17 Best Places to Visit in Mexico, it is a captivating country that offers a wide array of attractions for tourists. Its stunning beaches, diverse culinary scene, vibrant culture, and ancient pyramids all contribute to its popularity as a tourist destination. Mexico is a land of vibrant colors and striking contrasts. From bustling beaches to tranquil colonial towns, and from resort cities to lush jungles filled with parrots and howler monkeys, there is something for everyone.
The country’s landscape is equally diverse, with majestic mountains giving way to remote deserts. Traditional pueblo houses coexist with Spanish haciendas, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Additionally, the ruins of Mayan cities can be explored just outside modern metropolises, providing a glimpse into the country’s ancient history.
Mexico City, the capital, is a bustling metropolis that offers a wealth of attractions. Its historical center, renowned museums, and trendy shopping opportunities make it a must-visit destination. Another notable place to explore is the enigmatic town of Oaxaca, known for its colonial architecture and the vibrant Day of the Dead festival. For those interested in Mexico’s Pre-Columbian past, the archaeological sites of Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza are not to be missed. Teotihuacan is home to a pyramid dating back to 200 CE, while Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatán Peninsula.
In conclusion, Mexico is a country that seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a diverse and enriching experience.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, also known as “Playa,” is a bustling resort town located in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Once a quiet fishing village with a distinct European influence, the town has transformed into a lively destination with stunning beaches and entertainment options. Despite its growth, Playa still maintains a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals.
Situated in the Riviera Maya region, Playa del Carmen is a popular stop for cruise ships and is conveniently located near other tourist attractions such as the Xcaret Eco Park and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is also just off the coast, providing ample opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The heart of Playa is Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue, a 20-block stretch filled with shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels.
Merida
Merida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan state, is known as the “White City” due to its white stone buildings. Its location near the northwestern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula has resulted in a unique dialect, cuisine, and culture influenced by Mayan, Caribbean, and colonial traditions. The city was founded by Spanish Conquistadors in 1542 on top of an ancient Mayan city, and boasts numerous colonial buildings, including the palace of a former Conquistador leader. The city’s main plaza, “el Zocalo,” is home to many historic structures, such as a 16th century cathedral, the Governor’s Palace, and Old City Hall.
El Paseo Montejo, with its stunning mansions and picturesque tree-lined street, serves as a nostalgic reminder of the city’s illustrious past as the global hub for rope-making. After enduring the scorching heat of the day, this avenue offers a serene setting for an evening stroll. The locals, who typically work in the mornings, take advantage of the tropical weather’s peak by indulging in a leisurely lunch and siesta.
Merida, a city brimming with attractions, offers an array of activities for tourists to enjoy. From unwinding in public parks to exploring vibrant markets for unique souvenirs, visitors will find themselves immersed in the local culture. Additionally, the proximity to Mayan archaeological sites provides an opportunity to delve into the rich history of the region.
Taxco
Nestled amidst rolling hills, valleys, and mountains, Taxco is situated in a picturesque location approximately 170 kilometers southwest of Mexico City. Apart from its stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas, the city is renowned for its colonial architecture and intricately crafted artisanal silverware.
Dominating the cityscape is the magnificent baroque design of Santa Prisca Cathedral, which serves as the emblematic landmark of Taxco. From the cathedral’s bell towers, visitors can relish in breathtaking panoramas of Taxco’s surroundings, as well as a bird’s-eye view of the narrow, steep streets winding their way up the hillside.
Much of the city’s construction was funded by the wealth extracted from the nearby mountains, and to this day, one can still acquire exquisite silver jewelry. However, the economy of Taxco now primarily relies on the steady influx of tourists who come to immerse themselves in its rich history, culture, and architecture. A particularly opportune time to visit Taxco is during Holy Week, when the city comes alive with All Souls processions, showcasing the residents’ deep-rooted faith.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos, situated in the state of Baja California Sur, is renowned as the ultimate destination for marlin sport fishing. Over the past few decades, it has become a popular tourist spot in Mexico, thanks to its stunning resort beaches, exceptional scuba diving, whale watching opportunities, and vibrant party culture.
The Corridor, a picturesque highway stretching for twenty miles, divides Los Cabos into two towns – San Jose and San Lucas. San Jose, a former mission town, boasts of colonial architecture and a serene atmosphere. On the other hand, San Lucas is a rapidly growing tourist hub, featuring luxurious resorts, high-end restaurants, championship golf courses, and a dazzling party scene. It is also a hub for water sports such as scuba diving, parasailing, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours.
