewellery, crafts, and handmade accessories. Other top spots to visit include the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Fábrica la Aurora, and Charco Del Ingenio.

13. Morelia

Located in the central state of Michoacán, Morelia is a delightful place to explore in Mexico. Here you’ll find more than 200 well-preserved historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Additionally, the colonial city’s downtown area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque Plaza de Armas is a great starting point to explore the city on foot.

In this large public space, you can easily access several restaurants, cafes, and shopping spaces. There are also spectacular sightseeing opportunities, from statues of revolutionary heroes to scenic gardens.

14. Acapulco

Acapulco is a renowned beach resort town situated on the Pacific coast. In the 1950s, it was a popular getaway destination in Mexico. And today, this iconic spot is making a comeback with increasing popularity as a vacation destination for travellers seeking a lively atmosphere.

Acapulco is best known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. So, if you’re a beach bum or party lover, this epic location is certainly worth visiting. It is also a popular getaway for spring breakers and those looking to indulge in international cuisine.

15. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a fun city located in western Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Jalisco, where mariachi music and tequila were born. Guadalajara is the second-largest city in the country, and there are plenty of exciting things to do here.

The city’s historic centre is filled with colonial plazas and famous landmarks, including the Teatro Degollado, Palacio del Gobierno, and the Baroque Guadalajara Cathedral. Additionally, you can discover the vibrant Mexican culture all around the city. From the mariachi music to the delicious foods, Guadalajara offers an enjoyable experience for all.

Situated in east-central Mexico, Puebla is renowned for its colonial architecture, pottery, and culinary history. Here you’ll come across an extensive display of awe-inspiring pre-Hispanic art that includes mural fragments and ceramics.

If you’re looking for a getaway filled with rich traditions and eye-catching arts, exploring Puebla is a great choice. There are several attractions in the area that are worth visiting such as the Zona Arqueologica de Cholula, Catedral de Puebla, and Museo Amparo.

Puebla is also well-known for its sweet and spicy cuisine. One of the top dishes to try is Mole Poblano. This traditional Mexican dish is made with delicious ingredients, including chocolate, chilis, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

17. Zacatecas

If you’re looking for a Mexican getaway with fewer crowds, Zacatecas is the perfect place to visit. This spectacular state is located in north-central Mexico. It is home to a rich heritage that you can experience through the local foods and captivating cultural sites.

A notable landmark in the area is the La Quemada archaeological site. At this massive pre-Columbian hilltop settlement, you’ll come across a magnificent museum, pyramid and columns. More must-visit attractions for art enthusiasts are the Museo Pedro Coronel and the 16th-century mine, El Eden.

18. San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas is situated in the state of Chiapas. It features a combination of Mayan culture and colonial architecture.

The highland town features a combination of Mayan culture and colonial architecture, which includes the yellow San Cristobal Cathedral. When touring the downtown area, be sure to check out the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya. At this striking museum, there are several breathtaking displays of colourful, traditional textiles and historical exhibits.

19. Todos Santos

Todos Santos is located at the foothills of the Sierra de La Laguna Mountains on the Pacific coast of Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. This charming vacation spot offers both warm hospitality and weather for a well-deserved getaway.

Todos Santos is a haven of natural beauty and an excellent option for adventure-seeking travellers. Many individuals are attracted to this location for its arts, healthy lifestyle, and surfing opportunities.

You’ll find many beautiful beaches in the town as well as art galleries. Some of the top spots to visit include Los Cerritos Beach, Punta Lobos, and Casa de la Cultura Profr Nestor Agundez.

20. Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for epic scuba diving experiences. This protected National Marine Park is located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula, spanning between Pulmo Point and Los Frailes Cape.

At Cabo Pulmo, you can rediscover the dazzling beauty of the underwater world. You can expect to see an abundance of horse-eye jacks and triggerfish, as well as black coral bushes. Larger marine life that you might spot includes whale sharks and spy hammerhead sharks.

21. Costa Maya

If you’re seeking an intimate holiday with quiet beaches, Costa Maya promises a peaceful stay. This stretch of the Caribbean coast is situated on the eastern Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Here you’ll find quaint fishing villages, spectacular scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere.

There are also exceptional diving sites for those looking for some extra adventure. Some of the best places to visit in the area include Mahahual Beach, Costa Maya Port Mexico, and Maya Lost Mayan Kingdom.

22. Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit is a nearly 322 kilometre stretch of sandy shores and charming villages north of Puerto Vallarta.  Natural beauty is abundant in Riviera Nayarit, making it one of the top places to visit in the country. The most popular cities in Riviera Nayarit include Sayulita, Bucerias, and Nuevo Vallarta.

If you want to catch some waves or watch the best sunsets , there are plenty of breathtaking beaches in the area. Some of the best unique beaches to visit are Sayulita Beach, Playa San Pancho, and Nahui Beach.

23. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, or Reserva de la Biósfera Santuario, is a beautiful nature preserve in Mexico. You’ll find this breathtaking biosphere within the rugged forested mountains northwest of Mexico City. It supports the wintering habitat of the gorgeous monarch butterfly.

This picturesque site is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the annual migration and overwintering of the monarch butterfly. Popular months to visit to witness these phenomenal golden-orange butterflies are between mid-November and mid-March.

24. Volcan Paricutin

If you’re looking to climb a volcano, Paricutin is certainly worth checking out. It is a cinder volcano in the state of Michoacan. Paricutin is the youngest volcano in the world and gained popularity after it surged in 1943.

This dormant volcano stands at around 2,800 metres in elevation and offers an exhilarating climb. Here you’ll walk through the scenic forest before making your way over a sea of lava rocks. Once at the top, the stunning vistas will leave you in awe.

25. Isla Espiritu Santo

Isla Espiritu Santo is a stunning island that offers a relaxing escape in Mexico. You can find this protected ecological reserve located in the Gulf of California off Baja California Sur. A day trip to the island promises a spectacular experience.

Here you can enjoy several water activities, including kayaking, snorkelling, and diving. It is also an excellent spot for wildlife watching. Some of the species that you can expect to see include sea lions, corals, starfish, manta rays, blowfish, and hawksbill sea turtles.

26. Pico de Orizaba

If you want a thrilling trek, visiting Pico de Orizaba would be worthwhile. Pico de Orizaba, also called Citlaltepetl Volcano, lies on the border of Veracruz and Peubla in south-central Mexico. At 5,636 metres in elevation, it is the highest mountain in the country and the third highest in North America.

If you’re ready to get your hiking boots dirty, this hike will not disappoint. You’ll have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous terrain as well as the domes and bell towers of historic churches in the distance.

27. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small Mexican island off the coast of Cancun. It’s an ideal destination for a Isla Mujeres catamaran tour exploring the Caribbean Sea. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, where you can enjoy snorkelling, diving, and swimming with whale sharks.

As Isla Mujeres is relatively small, it’s easy to explore nearby attractions on foot. Additionally, you can rent a golf cart, bicycle, or scooter to get around on the island. A few notable points of interest on the island include Playa Norte, Garrafon Natural Reef Park, and Avenida Miguel Hidalgo.

28. Huasteca Potosina

Huasteca Potosina is situated in San Luis Potosi in central Mexico. The remote region offers an idyllic escape surrounded by tropical gardens. It is also home to an impressive network of rivers and cascading waterfalls.

From admiring tropical flowers to exploring the caves, there are plenty of enjoyable activities for all. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, you can also discover the rich culture of local Huastec people in the region. Top attractions in Huasteca Potosina include the Bridge of Gods, Media Luna Swimming Park, and Tamasopo Waterpark and Waterfalls.

29. Isla Holbox

If you want a peaceful island getaway, a trip to Isla Holbox is a great option. It is located in Quintana Roo State, north of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Isla Holbox is also an excellent choice for a day trip if you want a break from the bustling city of Cancún.

The island features colourful Caribbean houses, a lack of cars, and a laid-back atmosphere. Although the seawater is not as clear as other areas in Yucatan, visitors can swim alongside sea turtles and whale sharks during summer.

The island is also home to more than 150 bird species, including pelicans, white ibis, pink spatulas, and flamingos. When visiting Isla Holbox, be sure to check out the Punta Mosquito, Playa Holbox, and Playa Punta Cocos.

Nestled in Yucatan, Izamal is one of the most photogenic towns that you’ll find in Mexico. This small town is nicknamed “Ciudad Amarilla” which means “Yellow City” in English.

In this magical town, you’ll find countless buildings painted in yellow. This bright colonial city is certainly worth visiting, even just for a day trip from Merida. And you definitely wouldn’t want to forget your camera to get those Instagram-worthy pictures.

In addition to the striking buildings, there are several historical sites to see in Yellow City. Some of the top sights include the Kinich Kakmo Pyramid, the Archaeological Zone of Izamal, and Convento de San Antonio de Padua.

31. Palenque

Palenque was a Maya city-state in Southern Mexico. It was anciently known as Lakamha and perished in the 7th century. Today, you can discover the rich history in a scenic setting at the Palenque Archaeological Zone.

The Mayan ruins at Palenque are just as remarkable as those of Chichen Itza. The ruins are positioned in the middle of the jungle which is filled with mahogany, cedar, and sapodilla trees, as well as gorgeous waterfalls.

32. Manzanillo

Located in the state of Colima, Manzanillo is a popular place to visit for sun-seekers and sea lovers. It’s a Pacific Ocean port city and resort that features two bays, Bahía de Manzanillo and Bahía de Santiago.

Bahia de Santiago is well-known for its stunning shores, such as Playa La Boquita and Playa La Audiencia. The beautiful beaches bustle with water sports and offer calm waters, perfect for beginners.

The waters off the coast are great for exploring the captivating coral reefs, dive sites, and shipwrecks. There is also plenty of marlin in the sea. As such, the area is also a popular deep-sea sportfishing site.

33. Sumidero Canyon

If you’re visiting the state of Chiapas, taking a trip to the Sumidero Canyon should certainly be on your itinerary. Located in the city of Chiapa de Corzo, this natural beauty is a major tourist attraction.

Sumidero Canyon is a deep and narrow canyon that offers a picturesque setting for outdoor adventures. Here you can enjoy several activities, such as picnicking, swimming, hiking, and camping.

You can also enjoy the stunning views with a thrilling Sumidero Canyon tour along the river between the canyon’s walls. And if you’re an extreme sports enthusiast, the area is excellent for rock climbing as well as mountain bike rides.

Akumal is a stunning coastal resort on Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan Peninsula. In the Mayan language, Akumal means “Place of the Turtle”. It is also a popular nesting ground for sea turtles.

Akumal is also a renowned snorkelling destination. So if you’re exploring the sparkling waters, you might just find a sea turtle beside you.

Other marine life that you may see include coral reefs, stingrays, and tropical fish. In addition to Akumal Beach, other top attractions in the area include Aktun Chen, Yal-Ku Lagoon, and Akumal Monkey Sanctuary.

35. Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a resort town located along the Pacific shoreline in Sinaloa, Mexico. It is home to numerous historic sites, intriguing museums, and golden beaches. The area is also famous for big-game fishing. So if you’re an eager angler, it would be a great spot to visit.

In Mazatlan, you’ll find spectacular historical landmarks such as the Teatro Angela Peralta and Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Other points of interest include the Plaza Machado, Acuario Mazatlan, and Parque Acuático Mazagua.

36. Gran Cenote

Gran cenote is a popular tourist attraction situated just outside Tulum. A cenote is a natural sinkhole created by a collapse of limestone bedrock that uncovers the groundwater. This large cenote has relaxing mineral-rich waters for swimming, a massive cave, and plenty of wooden platforms to relax in nature.

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to many cenotes. Of course, the Gran Cenote would be a top choice if you’re visiting Tulum or nearby areas. Other famous cenotes in Mexico include Cenote Azul and Cenote Yokdzonot.

37. Agua Azul Waterfalls

Last but certainly not least is the picturesque Agua Azul Waterfalls. It is a series of waterfalls situated in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico that’s certainly worth visiting.

⇒ If you’re enjoying this article you’ll love my articles on 15 North America Landmarks , the 10 Most Famous Landmarks in the US , 7 Most Beautiful Bridges American Bridges , 60 Most Famous Landmarks in the World, 9 Gorgeous Lakes Canada has on offer , 23 Must See Landmarks in Mexico , 15 Most Beautiful States in the US , 31 California Landmarks , 16 Most Beautiful Cities in Canada , 17 Washington DC Landmarks Not to Miss , 29 Arizona Landmarks , 11 Beautiful Canada Landmarks and the 20 Most Beautiful Cities in the United States .

Here you’ll find a magnificent stretch of shallow canyons and cliffs where you can admire the bright blue water thundering down into natural pools. The spectacular Agua Azul is in the heart of the jungle. So, you can expect to see a variety of native flora and fauna as well.

Ready to Explore the Best Places in Mexico?

A trip to Mexico would not be complete without visiting one of these spectacular destinations. The endless sunshine, sand, and sea provide the perfect combination for a relaxing getaway.

Whether you’re looking to explore the Mayan ruins or soak up the sun on the white sand beaches, there is a suitable place for every kind of traveller. Regardless of the destination you visit, all offer epic experiences with a vibrant atmosphere.

Looking for more places to explore in North America? Check out this guide on the most beautiful US states .

I covered all of the costs associated with writing this article. However, this best places to visit in Mexico post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Like this post? Why Not Share It?

Thanks for Sharing!

35 Best Places to Visit in Mexico Right Now [2024]

Looking for the best places to go in mexico?

You’ve landed on the right article — because I live in Mexico and have traveled to 16 states thus far, so you might call me a Mexpert!

I know first-hand there’s no shortage of colorful colonial cities, beautiful beaches in Mexico and pueblos magicos (magic towns), which made compiling this list of the best places to visit in Mexico very hard.

While the list showcases just 35 places, Mexico is chock full of historic cities reminiscent of Europe, just much more colorful!

The best places to visit in Mexico here showcase large- and medium-sized cities, but there’s also some smaller pueblos on this list as well.

Ready to discover the 35 best vacation spots in Mexico?

Beyond their physical beauty, these best places to go in Mexico are also historic; many even designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site or Mexico pueblo magico (which means “magic town”).

If you’ve been wanting to travel to Mexico, let’s get to the list — which will be all the inspiration you need to finally book that Mexico trip!

Best Places to visit in Mexico

1. merida, yucatan.

Merida Mexico takes the top spot on the list because it’s the safest city in Mexico.

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula not far from the most popular Mexico places to vacation, like Cancun , Riviera Maya and Tulum — Merida feels like it’s a world away, with a more charming, small town feel.

I just so happen to live in Merida, and have a whole site dedicated to it! Please visit Travel To Merida for all things Merida.

Known as the Cultural Capital of Yucatan, Merida is the best place to vacation in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to explore the area’s rich Mayan history.

There’s really no end to the amazing things to do in Merida — from museums to Merida restaurants serving traditional Yucatan food .

🗿 Uxmal Ruins, Yucatan

Located in the near-dead center of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida’s location offers a great home base to take day trips from Merida and explore the surrounding area. One of the most popular Merida sites is Uxmal Mayan Ruins .

One of the best Mayan Ruins near Merida , Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of five ancient sites on the Ruta Puuc (Puuc Route), and the most visited of them all.

Unlike at Chichén Itzá Ruins, you can climb the Uxmal pyramids!

🏖️ Costa Esmerelda, Yucatan Beaches

Merida is not on the beach; rather it’s about 40 minutes to the nearest beach, Puerto Progreso . This is a popular stop on cruises in the Gulf of Mexico, and the most visited of all beaches near Merida , though there are others.

The Costa Esmerelda (Emerald Coast, named for its emerald-colored water) stretches from Puerto Chuburna Beach on the west about 61-miles (98 km) east to Dzilam de Bravo

There are other great Yucatan beach towns along the way, including Progreso, Chicxulub and Telchac.

Besides the beaches near Merida, there are also many great Merida cenotes to swim in. These “sinkholes,” or natural jungle pools, are found all over the Yucatan Peninsula, with hundreds located within an hour or two of Merida.

Merida (AKA La Ciudad Blanca , or The White City) is considered one of the best places to live in Mexico as well. If the city sounds like it might be for you, check out this guide to Living in Merida .

2. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

San Miguel de Allende (SMA, for short) is located in Central Mexico, about 3.5 hours from Mexico City.

In fact, it is one of the best day trips from Mexico City , especially for foodies, wine lovers and artists — Join the San Miguel de Allende Day Trip from Mexico City and find out!

SMA is a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Guanajuato State, a state known as the most colorful in all Mexico.

The top travel destination in the state, San Miguel de Allende is also among the best places to go to in Mexico, in any state.

In the last 15 years, many American, European and Canadian expats have relocated here.

San Miguel de Allende is considered one of the best places to retire in Mexico with its “Eternal Spring” climate, which makes it the perfect year-round destination for any Mexico itinerary !

Beyond perfect weather, San Miguel de Allende is stunning and historic. The iconic Mexico architecture is well-preserved in San Miguel, and each home, building and street is prettier than the next.

The iconic, Baroque-style Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is a must-see.

This large, pink, San Miguel de Allende Cathedral is the centerpiece of town. It is located in a lovely and well-manicured park, Jardín Allende (Allende Garden), which serves as the town square, and is lively day and night.

3. Tulum, Quintana Roo

In the last decade, Tulum, Mexico has become one of the top places for vacation in Mexico.

This beachfront city is one of the best places in Mexico for vacation for those seeking Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, swimmable cenotes , great nightlife and Instagram worthy photo ops.

Ultimate Tulum Travel Planning Guide for First Time Visitors

Tulum is a Mexico pueblo magico (magic town) located right on the Caribbean Sea; some of the best Mexico real estate there is!

The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), and then you’ll need Cancun to Tulum transportation .

🗿 Tulum ruins, quintana roo

Tulum’s geography is part jungle, part beach. It is often called the “Bali of Mexico,” because it’s similar to Bali, in that way.

Tulum and the surrounding areas have several Mexico Mayan Ruins in Yucatan to explore, similar to the Hindu temples in Bali, Indonesia.

One of the best Mayan temples in Mexico is the Tulum Ruins. Though a smaller site, the Ruins of Tulum are located on a cliff, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, so they’re among the most beautiful.

After exploring this Mayan site, you can even go for a swim in the sea directly below.

🤿 Gran Cenote & Tulum Cenotes

Besides the beautiful beaches, don’t miss the Tulum cenotes . Some of the most Instagrammable places in Mexico, these freshwater jungle pools make for a nice alternative to the Caribbean Sea.

Among of the best cenotes in Tulum, and cenotes near Tulum, don’t miss these:

• Gran Cenote
• Cenote Suytun
• Cenote Calavera
• Cenote Dos Ojos
• Cenote Zacil-Ha

While there’s no end to the number of things to do in Tulum , in recent years, it has become increasingly expensive.

However, Tulum on a budget is certainly possible if you’re determined to visit one of the top vacation destinations in Mexico for cheap!

🏝 Looking for a quieter beach town in Mexico? Head to Mahahual , located a few hours south of Tulum on the Costa Maya.

BEST PLACES TO visit IN MEXICO

4. mexico city.

When making a Mexico Popular Destinations list, there’s no way to leave off CDMX!

If you’re looking for a big city, Mexico City is one of the best places to travel in Mexico; though Guadalajara and Monterrey are two other big city options.

The ultimate CDMX travel guides!

✅ 3 Day in Mexico City Itinerary ✅ 4 Day Mexico City Itinerary ✅ 5 Day in Mexico City Itinerary

CDMX, as it’s known, is the country’s largest city, and the fifth largest city on Earth.

There are so many things to do in Mexico City , including a visit to Parque Chapultepec ( Chapultepec Park ), one of the largest urban parks in the world, which has the only castle in North America!

Besides that, the best neighborhoods in Mexico City, including Coyoacan , Polanco, Roma and Condesa , have tree-lined streets and buildings in varied architectural styles.

These also have beautiful street art to admire, cool sidewalk cafes and the best parks in Mexico City.

🇲🇽 Centro Historico and zocalo

Though some don’t think beauty and a big city can coexist, that’s not the case in Mexico City.

Among one of the most visually-stimulating parrots of town, Centro Historico and Zocalo (Historic Downtown and the Town Square) is also a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Downtown Mexico City, you’ll find the most beautiful and iconic buildings in CDMX.

Perhaps the most photographed place in the city, Palacio Bellas Artes is an Art Deco theater built in 1904, which houses one of the best museums in Mexico City .

A few other noteworthy things to do in Downtown Mexico City include:

• Templo Mayor: Aztec Temple, partially buried underground (A true must see Mexico City site!)
• Catedral Metropolitana: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
• Palacio Nacional: National Palace
• Torre Latinoamericana: Latin America Tower skyscraper
• Parque Alameda: Alameda Park, located next to Bellas Artes
• Barrio Chino: Mexico City Chinatown

🛶 Xochimilco, Mexico City

Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) is a Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient canals, hand-dug by the Aztecs centuries ago, are still popular with visitors today.

When in CDMX, enjoy a Xochimilco tour to parts on the colorful boats and see the floating gardens.

🦋 Valle de Bravo, Estado de Mexico

Known as “the Hamptons of Mexico City,” nearby Valle de Bravo is a gorgeous lakefront town with a lot to offer.

From November to March, you can visit the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary to see millions of monarch butterflies in Mexico during their annual migration.

🗿 Teotihuacan Ruins, Estado de Mexico

The ancient Teotihuacan Pyramids (pronounced tay-oh-tee-wok-on), located about an hour from Mexico City, are another one of the UNESCO Sites in Mexico.

Built thousands of years ago by the mysterious Teotihuacanos , the best way to experience it is on a Teotihuacan tour .

🏖️ acapulco, guerrero

Wondering, What’s the closest beach to Mexico City? It’s Acapulco, located about five hours away by car.

While not one of the best beaches in Mexico, Acapulco is a popular vacation destination for Mexico City locals — but the hot springs of Las Grutas Tolantongo are another option.

5. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is among the safest beach towns in Mexico with some of the best beaches in Mexico.

It has been one of the best Mexico vacation destinations for decades now, welcoming everyone from Average Joes and Joannas, to Old Hollywood movie stars.

Puerto Vallarta Itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 Days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

After Richard Burton finished filming the 1964 film, The Night of the Iguana , he and then-wife, Elizabeth Taylor, bought a home (now the Kimberly Hotel & Spa ), and lived together in Puerto Vallarta for years.

Unlike other Mexico beach towns, Puerto Vallarta still retains its Old World charm.

🏝️ Islas Marietas secret beach in Mexico

Not many know there’s a secret beach in Mexico, because well, it’s a secret!

The Mexico hidden beach , called Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), is part of Islas Marietas National Park, and accessible only by boat. Located off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, the Marietas Islands are simply magical.

💎 nuevo vallarta, nayarit

Just 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta has gorgeous beaches and amazing resorts like Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit , Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta , Grand Luxxe at Vidanta and Marival Armony .

Besides vacationers, it’s also a popular place for Mexico digital nomads .

🏝️ yelapa, jalisco

Located on the Bay of Banderas, Yelapa is one of the best preserved towns on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

It is best accessed on a boat tour from Puerto Vallarta — where you may see whales and dolphins along the way. At Yelapa, there’s waterfalls, beaches and horseback riding trails.

As far as vacation places in Mexico that check off a lot of boxes, Puerto Vallarta is an ideal place for your Mexico vacation.

It has everything from beautiful beaches and nature, amazing food, authentic culture, colorful architecture — and there’s even chic Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resorts .

6. Guanajuato City, Guanajuato

Guanajuato City is the capital of Guanajuato State .

One of the most beautiful places in Mexico, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with colonial buildings, cobblestone streets and narrow winding alleyways — including the famous Callejon del Beso (Alley of the Kiss).

There are colorful plazas (or, plazuelas ) all over downtown, as well as historic buildings, colonial churches and more. In fact, don’t miss any of these 25 Best Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico .

Unlike nearby San Miguel de Allende , with a large expat population that some say has led to a watered-down cultural feel, Guanajuato oozes Mexican culture.

Guanajuato City is more popular with national tourists, versus San Miguel which sees a higher number of international visitors. There are quite a few universities and art colleges in Guanajuato, which gives the town a youthful, lively feel.

It also has some actual festivals, including the Cervantino Festival , one of the biggest performing arts festivals in the world.

It takes place each year in Guanajuato in mid-October. Immediately following is Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), Mexico’s large country-wide festival.

Zacatecas City, Zacatecas

For a similar vibe, but more off the beaten path Mexico trip, check out Zacatecas City. It was voted the American Cultural Capital of 2021, declaring it the top cultural center on the entire Americas Continent!

7. Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

Los Cabos actually encompasses two cities, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo .

Cabo San Lucas is the more visited of the two destinations, but the airport, Los Cabo International Airport (code: SJD) is in San Jose del Cabo — though there’s only about 45-minutes between them.

The two “Cabos” are in Baja California Sur state, on the West Coast of Mexico.

The entire Baja Peninsula has a similar climate to Southern California, and is said to have had years with 350 days of sunshine (it averages closer to 300), and some of the best scuba diving in Mexico.

🏝️ Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Cabo San Lucas is one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico, known for gorgeous beaches and posh hotels.

Among the best things to do in Cabo is take a boat tour to El Arco de Cabo (Cabo Arch), a natural stone arch at Land’s End, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe: Cabo Travel Safety Tips

During the winter, many head to Baja California for whale watching in Mexico.

Take a boat tour just off the coast of Cabo San Lucas and you’re in one of the best places to see humpback whales in Mexico, though you can also see orcas (killer whales), gray whales, blue whales and more.

🏝️ San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur

San Jose del Cabo is also a beach town, but with a more laid back feel than Cabo San Lucas.

There’s a thriving cultural scene in San Jose with it’s popular monthly art walk, and the Historical Walking Tour with a Local . This popular tour, led by locals, benefits the San Jose community.

Planning to visit? The best way to get around San Jose del Cabo and the entire Baja Peninsula is by car. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Renting A car in San Jose del Cabo for more info on the Mexico rental car process.

8. Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Oaxaca City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the capital of Oaxaca State. For al the info you need to visit, check out Traveling to Oaxaca City: The Ultimate Oaxaca Travel Guide .

The entire state is known as one of the top places in Mexico for culturally-minded travelers, and Oaxaca City is considered the cultural epicenter of it — though the beaches of Oaxaca are also amazing.

Besides all the amazing Oaxaca food , the city hosts some of the country’s most colorful, fun and culturally-rich festivals.

In July, there’s the Guelaguetza (pronounced geh-la-getz-uh), the largest folk festival on the Americas Continent, and Day of the Dead on November 1-2.

💦 Hierve el agua

There are so many things to do in Oaxaca itself, like visiting the beautiful Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán Cathedral and Oaxaca Botanical Garden in Centro Historico (Historic Downtown).

However, one of the best Oaxaca sites, Hierve el Agua , is located just outside the city.

Hierve el agua translates to “boiling water,” and there are natural thermal pools and hot springs here. There’s also a calcified waterfall, which isn’t actually a waterfall, though it does look like one from a distance.

You can hike down to the waterfall , then enjoy relaxing in the pools afterwards.

🗿 Monte Alban Ruins

Located about 30 minutes outside of Oaxaca City Center, Monte Alban is the most-visited of all archeological sites and ancient ruins in Oaxaca .