The Corridor boasts a magnificent shoreline adorned with exclusive residential communities and luxurious resorts. Within this area, you will find stunning beaches such as Chileno Beach, renowned for its pristine waters and diverse marine life.
Cabo San Lucas is also famous for its captivating natural wonder, Land’s End, where a collection of rocks have been sculpted by the forces of the sea and wind, creating unique formations. Among these formations, El Arco stands out as an excellent vantage point to observe sea lions.
Cozumel
Cozumel, a small island situated in the Caribbean Sea on the Yucatan Peninsula, is renowned as a premier diving spot in the Western Hemisphere. As a result, there is an abundance of dive shops scattered across the island.
While the ocean currents and wind conditions around Cozumel are not suitable for swimming, except for the serene beaches at Chankanaab National Park, the island’s shores are perfect for surfing and parasailing. Additionally, numerous beach hotels provide swimming pools for visitors to enjoy. For those seeking alternative water activities, deep-sea fishing and glass-bottom boat tours are also available.
Cozumel, a highly popular cruise port-of-call in Mexico, attracts a large number of tourists. The cruise docks are always bustling with vendors selling a wide range of souvenirs, including t-shirts and tequila. The main town on the island, San Miguel, is a hub of activity with its numerous shops, entertainment venues, and restaurants.
Apart from enjoying the beach, visitors to Cozumel can also explore other captivating attractions. The Mayan archaeological sites of San Gervasio and El Caracol offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization’s history. For nature enthusiasts, Chankanaab National Park is an excellent destination, offering nature trails to explore, beautiful botanical gardens to stroll through, and a chance to spot numerous iguanas.
Palenque
Nestled within the dense jungle of Chiapas State, Palenque stands as a renowned Maya city that thrived during the seventh century. Despite its smaller size compared to Chichen Itza or Calakmul, this archaeological site showcases an array of exceptional Mayan carvings, sculptures, and architectural wonders.
Palenque offers numerous grand temple and palace complexes for exploration, all of which are remarkably well-preserved. Thanks to the remarkable hieroglyphics and bas-reliefs, a wealth of knowledge has been gleaned about the site and its enigmatic past inhabitants, as well as their captivating mythology.
Among the structures, the most captivating is the Temple of Inscriptions, serving as a funerary monument to Hanab-Pakal, Palenque’s most renowned ruler. Its intricate carvings vividly depict events and rituals from bygone eras, and within the tomb, a splendid sarcophagus and death mask were discovered. Other significant ruins include the Temple of the Cross and the Temple of the Sun, although less is known about the imagery and symbolism they hold.
Copper Canyon
The Copper Canyon, named after its copper-green canyon walls, is a collection of six canyons that surpass the size of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Situated in the Sierra Madre of Chihuahua, this canyon system showcases some of the most remarkable landscapes in Mexico.
The Copper Canyon boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, with numerous species of trees, flowers, and wildlife. Additionally, it is adorned with captivating waterfalls and intriguing rock formations like the San Ignacio formations, which bear a resemblance to both humans and animals. Scattered throughout the region are several traditional Mexican towns, including Creel, Hidalgo de Parall, Batopilas, and Urique.
There are numerous methods to discover Copper Canyon, but the most remarkable approach is through the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, also known as “El Chepe.” This railway route traverses 37 bridges and 86 tunnels, reaching elevations as high as 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level, showcasing the awe-inspiring landscapes of Copper Canyon.
During the journey, the train makes several stops at scenic viewpoints, including the renowned Divisadero, where passengers can relish in breathtaking panoramas and have the opportunity to acquire local delicacies and handicrafts crafted by the Tarahumaran people.
Guanajuato
Guanajuato, the capital of the state with the same name, possesses an abundance of charm. Its cobblestone lanes, sidewalk cafes, and remarkable baroque architecture make it reminiscent of Europe, setting it apart as one of Guanajuato’s main attractions. Additionally, the city boasts a distinctive feature with its network of underground tunnels, which function as roads, making it truly unparalleled worldwide.
Established in 1559, Guanajuato swiftly gained renown for its gold and silver mines. Presently, some of these mines are open for visitation, including La Valencia, recognized as one of the most prosperous silver mines globally.
Adjacent to the mine lies the opulent Church of San Cayetano, embellished with lavish silver and gold decorations. The city offers an ideal setting to indulge in the enchanting melodies of traditional mariachi music.
Cancun
Cancun, situated on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a renowned tourist destination that offers a comprehensive vacation experience. It boasts stunning beaches, a luxurious hotel zone, ancient Mayan ruins, modern attractions, and a vibrant nightlife.
The main attractions of Cancun are its year-round pleasant weather and breathtaking beaches. Stretching for fourteen miles, these beaches feature soft, powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can indulge in a variety of water sports and also find local vendors selling souvenirs.
In contrast to the beachfront, the downtown area of Cancun, known as El Centro, showcases a more authentic Mexican ambiance. It is characterized by its historic architecture, diverse range of restaurants, bustling markets, and lively bars and clubs. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Overall, Cancun offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern entertainment, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a memorable vacation experience.
There are a few small Mayan archaeological sites in Cancun. While some remain covered in jungle, others are popular tourist attractions such as El Meco and El Ray, with the latter found within the hotel zone. Tourists will find a variety of recreational activities around Cancun like jeep safaris, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Shoppers can browse La Isla mall, and sports fans can watch football at the downtown stadium or play golf among the island’s many courses. Cancun is known for its vivacious nightlife, and tourists will find no shortage of choices that range from bars and nightclubs to dance halls and dinner cruises.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca, the capital city of the state bearing its name, is situated in a valley beneath the majestic Sierra Madre mountains. Renowned for its colonial architecture, archaeological sites, delightful climate, and serene ambiance, it has become a favored tourist spot in Southern Mexico.
At the core of Oaxaca lies its enchanting town square, known as Zocalo, where visitors can marvel at splendid colonial landmarks such as the Santo Domingo church, explore museums, indulge in souvenir shopping, and unwind at an al fresco café.
There are numerous archaeological sites in the vicinity of the city that can be explored, including Monte Alban. Situated on a mountain, Monte Alban served as the ancient capital city for the Zapotec people. A visit to this site offers breathtaking views of the valley. Another intriguing site is Mitla, known for its walls adorned with captivating geometric patterns.
Oaxaca is renowned for its distinctive culinary delights, such as mole, a sauce made with chocolate and chiles. The city’s beloved beverages, Mezcal and hot chocolate, can be easily found in every restaurant and bar.
The traditional handicrafts of Oaxaca are highly regarded worldwide, and the city’s markets are excellent places to purchase popular items like Zapotec wool rugs, wood carvings, and black pottery.
Oaxaca hosts one of the finest Day of the Dead festivals in Mexico, as well as the Guelaguetza, a festival that showcases the traditional dances of local indigenous cultures.
Mexico City
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, stands as one of the largest cities in the world, encompassing diverse ethnic groups from across the globe. This expansive metropolis not only holds immense political and cultural significance within Mexico, but it also serves as a vital financial hub in Latin America. Additionally, Mexico City takes pride in hosting one of the oldest and largest universities in North America.
Although Mexico City lacks beaches, it offers an abundance of captivating attractions for tourists to explore. The Historic Center, in particular, brims with notable landmarks such as the Plaza de la Constitucion, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the remnants of an ancient Aztec temple.
Mexico City is a hub of arts and culture, with numerous museums, art galleries, and performing arts centers. The city also offers public parks like the stunning Chapultepec Park and the must-visit Xochimilco Floating Gardens. To explore the different neighborhoods, the large metro system is a convenient option. However, for safety reasons, it is advisable to avoid hailing a cab on the street and instead ask the hotel to call one. The Turibus, a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, is an excellent way to see the city’s main attractions.
Puerto Vallarta
Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a renowned vacation destination. This charming town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including beautiful beaches and lush jungle mountains. It is adorned with colonial landmarks, top-notch resorts, exquisite restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
The main highlight of the city is its golden sand beaches, which provide the perfect setting for relaxation and various water sports activities like sailing, kite surfing, and deep sea fishing. Puerto Vallarta is also a popular diving spot, with numerous dive shops scattered along the coastline. Visitors can witness the majestic presence of giant manta rays and dolphins, while humpback whales can be spotted from December to March.
The Malecon, a stunning boardwalk adorned with various shops, eateries, and bars, presents an ideal setting for indulging in shopping, dining, mingling, observing street artists, and admiring the vast ocean.
Beyond the city limits, visitors have the opportunity to explore mango and papaya plantations or venture into tranquil fishing villages and hidden coves. The verdant hills and mountains provide an array of hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as thrilling canopy and ziplining experiences.
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, situated approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City, is renowned for its colossal pyramids that leave visitors in awe. The origins and founders of this ancient city remain a mystery, adding to its enigmatic allure. Over time, Teotihuacan evolved into one of the most remarkable and influential cities in the Americas.