It is another one of the Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Sites, though there are other ruins in the area, including Mitla and Yagul.

💀 Day of the Dead in Oaxaca Mexico

Each November 1-2, there’s the Oaxaca Day of the Dead festival .

This holiday’s origins date back to the ancient Aztecs, though some traditions changed after the Spanish Conquest.

What remains today, is a beautiful city-wide celebration and party in tribute to deceased loved ones.

9. Puebla City, Puebla

About three hours south of Mexico City, you’ll arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ciudad de Puebla de Zaragoza (better known as Puebla City, Mexico).

Puebla City is the capital of Puebla state, a fascinating city and one of the top places to visit in Mexico.

Puebla City is known for its colorful buildings and an abundance of churches.

Urban legends say there are 365 churches and chapels in Puebla, one for each day of the year, but the city also has amazing food and the country’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration.

One of the most underrated foodie destinations in the world, sampling authentic Puebla Mexican food and Mexico drinks is a good reason to visit this historic city!

However, one particular day of the year is more festive than many others — 5 de Mayo.

🪅 Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, Mexico

A popular weekend trip or Mexico City day trip all year-long, many visitors will head to Puebla for Cinco de Mayo, or May 5th.

A very popular holiday commemorated in the U.S. and a few other countries, in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is rarely celebrated outside of Puebla.

Historically, Puebla is the only city in the country with real ties to Cinco de Mayo. Though the holiday is often mislabeled as Mexican Independence Day , that holiday actually takes place on September 16th, not May 5th.

The holiday, rather, is in honor of May 5, 1862; the day Mexico declared victory over France at the Battle of Puebla to end the Franco-Mexican War.

As this event took place in Puebla, Mexico, the city hosts battle reenactments and elaborate festivals during their annual celebration.

💒 Cholula, Puebla

Cinco de Mayo aside, Puebla is among the best cities to visit in Mexico any day of the year.

Downtown is lined with colorful buildings, especially on the Callejón de los Sapos (Frog Alley), where you can buy some talavera , a colorful Mexican tile and pottery art from Puebla state.

Puebla state, considered by some as the safest place to visit in Mexico, also has the most pueblos magicos ( magic towns ) of any state in Mexico.

Of its 10 so-called magical towns, Cholula is one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico, located 30 just minutes from Downtown Puebla.

🗿 Great Pyramid of Cholula

Located underneath the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cholula church — yes, under it — you’ll find the Great Pyramid of Cholula.

It is the largest pyramid on Earth by volume, and the largest archeological site that has a pyramid in the New World.

10. Valladolid, Yucatan

Though you won’t find the pueblo magico of Valladolid on all “Popular Vacation Spots in Mexico” lists, those visiting the Yucatán Peninsula will want to see this charming town.

Colorful Valladolid, Mexico is a top destination for European visitors, with U.S. visitors just starting to catch on.

For visitors headed to the big-name beach towns of Cancun , Tulum , Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen who want to experience authentic Mexican culture , Valladolid is it.

Still relatively off the beaten path , it has remained affordable, yet is still one of the best places in Mexico to vacation.

At only two hours from both Tulum and Merida , it makes for a great day trip from either. However, staying overnight is even better as there’s so many things to do in Valladolid .

For fans of Mexican folk art, the Casa de los Venados has the country’s largest private collection.

Besides this museum, check out the Valladolid Zocalo (Town Square), where you’ll find the Iglesia de San Servacio Valladolid church, a beautiful cathedral built in 1545.

Located nearby, the historic Convento de San Bernardino de Siena is one of the oldest Franciscan missions in Mexico.

🤿 Cenote Zaci & Valladolid Cenotes

Valladolid is also the closest city to Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins , and many of the best cenotes in Mexico!

If you’re wondering What is a cenote? — They are essentially natural jungle pools with freshwater, found almost exclusively in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

Valladolid Mexico Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Cenotes, Hotels

One of the best cenotes in Valladolid , Cenote Zaci, is only about a short walk from downtown.

This partially-open cenote is the perfect place to cool off after a few hours of exploring the town, though there are other great cenotes nearby, like Cenote Suytun and Cenote Oxman.

11. Isla Holbox Island, Quintana Roo

Before we get to any info, let’s make sure you’re pronouncing this island’s name right! Isla Holbox is pronounced hole -bosh , not hole- box! Holbox pronunciation out of the way, let’s discuss this gorgeous Mexican Caribbean island.

Holbox Island is located in the state of Quintana Roo, about three hours from Cancun. In fact, many visitors fly to Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), then make the trip from Cancun to Holbox Island .

To get to the island, you take the Holbox Ferry from the small pueblo of Chiquila Mexico.

🚴 Holbox Travel Tip: There are no cars allowed on Holbox Island! Everyone gets around by walking, biking or on a golf cart.

Located in the Caribbean Sea, Holbox is one of the Mexican Caribbean islands, along with Cozumel , Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy .

It is popular with a more laid back crowd, and especially popular from June to September when you can swim with the whale sharks in Holbox Island.

12. Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre)

Mexico Fun Fact : The Copper Canyon is the eighth largest canyon on Earth, second largest in North America (after the Grand Canyon), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best way to see the Mexico Copper Canyon is on the El Chepe Train . This famous Mexico train goes through the canyon and the deserts in Northern Mexico.

For the best views, board in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and travel 220 miles (354 km) northeast to the city of Creel in Chihuahua, Mexico.

13. Guadalajara, Jalisco

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city, after Mexico City — but you wouldn’t know it by visiting! This city has a much smaller feel compared to Mexico City , with its colonial historic center and quaint neighborhoods.

You can easily spend a couple of days visiting, as there’s so many things to do in Guadalajara.

Take a day to explore Centro Historico, including the Guadalajara Cathedral and Hospicio Cabanas. A walkable city, and all the main sights are not far from Plaza Guadalajara (Main Plaza).

Don’t miss shopping for artesanias (artisan products) and Mexico souvenirs in the huge Mercado San Juan de Dios market.

Located nearby, enjoy Guadalajara day trips to picturesque towns of Tlaquepaque , Ajijic and Tequila — three Mexico pueblos magicos , or magic towns.

🌵 Tequila, Jalisco

The beautiful agave plant fields in and around the Tequila pueblo magico (magic town) were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

Agave is the plant used to make the popular drink that bears the town’s name — which was first made in Tequila, Mexico centuries ago.

Nowadays, Tequila is a fun, colorful town, with cool street art and murals in the Plaza Principal (Town Square).

There’s also museums and distilleries to learn more about the history of the area and its popular creation, where you can also buy tequila directly from local, artisanal producers.

🚂 Ride the Tequila Express Train

One of the most fun ways to experience the Tequila pueblo magico (magic town) is taking the Jose Cuervo Express Tequila Train .

This day trip goes to Tequila from Guadalajara, Mexico , with unlimited drinks and educational classes about Mexico’s famous spirit — tequila !

14. Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

Valle de Guadalupe, or just Valle (pronounced vie-yay) for short, is among the most unique places in Mexico .

Often called the Napa Valley of Mexico, this up-and-coming wine region and foodie paradise in Baja California state is just two hours from the U.S.-Mexico border.

🚙 Check out this Ultimate Guide to Driving to Mexico for more info.

Wine novices will enjoy the views from the tasting room at Santo Tomas Vineyard, while learning about winemaking through multimedia exhibits.

Among the best things to do in Valle de Guadalupe is visit AlXimia , one of the most unique and best vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe.

This is one of the most popular areas for glamping in Mexico, especially at Cuatro Cuartos .

You’re also not far from the popular Mexico beach town of Ensenada , one of the top vacation spots in Mexico for U.S. visitors, located only 30 minutes from Valle de Guadalupe.

🏝️ Ensenada, Baja California

Ensenada is one of the best beaches in Baja California Mexico — especially popular with the party crowd.

Besides the beaches, one of the best things to do in Ensenada is visit La Bufadora Geyser , located on the Punta Banda Peninsula of Baja California state.

La Bufadora , meaning “the blowhole,” is a natural rock formation, which has a hole that shoots water into the air up to 100-feet (30.5 m) above the ocean

It is one of only the largest blowholes in the world, along with Halona Blowhole in Hawaii and Kiama Blowhole in Australia.

15. Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosi

Located mostly in the state of San Luis Potosi, northeast of Mexico City, and bordering the Sierra Gorda UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , is the Huasteca Potosina.

This natural playground for the outdoor enthusiasts has breathtaking waterfalls, rivers, jungle pools and even some caves.

The Huasteca Potosina is still quite undeveloped, and has retained its natural beauty and charm — despite increasing tourism.

To explore the whole area, the easiest way is to go with a group tour or rent a car so you can drive everywhere. It is safe to explore either way you choose.

💧 Visit Huasteca Potosina on the 3-Day Adventure and Nature Lovers Tour in Huasteca Potosina Tour !  

You’ll want to book a hotel in Ciudad Valles, Mexico , a town right in the heart of the Huasteca. From there, you can take daily trips to the best waterfalls: Mico, Tamul, Tamasopo, El Salto, Puente de Dios.

There’s also the Sotano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows), which you must see before sunrise.

These locations are all spread out, which is why it’s easiest to stay central in Ciudad Valles and head in different directions every day.

You can also make yourself a custom itinerary and find local places to stay closer to each of the Huasteca Potosina sites you want to explore.

🌳 Xilitla, San Luis Potosi

Xilitla (pronounced hee-leet-la) is the oldest town in San Luis Potosí state, dating back to the 16th Century.

This small town is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has a more verdant, lush feel than the rest of the Bajío — the lowland region of Central Mexico where Xilitla lies.

The town is not the easiest place to get to, being on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve .

However, many make this part of Mexico its own trip by traveling to Xilitla, the Sierra Gorda and the Huasteca Potosina .

The main draw in the Xilitla pueblo magico is the Surrealist Gardens of Edward James , also called Los Pozas (The Pools).

Inspired by his love of surrealist art, eccentric Englishman Edward James began building his dream home and gardens, though he passed away before completion.

16. San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

San Cristobal de las Casas is a beautiful colonial city and pueblo magico (magic town) in Chiapas state .

It is located in southern Mexico, next to Oaxaca state — two states known to provide a true Mexican cultural experience.

🤑 Looking for cheap places to travel Mexico? Your dollars will stretch far in San Cristobal and all Chiapas state.

Some of the best things to do in San Cristobal include exploring the local markets, admiring the colonial architecture, and immersing yourself in the surrounding nature, like El Chiflon Waterfalls .

There are some great towns nearby, like San Juan de Chamula and Zinacantan .

🗿 Palenque ruins, Chiapas

While designating the “best places to vacation in Mexico” is subjective to each traveler, those looking to experience unspoilt, beautiful Mexican nature will enjoy Palenqne, a pueblo magico in Chiapas.

Located in a rainforest high in the mountains, the top site here is the Palenque Mayan Ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is about 135 miles (220km) from San Cristobal de las Casas .

Some of the more notable buildings include the Templo del Conde (Temple of the Count), El Palacio (The Palace) Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of the Inscriptions) and Templos XII and XIII.

💦 Agua Azul, Chiapas

Agua Azul , meaning Blue Waters, is a giant series of waterfalls and swimming pools with bright blue, beautiful waters.

It is located a few hours from San Cristobal, on the way to Palenque Ruins, so it’s a popular stop to break up that long drive.

⛰️ Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas

One of the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas is take a boat tour of Sumidero Canyon . You’ll depart from Chiapa de Corzo, a pueblo magico (magic town) located about 30 minutes from Downtown San Cristobal.

On the thrilling boat ride, you’ll marvel at the canyon walls, which extend up to about 3,000-feet-tall (1,000 m) in some areas.

Chock full of wildlife, you may see crocodiles a few feet from the boat, and playful monkeys swinging around in the trees on shore.

17. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Looking for the best beach resorts in Mexico ? How about one of the best beach cities in Mexico? Or best Mexico resort towns?

Located about midway between Cancun to the north and Tulum to the south, Playa del Carmen fits the bill!

Besides the miles of pristine beaches in Playa del Carmen, you’re near amazing Mayan Ruins, like Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Just outside of downtown, check out the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen, and popular Xcaret and Xel-Ha water parks in Mexico.

Spend time strolling Avenida Quinta , Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. This popular street has it all: shopping, live music, bars, clubs, the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, and even a Frida Kahlo Museum!

In fact, walking 5th Ave. is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen.

On 5th Avenue, head to the southern end of the street to enjoy Parque los Fundadores (Founders Park), home of the iconic Portal Maya statue.

Here, you’ll also see the Voladores de Papantla perform their ancient ritual while flying suspended from a 100-foot-tall (30.5 m) pole.

🏝️ Playa Maroma, Quintana Roo

Playa Maroma Beach, located near Playa del Carmen, was named one of the 10 Best Beaches in the World by the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel.

For those looking to stay in one of the best overwater bungalows in Mexico , look no further than El Dorado Palafitos on Playa Maroma.

18. Morelia, Michoacan

Morelia is the capital of Michoacan state, and the 22nd largest city in Mexico.

At four hours west of Mexico City, Morelia makes a great weekend trip from Mexico City with gorgeous-yet-affordable hotels like the stunning Hotel de la Soledad — the best hotel in Morelia, Mexico.

This is one of the most European looking cities in Mexico, with classic architecture and beautiful stone fountains scattered throughout the town.

While so many of Mexico’s colonial cities are painted in varying bright colors, Morelia’s buildings are all kept in their natural stone.

One of the most iconic buildings in the Historic Center of Morelia, is the beautiful baroque Catedral de Morelia

Head to the Plaza de Armas (Main Plaza) to see the Morelia Cathedral, beautiful both inside and out. The Plaza de Armas park makes a nice place to relax for a bit in this bustling city.

Besides the cathedral, the one-mile long Acueducto de Morelia (Morelia Aqueduct), which was built in the 1700s, is one of the oldest sites in town.

It is beautiful during the day, but head there at night to its 250 limestone arches lit up.

19. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

This is the most popular Oaxaca beach town of them all! For those who have seen photos of the best Puerto Escondido beaches, like Playa Carrizalillo, you already know why this Oaxaca coastline town is so popular.

One of the things that put Puerto Escondido, Mexico on the map are its surf waves. Puerto Escondido’s famous big wave surf spot is Playa Zicatela beach.

The Mexican Pipeline wave at Zicatela regularly reaches 10-feet (3 m) in height!

While Pipeline is not a wave for beginner surfers, you’ll find surf schools and smaller waves at La Punta and Playa Marinero.

In fact, surfing is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido — aside from just simply enjoying a Puerto Escondido beach or two. If you have the time, check out nearby Lagunas de Chacahua National Park .

One of the most popular attractions takes place on the beach at sunset; the  Oaxaca Turtle Release Program. In recent years, this has become one of the most popular Puerto Escondido tours .

A Puerto Escondido must do for many, you can opt for a more complete tour to also visit other Puerto Escondido sites, like the bioluminescent Laguna Manialtepec Lagoon .

20. Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, Yucatan

One of the most visited of all Mexico tourist attractions is Chichen Itza Ruins, which sees an astounding two million visitors each year! It is tied with Teotihuacan Ruins near Mexico City for having the most visitors.

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Yucatan.

Chichen Itza is located about 2.5- to 3-hours from all the top Yucatan Mexico destinations, like Cancun, Tulum, Merida and Playa del Carmen, and less than one hour from Valladolid, Mexico .

There are many tours of Chichen Itza from all these places, or you can drive your Mexico rental car .

The largest of all Chichen Itza pyramids is El Castillo , which is the first one you see when you enter the site. The El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza is also called the Temple of Kukulkan.

It has 91 steps on each side, adding up to 364, and when combined with the top platform makes 365, one step for each calendar day. It is the most famous Mexico Pyramid of all.

They say the Mayan people, experts in astronomy, architecture and mathematics, strategically positioned the buildings in a unique pattern that follows the rotation of the Earth and position of the sun.

El Caracol (The Shell) is the Astronomical Observatory, with a telescope once used to track the planet Venus. The Maya believed Venus was a war god, and observed its position in the sky to determine the best time to go into battle.

The entire site is filled with amazing facts like this, so do book a Chichen Itza guided tour when you visit.

21. Taxco, Guerrero

Taxco was one a booming silver mining town, and still known as the top Mexico silver town to this day.

These days, Taxco gets most of its income from tourism, as one of the most beautiful and best pueblos magicos in Mexico — anchored by the gorgeous Santa Prisca de Taxco church.

Many go there to walk the town’s winding cobblestone streets, and also to shop for silver. You can buy directly from artisans who still do handmade silver work to this day.

Just outside of town, there’s Cacahuamilpa Caves , the famed Taxco caves in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park.

22. Cozumel, Quintana Roo

Accessible only by boat, Isla Cozumel Island is located about 25 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen . It is one of the best islands in Mexico, a popular spot for cruise ships, and one of the best places for diving in Mexico.

There are the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins in Cozumel, beautiful sandy beaches and pristine natural areas, like Punta Sur Eco Park.

However, the best things to do in Cozumel involve being in the water — as there’s a whole other world to enjoy beneath the Caribbean Sea.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second largest reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef.

Located in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, Cozumel is a top snorkel and dive destination, with comfortable water temperatures all year, amazing visibility, and healthy marine life.

23. Izamal, Yucatan: The Yellow City in Mexico

Izamal, Mexico has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Nicknamed “The Yellow City,” buildings in Downtown Izamal are all yellow.

The reason why is unknown, but as one of the world’s only monochromatic cities, Izamal is one of the coolest places in Mexico.

One of the best day trips from Merida, Mexico , the Yucatan pueblo magico of Izamal is a feast for the eyes.

A small city, you can explore all of downtown in a few hours, including the Convento de San Antonio de Padua Izamal church, built in the 16th Century.

24. Cancun, Quintana Roo

Cancun, arguably the most famous beach in Mexico , is indeed a place for everyone — not just those looking to party!

Now, there are plenty of Cancun nightlife spots to dance and drink the night away, but Cancun is a top Mexico travel destination because it’s a place many can enjoy.

Cancun all inclusive resorts are perfect for families; backpackers have great Cancun hostel options ; and party goers have plenty of Cancun bars and clubs.

Among the best places in Mexico for couples, romance seekers will love a luxury retreat at Nizuc Hotel and Spa .

Cancun, Mexico also makes a great home base to explore the Yucatan Peninsula , and the Yucatan Mayan Ruins .

📆 Cancun Travel Tips: The best month to visit Cancun is February , as you’ll have perfect weather and smaller crowds.

In fact, not many know there are a few places to see Mayan ruins in Cancun — like El Rey, in front of Playa Delfines, one of the best beaches in Cancun, and El Meco, in Puerto Juarez.

In the Hotel Zone, there’s the Museo Maya de Cancun (Cancun Mayan Museum) which has a Mayan temple.

Just off shore, there’s Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA), better known as the Cancun Underwater Museum , with 500 submerged sculptures and healthy coral reefs.

25. Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo, Guerrero

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo (pronounced zee-waa-ten-eh-hoe ) are located right next to one another — so a visit to either essentially gives you two Mexico vacation spots in one.

Ixtapa, located in Guerrero state on the Pacific Ocean, has some of the best beaches of Mexico.

It is decidedly a resort town, and among the best Mexico coast cities with plenty of amenities and great infrastructure for visitors, including Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (code: ZIH).

Spend some time exploring the best beaches in Ixtapa, Playa El Palmar, Playa Linda and Playa Quita, and then do an Ixtapa boat tour to Isla Ixtapa (Ixtapa Island) .

Exploring this beautiful, tranquil island is among the best things to do in Ixtapa.

Zihuatanejo is right next to Ixtapa, and while gaining in popularity, for now , it remains one of the top Mexico hidden beach towns .

Unlike the hustle and bustle you’ll find in Ixtapa, this peaceful, sleepy beach town of Zihuatanejo feels like it’s a world away.

26. Ajijic, Jalisco (Lake Chapala)

Located just 35 miles south of Guadalajara on Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Chapala, the Ajijic, Mexico offers an escape from crowds.

Part of the Chapala Riviera, Ajijic is famous for its tropical weather, lush vegetation and natural beauty.

Ajijic pueblo magico (magic town) has charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful bougainvillea, with plenty of enticing restaurants and cafes.

It is a popular place for Mexico expats, and considered among the best places to live in Mexico, and best places to retire in Mexico.

27. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Isla Mujeres, Mexico is a small island paradise just a few miles from Cancun, across the Bahía de Mujeres . It is accessible only by ferry from Cancun , and is a popular day or weekend trip for both visitors and locals.

Even though it’s close to Cancun, Isla Mujeres offers a totally different experience. As island life is much more laid back, it’s the perfect spot to come and relax for a few days in a beautiful Isla Mujeres resort .

The best beach in Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte, on the northern tip of the island.

It’s a long stretch of white sand beach, lined with palm trees and beautiful turquoise waters. Playa Norte is among the best beaches Mexico has because the water is calm enough for swimming.

One of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres, if you visit from May to September , is swim with whale sharks .

During this time, the largest fish in the ocean pass by Isla Mujeres on their annual migration, and you can swim alongside these gentle giants.

28. Sayulita, Nayarit

A once sleepy fishing village, Sayulita, Mexico , in Nayarit state, has grown into a laid-back, boho beach town on many Mexico bucket lists.

Sayulita is one of the best surf spots in Mexico, and a favorite among yogis, artists, and those looking for a chill beach vacation in Mexico.

21 Best Things to Do in Sayulita + Travel Guide

This small town, one of the 135 or so pueblos magicos (magic towns) in Mexico has a tight-knit community of locals and expats. In fact, it’s one of the most popular places for expats in Mexico.

Sayulita is known as a hub for spiritual seekers and wellness enthusiasts, and you’ll find plenty of yoga studios and retreats in Sayulita.

There are also great street food stands and restaurants in Sayulita, cool shops and art galleries, jungle hikes and even horseback riding on the beach .

🏝️ Riviera Nayarit

Looking for nice places to visit in Mexico that aren’t too touristy? Then the Riviera Nayarit beaches on Mexico’s Pacific Coast will really wow you!

This 200-mile (322 km) stretch of Mexico coastline has some of the best beaches in Mexico, like Sayulita, Punta Mita , Litibu and Lo de Marcos.

🏝️ San Pancho, Nayarit

Located in the Riviera Nayarit, the pueblo of San Pancho, Mexico is often overlooked by its more popular neighbors to the south — Puerto Vallarta , Sayulita and Bucerias .

However, it’s an up and coming beach town, and one of the top places to visit in Mexico for those in the know.

For such a small town, there are many great things to do in San Pancho (AKA San Francisco).

With cobblestone streets, quiet plazas, great surf waves and amazing beaches, San Pancho is one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita .

29. Bahias de Huatulco, Oaxaca

Located about two hours west of Puerto Escondido is Bahías de Huatulco, usually just called Huatulco (pronounced wa-tool-coh).

Huatulco is the perfect spot for those wanting resort style accommodations , and relatively crowd-free, amazing beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Huatulco has an astounding 36 beaches , as well as nine bays. In fact, the word bahías in its name means “bays” in Spanish.

With so much beachfront real estate and beautiful landscape, the best things to do in Huatulco involve being in or around the ocean at a Huatulco Mexico beach.

There’s also Huatulco National Park , a 29,000-acre park (116 km²) that’s partially on land and partially in the protected waters off the coast. You’ll want to can visit on a Huatuclo tour to see as much as possible.

In 2005, Huatulco achieved international Green Globe Certification, as it has more protected space than all other Mexico tourism destinations. When you visit, you’ll see why it’s one of the best Oaxaca beaches on the Oaxacan coast.

30. Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Mazatlan, known as the “Pacific Pearl,” is the best Mexican beach destination in Sinaloa state, and in general, one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

Located on the Pacific Ocean, it’s rich history, delicious Sinaloa-style seafood, and beach views make it a perfect Mexico vacation destination. 

You’ll want to visit all the best beaches in Mazatlan while you’re there.

If you’re staying at a Mazatlan resort , you’ll likely be visiting the beaches in the Golden Zone. This is where the action happens, as these beaches are tourist-friendly.

If you prefer a locals’ beach, head to Playa Olas Altas to venture off the beaten path in Mazatlan.

Regardless of which beach you choose, the waves can be powerful in Mazatlan, so use caution while enjoying the water. For calmer waters, head to the Golden Zone beaches.

Besides the beaches, another one of the best things to do in Mazatlan is go zip lining.

Located just a bit out of the city, you’ll be in a dense forest of the Sierra Madre mountains in rural Sinaloa, perfect for flying through the treetops on a zip line tour in Mazatlan .

27. Tepoztlan, Morelos

Tepoztlán, Morelos is one of the best day trips from Mexico City , at just one hour away.

This town is a hub for artists, healers and spiritual seekers, and one of the 135 or so pueblos magicos (magical towns), a prestigious title awarded by the Mexico Tourism Secretary.

For many, no visit to Tepoztlan is complete without climbing up to the Tepozteco Aztec Pyramid .

It’s an intense climb, though the views are spectacular. This mountain-top ruin is dedicated to Tepoztēcatl, the Aztec god of pulque (pronounced pull-kay), known as “the drink of the gods.”

💒 Cuernavaca, Morelos

Cuernavaca is a super easy Mexico City day trip, perfect for lovers of history, architecture, nature and art.

As many of the old haciendas have been turned into resorts, you can stay in luxury for relatively little money at Anticavilla Cuernavaca Hotel and Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas .

🎥 Mexico Fun Facts: Some scenes from the 2004 film Man  on  Fire , starring Denzel Washington, were filmed in Downtown Cuernavaca Mexico.

Cuernavaca is the capital of Morelos state, and often called the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its lovely, balmy weather and pleasant climate year-round.

The city has gorgeous views of the Tepozteco Mountains, and plenty to do on a day trip from CDMX.

32. Akumal, Quintana Roo

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, between Tulum and Playa del Carmen , you’ll find the Mexico beach town of Akumal.

The closest airport to Akumal is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), so you’ll fly there and then make your way from Cancun to Akumal .

🐢 swim with the turtles in akumal Mexico

Akumal is mostly known as one of the best Mexico resort areas — and it has some of the best all inclusive resorts in Mexico — but this town is famous for its turtles.

Among many amazing outdoor adventures in Yucatan, swimming with the turtles in Akumal is a Mexico bucket list experience.

The only way to swim with the turtles is by booking a tour , as the number of people allowed in Akumal Bay each day is regulated, for the turtle’s safety.

Akumal turtle tours follow strict guidelines to continue conservation efforts and protect this endangered animal.

Swimmers must maintain a 10-foot (3 m) distance from the sea turtles so they can easily surface to breathe. Akumal turtle season runs from May to November each year.

33. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Todos Santos is a quaint, hip pueblo , and one of the best small beach towns in Mexico.

In 2006, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism designated Todos Santos a pueblo magico (Mexico magic town), one of about 135 places in the country with this high honor.

One of the best beaches near Todos Santos is Punta Lobos, a quiet beach about 15-minutes from town.

Here, you’ll find local villagers who still use traditional fishing practices, and it’s quite impressive to watch the small boats go in and out throughout the day.

In Downtown Todos Santos, enjoy shopping at El Taller Todos Santos, Nomad Chic and Etnica. Stroll through the town and be on the lookout for colorful, creative Todos Santos street art.