During its peak in the first half of the first millennium, this expansive metropolis boasted an abundance of structures, including grand temples, palaces, squares, and stadiums. Despite being abandoned before the Aztec civilization, they bestowed upon the ruined city the name ‘Teotihuacan,’ meaning ‘birthplace of the gods.’ This name reflected their belief that the universe was created within its boundaries.
Although its prominence has diminished over time, the power and influence of the ancient Mesoamericans are still evident at the vast and remarkable archaeological site. One can discover remarkably well-preserved murals and structures along the renowned Avenue of the Dead. The remarkable Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon are the two most remarkable highlights of this site.
Tulum
The Tulum ruins, situated on a rocky cliff overlooking the Caribbean in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, represent a walled Maya city. Although the site is relatively small and was constructed during the post Classic period when the Mayan culture was declining, it lacks the grandeur of other renowned Mayan ruins. However, the picturesque tropical beach setting adds a unique charm to this site, making it a must-visit destination.
One of the most remarkable structures in Tulum is El Castillo (the castle), towering at a height of 25 feet (7.5 meters) above the cliff. This building was once adorned with stucco and vibrant paint. Additionally, a small shrine served as a guiding beacon for incoming canoes. Down on the beach, where the canoes would land, visitors have the opportunity to explore the Mayan ruins and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Caribbean waters.
It is crucial to understand that there are three distinct areas known as Tulum, which are situated close to each other but not within walking distance.
The first area, known as Tulum Pueblo or the town center, is located south of the Coba junction and can be reached by crossing the highway. From the town center, there are regular bus services to Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid.
The second area, Tulum Playa or Zona Hotelera, stretches over 6 miles (10km) along the beautiful Caribbean coastline, offering stunning white sandy beaches.
Lastly, Tulum Ruinas is the archaeological site where the Tulum Mayan ruins are situated.
Chichen Itza[SEE MAP]
Chichen Itza, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, stands as the preeminent, highly frequented, and awe-inspiring Mayan site in the country. Interestingly, its renowned structures deviate from the conventional Classic Mayan architecture and instead exhibit significant influences from civilizations in Central Mexico. Despite the intense heat and bustling crowds, the remarkable archaeological remains were rightfully chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for a valid reason.
The once-magnificent city, constructed between the ninth and twelfth centuries, encompasses a vast expanse and boasts numerous well-preserved buildings, temples, and palaces. These structures showcase a diverse range of architectural styles, providing a captivating glimpse into the Mayan civilization.
Undoubtedly, the most prominent attraction is The Pyramid of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, which stands as the site’s iconic landmark. This colossal temple, adorned with stone terraces, commands Chichen Itza and was ingeniously designed to create the illusion of serpents slithering down its sides.
Chichen Itza attracts numerous tourists who embark on day trips, particularly from Cancún or Merida. However, it is also possible to extend your stay and spend a night or two in this remarkable destination.
Puebla
Established in 1531, Puebla, situated in central Mexico, holds the distinction of being the fifth largest city in the nation, housing a population of over 2 million residents. Its strategic positioning, equidistant from the Veracruz port and Mexico City, bestowed upon it great significance.
Presently, this captivating colonial city serves as an ideal destination for culinary enthusiasts, as it is renowned as the gastronomic capital of Mexico. It is highly recommended to savor the flavors of mole poblano, a traditional Mexican delicacy believed to have originated here.
Nestled beneath the imposing presence of the Popocatepetl volcano, visitors to Puebla should not miss the opportunity to explore the Catedral de Puebla, adorned with onyx statues and a magnificent domed ceiling inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Additionally, the neighboring town of Cholula boasts one of the largest pyramids ever constructed, although the passage of time has taken its toll on the structure.
Acapulco is one of the 17 Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Acapulco’s beaches are the main attraction for visitors. The city boasts a number of popular beaches, including Hornos, Icacos, Papagayo, and Tamarindos, all located along the bay area known as Las Costera. Langosta and Caleta are also great options, as they are known for their cleanliness and direct access to the ocean. Whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more tranquil setting, Acapulco’s beaches have something for everyone.
For those seeking more than just beach activities, the Fort of San Diego is a fascinating destination with its historical structures and museum that provides insight into the area’s past. The House of Masks is also worth a visit, featuring a diverse collection of masks from around the world. The city’s main square, shaded by palm trees, offers a variety of experiences for tourists, including a beautiful cathedral, street performers, cafes, shopping, and a chance to immerse oneself in the local culture. A must-see attraction in Acapulco is the La Quebrada Cliff divers, who have been performing their daring dives into a shallow inlet since 1934. Visitors can watch from a platform on the cliff tops or from nearby restaurants.