Hotel California in Mexico

While strolling through Downtown Todos Santos , make sure to stop in at the Hotel California.

This is the hotel urban legend says inspired The Eagles’ hit song; though lead singer Don Henley denies it. Still, no visit to Todos Santos is complete without seeing the Hotel California .

34. Lake Bacalar, Quintana Roo

Bacalar Lagoon is also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors and the Maldives of Mexico — a reference to the crystal clear waters of the Maldives Islands.

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar is about 4.5 hours from Cancun, and 30 minutes from the Belize-Mexico border.

Bacalar Mexico: Ultimate Bacalar Lagoon Travel Guide

Though technically a pueblo (small town), there are quite a few things to do in Bacalar, including a blissful swim in beautiful Laguna Bacalar (Bacalar Lake).

There’s also a historic fort in Downtown Bacalar, with cannons once used to fend off pirates 🏴‍☠️

Lake Bacalar is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico — at 26-miles-long (42 km). The largest is Lake Chapala, near Ajijic pueblo magico .

The best way to see it all is on a Bacalar tour of the lagoon to check out the Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel), Cenote la Bruja (Witch’s Cenote) and Isla de los Pajaros (Bird Island).

35. La Paz, Baja California Sur

The town of La Paz in Baja California Sur state has some of the best swimming beaches in Mexico, making it the perfect spot to vacation for everyone from families to tranquility-seekers.

The best beaches in La Paz, Mexico include Playa El Coromuel , Playa El Tesoro and Playa Tecolote .

However, the undeniable star of the La Paz Mexico beach scene is the gorgeous Playa Balandra . It is known as the best beach in Mexico, and what some consider one of the best beaches in the world!

In case you’re wondering Is La Paz worth visiting? — Playa Balandra alone is worth the trip.

🤿 Cabo Pulmo National Park in Mexico

Cabo Pulmo is located in the Sea of Cortez, famously called “the aquarium of the world” by diver and 1970s TV personality, Jacques Cousteau.

It is located about 90-minutes north of San José del Cabo (and the Los Cabos Airport), in a protected Mexico national park.

During the winter months, this is the best place to see humpback whales in Mexico as they migrate past from about late-November to early-April.

If you’re visiting in the summer, Cabo Pulmo is one of the best places to snorkel in Mexico, with many taking a Cabo Pulmo snorkeling tour .

💦 Isla Espiritu Santo Island

When visiting La Paz, Mexico , don’t miss out on taking a boat tour through the Sea of Cortez. This narrow gulf lies between mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula, and is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

On a Sea of Cortez boat tour , you’ll see an abundance of wildlife — like dolphins, whales and sea lions. When you jump in the water, juvenile sea lions may even swim up right beside you.

You’ll also see Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Los Islotes , two of the best places to visit in Baja California.

Mexico Travel Guide & Mexico FAQ

Is Mexico safe for travelers?

For the vast majority of travelers, Mexico is safe. That’s not to say “bad” things don’t happen in Mexico; they do — so you must remain vigilant at all times.

As safety is never guaranteed anywhere on Earth, you must prioritize your safety while traveling to Mexico by staying aware of yourself and your belongings at all times.

In reality, Mexico travel safety is a big, complex topic. Head to Is Mexico Safe? 25 Tips to Stay Safe in Mexico for an in-depth explanation on Mexico safety.

🤔 Should I get Mexico travel insurance?

While you don’t legally have to have travel insurance for Mexico , you’ll definitely want to have it.

During these current and strange times, travel insurance for Mexico will give you an added level of security and peace of mind so you can just kick back and enjoy your Mexico vacation 😎

Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

If Mexico travel safety is on your mind, get your FREE quote below from World Nomads and Safety Wing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance.

• Safety Wing : Perfect for general travel coverage, and digital nomads who travel for extended periods of time .
• World Nomads : Perfect for those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling.

What do I include on my Mexico packing list?

If you’re wondering, What’s the best month to visit Mexico? , that will absolutely depend on where you’re headed.

Mexico is a very big country (the 14th largest country on Earth, in fact) with varied climates in different parts of the country.

While Mexico beaches have warm temperatures year-round, cities are much cooler.

Make sure to double check the weather where you’re headed — as there’s more temperature fluctuations than most realize when they travel Mexico.

Cute Outfits for Mexico Vacation: What to Wear in Mexico

As a general rule, Mexicans tend to dress on the conservative side. Even in hotter places and pueblos (small towns), jeans and long sleeves are the norm.

While on beaches it’s normal to see shorts and sandals, in cities you’ll definitely stand out.

🧳 FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico

Head to the Ultimate Packing List for Mexico to download your FREE printable packing list for Mexico.

This multi-page Mexico packing checklist covers Mexico beach packing and Mexico city packing, so you know want to bring, and what not to bring to Mexico!

Final Thoughts: Best Places to Visit in Mexico Right Now

While many think Mexico is just one giant beach, there are amazing and historic vacation cities in Mexico as well.

Now, with 5,800-miles of coastline, if you’re looking for a beachfront vacation place in Mexico, you have no shortage of those either. Hopefully, this list well represents both.

To classify the “Best Places in Mexico to Visit” or “Best Part of Mexico to Visit” is impossible, as they are subject to each individual traveler.

However, rest assured all destinations featured above are among the safest places to vacation in Mexico. In short, you can’t go wrong with any of them!

✈️ So what are you waiting for? Book your Mexico flight now , and start making your Mexican travel dream come true!

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

36 Best Places To Visit in Mexico in 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: April 3, 2024

We have often considered settling down in Mexico when we retire. Each time we visit México, we love it! We haven’t visited everywhere in the country but love to add a new destination each time we go down. So we combined our extensive travels with Nathan of The TRVL Blog to showcase the best places to visit in Mexico.

Table of Contents

Top Places to Visit in Mexico

Mexico is a country made up of 758,000 square miles and 31 states. Bordering the United States and the Latin America countries of Belize and Guatemala, Mexico is a land of pyramids, jungles, beautiful beaches, and sprawling resort towns.

From the bustling capital city, Mexico City, to the quiet towns of Baja California Sur , Mexico gives you all the variety you need. Mexico is diverse and on our list of must-visit places in Mexico, we’ve included a variety of destinations to suit all tastes. So sit back and start planning your trip to Mexico today.

1. Yucatán Peninsula

When exploring the Yucatan, there are so many destinations that it is best to settle on one place as your base so that you can go back again and again. Consisting of the Mexican States of the Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche chances are you are going to visit the Yucatan Peninsula.

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is by far one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. Jutting out between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea this beautiful peninsula is the most popular tourist destination in Mexico. It houses some of Mexico’s top attractions and destinations. It houses the popular beach towns of Cancun, Cozumel , Playa Del Carmen and so much more. At 197,000 square km (76,300 square miles) there is a lot to see and do here.

Book this whale shark adventure (that we booked as well) from Cancun . Whale shark tours occur in the Yucatan from May to December. Get Your Guide is the company we went with and they have free cancelation within 24 hours of the tour.

Cancun is the most famous of all the cities in the Yucatan Peninsula. This resort town is party central and a popular tourist destination for students on Spring Break. It was the first place we visited in Mexico and probably the first stop for most people and with good reason.

A lot of people will say not to go to Cancun, but we still like it. We’ve been back a couple of times and Cancun makes for a great base to explore the Mayan Riviera. Read everything to do in Cancun at Best Things to do in Cancun, Mexico

There are plenty of resorts to suit all budgets and types of travel including all inclusive resorts that cater to couples-only and adults-only resorts for a quieter more romantic escape. The last time we visited Cancun we stayed on the Cancun Riviera at The Excellence in nearby Puerto Morales and loved the luxury all-inclusive escape.

From Cancun, there are countless day trips, water sports, adventures, and Mayan ruins to explore. So don’t let its reputation turn you off, it’s popular for a reason. The long stretch of sandy beach along turquoise waters of the Hotel Zone is second to none and the place to stay. Read more: The Best Cancun Day Trips

Our favorite hotels in Cancun are:

• Cancun Excellent Riviera – Adults-Only hotel on the Cancun Riviera. Great food entertainment and luxury rooms. See our video tour here.
• Cancun Moon Palace – Fun atmosphere on Cancun’s South Shore, luxury accommodations yet laid back vibe.
• Hyatt Zilhara Cancun – Adults-only all-inclusive in the heart of the hotel zone of Cancun. We love Hyatt Zilharas throughout the Caribbean
• Read more at: Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Hotels and Areas For Every Budget

Famous for the ancient ruins of Tulum Tulum is located in the south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.. While these ruins aren’t our favorite in Mexico, they do have the most awe-inspiring setting of all the Mexican ruins .

Sitting atop high cliffs on the Caribbean Sea, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum had the best view in the house. What makes Tulum popular to tourists besides day trips to the ruins, is its stretch of white sandy beaches. Read more: The Best Tulum All Inclusive Resorts

Where to Stay in Tulum

• Generations Riviera Maya Resort  is one of the best all-inclusive resorts if you want to be situated right on the coastline.
• Kore Tulum Retreat  is a stunning adults-only resort amid Tulum’s Hotel Zone. When we say central, we mean it; you are just steps away from Tulum’s archaeological sites. 
• Bahia Principe Grand Tulum  is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Tulum. Its all-inclusive resort package includes all meals – giving you a definite head start on saving money when staying in Tulum.

4. Rio Secreto Cenote

The resorts along its turquoise waters are quieter than the other resort areas making for a more off-the-beaten-path vacation than the busier city of Cancun. If you want to explore Cenotes, this is the place to do it, Tulum has a high concentration of these breathtaking underground sinkholes. Read more: Cenotes in Photos – Discover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves

One of our first proper scuba diving trips was to Cozumel and with good reason. This island off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel a popular tourist destination for divers drawing visitors to explore its waters from around the world to view its marine life and coral reefs. This island has some of the best scuba diving on earth within its waters. Don’t worry if you are not a diver, you can go snorkeling as well.

Many people visit Cozumel on a day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but staying on this island truly has a Caribbean vibe. There are all-inclusive resorts on Cozumel, some small Mayan ruins, and plenty of beautiful beaches. The downtown markets are a fun place to shop and like many Mexican tourist destinations, there’s plenty of nightlife and dining. Read more: The Best Cancun Day Trips

Where to Stay in Cozumel

• Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa : Located on a half-mile of private beach, this luxury resort is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, particularly divers and snorkelers, with the island’s best coral reefs nearby.
• Hotel B Cozumel : Combining traditional Mexican design with contemporary style, this boutique hotel offers a unique, artsy vibe. With a location right on the Caribbean Sea, it features a private beach area, a seaside hot tub, and opportunities for snorkeling.
• Secrets Aura Cozumel : This adults-only all-inclusive resort is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

6. Riviera Maya

This stretch of resort area spans from just south of Cancun to Punta Allen which is south of Tulum. The Riviera Maya, (or Mayan Riviera as we like to call it) in southern Mexico houses the best resorts of Cancun , Playa del Carmen , and Cozumel. Chances are if you are looking for an all-inclusive resort, you will set your sights on the Riviera Maya.

This stretch makes for a great base as most tours pick you up right at your hotel and hotels have shuttles to major attractions. Plus, with its location on the Gulf of Mexico, the waters are warm and calm with coral reefs right off the shore making for the perfect beach vacation. Check out: Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves

7. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, “The Island of Women” is mostly visited on a day trip from the mainland but there are resorts on the island where you can stay in paradise.

With white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and an abundance of marine life, it’s perfect for water sports, scuba diving and snorkeling or swimming with sea turtles. it is a quieter place in Mexico for a vacation. (unless you stick around the beach where daytrippers come in to party).

The small island is easy to get around by motorscooter or bicycle making for the perfect laid-back vacation. Isla Mujeres is the jumping-off point for whale shark tours and this once-in-a-lifetime tour is something everyone should do when visiting Mexico. Read more: Swimming with Whale Sharks Cancun – A Massive Adventure

8. Chichen Itza

We were lucky during our visit to the ancient city of Chichen Itzá so many years ago that we could still climb to the top of the Grand Pyramid El Castillo at this UNESCO World Heritage Site then. While you can no longer go up, it is still worth visiting as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.

This ancient Mayan city is the mother of Mayan Ruins in Mexico with impeccable grounds that have been well preserved.

This is one of the most popular day trips in Mexico and can become very crowded, so if you really want to explore Chichen Itza, consider spending the night nearby so you can get there early to avoid the tour buses. If you want to book a day trip to see it, make sure to combine it with a dip in one of the nearby Cenotes. Read more: 7 Wonders of the World – the New, The Natural, and the Ancient

9. Playa Del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is another famous Mexican beach destination. Located an hour south of Cancun on the Riviera Maya, this is a lovely beach town with plenty of nightlife, shopping, and dining. All of the day trips and activities that you do from Cancun can be done from here and tour operators will pick you up from your hotel.

This resort town has grown a lot over the years and it is no longer the sleepy town we first visited in 1998, but there are still quiet portions. We recommend booking a vacation rental when visiting Playa del Carmen so you can enjoy the beach and the nightlife like a local. Search for places to stay in Playa del Carmen with TripAdvisor.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

• Barcelo Maya Palace – Beautiful all-inclusive luxury resort for families.
• Excellence Riviera – Adults Only hotel with free shuttles.
• Search for more Playa Del Carmen Hotels on Booking.com

10. Los Cabos – Cabo San Lucas

Located on the west coast of Mexico on Baja California Sur, Los Cabos is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico for those living on the West Coast of North America. Los Cabos is a municipality that actually consists of two towns, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

The resort strip of Cabo San Lucas lies between the two towns and is filled with all the activities one would expect on a Caribbean Vacation. Albeit, this body of water is on the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Cabo San Lucas is a touristy town where you’ll find partying and nightlife whereas the beach town of San Jose del Cabo has a more authentic feel where you can get a taste of true Mexican culture.

Todo Santos and San Jose del Cabo are great alternatives with plenty of accommodation options. Read more: Sea Kayaking Baja Mexico – A Remarkable 10 Day Journey

Where to Stay in Cabos San Lucas

• The Resort at Pedregal : This luxury resort offers an exclusive and secluded setting on a private coastal bluff. It features plunge pools in every room.
• ME Cabo by Melia : Located on Medano Beach, this stylish, modern resort is known for its vibrant pool scene and proximity to downtown Cabo’s nightlife.
• Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Blanco Beach Resort : This all-inclusive resort offers a family-friendly environment with a prime location on El Médano Beach, one of the most swim-friendly beaches in the area.

11. Chiapas

Chiapas is the southernmost state in Mexico and we were completely blown away by the beautiful scenery, Mayan Ruins, and the beautiful colonial town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. Make your base in San Cristobal de Las Casas for an out-of-the-ordinary Mexican vacation. The historic center feels as if you have stepped back in time with cobblestone streets weaving through churches and Spanish architecture. The Indigenous People wear their traditional dress as they do their business in this charming town of southern Mexico.

Visit the Mayan ruins of  Palenque and climb its pyramid in solitude and hike through Canyon del Sumidero. The canyon is as old as the Grand Canyon and reaches 300 meters (1000 fett) into the air. Explore its caves and waterfalls and spider monkeys play overhead.

Where to Stay in Chiapas

• San Cristóbal de las Casas : This charming colonial city in the highlands of Chiapas is full of color, culture, and history.
• Palenque : If you’re interested in Mayan history, consider staying in or near the town of Palenque, which is close to the famous Palenque archaeological site.
• Tuxtla Gutiérrez : As the capital city of Chiapas, Tuxtla offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.

Izamal is a charming small town located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, known as the “Yellow City” because of the color of its buildings, particularly the impressive Convento de San Antonio de Padua, a massive 16th-century Franciscan monastery built on top of a Mayan pyramid.,

The Yellow City is built on and around several ancient Mayan pyramids. The most significant of these is Kinich Kak Moo pyramid, one of the largest in Mexico, which visitors can climb for a panoramic view of the City of Hills.

Izamal is one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” or “Magic Towns,” a designation given by the Mexican government to towns that offer unique cultural and historical significance. It’s one of the oldest cities in Yucatán and was an important religious center in the ancient Mayan civilization.

Where to Stay in Izamal

• Hotel Rinconada del Convento : Situated in a beautiful colonial building, this charming hotel offers spacious rooms arranged around a tranquil central courtyard. With its close proximity to the Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua.
• Hotel San Miguel Arcangel : This boutique hotel boasts a blend of colonial and modern styles. Its comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, and swimming pool provide a relaxing retreat after exploring the city. Located near the city center, it’s an excellent base for exploring Izamal’s main attractions.
• Macan ché Bed & Breakfast : This eco-friendly B&B offers a unique, peaceful setting with lush tropical gardens. Macan ché emphasizes sustainability and local culture, serving homemade breakfasts featuring local ingredients. It also boasts two pools, hammocks for lounging, and is just a short walk from Izamal’s main sites.

13. Copper Canyon

Speaking of canyons, Copper Canyon in Northern Mexico is larger than the Grand Canyon in Arizona! Consisting of six canyons it is a popular place in Mexico to explore by train. Hop aboard the Copper Canyon Railway (The Chihuahua-Pacifico Railway) and take the scenic route from Chihuahua to Los Mochis. Instead of just taking the train, make sure to stay overnight in a hotel overlooking one of the deepest canyons on earth. There is plenty of adventure to be had at Copper Canyon from zip lining, hiking, and horseback riding.

Copper Canyon, or Barranca del Cobre, is located in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. It’s often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, although Copper Canyon is actually larger and deeper. Copper Canyon provides a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, outdoor activities, and culinary exploration, making it a unique destination in Mexico.

14. San Miguel de Allende

One of the most popular places in Mexico for ex-pats is the beautiful colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. It attracts those who wish to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle on an extended trip. For a vacation in Mexico, it isn’t at the top of the list, but for someone traveling around or looking to spend the winter in the country, this is an excellent choice. If you have explored most of the hot spots in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is the place for you.

This charming town is located just 170 miles from downtown Mexico City, its historic center is filled with rich history and beautiful Spanish-colonial architecture, and the neo-gothic church of La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel stands proud at its heart.

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

• Rosewood San Miguel de Allende : This luxury resort beautifully captures the charm of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
• Hotel Matilda : A boutique hotel that seamlessly combines traditional Mexican architecture with contemporary design.
• Casa de la Noche : This bed & breakfast is located in a historic former bordello, adding a touch of intrigue to your stay.

Located just 2 hours from Mexico City in central Mexico, Puebla is another captivating destination in Mexico that is beloved for its culinary scene and stunning colonial architecture. The city’s Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with beautiful buildings and streets filled with colourful tiles (talavera).

Puebla is renowned in Mexico for its cuisine. It’s the birthplace of mole poblano, a rich and complex sauce often served over chicken, and chiles en nogada, a stuffed pepper dish that reflects the colors of the Mexican flag.

It is home to the Puebla Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church in the city’s Historic Centre that’s notable for its stunning architecture and the nearby Chapel of the Rosary (Capilla del Rosario) is considered a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque architecture.

Just outside Puebla, you’ll find the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is considered the world’s largest pyramid by volume. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in pre-Columbian history.

16. Puerto Vallarta

I first heard of Puerto Vallarta on the Love Boat when Captain Stubing took his passengers on a Mexican cruise during one of its special episodes. It only took about 30 years to finally make it there, but we thoroughly enjoyed one of the earliest resort areas in Mexico. Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is a beach town that has been a top draw for tourists for decades.

With all-inclusive resorts similar to the likes of Cancun, visitors can indulge in food and nightlife, beautiful beaches, and watersports. The colonial town of Puerto Vallarta sits among the jungle mountains reaching up from the sea and it is one of the premier places on earth to see humpback whales as they migrate through from December to March. Go horseback riding on the beach or scuba diving off its shores. Puerto Vallarta is a place for relaxation or adventure.

Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta

• Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa : This luxury resort is set within a nature preserve, offering a blend of beachfront relaxation and adventurous activities.
• Hotel Playa Los Arcos : Located in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. It features three pools, including one for adults only, and offers nightly entertainment. Its location is excellent, within walking distance of the city’s popular beach, Playa Los Muertos, and numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.
• Casa Kimberly : This boutique hotel is the former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. It offers a glamorous and romantic setting with suites named after Taylor’s films, a stunning pool with a jacuzzi, and a rooftop restaurant.

17. Riviera Nayarit

Located a little farther up Mexico’s Pacific Coast from Puerto Vallarta is Riviera Nayarit. Less visited than the likes of Puerta Vallarta, the beach town of Riviera Nayarit has been a popular surfing spot for years. Sayulita has been a secret to ex-pats and bohemians who enjoy the artistic lifestyle, pristine beaches, and world-class surfing. Explore its fishing villages and enjoy the laid-back beach life as you relish the slow pace of its relaxing beach vibe.

Explore Parque Nacional de la Tovara which is fed by the Pacific Ocean as you enjoy some of the best bird watching in the country. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, and turtles as you enjoy a boat trip through this scenic park. Enjoy the port city of San Blas and stay in a small boutique resort to enjoy its many amazing beaches and colonial history. Or enjoy the authentic Mexican charm of the quiet fishing village of Bucerías:

18. Tecaté – Rancho La Puerta

Tijuana may be the more famous town on Mexico’s northern border, but nearby Tecate is where we took a quiet retreat at Rancho le Puerto. This wellness retreat is a sanctuary in the mountains and has consistently been named one of the best spa destinations in the world by Condé Naste Traveler. Located just outside the small town of Tecate, we crossed the border from San Diego to explore this lesser-visited place in Mexico. Tecate is the gateway to Mexico’s wine route and to the state of Baja California.

19. Mexico City

What can I say about the Mexican capital city of Mexico City?  It’s impossible to pinpoint one sole aspect of Mexico City, as to why it deserves its name on this list. Is it the food, architecture, museums, art galleries, bars, or shopping? The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with significant historical buildings, like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

Mexico City is home to a staggering number of museums (over 150), including the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The city’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world, offering everything from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. It’s the perfect place to sample authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, tamales, and enchiladas, as well as regional dishes from all over the country.

Just outside Mexico City, you can visit the ancient city of Teotihuacan, home to some of the largest pre-Columbian pyramids in the Americas. Read more and start planning your visit with 10 Best Things to do in Mexico City for an Epic Trip

Where to Stay in Mexico City

• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City : This luxury hotel, situated on the grand boulevard of Paseo de la Reforma, offers spacious rooms with views of the courtyard or streetscape.
• Hotel Carlota : A trendy boutique hotel in the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood, Hotel Carlota is a stylish choice for design lovers.
• Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico : Overlooking the Zócalo, this historic hotel is known for its stunning Art Nouveau stained glass ceiling and early 20th-century Parisian-style decor.

The Baja California Sur capital is a charming city with creative street art and strong coffee with the Sierra Madre Mountains looming in the distance. This charming beach town is known for its gorgeous beaches most notably, Balandra Beach. Think white sands and crystal clear waters hidden away within a bay. Within the bay the water doesn’t rise above your legs, making it possible to walk all the way to a deserted castaway-style beach on the opposite side.

Development is forbidden around the area of Balandra Beach, so there are no ugly resorts lining the beach. In fact, there are no buildings for miles. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Not only is Balandra Beach the best beach in Mexico, but it’s also one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. Read more and start planning 19 Best Things to do in La Paz, Mexico

Where to Stay in La Paz

• CostaBaja Resort & Spa : This upscale resort overlooks the Sea of Cortez and is adjacent to Mexico’s only Gary Player-designed golf course.
• Hotel Catedral La Paz : Located in the heart of La Paz, this boutique hotel combines modern comforts with touches of traditional Mexican design.
• Hyatt Place La Paz : This hotel offers a balance of comfort and convenience. With its spacious rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast, it’s a solid option for both business and leisure travelers.

21. Oaxaca City

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be right at home in Oaxaca City. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Oaxaca City Around every corner in this bustling city, you will find local Oaxacan delights to stuff your face with. If you’ve never tasted Oaxacan cheese, now is your chance. Mole is also the thing to try here. Mole comes in many different flavors, so prepare for a serving of hot chicken smothered in a flavorsome thick sauce.

As with many Mexican cities, the colonial architecture will keep you occupied for hours upon hours. When you’ve finished eating your way through and exploring Oaxaca City, take a day trip to Hierve el Agua. Roughly translating to ‘the water boils’ Hierve el Agua is the site of natural springs, where solidified minerals cascade down the cliff’s edge to look like waterfalls. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

22. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido, located on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca and is a popular destination in Mexico known for its beautiful beaches. It is particularly known for its surfing at Zicatela Beach, known as the “Mexican Pipeline.” It’s one of the best surf spots in the world, attracting professionals and serious amateurs. There are also beaches with calmer waters suitable for beginners. and surfing.

In addition to Zicatela, there are several other gorgeous beaches to explore, such as Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Manzanillo, and Playa Principal. These beaches are great for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling.

The area around Puerto Escondido is rich in biodiversity. Laguna de Manialtepec, a few kilometers north of the town, is famous for its bioluminescent plankton. There are also opportunities for wildlife spotting, including birds, turtles, and whales. Puerto Escondido is known for its sea turtle conservation efforts. Visitors can participate in release programs, where baby sea turtles are released into the ocean.

Oaxacan cuisine is one of the most renowned in Mexico, and Puerto Escondido is no exception. You can find delicious seafood dishes, traditional Oaxacan mole, tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza), and mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit. And this city has excellent nightlife with beachfront bars, clubs and live music venues.

23. Ensenada

If you adore food, especially seafood, you will love Ensenada. Every corner in Ensenada is home to no-frills food stands serving up simple-yet-delicious deep-fried prawn or fish tacos.

A soft flour taco, topped with deep-fried prawns, shredded crunchy lettuce, zesty lime juice, a squirt of sour cream, and fiery chili sauce. What more could you ask for? It doesn’t stop there, Ensenada is home to an award-winning ceviche stand. La Guerrerense is the award-winning stand in question. The awards are well deserved. There’s not a day that’s passed where I haven’t thought about that mixed ceviche taco I devoured from La Guerrerense.

24. San Augustinillo

On the Pacific coast of Mexico lies the small fishing village of San Augustinillo. The neighboring towns Mazunte and Zipolite often get the acclaim for this area of the Oaxacan coast, but I’d recommend making a beeline straight to San Augustinillo and forgetting about the more popular and built-up neighboring towns.

There are minimal hotels, cabanas, and restaurants lining the beach in San Augustinillo, so there are no crowds of tourists here. The chances are you’ll have a large area of the beach to yourself. If your thing is relaxing on the beach or catching some waves with the surf or bodyboard, the charming village of San Augustinillo is the place for you.

25. Tequila

Could any trip to Mexico be complete without visiting the home of tequila, Tequila? OK, this could get a bit confusing. Tequila the drink is named after a town in central Mexico named Tequila. This traditional Mexican town is where the drink tequila is produced. Too much tequila? Get used to it, the one and only theme of your day in Tequila will be drinking lots of tequila.

There are distilleries spread across this town, so head for one and learn how the humble agave plant transforms into one of the world’s most popular drinks and of course, sample their own style of tequila. One place that you cannot miss while you’re in the town of Tequila is La Capilla, named in the top 100 bars in the world.

26. Bacalar

Often referred to as the “Maldives of Mexico” because of its stunningly clear, blue lagoon Bacalar is an incredible place to visit in Mexico. lso known as the Lake of Seven Colors, Laguna Bacalar is the second largest natural freshwater lake in Mexico and is known for its stunning blue and turquoise colors. This lagoon is perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding.

Compared to more popular destinations like Cancun or Playa del Carmen, Bacalar is a quieter and less crowded place, which makes it an excellent location for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Plus, it has a reputation for being eco-friendly with a focus on sustainable tourism. This approach has helped preserve the natural beauty of the area.

I’ve seen some stunning lakes in my time, but the bright blue waters of Bacalar Laguna knock every one of them out of the park. Bacalar is one laid-back place, so it’s nice to kick back and relax for a couple of days.

Don’t spend all your time chilling out and relaxing by the tranquil Laguna though, there are 16 square miles of lake to explore. Rent a kayak and explore the lake yourself. The water is nice and calm, ensuring the perfect conditions for kayaking. Also, take a speed boat tour and spend the morning exploring the cenotes around the lake.

27. Guanajuato

The first word that springs to mind when I think of Guanajuato is colorful.  If there’s one thing they do well in Guanajuato, it’s sprucing up their buildings with bright colors.  Located in central Mexico, Guanajuato is full of culture, history, and unique attractions. Guanajuato’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.

One of the unique features of Guanajuato is its subterranean network of tunnels, originally created for flood control, which now helps manage the city’s traffic. Walking through these tunnels is an adventure in itself and make sure to visit Alley of the Kiss (Callejón del Beso) a narrow alleyway famous for a tragic love story akin to Romeo and Juliet.

Guanajuato is conveniently located in the heart of Mexico, within easy reach of other notable destinations like San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro, and Mexico City.

28. Querétaro

Querétaro is a vibrant city located in the central part of Mexico. It is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and excellent wine. Querétaro is considered one of the best places to visit in Mexico because of its historic center which is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The city’s baroque buildings and narrow cobblestone streets are among the most impressive in Mexico.

One of Querétaro’s most iconic landmarks is its massive aqueduct, built in the 18th century. It consists of 74 tall stone arches that stretch across a distance of 1.3 kilometers, offering a remarkable sight.

Querétaro is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, which makes it an attractive destination for travelers. Plus, Querétaro’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of central Mexico. It’s within easy reach of Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato.

29. Valladolid

There are a few places on the Yucatan Peninsula that I couldn’t possibly leave off this list. The town of Valladolid is beautiful.  There’s a central plaza overlooked by a stunning cathedral with plenty of bars and restaurants housed in pastel-colored buildings, serving up local specialties.

Having said that, the main reason Valladolid makes this list is down to the cenotes which you’ll discover around the outskirts.  Rent a bike and cycle to Cenote X’Keken and Samula. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the limestone cave cenotes and marvel at the endless stalactites hanging down above you.

30. Isla Holbox

If you haven’t heard of Isla Holbox yet, where have you been? The popularity of this Mexican island has rocketed in the last few years and it’s easy to see why. People are flocking from all corners of the globe to Isla Holbox. At the moment, the island isn’t as developed as the likes of Isla Mujeres. However, who knows in the future?

The main draw of Isla Holbox is the opportunity to get up close and personal with whale sharks from June-September. As well as swimming with whale sharks visit the ecological reserve Yum Balam, kayak in the mangroves, go flamingo spotting, grab yourself a beer at a beach bar, or spend the day floating around in the crystal-clear waters.

Being the capital city of the Yucatan Peninsula and the cultural hub of Mexico, Merida is often hailed as one of the best places to visit in Mexico because of its cultural heritage. But it also has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and close proximity to significant archaeological sites.

The city is known for its colonial architecture, colorful streets, and historic landmarks, it is a city of beautiful. With art galleries and fine cuisine It’s also a gateway to some of the most important Mayan archaeological sites, such as Uxmal and Chichen Itza. It is close to the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula, with its cenotes (natural sinkholes), wildlife, and beautiful beaches. It’s a short drive from the city to Progreso, a port city known for its beach and seafront promenade.

Plus, Merida has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Mexico, which makes it a comfortable and welcoming place for tourists. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality.

Where to Stay in Merida

• Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel : This small luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Mérida.
• Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa : This award-winning boutique hotel on the prestigious Paseo de Montejo is renowned for its unique pink façade.
• Hotel El Conquistador : Located near Mérida’s historic center, this hotel offers comfort and convenience. It features a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and spacious rooms.

32. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico after Mexico City and the capital of the state of Jalisco. One of the best places to visit in Mexico for culture, Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music, a symbol of Mexican culture. The city hosts the International Mariachi Festival annually, with performances, parades, and competitions.

Just outside Guadalajara is the town of Tequila, where the world-famous spirit is produced. You can take a tour of the tequila distilleries, see the blue agave fields, and learn about the process of making tequila. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, street art, and local crafts.

The city also has and impressive architectural heritage, from the grand Guadalajara Cathedral and the Hospicio Cabañas (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the modernist buildings in the Colonia Americana neighborhood. Guadalajara is home to several beautiful parks, including the Guadalajara Zoo, one of the most important zoos in Latin America, and the Barranca de Huentitán, a stunning canyon on the outskirts of the city.

33. Acapulco

Acapulco is located on Mexico’s Pacific coast and is a renowned beach resort city that has long been a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists. It is most famous for its golden sandy beaches. The city’s bay is lined with high-rise hotels and restaurants, and the beaches, such as Playa Condesa and Playa Icacos, are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

The city is known for its party atmosphere, with plenty of places to dance and enjoy music into the early hours of the morning. One of Acapulco’s most iconic attractions, the La Quebrada Cliff Divers are a group of professional divers who perform daring jumps from cliffs as high as 35 meters into the ocean below, a must-see spectacle for any visitor.

Despite being a modern city, Acapulco has some interesting historical attractions. The 17th-century Fuerte de San Diego, for example, is a star-shaped fortress that now houses the Historical Museum of Acapulco, offering insights into the region’s history. From the Chapel of Peace (Capilla de la Paz), located at one of the highest points in the city, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Acapulco Bay.

Where to Stay in Acapulco

• Banyan Tree Cabo Marques : Located on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, this luxury resort offers private villas with plunge pools, some with ocean views.
• Las Brisas Acapulco : This iconic hotel located on a hillside offers a unique experience with private casitas, each with its own or shared pool.
• Hotel Emporio Acapulco : Located on the main tourist strip of Acapulco, this hotel offers a range of amenities including several outdoor pools, restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa. Its location right on the beach, and proximity to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, make it a convenient choice for many travelers.

34. El Cuyo

El Cuyo is a sleepy fishing village located on the Yucatan Peninsula’s north coast, in the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve. Although not as widely known as some of Mexico’s other beach destinations, it’s a place of unspoiled beauty that offers tranquility and an authentic local experience.

Unlike more crowded destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, El Cuyo offers long stretches of relatively untouched and uncrowded beaches, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle. Located in the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, El Cuyo offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The area is known for its flamingo colonies and is home to a wide variety of other bird species. Depending on the time of year, visitors may also witness the nesting of sea turtles or catch sight of dolphins in the sea.

As a small fishing village, El Cuyo provides a taste of authentic Mexican life that’s harder to find in more touristy destinations. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, interact with the friendly locals, and immerse themselves in the laid-back lifestyle.

35. Monterrey

Monterrey, located in northeastern Mexico, is the country’s third-largest city and one of its most important economic centers. Monterrey is known for its modern skyline, featuring skyscrapers such as the Torre Ciudadana and the Pabellón M. The Faro de Comercio, a striking green laser monument in the city’s Macroplaza, is also a notable sight.

Speaking of the Macroplaza, it’s one of the largest city squares in the world and houses important buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey, the Government Palace, and several museums.

Despite being a bustling city, Monterrey is located near impressive natural attractions. The Cumbres de Monterrey National Park includes the iconic Cerro de la Silla mountain, and the Grutas de Garcia are stunning caves accessible by a scenic cable car ride.

36. San Luis Potosí

San Luis Potosí, both a city and a state in central Mexico, played a crucial role in Mexico’s independence and revolution. As a result, it boasts numerous historical monuments, buildings, and museums that chronicle the country’s past.

The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with well-preserved colonial buildings. Highlights include the ornate Cathedral of San Luis Potosí, Government Palace, and Plaza de Armas.

It’s home to the Huasteca Potosina, a region boasting lush jungle, waterfalls, caves, rivers, and the surreal landscapes of the Las Pozas garden in Xilitla.

Make sure to visit Real de Catorce. Located in the state of San Luis Potosí, this old silver mining town is now a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town) and a popular tourist attraction. It’s known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and spiritual significance, as many believe it to be a place of energy and healing.

San Luis Potosí’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other regions of Mexico. It’s a short distance from several other major cities, such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.

Mexico has Variety

Variety is Mexico’s middle name. After a day lounging on a pristine beach , you may find yourself tucking into fresh ceviche from a modest food stand on the side of the street or hitting the clubs for an exciting night out. Another day you’ll be wandering around the narrow streets of a city discovering colonial churches amongst the brightly painted buildings. The possibilities in Mexico are endless. So are you ready to choose one of these best places to visit in Mexico on your next trip? Start planning today!

Picturesque beaches are found north, south, east, and west of Mexico. What’s that I hear you say, you want more than beautiful beaches? From Cancun to Tulum and La Paz to Isa Mujeres, the beautiful beaches of Mexico are endless soft white sand that you can walk for days upon.

Don’t worry, the architecture in Mexico’s colonial towns and cities will have you occupied for days. Also, there’s the food, how could I go this long without mentioning Mexican cuisine? The variety of local dishes across the country will have you tucking into something new each meal.  Forget about the Tex-Mex restaurants in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, get some traditional Mexican food down you at all of these other places to visit in Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Mexico

Where is the nicest place in Mexico?

This largely depends on what you’re looking for. For beach lovers, places like Cancun, , Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta offer stunning shorelines. For cultural enthusiasts, cities like Mexico City, Guanajuato, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende are rich in history, architecture, and local traditions. Nature enthusiasts might enjoy the natural beauty of Chiapas or the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua.

What did Mexico used to be called?

Before it was known as Mexico, the area was home to numerous indigenous civilizations, including the Aztecs and Maya. The Aztecs called their homeland “Anahuac.” After the Spanish conquest, the territory became known as “Nueva España” or “New Spain.” It wasn’t until the country’s independence in 1821 that it became “Mexico,” named after the Mexica people, the indigenous group known as the Aztecs.

What is the most American City in Mexico?

This could be interpreted in different ways. If you’re referring to a city with a significant American expatriate population, cities like San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Lake Chapala are known to attract many American retirees.

If you’re referring to cities with a lot of American cultural influence, cities closer to the border like Tijuana, Monterrey, and Ciudad Juarez have more American businesses and cultural influences due to their proximity to the United States.

Where in Mexico do the most Americans live?

The highest concentrations of American expatriates in Mexico are found in Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, the Lake Chapala area, and various cities in Baja California and along the Riviera Maya, which includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas and Tulum.

Places to Visit in Mexico – Map

And these are the best places to visit in Mexico. Where is your favorite?

Plan Your Next Trip to Mexico with These Resources

• 10 Best Things to do in Mexico City for an Epic Trip
• 15 Fun Facts About Mexico
• Best Things to do in Cancun, Mexico
• 19 Best Things to do in La Paz, Mexico
• Amazing Things to do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
• Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves
• 20 Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands to Put on The Bucket List
• Amazing Things to Do in Belize

This post was originally written by Nathan of The TRVL Blog. His website is no longer active and it has now been updated by The Planet D.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

26 Best Things To Do In Oaxaca, Mexico in 2024

The Best of Loreto – Best Kept Secret in Baja California Sur

Is Mexico City Safe To Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

13 thoughts on “36 Best Places To Visit in Mexico in 2024”

Thanks for the travel inspiration and comprehensive guide. Can’t wait to plan my Mexican getaway and tick off some of these amazing spots!

Nice to see Bacalar mentioned. Spent two weeks in 2006 and fell in love with the people and town.

There is a lot to see in Mexico, without a doubt a lot of culture and magical places to visit and enjoy. I recommend you to take the time to visit all the towns and cities you mention.

ENSALADA! love love love it

My husband and I have vacationed in Mexico numerous times with the help of our travel service elite1500. We absolutely loved Holbox and are hoping it doesn’t get developed too fast!! And yes, swam with the whale sharks and it’s an incredible experience. Still haven’t made it to Mexico City but it’s definitely on the bucket list.

Thanks for your sharing, I plan to go to Mexico next year. But my question is: can people in Mexico speak English? My Spanish skills are limited so I was wondering if you guys could speak fluently while in Mexico and if not, do people speak English? I really want to talk everybody here, but that might be difficult if we don’t have a common language…

Thank you for sharing information. I visited Holbox through “Oscar Cancun Shuttle”, but due to time short, I was unable to visit other popular places.I wish plan and visite again.

Very nice when you got travel to Mexico !

Great article..! It looks like Mexico is one of the most amazing place to visit..Balandra beach looks gorgeous and

Bacalar blue lake is awesome to see…! Hoping to visit soon. Thank you for such a beautiful article.

OMG 🙂 I was there once, but now I see I need to go back asap! Thanks for sharing :)))))) Praying for Mexican people after earthquake.

We will be visiting Holbox for the first time in February. I’m looking forward to it!

Love this article. Read lots of blogs about Mexico as I contemplate where to go and what to do..and this one has came up with new and interesting ones that truly inspire me. Thank you.

WOW! Really wonderful information…

18 Best Places to Visit in Mexico (That May Surprise You)

Mexico is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Latin America, and deciding where exactly to travel is the first challenge when you’re putting together an itinerary.

There’s so much to see, and while places like Cancun and Tulum are undeniably beautiful and incredibly popular, they are really just the start of the best places to visit in Mexico. 

There are ancient Mayan Ruins waiting in the jungles, Whale Sharks swimming off the coast of La Paz, Aztec history in Central Mexico, and much, much more to explore. 

To inspire your next adventure, here are the best places to visit in Mexico! 

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Mexico (Country Guide)

18 of the Best Places to Visit in Mexico

Table of Contents

1. Mexico City 

Mexico City is the sprawling capital and largest city in the country, and of course, it has to be one of the best places to visit in Mexico. 

We also want to admit that Mexico City is hands down one of our favorite cities in the entire world! It has the perfect balance of history, culture, food, architecture and adventure. We adore this city.

While it can be a daunting prospect if it’s your first time in Mexico, there’s so much here to be discovered that it can’t be missed out. 

Visit North America’s only castle, at Chapultepec Park, and then spend an entire day walking through the enormous Museum of Anthropology. 

Hop through the trendy bars or cafes of Condesa, delve into the Conquistador stories behind Coyoacán, and take in the hidden Aztec history of the Centro Histórico.

Get an insider peek into Mexico City’s culinary hotspot of Polanco on this food walking tour . An in-the-know guide whisks you around the well-heeled neighborhood to several different eating venues.

Sample Oaxacan, Yucatecan and traditional dishes, including chocolate and ice cream desserts, against the backdrop of Polanco’s parks.

2. Teotihuacan

Just outside of the capital, you can find one of the best places to visit in Mexico, the pyramids of Teotihuacan . 

While Mexico City was once the Aztec capital, before the Spanish arrived, most of the temples and buildings were buried beneath the new city the conquistadors built. 

At Teotihuacan though, you can find the impressive Aztec temples and palaces still standing, remarkably preserved and protected. 

Climb to the top of the towering structures and gaze in awe across the beautiful landscapes. 

Discover one of Mexico’s most important archeological sites in a small group tour of the Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City . With your guide, visit the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which include the Sun Pyramid, Moon Plaza, Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

3. Xochimilco 

Mexico City was built on a lake, but much of that lake has disappeared over the centuries since the Spanish arrival. 

One place that still bears a resemblance to the prehispanic era is Xochimilco, which is just outside the capital. 

This serene area of canals is the Venice of Mexico, and you can take a boat ride through these Aztec waterways while Mariachi Bands serenade you and the beers flow.

Ride a traditional barge through Xochimilco canals , then visit Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera landmarks on an immersive private tour of Aztec history and Mexico City art.

This tour includes round-trip hotel transfer and admission to Xochimilco, the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, and Casa Azul, and features the mosaic murals at UNAM.

4. Guanajuato 

The highlands of Central Mexico are one of the most beautiful places in the country. 

One of the best places to visit in Mexico is Guanajuato, an old mining town with an important place in the country’s history. 

The city is high up and is known for its colorful houses which rise steeply up the mountainsides. There are beautiful churches, spectacular vistas and plenty of points of interest to visit from the Mexican Wars of Independence. 

5. San Miguel de Allende 

Just a short drive from Guanajuato, you can find the equally historic city of San Miguel de Allende. 

Named for the famous hero of the Mexican wars of Independence, Ignacio Allende, this is another place to trace through the stories of Mexican history and revolution. 

San Miguel de Allende is beautiful too, with ramshackle colonial streets and colorful buildings, as well as wineries and great restaurants. 

Discover the wonders of San Miguel de Allende cuisine on this 3-hour food walking tour . Soak up rich culinary history and traditions as you explore family-owned restaurants and other eateries, and sample delicious churros, chocolate, mole, ceviche and more.

Admire the city’s Spanish baroque architecture and learn about the local history along the way.

6. Cancun 

Cancun is easily the most well-known place in Mexico, and while it’s touristy, it’s always one of the best places to visit in Mexico. It’s really hard to resist the white sand beaches and turquoise waters here.

Cancun is where you find Mexico’s best resorts and some of the most exceptional beaches. Lavish hotels and resorts line the coastline, and you’ll be endlessly entertained by the restaurants, bars, and activities. 

If you’re looking for a vacation, then Cancun is the place to go , but always remember that there’s so much to see inland too. 

Away from the beaches, you can visit Chichen Itza, the most impressive and accessible Mayan ruins in southern Mexico. 

You can visit adventure parks in the jungles, swim or even scuba dive in crystal clear Cenotes, and explore the best of the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Delve deep into the Yucatan jungle for a day of adrenaline-packed activity and Mayan culture . Explore the natural wonders of cenotes, an incredible underground cave, and river systems.

Thunder through a tropical forest on an all-terrain Unimog to your next stop, where rappelling and ziplining await.

Located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is one of Mexico’s most spectacular island getaways. 

Despite being so close to Cancun, there’s none of the crowds and only a fraction of the development and it’s still more than possible to find secluded beaches and rustic hotels. 

Cozumel is best known for its diving, and there are some excellent dive spots all around the island. 

Pleasure your palate with meat-stuffed empanadas, succulent shrimp tacos, and sweet Mexican pastries on a culinary tour of Cozumel . Sample the exotic flavors of the idyllic island, noting the Mexican spice and Caribbean flair.

8. Riviera Maya 

The Riviera Maya is the stretch of coastline in Quintana Roo which runs from the south of Cancun and past Tulum. 

This is one of Mexico’s most glorious beach destinations, and you’ll find everything from five-star hotels in Playa del Carmen through to boutique accommodation in Tulum. 

There are beaches, snorkeling and diving spots, turtles and Mayan Ruins all along the length of the Riviera Maya. 

Set off into the warm Caribbean Sea on this half-day catamaran sailing adventure . Your luxurious boat will cruise along the Riviera Maya coastline, stopping at the Inah Reef, one of the best locations in the region for snorkeling.

After your water activities, enjoy a gourmet lunch and an open bar, as well as attentive service from your crew.

9. Tulum 

Tulum is found at the southern edge of the Riviera Maya, just a few hours south of Cancun. 

It’s one of the best places to visit in Mexico because while you have stunning beauty to match the likes of Cancun, it’s still nowhere near as busy or built up. 

Tulum is centered around a Mayan ruin that looks out over the Caribbean Sea, while inland you can find more Mayan Ruins hidden by the steaming jungles of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Leave the beaches of Cancun and explore Tulum, an ancient Maya fort perched on a bluff during this full-day private tour . At Tulum, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, learn about the city’s once-thriving commercial role in Maya history.

Move on to discover a cavern network of stalactites and stalagmites at Kantun-Chi.

10. Merida 

The largest city in the Yucatan is Merida, around a four drive through the jungles from Cancun, but despite being one of the best places to visit in Mexico it’s a destination which is often overlooked by tourists. 

Merida was a Mayan city before the Spanish arrived, and the Conquistadors simply built their churches and cathedrals over the Mayan temples. 

You can uncover this history in the local museums, including the huge museum dedicated to the Mayan world. 

Nearby, there are more Mayan Ruins and fascinating towns such as Izamal, a place which is also known as the Yellow City for its abundance of bright yellow buildings. 

There’s good food, good nightlife and lots of history and culture in Merida! 

Get acquainted with Yucatan specialties on this street food tour of Merida . Walk with a local guide to Merida’s main market plus a seafood restaurant and gelato shop. Sip fruit juices and sample plenty of local dishes, not limited to empanadas, tamales and seafood tacos.

11. Palenque

If you’re looking for Mayan Ruins then take a trip to the far south of Mexico, where right on the Guatemalan border you can find Palenque. 

Once a bustling Mayan city, Palenque was already long overgrown and abandoned when the first Conquistadors hacked their way through the jungle to discover it. 

The excavated temples and houses are some of the best-preserved in the Mayan world, and although it’s not a quick journey getting here, it’s well worth the effort. 

12. San Cristóbal de Las Casas 

Chiapas is one of Mexico’s most diverse and beautiful states, and San Cristobal de las Casas is the best place to visit to start exploring. 

This charming colonial city is found high up in the mountains, and the streets are awash with culture and history.

This is the heart of the Mayan world, except here you won’t find ruins, but the living descendants of Central American culture.

Hundreds of indigenous languages are spoken in the area, and San Cristobal de Las Casas is a melting pot of histories and cultures.

Combine visits to Sumidero Canyon and the Magic Chiapa de Corzo on this adventure from San Cristobal de las Casas . With your guide pointing out the flora and fauna, take a boat ride through the canyon on the Grijalva River, admiring in the towering canyon walls around you.

13. Manzanillo 

Manzanillo is located on the Pacific Coast, in the state of Colima and it’s one of the busiest tourist destinations and harbors in Mexico. 

It is home to some wonderful bays and beaches, and the sunsets here could well be the best in the entire country. 

You can snorkel, scuba dive, and enjoy many more watersports, while the ocean here is famed for the quality of its deep-sea fishing. 

Ride the rugged mountain trails of Manzanillo on an off-road ATV adventure with an experienced local guide . Leave the city behind then get perfect views of the scenic countryside from the slopes of Cerro del Toro.

Roar along trails in the shade of towering hardwood trees, and spot blooming flowers and ripening fruit in the thick.

14. Comala 

Comala is also found in the state of Colima, however, it’s very different from the coastal city of Manzanillo. 

Comala is a Pueblo Magico, known for its uniform white buildings which date back to the colonial era. 

Found inland, this is a place of culture, and it’s the perfect place to delve into local history and to uncover the layers of heritage hidden here. 

If you’re tired of beach resorts and are ready for an edge-of-your-seat adventure, then this trek to an active volcano has you covered . Hit the slopes of Mexico’s most fiery peak, with trekking poles provided.

You’ll also pass through avocado and coffee plantations, with time to savor freshly brewed coffee—made from volcano-grown beans.

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Mexico. 

La Paz is located on the coast, overlooking the Gulf of California, and it’s the perfect place for snorkeling, diving and wildlife watching. 

Off the coast, you often spot whales and dolphins, while between October and March you can even go swimming with Whale Sharks. 

This great guided street art walk in the center of La Paz lasts for roughly an hour and a half . Discover the stories behind 15 murals painted by a variety of artists from the four corners of Mexico.

True reflections of the local culture, these murals provide the viewer with deep access to the culture of The Baja.

16. Sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez is the name that’s also given to the Gulf of California. This is one of the best places to visit in Mexico, and it encompasses more than just La Paz. 

This is Baja California, and there’s so much to do here, from snorkeling and diving to hiking in the mountains. The best way to explore by land is to hire a car and road trip. 

Alternatively, taking to the seas on a Baja small ship adventure expedition will have you uncovering the beauty of this area in a unique way.

Head out on the Sea of Cortez aboard a catamaran to swim near the natural habitat of whale sharks on this excursion from La Paz .

With certified guides, slip into the water, wearing the provided snorkel equipment, to get a look at these huge creatures in the waters they call home.

17. Cabo 

Cabo is another of the best places to visit in Mexico, and it’s also found in Baja California. 

Cabo is right at the southern tip of the peninsula, and it’s a beautiful resort destination with plenty of activities, beaches and beautiful vistas to enjoy. 

Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to explore the beauty of Los Cabos and the Sea of Cortez, including the dramatic features of Land’s End.

Pass by the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and snorkel with your guide at Pelican Rock, accessible only by boat.

18. Cholula 

Cholula is a small city in the state of Puebla, which is best known for its enormous Prehispanic temple mound. 

The Pyramid of Cholula is thought to be the largest pyramid in the world, but it lay undiscovered for centuries, as the Spanish believed it was simply a hill and even built a church on top. 

It’s now known to be an important archeological site and it’s one of the best places to visit in Mexico! 

Combine visits to both Cholula and Puebla on this private, flexible-timed tour from Mexico City . Enjoy personalized attention from your guide while visiting the church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, the Chapel of the Rosary, and the Great Pyramid of Cholula, among other landmarks.

More on Mexico:

• Ultimate Baja Mexico Cruise: The Sea of Cortez with UnCruise
• Ultimate 3 Days in Mexico City Itinerary (2020 Guide)
• Where to Stay in Mexico City: Best Districts & Hotels (2020 Guide)
• Ultimate Packing List for Mexico
• Best Time to Visit Cancun: Month by Month Breakdown
• 12 Best Day Trips from Mexico City (That are Worth Taking)
• The Amazing Mexico City Pyramids of Teotihuacan
• Manzanillo Mexico Travel Guide: A Cancun Alternative
• 8 Things to Do in the Riviera Maya for an Epic Vacation
• 9 Incredible Things to do in Cozumel

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The 39 Best Places to Visit in Mexico in 2023

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here, and my privacy policy here.

Wondering what are the best places to visit in Mexico? you have landed in the right place.

I have lived in Mexico for 13 years ( and counting) and explored most of its top destinations on and off the beaten path and in this post I am going to share my top favorite ones.

When you think about Mexico the first thing that comes to your mind you staring at a blue turquoise sea from the white-sand Caribbean beach with a tropical cocktail in your hand. I feel you. And after living 7 years in Cancun I know exactly what you mean.

But Mexico is much more than that.  It’s an immense country with huge natural diversity and profound culture .

Mexico cannot be described. He must be trusted. With passion, with rage, with total surrender… Carlos Fuentes

It’s no surprise that Cancun and the Riviera Maya are the most visited destinations and for a reason, well, multiple reasons.

However, there are 31 states overall, each one boasting its own culture and traditions; amazing people, proud of their own state and happy to share it with you, traveler. Not to mention the great unique food.

There are many interesting facts about Mexico that will keep you entertained and many travel tips you should know about before traveling to Mexico .

In this post, I will take you on a journey through the most amazing places to see in Mexico and I hope to inspire you to explore more of this beautiful country that never stops fascinating me.

The most unique places to visit in Mexico

Explore the impressive petrified waterfalls of hierve el agua (oaxaca).

A spectacular natural monument just an hour from Oaxaca City will leave you speechless. An insider tip to appreciate it better: make sure you go on your own and not with an organized tour and leave early in the morning so that you can get there before the crowd. It’s magic!

Even better would be to stay there in one of the cabañas or camp.  Hierve el Agua looks like a frozen waterfall but if you know the temperatures of that place you would know that it would be impossible for the water to freeze. I will tell you what happens then.

Two natural pools receive the waters from the springs that release different kinds of minerals, also known for their natural healing properties.

The water drips down from the pools to the cliffs creating deposits of minerals that accumulate over time and create these massive white columns around the mountains that look like iced water.

It’s a spectacular view and if you dare take a dip in the freezing water, watching the spectacular mountains around you it’s a magical experience. There is also a short hike that goes from above the pools all around the falls and you can see them from different perspectives.

Swim in the spectacular waterfalls of the Huasteca Potosina (San Luis Potosi)

This is actually one of my favorite places in Mexico. The Huasteca Potosina is a region that includes part of Queretaro and San Luis Potosi, northeast of Mexico City .

The region is famous for the spectacular waterfalls scattered around the town of Ciudad Valles. You can stay there and get tours that take you around amazing places such as El Salto, Tamul, Puente de Dios. There is so much to see.

Get lost in the Enchanted Garden of Xilitla (San Luis Potosi)

Close to the Huasteca Potosina, you can include in your Itinerary this very original and mysterious garden build by the British artist Edward James. It was his own home and now a park and museum that you can visit and spend a full day if you wish.

It’s made of concrete construction of different shapes that look like a labyrinth in the middle of a thick jungle. I arrived in Xilitla after spending 3 days in the Sierra Gorda Queretaro , an amazing trip.

I stayed only 1 night but if you have time you should spend a couple of extra nights and explore the amazing surroundings.

Get up early and get to the Sotano de las Golondrinas (San Luis Potosi)

Make sure you arrive in time to watch the spectacular show of thousands of birds coming out of the cave all together in a whirlpool of wings and chirping sounds. It lasts a few minutes but it’s all worth the trip.

And when you get back up to the entrance you will have a spectacular sunrise to watch.

Make sure you organize your trip with a taxi driver if you don’t have your own car, and ask him to take you around the town of Aquismon and visit the close by waterfalls.

Puente de Dios and Tamul are the closest but make sure it’s not the Puente de Dios that everybody knows, it’s another one, less known but still beautiful and closer to the town. You can include this stop in your itinerary to the Huasteca Potosina .

Visit Puebla and try famous Chile en Nogada in Puebla

Puebla is known to be the official culinary destination of Mexico and, although every state has its food identity and specialties, Puebla can be considered on top of the game. Its typical creative delicacies are not for every palate but appreciated by the most.

Puebla’s historical center is nominated UNESCO Heritage Site .

Among the delicious food in Puebla , the Chile en Nogada is the most popular dish and the culinary symbol of Puebla. It’s a seasonal dish because the ingredients used can be found only in the summer. So if you want to try it, make sure you go between July and August when Chile is ready to be picked up.

There is a lot of history around this traditional plate, so they even do festivals and competitions for the best chile en Nogada. If you are a foody person, you should not miss it.

Now they are starting to make the vegan version which might be totally different from the original one but for sure you can get an idea of flavors.

Hike the Nevado de Toluca (State of Mexico)

If you love hiking you will enjoy this day tour from Mexico City . An escape from the charming yet chaotic city to enjoy a hike at 4000 mt.

There are different types of hikes for any level and ability.

The best one was to me to get to the crater rim and enjoy the spectacular views of the lakes of the sun and the moon and then going down and back up on the other side. It was tough but the spectacular scenery makes up for the effort.

You will enjoy reading my post on Hiking the Nevado de Toluca with the full story of my hike and how I managed to crawl to the top.

Take a dip in a mystic cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula (Yucatan)

If you are on a trip to Yucatan you cannot miss a swim in these spectacular natural sinkholes.

There are thousands scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula. Only around Tulum, there are at least 10 that you can visit on a half-day trip .

Or if you love to explore further, the best cenotes are close to Merida , in a small town called Cuzama’, known for the incredible quantity of Cenotes that have been discovered. It’s one dirt road lined by cenotes. You can go on your own or ask local guides to take you on their moto-taxi, which adds to the fun.

Go whale watching in Baja California

In Baja California Sur you can experience the best whale watching in Mexico . You can see them floating and swimming around from December through March (March being the best month) and the best spot to see them is San Ignacio or Puerto Lopez Mateos.

I went on a road trip twice, once with two friends and we drove from La Paz to San Ignacio, which is a good 8 hours drive but it gives you the most spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez.

The other time I was on my own and I enjoyed it even more (Sorry friends!)

In another post, I will tell you all about my 10-day trip on the road in Baja California, including the Whale Watching trip . 

It was such an emotional experience to see that giant of the sea coming close to you and letting you pet them. Incredible. I would do it over again.

Climb to El Tepozteco (Tepoztlan – Morelos)

Located in Tepoztlan, a lovely town in the Mexican state of Morelos, about 2 hours from Mexico City , El Tepozteco is an ancient pyramid dedicated to the God of Pulque but its fame is mainly credited to the steep hike that you have to take in order to get to the top.

It’s a hard 2km and 500 mt elevation gain, but all worth it when you reach the top and see the spectacular views of the town.

Tepozlan became a Pueblo Magico in 2010 and it boasts many interesting historical places besides an interesting local market with delicious food, also vegan-friendly.

Learn about the Mariachi Tradition

Mariachi Music is the iconic melody of Mexico that accompanies all the most important events. Welcome or goodbye parties, or any other occasion to celebrate is not complete if a mariachi band is not present.

But what is a Mariachi? It’s a band generally consisting of 4 or 5 musicians wearing charro suites and playing at least two violins, a guitar, a  guitarrón (large bass guitar), and a  vihuela  (similar to a guitar but with a rounded back) and one or more of the musicians also sing.

Mariachi was recognized by UNESCO as part of the  Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity  in 2011 and the listing says Mariachi is traditional Mexican music and a fundamental element of Mexican culture” and again, “Mariachi music transmits values of respect for the natural heritage of the regions of Mexico and local history in the Spanish language and the different Indian languages of Western Mexico”.

Where to find Mariachi Music in Mexico. Well, basically everywhere. However, there are 2 famous plazas that have been known for their folklores and mariachi music, one is Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City and the other is  Plaza de los Mariachi in Guadalajara, Jalisco, the state where the Mariachi tradition was born.

However, I have to say that I am seeing lots of negative feedback about those places from visitors that felt that those areas have lost their old traditional charm and have even become even a little unsafe.

If you are interested in knowing more in-depth about Mariachi Music you will appreciate the Mariachi music festival that takes place in Guadalajara every year.

Click here to check out the list of the Best Mariachi songs to request.

Practice your surfing skills in the Mexican Surfing Mecca, Sayulita

The vibrant and busy little town of the Riviera Nayarit, was just a small fishing village in the 70s when a crowd of hippies from the US in search of the perfect wave found it here, fell in love with the place, and settled down.

With time Sayulita has developed into a very demanded tourist destination, not only for surfers anymore but for anyone in search of good beach life, great drinks, sun, and a chilling vacation. In fact, Sayulita is home to the most popular beaches in Mexico .

The town has a lot to offer and will give you lots of reasons to fall in love with it. You can read my article where I share the best things to do in Sayulita and many other practical tips .

Go Jewelry shopping in Taxco (Guerrero)

The small town of Taxco is mainly known for its Silver mining history which was not one of the happiest for the locals but gave so much wealth to the conqueror.

As a positive result, goldsmithing became the most important activity of the local population which made Taxco one of the most important centers for Silver jewelry.

Now the mines are closed, except for one that has been turned into a museum,  but they buy the raw product and make magic with it turning it into spectacular decorative objects, personal accessories, and houseware.

The town is also a gem, built on the slope of a mountain, you will have fun walking around the steep cobblestone winding roads or taking a ride on the VW beetles that populate the street of the Pueblo Magico .

There is so much to do in Taxco  that you could spend a whole week and still wait for a dull moment. My favorite thing to do in Taxco was to visit the Pozas Azules (See next point #12)

Swim in the spectacular Pozas Azules (Taxco – Guerrero)

Among the things that you can do in Taxco, swimming in the Pozas Azules was one of my favorites. It’s an easy 40-minute ride on a combi (minivan) to the town of Atzala.

The bus will take you right to the entrance and then you have a 5-minute walk to the blue water pools. It’s normally a busy place but there is a way to be alone in the water.

Explore the breathtaking Sierra Gorda (Queretaro)

The small state of Queretaro is packed with things to do and see, one of them is the Sierra Gorda, a mountain range with such a diversity of landscape and territory you will not believe it.

It’s difficult to explore it with public transportation so you would need to rent a car or go on a tour.

I did a private tour with a local guide and I had a blast, not only because we were almost alone in the wilderness but because the places are spectacular.

Waterfalls, canyons, rivers, old churches in the middle of a deserted valley, hikes on top of a bed of clouds covering the spectacular valley.

It’s just breathtaking.

Read also : 4-day Itinerary in the Sierra Gorda Queretaro

Take a ride on El Chepe through the Copper Canyon (Chihuahua)

Visiting the Copper Canyon ( Barranca del Cobre in Spanish) was one of the most amazing trips of my life and I am planning to do it over again. I was there for 23 days and I was happy to do it with a friend who had the same idea of travel as me.

We explored every town and every corner and I have even done the zip line and a sort of easy via Ferrata in the Adventure Park , I don’t normally like parks of that sort but this one in the middle of the Canyon was the perfect way to experience the spectacular views you get of the huge mountain range.

It’s just breathtaking. But there is also the cultural part that is very interesting to learn about. The population of the Tarahumara , is known for their ability to run for miles and miles barefoot. It’s a world to discover.

Be inspired by the art galleries in Oaxaca city (Oaxaca)

Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities in Mexico and the place where I would live when I will be back from my long journey through Latin America.

Among the amazing things that conquered my heart was the artsy vibes that you can feel all around the city and you can see in the countless art galleries you can find, especially in the historical center.

Also, Oaxaca is where the local indigenous culture has a louder voice and you can see it and feel it in their traditions, festivals and textiles, and museums.

It’s such a magic place, not to mention the surroundings, packed with things to see such as the Hierve el Agua ( See #1) or the archeological site of Monte Alban towering over the valley which makes some of the best days trips from Oaxaca.

Enjoy the colorful murals of La Paz (Baja California)

Baja California is a world to discover, very different from the rest of Mexico and yet so Mexican in many ways. There is a huge community of American Expatriates living there which would make you feel you are not in the real Mexico, but you are.

What I loved the most about Baja California had nothing to do with culture, though. Instead, I was fascinated with the moonlike landscapes, spectacular views over the Sea of Cortez Gulf and marine life.

There are so many things to do in La Paz , Baja California Sur and the city itself is a gem, and besides offering breathtaking sunsets and a multitude of outdoor activities, boasts colorful creative murals made by different Mexican and international artists that give even more charm to the capital of Baja California Sur.

Have a glamorous vacation in the boho chic Tulum (Riviera Maya Quintana Roo)

Visiting Tulum might not look so unique but this crazy place has been in the headlines of many travel magazines for many reasons.

The spectacular never-ending wild beach, the fascinating archeological site overlooking the sea, and the laidback beach lifestyle have attracted a crowd of artists and entrepreneurs from the Hollywood scene, that have seen this magic town as a gold mine and invested in spectacular design hotels , fancy restaurants and bars, which transformed the once laid back fishing village into the ultimate glamorous destination among the celebrities and superstars and their entourage.

In fact, those are the ones who can afford the ultra-expensive so-named “eco-chic” lodges, chicer than eco, for sure.

But worry not, if you don’t belong to the elite, even normal people like us can enjoy the trendy town and have our moment of glory. In this Tulum itinerary , I am telling you all you need to know.

Swim with the whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea

It’s an experience that you will remember forever and you will want to repeat. They are called gentle giants because they are totally innocuous and most of the time even playful creatures.

They migrate from the south to the north in search of food and you will be able to see them from Cancun or Holbox in the summer and in Baja California   in the wintertime. Don’t miss that tour if you are around.

Explore the spectacular biosphere of Calakmul (Campeche)

Calakmul is an unmissable place whether you love archeology or nature, as you get the best of both worlds. Calakmul is one of the largest protected reserves in Mexico and stretches for 7,231 km 2  (2,792 sq mi) in the state of Campeche bordering Quintana Roo in the south and El Peten in Guatemala on the west side.

To visit the biosphere you will need at least one entire day and I would recommend hiring a guide and starting in the early morning to get the chance to spot the unique wildlife living in the biosphere.

Maybe you are lucky and spot a Jaguar.

I wish I did. After the jungle tour, you will be taken to the most interesting pyramids and explained the history of the ancient Mayan civilization.

If you chose to go on your own without a guide you will still enjoy the magic atmosphere of this place. And you still be able to see lots of birds and maybe monkeys while hiking to the top of the ancient temples.

Since it’s far away to everything you will need to plan at least a 2-night stay close to the entrance. There are lovely jungle hotels for any budget and needs. If you have time I would suggest you extend your stay as the area is packed with amazing things to do . I stayed there one full week to see everything. 

Have a sophisticated weekend or week in one of the exquisite Haciendas of Yucatan

If you love luxury and sophisticated hotels you will definitely need to spend a couple of nights in one Haciendas . There are many, scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula .

They are old properties that were old estate that has been turned into luxury properties, offering the charm of the retro’ feeling together with the modern comfort and style.

The trend of opening a Hotel-hacienda has been increasing lately and you can find a huge variety of options from the finest property to the more laid back.

Fall in love with the lagoon of the 7 shades of blue in Bacalar

Bacalar is one of my favorite spots in the Riviera Maya and when you get there you will understand why. The spectacular lagoon will enchant you with its multiple shades of blues and turquoises.

There are different things that you can do in Bacalar , but my favorite is sailing on the lagoon, feeling the breeze, sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the overwhelming views, or you can take a swing on the water on Coco’s beach, swim in the cenote, or let the water take you away in the rapids, so much fun! Oh ok, there are lots of favorite things to do in Bacalar.

It’s just an exciting yet laid-back place to stay and relax. Bacalar also offers a great choice of accommodation of any sort, from Budget hostels to eco-friendly laid-back luxury lodges on the lagoon. Trust me you will love it to pieces.

Hike the Peña de Bernal (Bernal Peak) – Queretaro

At a couple of hours from the beautiful colonial city of Queretaro , you can find Bernal, one of the Pueblos Magicos of Mexico .

The small town is known for being at the foot of the Peña de Bernal, one of the highest Monoliths in the World.

It’s a spectacular massive rock that you might have seen standing proudly in the frame of any picture of the town.

There is nothing much to do there, besides hiking the peña. It’s a very short hike that you can do in half a day, quite steep but the views are worth all the effort. It’s suitable for families too.

If you are a climber you can certainly find your playground there. Just make sure you go with the right equipment and with a professional partner. I went there with a friend on my way to the Sierra Gorda .

And it was definitely worth the visit.

Join the local spirit and folklore and participate in a Callejoneada in Guanajuato (Guanajuato)

Well, it’s better if you know some Spanish but it’s still an interesting event to join, every night university students gather in the main square to take you to explore historical corners of the colonial city, while singing and telling stories and legends, of course in a funny way and most of the time involving the public, with mockery and jokes.

It’s a popular old tradition that involves a lot of skills and training by the students who do it, not only to keep the traditions alive but also to raise money to support their studies.

It’s such a great entertaining show that you will be happy to leave them a tip at the end of it.

Take a stroll on the Malecòn in Puerto Vallarta

Almost every touristic city built on the beach has a Malecon, which is a promenade that stretches along the beach or by the sea.

I am not sure whether the one in Puerto Vallarta is one of the best and longest in Mexico,  but I am certain that it is the most entertaining.

In fact, among all the amazing things to do in Puerto Vallarta , a stroll on the Malecon is the most popular and cheapest, and the most interesting.

Depending on which time of the day you take your walk, there is always something to entertain you.

In the morning you will enjoy the fresh breeze and the peaceful atmosphere, and a good number of doggies taking their human out for a walk :).

In the evening you will enjoy the colorful food stalls where you can try local delicacies while admiring the spectacular sunsets.

But the highlights of the Malecon are the magnificent copper statues by Sergio Bustamante , a productive Mexican artist from Guadalajara, and the Voladores of Papantla, demonstrating a traditional ritual of the ancient civilization that occupied what is now the state of Veracruz and which was recognized as Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2009.

Most of the time you can also admire beautiful sand statues made by local artists, not to mention, paintings and other creative handicrafts. 

Learn about the Indigenous Textil Tradition in the colorful San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is one of my favorite places in Mexico and although it’s been growing a lot in the past years with a huge amount of tourist arrivals and foreigners moving there (I don’t blame them), with everything that it implies, the vibrant city didn’t lose its charm.

Walk around the 3 caminadores, streets with no car access, check out the jewelry shops, and walk around the market, that’s what I loved the most about San Cristobal. The textiles market is one of a kind, an outburst of color.

There is an amount of stylish beautiful boutique hotels, where you would want to stay, and vegan-friendly restaurants where to enjoy great meals at a reasonable price, not to talk about the cute little cafes.

The surroundings of San Cristobal de las Casas are also unmissable, with waterfalls, lagoons, and other natural beauties to explore.

Be mesmerized by the beauty of the Waterfalls Velo de Novia and the Montebello Lagoon in Chiapas

I was mentioning in the paragraph above about the natural wonders in the surroundings of San Cristobal.

Well, this is one of them. I cannot say my favorite because the competition is high, but you will surely want to go and check it out. You are really better off going on a tour unless you have your own car.

The tour would take you to the Lagunas de Montebello National park and then to the El Chiflon waterfalls . It’s a spectacular easy hike on a boardwalk following the river flow until you get to the spectacular falls. So breathtaking and wet 🙂

Meet the spider monkeys in Punta Laguna

Not many people know about it, but Punta Laguna is a protected area located on the way to Valladolid coming from Tulum.

There you can spot playful and sometimes naughty spider monkeys at a very short distance and if you are lucky you might also see howling monkeys.

There is also a lagoon that you can navigate and a tiny cenote that you can explore with a little adventure. It’s a nice short trip if you are in Tulum .

Visit the secluded archeological site of Kohunlich

Nobody talks about it, but it’s one of the most spectacular archeological sites I have ever visited. It’s located on the way to Calakmul and you should make time to visit Kokunlich you might want to stay in the nearby all-inclusive property Explorean Kohunlich , an oasis in the jungle. Especially if you have been traveling for a while this is the best place to rest.

Walk around the yellow town of Izamal

Izamal is a beautiful and quaint colonial town located 68km from Merida and 254km from Cancun, it is one of the two towns in Yucatan (the other one is Valladolid) to have been included in the list of Pueblos Magicos  of Mexico, due to its interesting history and culture, and its peculiar location, surrounded by Mayan archeological sites and cenotes .

In fact, the picturesque town was also given the name, “the town of the hills,” because of the numerous Mayan settlements which have been discovered in the surrounding area.

As soon as you get there you will know why it’s called the yellow town.

You may also like:

51 Interesting Facts About Mexican History

See the pink flamingoes in the biosphere of celestún.

It’s a show that you will never forget. Just at about 2 hours from Merida, Celestún is a very small and insignificant town on the coast of the Mexican Gulf, the beach is not particularly interesting, but they have a special unique treasure.

A huge lagoon, home of a flamingo colony. There are thousands of these graceful creatures that fly across the lagoon and mingle with other bird species. You can take a tour either from the bridge at the town entrance or on the beach as well.

It’s definitely worth the trip.

Explore the archaeological site of Uxmal

To me the most interesting site within the Ruta Puuc in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Uxmal is the most representative settlement of the Puuc region architecture, with its hieroglyphic panels and mascarons and the peculiar layout of the buildings which reveal their mastery in astronomy.

If you can hire a guide it will be great to learn about the history behind the magnificent pre-Hispanic city. In this article, you will find more detailed information.

Spend a few days in Valladolid and familiarize yourself with the Yucatecan culture (food included…if you are not vegan)

Valladolid is the first colonial town when you leave the ultra-touristy Riviera Maya and it’s a special place to me.

It’s becoming more and more of a popular hub for travelers in search of an authentic cultural experience in Mexico but despite the growing number of visitors, it’s keeping the genuine vibes of a local town and yet with a lot to offer.

Spectacular colonial houses refurbished in design hotels restaurants and showrooms, museums, great food, and natural beauties.

In fact, Valladolid is surrounded by spectacular cenotes to discover and there is even one in the heart of town. You should definitely go and here is a useful guide to help you get around.

Visit the archeological site of Chichen-Itzà one of the seven wonders of the world

You cannot go to Mexico and ignore this spectacular archeological site, a symbol of the impressive genius of the Mayan civilization, their constructing abilities, and astronomical knowledge. It will blow your mind. I assure you.

My best advice is to get there very early in the morning at 8 am when the gates open so that you avoid the crowd.

If you are coming from Cancun to Chichen Itza

Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo

That was one of the most amazing snorkeling trips I have had. It was cold and I was shivering in the water, but I have seen so much both below and above the water.

Swimming with the sea lions was so much fun and also watching the playful whales jumping in the air so gracefully for such huge creatures.

It was an incredible experience and I talk more about it everything you need to know about Cabo Pulmo and getting there is a detailed post.

Enjoy the deserted beach at El Cuyo

Discovered by a kitesurfer, this off-the-beaten-track beach in Yucatan, might not have the Caribbean colors but sometimes it’s even better.

On sunny days you still have the Caribbean turquoise water and the tranquility of an unpopulated beach.

El Cuyo is a tiny beautiful community of locals and expatriates that shares a love for nature and tranquillity. This is a place you will easily fall in love with.

Hike in the Sierra de la Laguna in Baja California

Located in the southern end of Baja California, between  La Paz  and Los Cabos, the Sierra de La Laguna is a very unique region with an extension of 112,437 hectares that includes a mix of rugged mountains, canyons, and vast dry plains.

Proclaimed a protected biosphere by UNESCO in 1994, the Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve constitutes an area of ​​great biodiversity, it is the only coniferous forest, palm grove, scrub, and pine-oak forest in the state and the only rain forest in the Baja California peninsula. ( Source )

This beautiful area with spectacular contrasting landscape attracts visitors from all over the world who want to explore its narrow trails to hike and camp.

The Sierra de la Laguna was the first stop of my  2 weeks road trip itinerary around Baja California , and I loved it.

Spend a few days in the beautiful Holbox Island

Located off the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo, Holbox is one of those places that you need to see once in your life.

It’s a tiny island with a hippie vibe and a lazy lifestyle, where all you have to do is enjoy the beach and connect with nature.

There are  one-day tours from the Riviera Maya and Cancun to Holbox  if you don’t have more time to stay on the island.

However, I believe that in order to appreciate it even more and really enjoy it, you should stay at least a couple of nights and one full day. If you could make it 3 nights you will have a blast, the only risk is that you will never want to leave.

Also, I believe that most of the experience you will have in Isla Holbox will depend on the hotel you choose as well. It doesn’t have to be luxury, although it would make it extra special. Find out what are the best hotel options in Holbox and chose your favorite.

Spend a day in the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City

I know I should have put Mexico City among the first unique places to visit in Mexico. It’s a vibrant multicultural city, very controversial but with lots of beauty in it.

There is so much to see and do in Mexico City but I have been there about three times for short periods and every time I ended up in the Anthropological Museum. You can spend a whole day there and never finish exploring it.

It’s a collection of archeological finds that narrate the history of Mexico from the pre-hispanic era up to modern times and contains the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art. 

Visit las Grutas de Tolantongo

Las Grutas de Tolantongo is the most spectacular Mexican hot spring located in the state of Hidalgo. It’s a favorite spot for dreamy Instagram pictures and one of th e top natural wonders in Mexico .

I have finally made it there and I wrote a detailed guide to las Grutas de Tolantong o where I explain how to get there, the things to do, and other practical tips on how to enjoy the place to the fullest.

Explore the Mexican culture in one of the Mexican Pueblos Magicos

The Mexican Pueblos Magicos are about 133 Mexican towns proclaimed “Magic” for their charm, a profound cultural heritage, or their natural resources.

There are so many, among which San Cristobal de las Casas , considered the most Magic of the Pueblos Magicos, for its interesting culture and pretty cobblestone roads, or the spectacular Isla Mujeres , renowned for its turquoise water and white sand beaches.

There are plenty of places to visit, let me know which one did you choose.

✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨

👉 do i need travel insurance to travel to mexico.

I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master w hich is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.

🚰 Can I Drink Tap Water in Mexico?

No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.

🚗 Is It Safe to Drive in Mexico?

The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.

Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico .

📱 Will My Phone Work in Mexico?

It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card . It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!

🤕 Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?

The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.

Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.

Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico . If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:

• Is Cancun Safe?
• Is Tulum Safe?
• Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

💉 Do I Need Any Vaccine to Travel to Mexico?

No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico

🇲🇽 Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?

If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine. Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards. It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa

💸 Where Do I Find the Best Travel Deals for Mexico? 💸

A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:

👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August. 👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts 👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals! 👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia . 👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals

Happy travels!!

Liked it? Save it for later

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Mexico

Mexico is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations with over 20 million foreign visitors a year. Famous for its tequila, the Aztecs and the Mayas , Salma Hayek, Day of the Dead, drug wars, Lucha libre, Corona beer and the beach resorts on the Pacific and Caribbean side, Mexico can offer something for every sort of traveler.

From Pre-Columbian ruins and historic colonial towns to white powdery beaches and huge canyons, this country offers visitors a wide range of things to do. For ideas on the best places to visit check out our list of the top tourist attractions in Mexico.

25. Monte Alban

Monte Alban, or White Mountain, was once the ancient capital of the Zapotec people. Overlooking the Valley of Oaxaca, Monte Alban is one of the top archeological sites in Mexico. In addition to spectacular views over the valley, visitors will be able to see the ruined buildings around a broad, flat hilltop terrace, the Gran Plaza, that runs north to south.

Two large pyramid mounds terminate the great plaza at the ends, and the sides of the space are lined with stepped platforms and terraces.

24. San Miguel de Allende

In the Bajio mountains of Central Mexico, there is a small colonial destination known as San Miguel de Allende. The city is bursting with history: It was founded by a San Franciscan Monk, played a big role in the war for Mexican independence from Spain and was a vital spot on the Mexican silver trail.

Today, it is best known for its colonial architecture and enchanting cobblestone streets. Historic buildings like the pink Teatro Angela Peralta and the Santuario de Atotonilco, an enormous church complex, are among the top attractions in the city.

23. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

The annual Monarch butterfly migration is one of nature’s great spectacles and a top attraction for visitors to Mexico’s central highlands. Each year, millions of Monarch Butterflies make the journey from eastern Canada to the forests of western central Mexico, a journey that spans up to 3,000 miles.

The Monarch butterflies spend their winter hibernation clustered in small areas of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, before they travel to the north again.

22. Great Pyramid of Cholula

Outside of Puebla is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, an archeological site that is home to the largest pyramid in the world. Also known as Tlachihualtepetl, the Great Pyramid of Cholula was built in four stages, the first of which began 2,300 years ago. Much of the pyramid is now overgrown though and appears to be a natural hill topped by a Catholic church.

This is the “Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios” which was built by the Spanish in 1594. Visitors are able to tour more than four miles of underground tunnels that showcase the sheer size and scope of this incredible landmark.

21. El Malecon

The boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta , also known as El Malecon, is a marvelous seaside promenade that border the blue waters of the Pacific. Most of El Malecon is exclusively for pedestrians, making it a safe place to take photos and admire the view.

Statues line the boardwalk, there are often elaborate sand displays on the beach, and there are also countless local establishments that cater to visitors. It is possible to stroll along El Malecon and stop for handmade souvenirs, some fresh seafood or a few tropical drinks at a local bar.

The ancient Mayan city of Uxmal is one of the most historically and culturally significant attractions in Mexico. Roughly 55 km (35 miles) south of Merida in Yucatan, the city was constructed primarily in the ninth century. Uxmal was once the capital of the region, and it is a prime example of Puuc architecture.

Various stone levels, along with elaborate stonework, gives the pyramid structures a grand appearance. Not to be missed is the Magician’s Pyramid, the tallest of the pyramids at Uxmal.

19. Zipolite

Along the Pacific Coast in the Oaxaca region is Zipolite, a one-mile beach that retains a progressive, hippie vibe. In decades past, Zipolite was a nude beach, although that is far less common today.

Zipolite attracts travelers in search of a counter-culture vibe, and it still retains an authentic Mexican atmosphere despite the tourists from all around the world. While the beach itself is the main attraction, Zipolite is also well known for Av Roca Blanca, a street just off the beach that offers bars, shops and cafes.

18. Museo Nacional de Antropologia

The Museo Nacional de Antropologia, or National Museum of Anthropology, is both the largest and most visited museum in all of Mexico. Located in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park, the museum boasts an enormous collection of artifacts and exhibits relating to the pre-Columbian heritage of the country. This includes Mayan and Aztec pieces, such as the famed Stone of the Sun, which is the original Aztec calendar stone.

17. El Tajin

El Tajín was an important gulf coast city, founded by the Classic Veracruz culture. Most of the buildings at the site were constructed between 600 – 900 AD. Surrounded by the green jungle, these ruins are believed to have been the political and administrative center of the entire civilization.

Today, visitors can see more than 150 identified buildings, although just a dozen are restored and open to the public at any given time. Of note is the Pyramid of Niches, the most impressive structure at the site.

16. San Ignacio Lagoon

There are several places to go whale watching in Mexico, but none is so spectacular than San Ignacio Lagoon. Located off the coast of Baja California Sur, the lagoon is the winter home to a number of Eastern Pacific gray whales.

During the winter months, gray whales come to give birth in the shallowest parts of the lagoon. San Ignacio Lagoon is now Latin America’s largest wildlife sanctuary, and there are many guided boat tours that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the gray whales.

15. Bonampak Murals

Bonampak is an ancient archeological site in the state of Chiapas. While there are many Mayan structures at Bonampak worth exploring, the most famous is the Temple of Murals. This temple is where the Bonampak Murals can be found, a collection of ancient art that helps explain the history and culture of the Mayans. Hundreds of figures were painted in three different rooms, each of which tells a part of a narrative in bold turquoise, red and yellow hues.

14. Isla Mujeres

Surrounded by the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, just eight miles from Cancun , is Isla Mujeres. This island is a hotspot today, but it also has significance for the region’s cultural heritage. Isla Mujeres, which translates to the island of women, was sacred to the Mayan goddess of childbirth.

Today, travelers arrive by ferry from Cancun to relax on the scenic beaches, visit the local turtle farm, scuba dive or snorkel in the clear waters or just relax away from the Cancun beach crowds.

See also: Where to Stay in Cancun

13. Santa Prisca Church in Taxco

El Templo de Santa Prisca, or the Santa Prisca Church, is a magnificent Baroque structure located in the city of Taxco . Built in the 18th century, the church is a colonial landmark that was commissioned by a prosperous Spanish mine owner.

Made from pink stone, boasting large twin towers and decorated with tiles, this is an ornate monument that no architecture enthusiast would want to miss. Inside, nine enormous altarpieces stretch from the floor to the ceiling, and each is covered in gold.

12. Acapulco Cliff Divers

Acapulco is the original Mexican resort town which came into prominence by the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires. No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into ocean.

They have been doing it since the 1930s, although today the divers are professionals. You can see the dives from a small platform by the cliff for a small entrance fee, or eat at the La Perla restaurant which offers a good view of the divers.

11. Cenote Dos Ojos

Just outside of Tulum is Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the country’s largest underwater cave systems. The name means the cavern of two eyes, referring to the two sinkholes connected by a long passageway.

The water in the caverns is filtered through limestone, making it exceptionally clear. As a result, Cenote Dos Ojos is wildly popular with both snorkelers and more serious scuba divers, some of whom head deep into the underwater cavern.

10. Catedral Metropolitana

There is no shortage of things to do, see and explore in Mexico City, but a top attraction is unquestionably the Catedral Metropolitana. It is the oldest and the largest cathedral in Latin America, and the 16th century structure dominates the city’s central plaza, known as the Zocalo.

The architecture is a blend of styles, including heavy influences from baroque and Mexican churrigueresque design. In addition to the architecture, the Catedral Metropolitana boasts an extensive art collection as well as catacombs beneath the main structure.

See also: Where to Stay in Mexico City

9. Guanajuato

Nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato lies the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato . The city was founded in 1554 next to one of the richest silver mining areas of Mexico. The 16th-century mining boom led to the construction of beautiful haciendas and fine colonial buildings.

Guanajuato streets and many colorful alleyways spread out in every direction while most of its traffic is served by a network of underground tunnels making it an excellent city for pedestrians.

8. Dias des los Muertos, Oaxaca

The city of Oaxaca is well-known for having one of the best Dia de Los Muertos festivals in Mexico, a holiday celebrated in many parts of Latin America. In Mexico the festival can be traced back thousands of years ago to indigenous cultures such as the Zapotec and Aztec.

In Oaxaca the Day of the Dead Festival starts at the end of October when families prepare the tombs for the return of the spirits. During this time tombs and home altars are decorated with flowers and families leave offerings for the spirits in the cemeteries.

Located just off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. The underwater world around Cozumel was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1959 who called it one of the best diving areas in the world. Since that time Cozumel has become a National Marine Park to protect the delicate balance of it’s beautiful coral reefs and amazing variety of tropical fish.

El Arco is an incredible arch found in Cabo San Lucas . This unique rock formation marks the spot where the Pacific Ocean becomes the Gulf of California. The arch has become an icon of Cabo San Lucas, and it can be viewed from several angles.

A stroll along the beach gives the opportunity for amazing pictures of El Arco, not to mention views of the blue waters, the gray whales that frequently frolic in the ocean and additional rock formations along the coastline.

5. Palenque

Palenque is an archaeological site that was located on the western edge of the Maya empire in the present-day state of Chiapas, Mexico . Palenque is much smaller than some of its Mayan neighbor cities, but it contains some of the finest architecture and sculptures the Maya ever produced. Most structures in Palenque date from about 600 AD to 800 AD including the Temple of Inscriptions, the only Mesoamerican pyramid built as a funerary monument.

4. Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon is in fact a network of canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon. The most popular way to explore the Copper Canyon is on the “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway. The track passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 meter (7,900 feet) above sea level featuring spectacular views of the canyons below.

Tulum is situated on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It once served as the major port of the Mayan city of Coba. Tulum was built around 1200 AD when the Mayan civilization was already in decline and therefore lacks the elegance of some other famous sites.

The tropical beach backdrop however makes this a stunning top attraction which should not be missed. Accommodation in Tulum can range from simple cabanas to 5 star luxury resorts.

2. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is the largest of the Maya cities in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations. The most famous landmark of Chichen Itza is the temple-pyramid of El Castillo. The design of the temple has special astronomical significance.

Each face of the pyramid has a stairway with 91 steps, which together with the shared step at the top, add up to 365, the number of days in a year. Other highlights of Chichen Itza include the Great Ballcourt and El Caracol, a circular temple which served as an astronomical observatory.

1. Teotihuacan

In the 2nd century BC a new civilization arose in the valley of Mexico. This civilization built the flourishing metropolis of Teotihuacán and it’s huge pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun was built around 100 AD and is the largest pyramid in Teotihuacán and all of Mexico. The construction of the smaller Pyramid of the Moon started a century later and was finished in 450 AD.

Seven centuries after the demise of the Teotihuacán empire the pyramids were honored and utilized by the Aztecs and became a place of pilgrimage. Mesoamerica’s greatest city is just 31 miles (50km) northeast of Mexico City and can be reached by bus or taxi.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Mexico

Share this post:

17 Best Places to Visit in Mexico

10 Best Vacation Spots in Mexico

10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

10 Best Beaches in Mexico

12 Prettiest Small Towns in Mexico

12 Most Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico

9 Most Beautiful Regions in Mexico

7 Most Amazing Pyramids in Mexico

12 Most Amazing Volcanoes in Mexico

15 Most Beautiful National Parks in Mexico

Reader interactions.

June 17, 2019 at 2:08 pm

Acapulco with all its problems is still absolutely gorgeous and always has been. It’s ashamed they don’t protect it more.

February 5, 2017 at 7:41 pm

Monarch butterfly is pretty good place to visit mostly during February and March

August 22, 2016 at 9:21 am

We just went this summer to Teotihuacan, it was awesome!!! We have been to Mexico 5 times in the last 15 years but this is the first time we have gone anywhere besides visiting my husband’s family. We need to see some of these other places also someday!!!

March 31, 2016 at 1:41 pm

Don’t forget Uxmal ruins, much more beautiful than Chichen Itza in my opinion.

October 28, 2014 at 8:59 pm

What about Guadalajara?!

March 17, 2014 at 1:51 pm

This is a great list of attractions in Mexico. Those who are visiting should consider trying to visit at least a couple of these during their vacation.

February 26, 2013 at 11:41 pm

Attractive Pictures, makes one feel like Catching a Plane immediately to few destinations as above. Good Luck to the people from Touropia who made the research. Thanks and best regards. Raj

January 23, 2013 at 2:42 pm

Excellent research! This is a wonderful resource for travellers to the region.

November 13, 2012 at 3:51 pm

Nice job on the tourist attractions! They are beautiful and acurrately correct. This also helped me very much on my project about Mexico. So thank you so so so much!!!!!!!!!! The only flaw is the paragraph about Palenque because where it says Palenque is much smaller than it Mayan neighbor cities, “it” is supposed it’s.

August 19, 2012 at 4:50 pm

Guanajuato is really an amazing little city, happy to see it made the list!

January 31, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Chichen Itza is a beautiful place ! I was there viewing the temple pyramid . It is amazing ! You should visit , xoxo Day Day

August 31, 2011 at 12:53 pm

Acapulco and Tulum have beautiful beaches. I was there watching the cliff divers jump into the see. Awesome. But cozumel will make you fall in love with the underwater.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

35 Best Things To Do in Mexico [in 2024]

Mexico is nothing if not vibrant – brilliantly blue waters lap onto white sands, stunning wildlife wow at every turn, and rich cultures greet visitors with even the shortest of stays. So much more than just Mexico’s best resorts, there are endless reasons to fall in love with this country.

After traveling to Mexico countless times I can say that it’s one of the most spectacular destinations I’ve ever visited, and I still feel like I’ve just scratched the surface of what Mexico has to offer. From exploring colorful cities to staying in one-of-a-kind jungle retreats and the poshest resorts on Mexico’s best beaches, these are the best things to do in Mexico.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Best Places To Visit in Mexico

Plenty of the best things to do in Mexico – from chowing down on tacos to taking a cooking class or exploring one of 170+ “magical towns” in Mexico – can be done no matter what part of the country you visit. But if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Mexico, these are the destinations to add to your itinerary.

1. Mexico City

Mexico City is its own world to discover. From street eats to some of the world’s best bars and restaurants, it’s a foodie destination that has to be experienced first-hand – but it’s also so much more. This cultural capital has incredible diversity, unending options for entertainment, and more history and art than could be admired in a lifetime.

2. The Best Beaches in Mexico

The beaches of Mexico are legendary. Beaches on the Caribbean-facing Yucatán peninsula are known for pristine white sand, Pacific coast beaches tend to be more dramatic or golden but no less impressive. Beaches in Baja California range from pebbly stretches populated by marine life to white sand bays that could put the Yucatán to shame.

3. Charming Central Mexican Cities

Increasingly, travelers are trading Mexico’s coasts for its interiors. Central Mexican cities like Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato have their own incredible charm and are a major draw for travelers looking for the perfect mix of cuisine, culture, and the effortless cool of a destination that has yet to lose itself to over-tourism.

35 Things To Do in Mexico

1. celebrate dia de los muertos.

There is no bad time to visit Mexico, but there is no time like mid to late October and early November, as the country dresses up and goes all out to celebrate Día de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. Storefronts, restaurants, squares, and hotels drip with bright orange marigolds, and dramatic altars spring up everywhere. Sugar skulls, catrinas, and colorful papel picado banners transform even the most mundane into a visible feast.

Every local will have their own recommendations for where and how to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico, but with celebrations and parades taking place around the country, there’s no bad place to enjoy the holiday. Having celebrated in both San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City I can attest that both are great places to enjoy the holiday.

A blockbuster event of Día de los Muertos is the Día de los Muertos parade in Mexico City. With numerous bands, colorful catrinas, and crowds of curanderos carrying incense and calling upon the holiday’s age-old roots, it’s an impressive spectacle. It draws crowds upon crowds of spectators, so get there at least an hour and a half early for any chance of catching it.

Plan a Trip to Mexico

• 20 Best Resorts in Mexico
• 12+ Best Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
• 10 Fun Facts About Mexico

2. Spot Murals by Diego Rivera

Learn about the most important details of Mexican history and culture in dramatic full color by taking in the larger-than-life murals of Diego Rivera. As one of Mexico’s most famous artists, overshadowed only by his wife Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera is known for his sometimes controversial but always evocative works.

In addition to visiting the Diego Rivera Museum , make sure to take in some of Rivera’s most famous murals that cover the walls of some of Mexico City’s most important buildings. The city’s domed Palacio de Bellas Artes is home to a number of Rivera’s controversial works. The Palacio Nacional, home to Rivera’s grand staircase mural and many more, welcomed the artist for 22 years as he completed murals at the institution.

Visit each spot independently or take a Mexican murals walking tour of Mexico City with a guide to get the inside scoop on the artist and his work. It’s a great way to get even more context about Mexican muralism as well.

Reviews and Bookings: Mexican Murals Guided Walking Tour of Mexico City

3. Explore San Miguel de Allende

The small central Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende has been awarded Travel + Leisure’s prestigious title of the best city in the world – yes, the entire world! – too many times to count. To be honest, I was skeptical of the claim… until I visited San Miguel de Allende for the first time.

The colorful streets of San Miguel de Allende are a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and were formerly one of Mexico’s first pueblos mágicos – magical towns – before receiving their even more impressive UNESCO designation.

Beyond the abundant charm of the historic streets, plazas, and churches of San Miguel de Allende, there are plenty of reasons that make visiting San Miguel de Allende one of the best things to do in Mexico. Cool markets with authentic artisan products, cutting-edge art galleries and boutiques, and a thriving culinary scene are just the start.

Just four hours north of Mexico City, it’s a great addition to time in Mexico and one of the best places to visit in Mexico. Stay at Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel during your visit; comprised of six 17th- and 18th-century homes, this stunning Belmond property perfectly captures the richness of San Miguel’s history, with a taste of luxury.

Plan a Trip to San Miguel de Allende

• 28 Best Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende

4. Stay at a Resort on the Yucatán Peninsula

Mexico’s Caribbean-facing Yucatán Peninsula is by far the best part of Mexico for beaches. The unending stretches of white sand rival the best beaches in the Caribbean and are lined with everything from affordable all-inclusives to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts. Enjoying a chilled-out resort vacation here is easily one of the most popular things to do in Mexico.

Resorts stretch up and down the peninsula’s eastern coast. While smaller towns like Playacar, Punta Maroma, and Puerto Morelos draw plenty of travelers as well, these are the resort destinations that stand out:

Mexico’s most famous resort town is known for its oversized resorts that boast every amenity. All-inclusive resorts are the name of the game here ; you’ll find some incredibly posh resorts in Cancun, but most tend to be relatively affordable.

Where To Stay in Cancun

• Kempinski Hotel Cancun
• Hyatt Zilara Cancun
• Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach

Read More: 8 Best Things To Do in Cancun

Playa del Carmen

About an hour and a half south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is Mexico’s second most important resort destination. Playa del Carmen boasts a range of types of resorts, but it is known for having some of the nicest, most luxurious resorts in Mexico – and by extension, the world.

Where To Stay in Playa del Carmen

• Fairmont Mayakoba
• Hotel Xcaret
• Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

Read More: 12+ Best Things To Do in Playa del Carmen

You’ll find few resorts in Tulum! Tulum is known for its small boutique hotels and beach bungalows. If you bristle at the idea of an all-inclusive in busy Cancun but want the stunning beauty of the beaches of the Yucatán, Tulum might be the perfect place for you.

Where To Stay in Tulum

5. Swim With Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres

If you’ve ever wanted to swim with whale sharks, Mexico is the place for you. Just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is one of the best places on Earth for swimming with these gentle giants. During the animals’ seasonal migration – from June 1st through September 15th – getting into the water to swim with whale sharks is easily one of those things to do in Mexico that you’ll never forget.

Whale shark expeditions from Cancun are the best way to enjoy the experience hassle-free. Organized transport makes it easy to enjoy the experience and allows travelers to skip the step of making it to Isla Mujeres via public transportation.

However, Isla Mujeres is also an incredible place to stick around for a few days, especially if you’re looking for a retreat away from Cancun’s busy hotel zone and some of the best beaches in all of Mexico. At its heart, it’s really just a laid-back Caribbean island – but with so much to offer.

Reviews and Bookings: Whale Shark Swimming Trip in Isla Mujeres from Cancun

6. Visit The Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul) in Coyoacán

Few artists are as recognizable as the illustrious Frida Kahlo, making a visit to The Frida Kahlo Museum located in her personal home easily one of the best things to do in Mexico City. The home is known as La Casa Azul for its brilliant cobalt hue, and is located in the former village of Coyoacán, now swallowed up by the expanse of Mexico City but as charming and cool as ever.

It’s crucial to pre-book tickets online for the experience – they’ll allow you to skip the line for tickets, which almost always sell out. Or, book a guided tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum; both are musts if you’re interested in Mexican art.

Make a full day out of your visit to the museum by taking time to stroll and explore the Coyoacán neighborhood. You can also find guided excursions to the Frida Kahlo Museum that include a visit to Xochimilco for a ride on the colorful boats that slice through ancient Aztec waterways.

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

7. Explore the Mysterious Ruins of Teotihuacan

Home to the Aztecs, Mayas, and numerous other ancient cultures, Mexico is littered with astounding ruins you won’t want to miss.

Located just outside Mexico City, the mysterious city of Teotihuacan is a particularly impressive site worth adding to your itinerary. This ancient city predates the Aztecs – in fact, it’s thought that the Aztecs arrived in the area and wondered who had built this sprawling metropolis. You’re bound to be just as impressed.

The ruins of Teotihuacan make for a great half-day trip from Mexico City and are an excellent addition to time in Mexico City – truly a must! Visiting on your own via taxi or Uber is relatively easy, or book a small group excursion from Mexico City with a guide or even a private tour . Either option will include transportation to the city for a hassle-free experience.

8. Go Whale Watching in the Sea of Cortez

Few places in the world are as renowned for whale watching as the Sea of Cortez, that skinny strip of sea that separates the Pacific Coast of the Mexican mainland from Baja California . It’s an area so rich with marine life that oceanographer Jacques Cousteau famously called it “The World’s Aquarium.”

When waters are cooler in the winter months, starting in November through March or April, numerous species of whales are visible in the area. The height of whale watching season is February, so book in advance for the opportunity to spot these gentle giants.

Whale-watching tours departing from Baja California Sur cities like Loreto and La Paz, though fiercely regulated, are the kind that will wow you, allowing you to get quite close to whales and their babies. Laid-back Loreto cultivates the perfect beach town vibe and is a great base for the experience, while larger La Paz with its stunning Balandra Beach is another popular base for whale watchers.

Visit Baja California Sur

• Baja California Sur – A Traveler’s Guide
• Loreto, Mexico – A Traveler’s Guide

9. Try a Temazcal Ceremony

Mexico is increasingly one of the most popular destinations in the world for wellness travel, with much more to offer than just a margarita on the beach for those looking for relaxation. If you’re looking for a newly popular wellness experience – with ancient roots – trying a temazcal ceremony is one of the best things to do in Mexico.

Performed by a temazcalero trained in leading these ancient Mesoamerican ceremonies, the temazcal usually includes a greeting and guide before entering a small, hot sweat lodge. Participants sit in a circle around the hot stones and local medicinal herbs that help cleanse the body and mind.

You’ll find temazcal ceremonies increasingly included on the wellness roster of upscale resorts and spas in Mexico, though long-time local practitioners are popular in smaller towns. Staying in Mexico City? The W Mexico City offers the only temazcal in the heart of Mexico City – their massages are also heavenly and the best I’ve ever had, no exaggeration!

10. Visit Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos

There’s magic in Mexico. Pueblo mágico – magical towns – dot the country and offer visitors “cultural richness, historical relevance, cuisine, art crafts, and great hospitality,” per their official definition by the Mexican government.

There are currently more than 170 towns and cities around Mexico that are counted among the nation’s pueblos mágicos . Add at least one of these impressive places to visit in Mexico to your itinerary – these are some of the country’s most impressive:

• San Cristobal de las Casas | Chiapas
• Tequila | Jalisco
• Taxco | Guerrero
• Loreto | Baja California Sur
• Cholula | Puebla
• Dolores Hidalgo | Guanajuato

11. Work Remotely

There are a million reasons to fall in love with Mexico, so many, in fact, that many visitors never want to leave. Increasingly, working remotely from the country has become one of the most popular ways to experience all that Mexico has to offer.

Visitors from countries like Canada and the United States can stay in Mexico for up to six months without needing to extend their stay or apply for residency. This makes it somewhat of a haven for remote workers, with Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa making it possible for many to live and work in Mexico for up to four years without permanent residency.

You’ll find digital nomads working remotely from every corner of Mexico, but notable digital nomad communities can be found in bustling Mexico City and along the beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula like Tulum and Playa del Carmen . Smaller beach towns like Mazatlan on the Pacific Coast and oceanfront spots in Baja California are also popular with remote workers, though make sure internet speeds are up to snuff.

Digital Nomad Guides

• 18 Best Digital Nomad Visas
• 17 Best Places to Work Remotely Around the World
• 14 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Latin America

12. Eat Tacos

Eating as many tacos as you can is easily one of the best things to do in Mexico – does it even need to be said?! Wherever you go in Mexico, you’ll never be too far from a good street vendor selling what will probably be the best tacos you’ve ever tasted.

Here’s how to order:

• Al Pastor – pork is slow-cooked on a vertical spit and shaved, served with pineapple
• Cabeza – braised or steamed meat from a cow head sounds weird but is fatty and delicious
• Barbacoa – slow-cooked lamb or goat is cooked underground in a traditional style
• Suadero – beef brisket
• Carnitas – similar to pulled pork, carnitas is made of pork shoulder
• De Canasta – meaning “tacos from a basket,” these tacos can be filled with potatoes, beans, pork rind, or really anything, and are generally steamed and served by walking vendors in cities

Concerned about the safety of street food? Stick to street stalls with lots of people already eating at them and with food that looks freshly prepared. Or, take a taco tour ! You’ll find them in almost every major city, and they’re the best way to experience a place’s food culture.

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

13. Visit Chichen Itza

Located midway between charming Mérida and the beaches of the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is an archeological site that will wow you, so much so that it is counted among one of the seven wonders of the world.

With its dramatic principal pyramid, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico, it’s long been a popular destination. However, the site is quite large and contains a number of incredible buildings, smaller pyramids, and other ruins you won’t want to miss.

Chichen Itza can be visited as a day trip from many of the Yucatan’s most popular destinations. Book online ahead of your trip to reserve a spot for the experience:

• Chichen Itza Day Trip from Cancun
• Chichen Itza Day Trip from Mérida
• Chichen Itza Day Trip from Playa del Carmen
• Chichen Itza Day Trip from Tulum

Many day trip excursions – by far the easiest way to visit the site, include lunch and stops at nearby sites like cenotes for swimming.

14. Take a Cooking Class

Take Mexico home with you by taking a cooking class during your travels through the country. Whether you’re looking for the best recipe for mole or some inside tricks to recreating your favorite tacos at home, cooking classes are often affordable and a great way to connect with locals as you learn.

This is one of the best things to do in Mexico no matter where your itinerary takes you. Check online with Viator to discover cooking classes near you – every city in Mexico will have one! Many cooking classes combine a market visit with cooking – in my opinion, these are the best kind, as you’ll get a two-for-one experience from the class.

15. Surf on the Pacific Coast

Save the Caribbean side of Mexico for a more relaxed beach vacation: if you’re looking for some serious surfing, head to Baja California and the Pacific coast of the Mexican mainland for an unforgettable experience .

Towns on the Baja California Peninsula, like Todos Santos and Los Cerritos in Baja California Sur , are well known for their great surfing waves, while Ensenada in Baja California Norte is also extremely popular.

Meanwhile, spots in the Oaxaca State on the Mexican mainland are an additional surfing paradise. Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is a particularly popular surfing destination, while Mazunte also boasts its own incredible waves and cool beach town vibes.

Surf schools are common on busier beaches around Mexico. Most beaches that are popular with surfers will offer some form of beginner lessons for would-be surfers.

Read More: Baja California Sur | Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

16. Go Beach-hopping in Baja California

While the beaches of the Baja California peninsula tend not to be as white and pristine as those on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, they offer their own type of magic. While Yucatán Peninsula beaches are mostly built up with resorts and increasingly face seaweed blooms, the beaches of Baja are often spotless and crowdless, with just a handful of locals and RVs and vanlifers soaking up the rays.

Both coasts of the Baja California Peninsula have plenty to offer in terms of beaches. El Requesón at Bahia Concepción and Playa Balandra in La Paz are highlights of the eastern coast, while the beaches at Todos Santos and Los Cerritos are the west coast beaches in Baja California Sur you won’t want to miss.

17. Go Diving

Mexico is one of the most renowned diving destinations in the world, with countless spots you’ll want to explore on both coasts.

On the Caribbean side of the country, Isla Mujeres near Cancun is known for its spectacular diving, while the Palancar Reef off the coast of Cozumel offers some of the most spectacular reef diving in the region.

Baja California’s Sea of Cortez is known for its unmatched marine wildlife, so it’s a great place to surf, dive, snorkel, and more. Cabo Pulmo is the place to go for encounters with sea lions and seals, plus stunning diving, while beach towns like Loreto boast spectacular diving with incredible fish and smaller marine life.

For a totally unique dive experience, try a dive within one of the cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula . Diving in the cenotes near Tulum and Playa del Carmen is an unforgettable experience, and while some require more experienced cave diving training, there are plenty of cenote dives that even beginners can enjoy.

18. Enjoy Farm-to-Table Cuisine in Los Cabos

There are so many reasons to visit Los Cabos – wellness experiences, incredible resorts, and nightlife are just the start – but the farm-to-table cuisine you’ll find in Los Cabos is itself a reason to hop on a plane. Despite much of Baja California Sur being arid and desert-like, bountiful seafood and rich ingredients make it a destination foodies keep coming back for.

Local favorites like Tamarindos , and Flora Farms in San José del Cabo helped birth the trend and have long been leaders in the farm-to-table gastronomy movement in Los Cabos. Hilltop Monte Cardón makes the most of its stunning desert setting, offering the most impressive sunsets in Los Cabos to accompany handcrafted meals at this slow food farm-to-table concept.

Acre in San José del Cabo has a famously delicious and fresh farm-to-table kitchen, as well as cool treehouse-like accommodations that are worth sticking around for.

19. Visit the Markets in Oaxaca

Culinary delights await on every street corner in Mexico, but few true foodies will debate that Oaxaca is the true culinary capital of Mexico. Oaxaca’s unmatched culinary scene is one of the reasons that the central Mexican city has earned the title of the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure for two years running, edging out San Miguel de Allende for the award.

The region’s indigenous communities have led to the ultra-diverse gastronomic traditions of the area, known as the home of dishes such as banana leaf tamales, tlayudas, and mole.

Oaxaca is packed with numerous markets and too many distinguished restaurants to count, but make sure to head to Mercado Benito Juárez, just two blocks off of Oaxaca’s Zocalo, for the good stuff. The 20 de Noviembre market is particularly famous for its pasillo de humo – the hall of smoke – where marketgoers can buy fresh meat and have it prepared for them.

Where To Stay in Oaxaca

• Hotel Con Corazon ($)
• Hotel La Casona de Tita ($$ – $$$)
• Pug Seal Oaxaca ($$$)

20. Explore Mérida

An inland city in a region of Mexico known for its beaches, the vibrant city of Mérida still manages to shine as easily one of the most attractive and charming cities in Mexico. With historic churches, colorful streets, and plenty to see and do, it’s easy to fall in love with Mérida.

Nearby cenotes make perfect swimming holes, while cultural sites like Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – make Mérida the perfect addition to any itinerary.

Don’t worry, Mérida has plenty for beach lovers as well. The heart of downtown Mérida is just 40 minutes away from what are some of the best beaches in Mexico, in fact. If you’re looking for a perfect beachy getaway but with some additional cultural and historical richness, Merida will be the perfect spot for you.

Where To Stay in Merida

• Treehouse Boutique Hotel ($$)
• Wayam Mundo Imperial ($$ – $$$)
• The Diplomat Boutique Hotel ($$$)

21. Stay at a Jungle Retreat

Mexico is famous for its beach resorts, but it is also home to sustainable eco lodges and jungle retreats that make for a totally unique stay experience in Mexico.

Boutique properties like Playa Viva in Zihuatenejo perfectly fit the bill. Beautiful eco-luxury rooms, including treehouse-style accommodations and private casitas, help guests fully integrate into the property’s lush, untouched landscape. Playa Viva fully embodies the feel of a jungle escape, but close to the beach, it also provides the best of both worlds.

Looking for a true jungle immersion? Las Guacamayas  in Chiapas combines basic yet cozy, eco-friendly accommodations with all the excursions and activities you’re looking for to experience the best of the flora and fauna of Mexico’s extensive tropical forests.

Read More: 25 Best Eco Resorts Around the World

22. Ride the Tren Maya

The majority of travelers who visit resort towns like Playa del Carmen and Cancun on the Yucatán Peninsula do little more than stick to their resort during their vacation. Mexico’s new Tren Maya project is seeking to change that, offering visitors an easier-than-ever way to experience the incredible ruins, cuisines, and cultures that exist just miles away.

Charting a circular course around the peninsula and reaching archeological sites like Palenque and Chichén Itzá as well as cities like Valladolid and Mérida, the Tren Maya train system promises to transform the travel experience in one of Mexico’s most popular regions.

The first section of the Tren Maya won’t debut until the end of 2023 – connecting Cancun to Campeche – and the full train’s planned path won’t take shape until later in 2024. However, it promises to be an important new way for travelers to connect with disparate communities and important historical and cultural sites across the Yucatán Peninsula.

Plan a Trip to the Yucatán Peninsula

• 18 Best Places to Visit on the Yucatán Peninsula
• 8 Unmissable Things To Do in Cancun

23. Enjoy Some of the World’s Best Bars

Mexico City is increasingly one of the world’s most buzzy capitals for cocktails. An impressive showing in 2023 earned the Mexican capital four out of fifty spots on the list of the World’s Best Bars, drawing evening more attention to Mexico City for mixologists.

Handshake Speakeasy , Licoreria Limantour , Hanky Panky , and Baltra Bar all earned one of the coveted spots on the list of the World’s Best Bars. With such an extensive list of bars to visit, you may be busy during the entire duration of your stay in Mexico City.

Headed to San Miguel de Allende? There’s an incredible outpost of Handshake Speakeasy hidden on the rooftop of Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel , known as Tunki Rooftop by Handshake. The cocktails, and the sunset views, are spectacular; even as a mixology beginner, I was highly impressed.

24. Go Trekking in the Sierra Norte Mountains

Hiking may not be one of the many things to do in Mexico that first comes to mind, but adventure-minded travelers know that Mexico has its fair share of treks worth adding to your bucket list .

Head to the Sierra Norte Mountains in the state of Oaxaca for an excellent array of treks to choose from. One of the best routes cuts through gorgeous landscape to visit eight pueblos mancomunados , indigenous villages in the area. It’s a varied trek, doable for those without extensive experience, and one of the more off-the-beaten-path hidden gems of adventure travel in Mexico.

Alternatively, several impressive volcanoes in Mexico are favorite hiking spots, including Nevado de Toluca and Iztaccihuatl. Less than an hour from Mexico City, the Ajusco Summit Trail is a favorite route to enjoy as a day trip.

25. Swim in Cenotes

The beaches of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula are legendary, though the crystal clear cenotes the region is known for may offer an even more memorable spot for swimming. These limestone sinkholes are often filled with fresh water and surrounded by lush jungle, a part of extensive cave systems that cut through the area.

There are cenotes all over southern Mexico, but most of the well-known cenotes are in the Playa del Carmen and Tulum areas. Rent a car and visit the area yourself or head out with a local guide for the experience. Cenote Azul, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Gran Cenote are the most famous, but can get busy during the high season of travel.

26. Taste Mexican Spirits

If you thought Mexico City’s award-winning bars were the height of your spirits experience in Mexico, just wait until you visit some of the artisanal mezcal and tequila distilleries behind the ever more impressive growth in Mexican spirits.

Travelers can find a decent mezcal or tequila tasting just about anywhere in Mexico, but if you’re looking to get to the source, planning a trip to Oaxaca is a must. Home to mezcal, Oaxaca offers impressive distilleries you can’t skip, like Mezcaloteca and Mezcaleria V Sentidos . Casa Silencio is an eco lodge retreat and mezcalería you’ll love .

If mezcal isn’t your flavor, check out the home of tequila instead. The eponymous town of Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco is its birthplace, but tequila distilleries dot the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas, running through the western and central areas of Mexico.

27. Visit Spanish Missions

Dotting the coast and desert landscape of Baja California, historic Spanish missions form an intriguing network snaking up the coast, charting an epic road trip route just begging to be driven.

On the eastern coast of Baja California Sur , the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó founded in 1697 is considered the first lasting mission in the region. If you’re looking to hop from mission to mission in Baja – a great way to experience the best of this richly diverse region – the laidback beach town of Loreto is a fantastic base.

Stop by the town of San Javier to see the beautiful Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó located in an oasis in the desert before dining at San Javier Farm for farm-to-table cuisine. From there, head to lush La Purisima in the heart of the desert. It is home to the impressive mission known as Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Cadegomó, founded in 1712 by Jesuit missionaries.

Where To Stay in Loreto:

• Hotel Oasis ($ – $$)
• Hotel Posada de las Flores ($$)

28. Wander Through Historic Puerto Vallarta

Ritzy Punta Mita may be the talk of Mexico with its larger-than-life luxury resorts, but nearby Puerto Vallarta has long been the most glamourous spot on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and with good reason.

Puerto Vallarta is the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, great cuisine, and historic highlights. While there is plenty to do here, exploring the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta has long been a joy for travelers, boasting charm and character that newer beach destinations just can’t.

For a taste of historic Puerto Vallarta, stay at Casa Kimberly . This boutique hotel is the former home of Elizabeth Taylor, and oozes old Holywood glamour from every nook and cranny. Ocean views from the hotel’s prestigious spot on the hillsides of the historic center of town are unforgettable.

Reviews and Bookings: Casa Kimberly

29. Explore Puebla

Just a short drive south of Mexico City, Puebla is a destination that every traveler should consider adding to their Mexico itinerary.

Founded in the 1500s in an area populated by Cholula and Tlaxcala indigenous settlements, Puebla garnered an impressive architectural mix over time thanks to an important position on the road between interior Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. Its unique and beautiful historic architecture has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Puebla is also home to the great pyramid of Cholula; one incredible fun fact about Mexico is that this is the largest pyramid by volume in the entire world. It’s topped by the impressive church known as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios , built on the top of the pyramid during Spanish colonial times to repurpose an exciting site of spiritual importance. Today the site holds mass while indigenous religious rites.

Puebla makes for a perfect day trip from Mexico City, but those looking to experience the full richness of Puebla should plan on spending at least one or two nights here.

Where To Stay in Puebla

• Quinta Real Puebla ($ – $$)
• Banyan Tree Puebla ($$ – $$$)

30. Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Head south of the busyness of the Yucatán Peninsula, past even the beaches of Tulum, until you hit one of Mexico’s most beautiful and lush natural sites – the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve . Sian Ka’an received the coveted status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to a special mix of stunning natural beauty and beaches, as well as the 20+ known Mayan archeological sites that dot its forest.

Explore the reserve on a Sian Ka’an day trip from Tulum or stay at Casa Chablé in the heart of the reserve for the full experience. Casa Chablé is the most impressive and luxurious place to stay within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, from the impressive and award-winning Chablé hotel group.

Reviews and Bookings: Casa Chablé

Best Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Tours

• Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum
• Bird Watching in Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site
• Sian Ka’an Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen

31. Visit the San Juan Chamula Church

Located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, the small town of San Juan Chamula is a majority indigenous village where you’ll hear much more of the Tzotzil language than Spanish. San Juan Chamula’s main claim to fame is its unique church, where curious visitors will witness how Catholicism and indigenous religions coincide and mix in totally unique ways.

The church’s walls are lined with paintings of Catholic saints, but to the locals, they all represent Mayan gods. No Catholic will recognize the practices of the church, where copal resin incense burns and hundreds of candles illuminate the space, with nary a pew present. Visitors will see families gather with curandero spiritual leaders and healers who offer sacrifices, cleanse with eggs, and use local agua ardiente distilled liquor instead of wine.

San Juan Chamula is located just minutes from San Cristobal Las Casas, one of the most beautiful pueblos mágicos in Mexico. Make sure to add a visit to the church to your itinerary while you’re in the area – attending one of these masses is a unique experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

Reviews and Bookings: Visit to San Juan Chamula from San Cristobal Las Casas

32. Watch Lucha Libre

If you’re looking for a culturally relevant, amusing, and enjoyable way to spend an evening on your trip, taking in a lucha libre Mexican wrestling match should be at the top of your list of things to do in Mexico. While many travelers are only familiar with lucha libre from the movie of the same name, it’s long been a popular form of entertainment in Mexico.

Mexican wrestling is dramatic, truly much more entertainment than sport, and makes for an unforgettable experience. Crazy masks, dramatic movies, and an energetic fan base make watching lucha libre matches one of the best things to do in Mexico. Most travelers tend to catch a lucha libre match in Mexico City , but you’ll find them around the country.

33. Visit “the Maldives of Mexico”

Known for its impossibly clear waters, Bacalar could easily be mistaken for the Maldives despite not even being located directly on the ocean. The area’s Lagoon of Seven Colors is aptly named for the seven distinct shades of blue, turquoise, and green for a view you won’t believe.

Just a few miles north of the border of Belize, Bacalar is an incredible destination for an affordable beach getaway, and something totally different to what you’ll find in the rest of the region. Take a boat ride across the lake, or chill at a hotel located along the lagoon’s sandy shores – it’s all laid back in Bacalar.

Where To Stay in Bacalar

• Hotel Aires Bacalar ($)
• AMAINAH Bacalar ($$)
• Bacalari Boutique Hotel ($$)

Next Stop: Belize

• 12 Best Beaches in Belize
• 10 Best Resorts in Belize

34. Visit The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City

If you’re to choose just one from among Mexico’s countless museums to your personal list of things to do in Mexico, make it the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropoligia) in Mexico City. Located in Chapultepec Park, this museum contains a wealth of Mexico’s most important ancient historical and cultural artifacts . Even the most museum-weary traveler will be impressed.

Highlights of the impressive collection include the Aztec Stone of the Sun and numerous artifacts from pre-Columbian indigenous civilizations like the Olmecs and the Mayas. Spend two hours exploring the halls of this extensive museum or get lost for an entire day inside its walls. It’s a must-visit museum if you’re headed to any of Mexico’s ruins later on in your visit.

35. Sail to the Islands of Loreto

Located in the heart of the Sea of Cortez, the five islands off the coast of Loreto are a dream for divers, sailors, hikers, and everyone in between. Visiting the islands of Loreto, part of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best things to do in Mexico for travelers planning a visit to Baja California Sur.

Depart from Loreto or even La Paz on multi-day sailing excursions across the Sea of Cortez to swim, snorkel, and dive your way through what is known as “The World’s Aquarium.” Along the way, you’ll visit hidden white sand beaches like Honeymoon Beach on Danzante Island and others for the most incredible beach days.

If you’re not up for a multi-day sailing excursion, plenty of day trips to the islands of Loreto depart from the port of Loreto as well, a must for every visitor.

Plan a Trip to Loreto

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

North America Chevron

Mexico Chevron

Mexico City Chevron

The 27 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

By Scarlett Lindeman

Mexico City is changing rapidly from the influx of foreigners who have recently discovered the city’s infinite charms. There are dozens of new restaurants, parties, and projects that keep the vibrancy of this capital city (with a population of over 22 million) surging while the storied museums, ancient bars, and cultural sites maintain their standing. An intoxicating mix of ancient and new, you could spend a lifetime here and barely scratch the surface. While there's no way you’ll manage to cover all of the must see and dos in one trip, sticking to one neighborhood a day keeps things manageable. No matter how you end up spending your time in Mexico's capital, one thing is for sure—you’ll be scheduling your second trip before your first is even finished.

Read our complete Mexico City travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Colonia Juárez Arrow

The Juarez neighborhood has evolved in recent years. Once gritty, the area is now teeming with great boutiques, bars, parks, and restaurants like Masala y Maiz, which blends Mexican and Indian cuisines, and Niddo, a sunny corner spot that serves a divine brunch. There are loads of hotspots around the leafy central Plaza Washington: La Rifa for artisanal chocolates, Loose Blues for vinyls and vintage denim, and Elly's for natural wines and handmade pastas.

Luis Barragán House and Studio Arrow

The former home and studio of Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán has been transformed into a museum in Mexico City's Hidalgo District. Architecture and design lovers frequent the estate to study the artist's ingenious use of color, light, shadow, form, and texture. From the street, you'd never guess the personality that lies inside: The stark-gray façade humbly blends in with neighboring homes, but walk to the interior of the estate and you'll find striking walls in a kaleidoscope of bright colors, fountains, and pools.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Arrow

Even if you're not staying at this hotel on the Zócalo, it's worth stopping just to see the jaw-dropping interior. The building originally opened as a department store in 1899. Since then, its art nouveau bones have been carefully maintained: The curving staircase is a replica of the one at Paris's Le Bon Marché , and the antique elevator, made of iron and concrete, was the first of its kind in Mexico City. But the pièce de résistance is the incredible Tiffany stained-glass ceiling, imported from France in 1908.

El Moro Churerría Arrow

Early evening is churro time in Mexico City—families, couples, and friends all go out for a taste of sweet fried dough and chocolate. You'll often find lines snaking around the block outside this beloved churrería (churro shop). There are shops in Roma, Centro Historico, Condesa, Polanco, and Cuauhtémoc.   Most have spiffy interiors with blue and white tile, bright lighting, and long communal tables. Watch the cooks dip, fry, and sugar-coat your long, spindly churro, which is paired with hot chocolate in a flavor of your choosing.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco Arrow

Drive 40 minutes south of the city and you'll witness the closest approximation to the Valley of Mexico (in which Mexico City lies) before the arrival of the Spanish. The World Heritage Site of Xochimilco, the extensive lake and canal system that once connected most of the settlements in the valley, is an incredible vestige of the area's pre-Hispanic past. Start at the Embarcadero Belem dock to board a colorful gondola -like boat, called a trajinera , and explore the waterways and artificial islands or chinampas .

Palacio Nacional Arrow

Diego Rivera's famous mural The History of Mexico, showcases the Aztec era to the conquest to the Revolution to the development of industry. It's grandiose and captivating, a unique opportunity to learn about Mexico's past. Not to mention it's free: The mural is housed in a distinguished building east of the Zócalo that operates as a government office. Among the office workers milling about, you'll see a mix of local, national, and international tourists who come to be awe-stricken by Rivera’s masterpiece.

Templo Mayor Arrow

Templo Mayor (translation: main temple) was the centerpiece of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. The temple was mowed over and replaced by a cathedral during the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the hulking stone ruins lie at the heart of Centro Histórico, embedded in the blueprint of downtown. Surrounded by streets and buildings, it is hard to imagine the temples in their original Aztecan glory, but the nicely organized museum helps paint the full picture.

Museo Frida Kahlo Arrow

The museum, also known as "Casa Azul" for its shocking cobalt blue exterior, is where Frida Kahlo was born, raised, lived, and died. Visitors can take in a few paintings by Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, in addition to other contemporary artists of their era. But perhaps more interesting is the voyeuristic window into their creative world. The home is carefully preserved and maintained; it's easy to image the spaces as they were during Kahlo's time. In addition to their personal effects and domestic materials, the collection of clothes and corsets Frida needed to support her body after her traumatic accident give an intimate look at the artist's daily struggles.

Sculpture Garden at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo Arrow

Located on the outskirts of Mexico City proper, at the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus, the Sculpture Park is totally off the tourist track. Featuring a range of grand outdoor sculptures, the park is best explored by foot. The sculpture space, which looks like a giant crater, is one the top things to spot. It's built around lava (which can be seen in the center) and has wonderful views from the ledge.

Mercado Jamaica Arrow

The city’s principal flower market offers visitors a fragrant, colorful walk through much of the region’s native flora and fauna, available to be bundled into a bouquet and taken back to your home. Available for your admiration are roses, lilies, daisies, ferns, and violets galore, among other rare and special species. Visit during Dia de Muertos to see trucks carting in pink and orange cempasuchil , or Mexican marigolds, for family members to buy to decorate their ofrendas at home or their loved ones’ graves. Build a bundle to decorate your hotel room with—or better yet, to dry and frame as a memory for when you return home.

Monumento a la Revolución Arrow

This landmark, located in the heart of Mexico City, commemorates the Mexican Revolution and is the largest triumphal arch in the world. The main structure evolved over twenty-five years of stops and starts and a major redesign. It was finished in 1938, to comprise an eclectic blend of art-deco and Mexican socialist realism styles. A visit to the top observation deck only costs 110 pesos ($5) and there's a museum underground. You don't need much time to witness the glory of the monument. Saunter around, gawk at the creative architectural stylings of the structure, and walk under the arches. History nerds may be more interested in the small museum below, but more than anything it's an architecturally significant piece, and the observation deck has great views. If you keep your eyes peeled while exploring around town, you'll most likely catch a glimpse of the monument down a main street—but a quick glimpse isn't enough, and it's worth the quick 15-minute trip to walk underneath it.

Omusubi House Arrow

In a small storefront in Roma Norte, the husband and wife team, Ichiro Kitazawa and Varia Gonzáles Manuel work side-by-side in the miniscule kitchen, cupping steamed rice into palm-sized balls. They will sink sauteed sweet potato into the omusubi which are speckled like confetti with purple and wild rice, a marriage of Mexican ingredients and Japanese technique. They met while working at a Japanese restaurant years back when Mexico City was still called DF, the federal district. He had arrived ten years earlier by way of Osaka, as a hippy backpacker intent on photographing Latin America but fell into cooking; and she, from Puebla. “Omusubi translates to tying up or to bring together” Kitazawa explains, “which is how we wrap the rice”—and a sound metaphor for the forging of connections between their two countries.

Cárcamo de Dolores Arrow

Second or third-time visitors to Mexico City who think they've seen everything will find something new here. This historic but infrequently-visited site was constructed in 1951 as a hydraulic water system connected to the city's main water lines. And while it no longer acts as a municipal water work but rather a museum and cultural landmark, it underscores the city's complicated relationship with water. In the lesser-traveled section of Chapultepec, it is currently under renovation and closed to the public, though the massive Rivera sculpture of the Azteca water god Tlaloc out front can still be admired.

Eat Like a Local Arrow

Eat Like a Local, a Mexico City–based company, runs culinary tours that immerse visitors in the city's vast food scene. Rocio, the guide, has long been a food blogger , and her knowledge about the Mexico City's food scene is totally on point. She's also passionate about connecting tourists with locals, and impacting Mexico City in a positive, sustainable way. There's a set itinerary, but she's flexible—so go on, order another mezcal or pork carnitas, if you like.

Museo Jumex Arrow

Museo Jumex houses one of Latin America's largest private contemporary art collections, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Martin Kippenberger, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst. Mediums range from paintings and drawings to light and video installations. The building is as distinctive as the art: British architect David Chipperfield designed the 15,000 square-foot white-concrete cube with a sawtooth top. (Plus the Soumaya Museum is just across the square, so you can feed two birds with one scone.) 

Self-Guided Centro Historico Cantina Crawl Arrow

It's easy to pop around in Centro, hitting up a few cantinas to have a drink or two and to soak up the style of these classic, dive-y spots. The more friends you bring and make, the better. Locals and regulars alike hit the cantinas, which maintain a storied baseline for the drinking culture of Mexico City. Musicians pass through, sorrows are drowned, and gains celebrated. Many cantinas serve food, some better than others, and will often gift snacks and small plates if you consume around three drinks, though each spot has its own rules. Beer and tequila prevail. Simple cocktails, built-in-the-glass rum and cokes, margaritas, sangria, rum, brandy, and mezcal. Some cantinas are known for certain drinks, but craft cocktails this is not.

Lucha Libre at the Arena Coliseo Arrow

A giant venue that hosts sporting and entertainment events, the Arena seats as many as 23,300 spectators. It's best known for hosting Lucha Libre wrestling matches. The stadium is sprawling, and some seats are certainly better than others, depending on how much money you're willing to fork out. If you're here because you're a true Lucha Libre fan, make sure to sit in the front row; if you're here to have a fun night out with friends, the cheap seats will do just fine.

Teotihuacán Arrow

The ancient Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacán, in the Valley of Mexico, once served as the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. It is thought that during the first millennium A.D. the city had around 125,000 people, including multi-ethnic groups such as the Otomi, Zapotec, Mixtec, Maya, and Nahua. If you have a few days in Mexico City, it's worth the day trip . (Teotihuacán is about an hour outside the city by car.) Leave early in the morning so you can be back in the city by mid-day—and bring sunscreen!

The Centro Zocalo Historico Bodealores   Arrow

The boleadores are dotted around the perimeter of downtown's main square (and almost every other park and plaza in the city) but you'll have a great view of the cathedrals, flagpole, and Palacio Nacional if you get your shoes shined here. Climb up on the elevated perch of the boleador's chair and they will make your boots shine anew. At 50 to 100 pesos ($3 to $6), it's one of the cheapest shoe-shine experiences around. Boleadores are an important part of Mexican street culture and a fixture of pedestrian avenues, a living-breathing mid-century heritage that is not in danger of dying out. But with the proliferation of cheap plastic shoes and mass-market tennis sneakers, "limpiabotes" are a hand-crafted service for giving leather shoes a new life.

Museo Anahuacalli Arrow

Awesome, grand, and out-of-the-way, Anahuacalli is part studio, part museum, and part shrine for Mexican art that Diego Rivera built as an architectural piece uniting past, present, and future to the natural environment. Rivera's personal and expansive collection of pre-Hispanic figurines, carvings, and totems accumulated over a lifetime. The museum itself was constructed around a swath of rocky terrain Rivera and Khalo had purchased for a farm. The main collection features nearly two thousand figurines representing Olmecs, Toltecs, Nahuas, Zapotecs, the people of Teotihuacan, and those of northeastern Mexico as well as Rivera's sketches for murals. There are also temporary exhibits of more modern Mexican artists, with a recent rotation of 30 textural works by Robert Janitz—paintings, large-format sculptures, and an NFT.

Patrick Miller Arrow

From the outside, this dance club looks like dumpy warehouse hidden behind a black gate in Roma Norte. But come on a Friday (the only day it's open), and you'll find a raging party that offers a glimpse of the city's extant disco subculture. An eclectic mix of party-goers show off their moves in dance circles to all kinds of music, from '80s and '90s classics to sub-genres of disco, such as Hi-NRG, Italo, and electro.

Museo Nacional de Antropología Arrow

This massive building in Chapultepec Park is among the city's most famed museums, second only to perhaps the Museo Frida Kahlo . Though the late Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez designed it in 1964, the mammoth building still looks as avant-garde today as it did then. (How exactly does that giant concrete slab float above a pond?) The museum holds the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts. Some of the most iconic Mesoamerican artifacts discovered to date can be found across 23 rooms. If you want to understand Mexico's history, then a visit here is a must.

Plaza Garibaldi Arrow

Mexico's roving mariachi bands have been found in this plaza, a few blocks north of the Palacio de Bellas Artes , since the mid-1900s. Though the plaza has deteriorated over the years, it's seen a resurgence thanks to a city-driven effort to clean up the neighborhood by installing new sidewalks and street lamps. It's a cultural meeting point of sorts, where travelers can come day or night (though the best time to go is after 11 p.m.), to watch bands solicit bar patrons, cars, and passersby to buy a song .

Torre Latinoamericana Arrow

This 44-story skyscraper, built in 1965, is the tallest building in Centro Histórico . The tower miraculously withstood both the 8.1-magnitude earthquake of 1985 and the 7.1-magnitude quake of September 2017, making it a rare feat of engineering. The Torre defines Mexico City's skyline (much like the Empire State building in New York) and is a useful tool for orienting oneself in downtown. Head to the top-floor observation deck for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city, or to the newly renovated bar/restaurant (one floor below), which has equally impressive views and is almost always empty.

Salón San Luis Arrow

The dance floor at this old-school salon, cloaked in red light, comes alive as locals, tourists, and old timers twirl and shuffle to a live band . Try your hand at salsa, merengue, cumbia, and norteña numbers as waiters in crisp whites with black bow ties circle the room serving liquid courage. There's no shame in bad dancing, so try and learn the steps. (The pros might even show you a thing or two.)

Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola Arrow

A surprisingly tranquil stop in a high-energy city, this infrequently-visited modernist church is tucked away in plain sight in residential Polanco. Designed by famed architect Juan Sordo, it was completed in 1961 and features a sharp triangular structure covered in handmade yellow ceramic tiles. Show up during visiting hours and you can tour the grounds inside and out. Indoors, the Jesuit temple is encased by multi-colored stained glass windows that catch vibrant fractals on sunny days, with an effect almost like being trapped in a kaleidoscope. It's a place of worship and quiet contemplation, yes, but also a haven for architecture nerds.

La Rifa Chocolateria Arrow

Indigenous to Mexico, cacao has been consumed in the country and played an important role in Mesoamerican societies since 19th BCE; La Rifa continues the tradition with a small roaster on-site. There are a handful of tables sprinkled in the tree-shaded plaza out front, optimal perches for spending an hour or two. Ask to see their production in the back and they will most likely give a tour. The main event is sipping chocolates—water-based and closest to how cacao was consumed, pre-Columbian, before the introduction of the Spanish (and thus cows and milk). The front-of-house folks are happy to explain the finer nuances of their roasting process, flavor-profiles, and history of Mexican chocolate.

Ahuehuete Arrow

This six-seat collection room is a distillate library, a stunning space housed in a centuries-old building in one of Mexico City’s oldest neighborhood. The Porfirio Díaz-era bar and backbar were found in a Puebla antique store and are over 100 years old (once you book here , you'll be notified of the exact location) It'll cost you $75 per-person for a six-spirit sampling, light snacks, and water. Inside, there are only six seats and a knowledgable barkeep/tour guide crafting a rich journey for you and your fellow spirit geeks. While tequila and mezcal are some of Mexico's greatest exports, there are dozens of other plant-based spirits like bacanora, sotol, raicilla, and charanda, distilled in micro-batch quantities in rural communities that never make it into commerical circulation—nor are they intended to. The team behind Ahuehuete has been collecting bottles throughout the years, traveling to rural villages to find interesting batches for their private collection.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• 8 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in New Mexico

New Mexico , often referred to as the "Land of Enchantment," blends Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions, evident in its art, architecture, and local customs. The state's landscape is equally varied, encompassing high deserts, wooded mountain ranges, and vast plains. New Mexico's capital, Santa Fe, is the oldest state capital in the United States, founded in 1610, and is known for its Pueblo-style architecture and vibrant arts scene. Albuquerque, the largest city, hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest hot-air balloon festival.

Beyond its cities, New Mexico is also home to charming small towns that give a more intimate look at the state's rich history and cultural heritage. These eight should be at the top of your bucket list.

Taos, New Mexico , is located in the high desert at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town has long been a crossroads of the Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures and is perhaps best known for its historic adobe architecture. Taos has been a magnet for artists and writers since the early 20th century, drawn by its dramatic landscapes and light. Towering mountains provide a backdrop for the town.

Taos Pueblo is a must-visit, showing off the living history and culture of the Native American community that has resided there for millennia. The adobe structures and the community's practices are a way of life preserved through the ages. Another site is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the United States. It spans the deep canyon carved by the Rio Grande and has views of the gorge. Additionally, a visit to Earthship Biotecture is an eye-opening look at sustainable living. This community of off-grid homes, built from natural and recycled materials, showcases innovative designs that minimize ecological impact and are adapted to the harsh desert environment.

Cimarron is in the northeastern part of New Mexico, and its name is derived from the Spanish word for "wild" or "untamed." The town was once a frontier of conflict and commerce, frequented by notable figures such as Kit Carson and the infamous outlaw, "Black Jack" Ketchum. The surrounding area comprises rolling prairies broken by volcanic rocks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west.

Cimarron Canyon State Park has dramatic rocky cliffs and river scenery ideal for fishing, hiking, and camping. The park's ecosystems and accessible trails allow visitors to closely experience New Mexico wilderness. The Palisades Sill, located within the state park, is an impressive geological feature composed of vertical columns of cooled volcanic ash, ideal for photography and nature walks. Additionally, the historic Chase Ranch is home to well-preserved 19th-century ranch buildings and is still operational. This ranch offers educational tours that highlight traditional ranching practices.

Jemez Springs

Jemez Springs, New Mexico, is a village in the Jemez Mountains. Known for its natural hot springs , Jemez Springs is located in the Jemez National Recreation Area, rich in geological features including vast caldera and rugged basalt cliffs. Historically, the area has been the homeland of the Jemez Pueblo people, who have resided there for centuries.

The Jemez Historic Site has ruins of the 17th-century San José de los Jemez church and several ancient pueblo dwellings. This site gives an important perspective on the Spanish colonial history and the ancient traditions of the Native American people of the region. The Valles Caldera National Preserve is another attraction. It was formed by volcanic activity that can be explored through hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in one of the largest calderas in the United States. Additionally, Spence Hot Springs is a relaxing and scenic experience, where visitors can soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by the Jemez Mountains.

Ruidoso is a mountain resort town in the Sierra Blanca range. This charming village, sitting at an elevation of approximately 6,900 feet, has a cool, mild climate and abundant pine forests. Historically, Ruidoso began as a small logging town. The area's history is also marked by its proximity to the Lincoln County War sites, which were central to the conflict involving figures like Billy the Kid .

Lincoln National Forest surrounds Ruidoso and is excellent for hiking, camping, and horseback riding, with trails and vistas that cater to all levels. Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area is another notable attraction as one of the longest cave systems in New Mexico. Visitors can participate in guided tours of the caves to see its natural underground formations. Grindstone Lake is a more relaxed setting for fishing, hiking, and picnicking, with additional options for boating and water sports during the summer months. The lake area also includes a trail system for mountain biking and hiking.

Chimayó, New Mexico, is a small, culturally rich village in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the north-central part of the state. This region is known for its Native American roots and the influence of Spanish colonial settlers who arrived in the late 17th century. Chimayó is particularly famed for its religious heritage, deeply rooted in the local Catholic community, which contributes to its reputation as a place of pilgrimage.

El Santuario de Chimayó, one of the most revered holy sites in the United States, attracts thousands of pilgrims annually, especially during Holy Week . This historic church is famed for its healing dirt and religious folk art. Ortega’s Weaving Shop is another must-visit location, where visitors can observe traditional Spanish weaving techniques and purchase handwoven textiles that reflect the rich weaving heritage of Chimayó. Finally, Rancho de Chimayó serves traditional New Mexican cuisine in a century-old adobe home. This restaurant lets visitors witness the traditional lifestyle and hospitality integral to Chimayó's charm.

Madrid is in the Ortiz Mountains along the scenic Turquoise Trail. The town flourished due to the demand for coal. Madrid's coal mines were among the most productive in the state until the decline of coal use in the mid-20th century, which led to the town's temporary abandonment. In the 1970s, Madrid was revitalized by artists and entrepreneurs who transformed the abandoned homes and shops into galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

The Mine Shaft Tavern has a rustic, historical ambiance and serves as a community hub where visitors can enjoy live music, local cuisine, and a variety of beverages. The Old Coal Town Museum further explores Madrid's mining era through artifacts, photographs, and stories from its coal mining days. Additionally, the Madrid Christmas Parade is an annual highlight, displaying the town's quirky and artistic spirit. This festive event includes colorful floats, performances, and holiday cheer.

Mesilla, New Mexico, is a town in the southern part of the state, near Las Cruces and just a short distance from the Rio Grande . Founded in the mid-19th century, Mesilla was significant in the area's transition from Mexican to US governance following the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. The town's plaza and surrounding buildings are examples of traditional Spanish colonial architecture. Mesilla has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park has trails for walking and bird watching along the Rio Grande. The park is a relatively new addition to New Mexico's state park system and aims to preserve and restore the floodplain of the Rio Grande. The Basilica of San Albino, one of the oldest missions in the area, stands proudly on the historic Mesilla Plaza. It educates visitors on the religious history of the region. For entertainment, the Fountain Theatre, operated by the Mesilla Valley Film Society, is the oldest movie theater in New Mexico and shows independent and foreign films.

Red River is a mountain town within the high peaks of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountain range in the Rockies . Founded in the late 19th century as a mining camp, the town was originally a hotspot for gold, silver, and copper miners. As the mining industry dwindled in the early 20th century, Red River transformed into a resort destination, capitalizing on its alpine setting, with lush forests and clear streams.

The Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area has extensive trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter in snow-covered hills and forests. It is an excellent place for families and individuals. The Goose Lake Trail is a hiking destination, known for its challenging yet rewarding hike that leads to Goose Lake. This trail is ideal for those looking to explore the more remote areas of the surrounding mountains. For the more adventurous, the Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area presents an opportunity to explore New Mexico’s highest peaks, with hiking trails to lookouts of the surrounding valleys and rugged terrain.

New Mexico's charming small towns are windows into the state's diverse culture and natural beauty. From the historical depth and artistic spirit of Taos to the quiet allure of Jemez Springs with its soothing hot springs and native history, these towns exemplify the unique character of the "Land of Enchantment." Ruidoso and Chimayó further showcase the state's appeal, offering a blend of recreational activities and spiritual heritage that draws visitors year-round. Each of these towns contributes to the rich mosaic of experiences that New Mexico offers, making them essential destinations for anyone seeking to explore beyond the more frequented urban centers.

More in Places

6 Most Idyllic Small Towns In The Great Lakes

8 Cutest Small Towns In Utah To Visit In 2024

6 Most Inviting Towns In California's Sierra Nevada

7 Most Idyllic Small Towns In New Hampshire

6 Top-Ranked Towns in Colorado for Retirees

7 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Illinois

The Best Small Towns in Florida's Emerald Coast for a Weekend Retreat

7 Coolest Towns In Indiana For A Summer Vacation In 2024

10 Of The Most Unique Places To Visit In New Mexico

• New Mexico offers remarkable diversity in exploring places, from vast white dunes to ancient Pueblo dwellings, creating a captivating blend of nature, culture, history, and imagination.
• Some of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico include White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, each providing breathtaking landscapes and intriguing histories.
• Ghost Ranch, Bisti Badlands, and Shiprock offer otherworldly landscapes that are perfect for outdoor exploration and experiencing the mystical and surreal beauty of New Mexico. Additionally, attractions like Taos Pueblo, Meow Wolf, and Tinkertown Museum provide opportunities to engage with Native history, art, and quirky roadside attractions.

New Mexico is full of incredible landscapes, rich cultural history, and unique attractions, making it a must-visit destination in the American Southwest. From vast white dunes to intricate underground cave systems, ancient Pueblo dwellings, and eccentric roadside museums, New Mexico offers remarkable diversity in exploring places. Though famous cities like Santa Fe and Taos are obvious tourist spots, venturing off the beaten path reveals some of New Mexico's most fascinating hidden gems.

Whether visitors are history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, or enjoy immersing themselves in the peculiar and extraordinary, visitors will find plenty of intriguing spots to pique their curiosity in the Land of Enchantment. Home to some of the most scenic drives in the Southwest , along with stunning national parks and towns, here are some of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico that give people a taste of the state's captivating blend of nature, culture, history, and imagination.

Related: 10 Beautiful Places In New Mexico Where You Can See Fall Foliage

White Sands National Park

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's most captivating natural wonders – the gleaming white dunes of White Sands National Park. Over 275 square miles of gypsum sand compose this otherworldly landscape, creating the largest gypsum dune field on the planet.

Walking along the soft, powdery dunes, the landscape looks like snow as far as the eye can see but with a distinctly sandy texture underfoot. The brilliant white color results from the ultra-fine gypsum crystals that make up the dunes, reflecting the sun's light and creating a dreamlike alien atmosphere.

One of the best ways to experience the white sands is by taking a scenic drive along Alamogordo, an 8-mile paved loop with numerous pullouts. Indeed, visitors can explore White Sands National Park and Alamogordo for a superb day trip; get out and stroll into the sea of white, where one will quickly lose sight of the road behind the rippling peaks. For a more immersive experience, take the 1.5-mile Alkali Flat Trail into the heart of the dunes – winding through white waves and soaking in spectacular views. As visitors hike further out, the silence becomes almost deafening without a glimpse of civilization.

For the ultimate White Sands adventure, consider backcountry camping and witness the dunes under billions of twinkling stars. No designated campsites exist, allowing visitors to sleep wherever they please in this emerald-white ocean. Watch the sunset create kaleidoscopes of color on the dunes before moonlight casts a ghostly pall over the otherworldly landscape.

• Location : Alamogordo, NM
• Top Attractions : White Sands , Alkali Flat Trail , Backcountry camping

For a stunning photo opportunity, arrive for sunset when the white sands glow pink and orange.

RELATED: Salinas Pueblo Missions In New Mexico Are 400 Years Old & Some Of The Oldest Buildings In The USA

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Deep below the Chihuahuan Desert lies a fascinating underground world – Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is among the best places to visit in New Mexico for otherworldly subterranean wonders. A labyrinth of over 119 limestone caves winds through the darkness, adorned with intricate cave formations like glittering stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and crystalline rock curtains. The park contains over 33 caves, but the main attraction is the Big Room – one of the largest cave chambers in North America.

Descending 750 feet underground, travelers can walk a 1.25-mile paved loop trail through the Big Room's colossal chambers filled with rock sculptures and formations over 300 feet tall. Gazing up at the vaulted ceilings dripping with thousands of cave formations is a jaw-dropping glimpse into the geological wonders beneath the New Mexico desert. For a more rugged adventure, take a ranger-guided tour into Slaughter Canyon Cave or the famously beautiful Lechuguilla Cave, which holds rare gypsum chandeliers and strontium needle crystals.

While the caves are the main highlight, Carlsbad Caverns also contains over 33,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness to explore aboveground. Hike along desert trails through canyons and washes, watch for wildlife like golden eagles and mule deer, or stargaze from the park's Night Sky Amphitheater. From the desert highlands to the cavernous underworld below, Carlsbad Caverns reveals the natural diversity of Southeastern New Mexico.

• Location : Carlsbad, NM
• Top Attractions : The Big Room, Slaughter Canyon Cave , Lechuguilla Cave

Take the self-guided Natural Entrance route down into the cave to experience the 750-foot descent from the cave mouth.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

To glimpse the lives of ancient Puebloan people, visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which is one of the most unique destinations in Mexico to visit for history fans. Tucked high in the Mogollon Mountains, this remote site contains remarkable ruins of stone cliff dwellings that the Mogollon culture inhabited from the 1280s to early 1300s. The seven caves lie high on the cliffs, featuring original adobe walls and beams dramatically situated within the rock overhangs.

A 1-mile loop trail allows travelers to climb up and explore the interiors of the dwellings, getting a sense of the ingenious construction and compact living spaces inside. Visitors can peek inside storage rooms and living spaces with fire pits and see originals of grain storage pots and food bowls still within the dwellings. The show's stars are the House of Many Windows and Ledge House dwellings, containing multiple rooms and windows looking out over the Gila National Forest valley.

Beyond the dwellings, visitors can embark on scenic hikes through the Ponderosa pine forest along the West Fork Trail, keeping a lookout for wildlife like black bears and wild turkeys. The TJ Ruin archeological site also lets travelers see remnants of another small settlement with artifacts like metates and petroglyphs. Transport back 700 years at Gila Cliff Dwellings to glimpse the ancient history within these protected caves.

• Location : Gila National Forest
• Top Attractions : Cliff Dwellings , West Fork Trail , TJ Ruin

Visit in autumn when the surrounding maple, oak, and ash trees display vibrant fall foliage.

Ghost Ranch In New Mexico

With a name like Ghost Ranch, travelers know this unique place in New Mexico holds intriguing mysteries within its dusty slopes. Located in the northern region of the Piedra Lumbre Basin, Ghost Ranch's panoramic landscape of buttes, mesas, and cliffs has an unmistakably spiritual aura. The 21,000-acre ranch has drawn artists like Georgia O’Keefe and archeologists who uncovered dinosaur fossils dating back 200 million years.

Today, visitors come to hike the network of trails winding through otherworldly rock formations, canyons, and desert landscapes. Climb onto Chimney Rock for expansive views of the Piedra Lumbre Valley from atop this iconic mesa formation. The Box Canyon Trail carries travelers through a slot canyon lined with eroded sandstone walls in undulating shapes and textures. Take the four-mile Chimney Rock Trail for a more rugged adventure, summiting a mesa top with 360-degree vistas.

Beyond the spectacular hiking, Ghost Ranch offers interesting museums such as the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology, housing Triassic fossils and dinosaur bones unearthed here. The Museum of Anthropology contains artifacts from the ancient Pueblo tribes and Spanish settlers. With a vibrant history, geology, archaeology, and scenery, Ghost Ranch promises outdoor thrills and intriguing culture around every wind-carved bend.

• Location : Abiquiu
• Top Attractions : Museum of Anthropology , Ruth Hall Museum

Sign up for one of the ranch's paleontology tours to hunt for fossils and learn about excavations.

Bisti Badlands

In New Mexico's northwest region, the Bisti Badlands contain one of the most surreal landscapes in the Southwest. This remote 45,000-acre wilderness of alien rock formations and petrified wood creates a strange, almost unearthly atmosphere. The badlands formed after roughly 300 million years of geological activity eroded layers of shale to reveal these quintessential “bad lands” resistant to vegetation growth.

A lunar terrain of slickrock mounds eroded into wild shapes called hoodoos, rock spires, and mushroom caps remains. Strange ribbed and rippled rock textures cover the dusty earth in stripes of dark grays, beiges, and earthen reds. Scattered across the arid landscape, visitors will find thousands of petrified wood pieces in uncanny natural sculptures and designs. Like walking through an abstract art exhibit, the Bisti Badlands allow their imagination to run wild over how such an otherworldly landscape took shape.

With no established trails, Bisti offers full creative freedom to wander the open badlands how travelers wish. Trek a few miles out to immerse in the alien surroundings, where bizarre rock formations stretch in all directions. Come at sunrise or sunset when fading light casts a mystical glow over the multi-hued hoodoos. For an eerie night, camp under the stars and listen to coyotes howling as visitors ponder this surreal terrain. Of all New Mexico’s wonders, the Bisti Badlands truly deliver a landscape unlike any other.

• Location : Farmington, NM
• Top Attractions : Hoodoos , rock formations, petrified wood

Bring plenty of water and snacks since no facilities exist, as well as good shoes for scrambling over rough terrain.

Taos Pueblo

In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (famous for its 14ers) lies the ancient municipality of Taos Pueblo, continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. One of North America's oldest, always-occupied settlements, Taos Pueblo is among the most beautiful towns in New Mexico and provides unmatched insight into traditional Pueblo culture. The heart of the Pueblo is a multi-story adobe complex made from mud, straw, and water that houses people year-round.

Unlike typical tourist attractions in New Mexico, this is a vibrant community going about its daily life and traditions. Tours allow visitors to respectfully wander the exterior plaza and historic district, guided by a tribal member. They explain customs like the horno ovens, fetch water from the Red Willow Creek, and point out kivas – underground spiritual chambers where rituals take place. Nearby stands the historic San Geronimo Chapel, the oldest church structure in the US, with original adobe walls dating back to 1619.

Artists sell finely crafted micaceous pottery, turquoise and silver jewelry, and other traditional works throughout the Pueblo. Witness dancing ceremonies like the Corn Dances or January Pole Climb that outsiders rarely view. Staying overnight or dining at Pueblo’s guest housing gives travelers a deeply immersive impression of Puebloan heritage at one of its most authentic settlements. Taos Pueblo’s continuity through centuries makes it an unparalleled place to engage with Native history and culture.

• Location : Taos, NM
• Top Attractions : Adobe complex , San Geronimo Chapel , Micaceous pottery

Time their visit for one of the traditional feast days like San Geronimo Day or Taos Pueblo Pow-Wow.

RELATED: High Road To Taos: Experience The Views From 9,000 Feet Up

For a unique art experience unlike anything else, visit the fantastical exhibitions of Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. Meow Wolf is an arts collective that creates immersive multimedia installations based on science fiction and psychedelic environments. Their main campus is House of Eternal Return - an amalgamation of over 70 artists' works with a storyline about a mysterious Victorian house.

Upon entering, visitors find a two-story house filled with passageways and portals leading to wildly unique spaces like a forest, cave, control room, neon arcade, and alien worlds. Every room presents a barrage of sensory stimuli, from robotic sculptures to laser shows, music, and abstract video mapping. Unlike a typical museum, visitors can touch, play, and fully interact with the installations however they please.

Beyond the flagship house, Meow Wolf contains art studios, music venues, a cafe, and outdoor installations on its sprawling campus. Expanding the multimedia experience, they regularly host concerts, new exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops. Recent openings include The Goblin Garden, with immersive botanical jewels and Portals connecting to otherworldly realms. Meow Wolf offers complete imaginative escape through the power of creatively collaborated art forms and storytelling – a one-of-a-kind playground for minds of all ages.

• Location : Santa Fe, NM
• Top Attractions : House of Eternal Return exhibit , arts complex , music venues

Look for discount coupons online!

RELATED: This Is What Happened At Chaco Canyon (& Why It's Still Abandoned Today)

Visible from nearly 50 miles away, the imposing rocky structure of Shiprock abruptly emerges from New Mexico's remote northwest desert. Rising about 1,600 feet, Shiprock (or Tsé Bit’a’í in Navajo) is an arresting lone volcanic plug that has become a famous symbol of this Four Corners region. The sheer rock walls shoot straight up from the landscape, resembling a massive ship plowing through the desert sea.

For the Navajo people native to this region, Shiprock holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Many myths and legends tell how this dramatic monolith came to be, featuring it prominently as a landmark. Navajo tradition tells of a great bird that carried the Navajo from the cold north to this southwestern land of promise. Exhausted from the long journey, the giant bird rested on the peak we now know as Shiprock.

While it's mostly off-limits for climbing, hikers can walk along the mesa at its base for closer views of the craggy volcanic rock walls. The rugged 17-mile loop BLM trail traces around Shiprock, rewarding with panoramic views of this geological marvel from all angles against the vivid high desert. For insights into Navajo heritage tied to this sacred peak, talk with a Navajo guide to hear stories passed down through generations about the origins of their cherished Shiprock.

• Location : Shiprock, NM
• Top Attractions : 17-mile loop BLM trail around Shiprock

For safe hiking, go with a Navajo guide who can shed light on cultural significance along the way.

Tinkertown Museum

Don’t miss Ross Ward’s Tinkertown Museum between Albuquerque and Santa Fe for a roadside attraction with incredible handcrafted charm. This 22-room eccentric place began in the 1960s as one man’s personal carved wooden dioramas, expanding over decades into a folk art extravaganza. Ross Ward spent over 40 years meticulously cutting around 50,000 figures to create entire Western scenes inside glass bottles, wooden boxes, and walls.

Visitors will find a Wild West saloon filled with cowboy figurines or a vintage sideshow stuffed with detailed carousel animals as visitors explore the various rooms. Other displays include a mini circus, Norman Rockwell-esque small-town scenes, and interactive penny arcade games. The bottle walls glitter with lit-up glass containing minute carvings. Surprises wait around every corner, from a carved fortune-teller machine to a wooden sailing ship.

Equally appealing is the museum’s quirky, nostalgic charm mixed with Ross’s quips and humor displayed throughout. Beyond the indoor curiosities, travelers will find a chapel, schoolhouse, jail, and Ross’s unique hand-built RV to explore. Tinkertown celebrates the power of one person’s imagination and diligence to create a magical handmade world for others to enjoy. Don’t miss this New Mexico original hidden gem.

• Location : Sandia Park, NM
• Top Attractions : Hand-carved dioramas at the Tintertown Museum

Chat with the friendly and quirky staff for amusing background stories on various pieces in the museum.

RELATED: Uncovering The Enigma Of The 'Center Of The Universe' In New Mexico: Myth Or Reality?

Loretto Chapel

In the heart of Santa Fe (a superb city with plenty to offer) stands the historic Loretto Chapel, home to one of New Mexico’s most intriguing curiosities. Built in the late 1800s, the chapel exhibits ornate Gothic Revival architecture with impressive buttresses, spires, and stained-glass windows. But the structure’s miraculous spiral staircase attracts most visitors’ attention and speculation.

Constructed with only wooden pegs and glue, the narrow staircase makes two complete spirals, stands 20 feet tall, and seems to defy physics and engineering. The Sisters of Loretto credit St. Joseph with miraculously answering their prayers for a solution after being told adding a normal staircase would disturb the chapel's walls. With no clear builder, the staircase's mystery perplexed architects and sparked legend.

Some records suggest it was carpentry master Francois-Jean "Frenchy" Rochas, though he worked without blueprints, nails, or center support. Others cite unidentified traveling carpenters. Skeptics suggest clever woodworking and physics created the illusion of impossibility. Regardless, the staircase has inspired wonder for over a century with its architectural curiosity.

Beyond the stairs, the chapel interior impresses with its ornate Gothic arches, columns, paintings, and glowing stained-glass telling biblical stories. While small in size, Loretto Chapel stands large in intrigue. Those intrigued by architectural mysteries and legends can decide if they believe in miracles while gazing at this gravity-defying wooden wonder.

• Top Attractions : Miraculous staircase , Gothic Revival architecture

Try to visit on a weekday early in the day to avoid crowds and have a quiet moment with the mystical staircase.

The Lyrids are here: How and when to see the meteor shower peak in 2024

Get ready for another show in the sky, space fans. This time it will be a shooting star show.

The Lyrid meteor shower will peak in 2024 starting late Sunday night on April 21 and last through dawn on Monday April 22 .

The Lyrids, one of the oldest known Metroid showers , began April 15 and runs through April 29 but the weekend will be the best time to get a glimpse of the show which NASA said can be seen by people across the world.

The first recorded sighting of a Lyrid meteor show, dates back to 687 BC by the Chinese , astronomers say.

Here's all you need to know about the phenomenon including what time to watch it and the best place to see it.

Lyrid meteor shower 2024: Visual guide to the celestial show

What are meteoroids? What are meteors? What is a meteorite?

Meteoroids  are small rocks that are still in space. When they enter the Earth's atmosphere, they burn up, and create a tail of debris as they disintegrate before hitting the ground. During that point, they are are called meteors.

Those that survive a trip through the atmosphere and hit the Earth's ground are called a meteorite. Some of the small pieces of an asteroid have been traced as far away ask the moon and Mars. 

Lyrids are known for their fast meteors, according to NASA, and can produce the occasional bright flash called a fireball.

Where is the best place to see the Lyrid meteor shower?

According to NASA, the best view in the Northern Hemisphere of the shower after moonset and before dawn.

Here are tips from the space agency:

• Pick an area well away from city lights or street lights.
• Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.
• Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up.
• Be patient. About 30 minutes in the dark your eyes should adapt and you should begin to see meteors.

Watch video: Meteor, fireball lights up sky in New Jersey, other east coast states

How many Lyrids will we see per hour?

Meteor showers are typically named after constellations, stars, and even asteroids.

If the sky is dark, and the moon is absent during this year's show, experts say, at peak viewers can expect to see 10 to 15 Lyrids each hour.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.