9 Most Beautiful Regions in Mexico, it is a vast country consisting of 39 states, bordered by the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the south. It is located in North America and is fortunate to have access to multiple seas, including the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
Most Beautiful Regions in Mexico, it is traversed by two mountain ranges, which are actually extensions of the Rocky Mountains in the north, and it is also crossed from east to west by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Within the volcanic belt lies Mexico’s three highest peaks, all of which are volcanoes. The country experiences a temperate climate in the north and a tropical climate in the south. Due to its diverse geography, Mexico is considered a megadiverse country, offering arid regions, snowy peaks, coral reefs, jungles, and ancient ruins for exploration.
Central Mexico
Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico, is located in the region of Central Mexico. The landscape is dominated by the snow-capped peak of Iztaccihuatl, the country’s third-highest dormant volcano, towering at 5,230 meters above sea level. The Great Pyramid at Cholula, built in the 3rd century BC, is also a must-see attraction. It is topped with an ornate sanctuary and other religious buildings.
Nearby is the fourth-largest city in Mexico, Puebla, which is brimming with sights such as the Capilla del Rosario, exquisitely gold encrusted. The Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park in Tlaxcala is home to the second-highest peak in the country, the active Popocatépetl, at 5,426m.
The park offers hiking, daring suspension bridges, and the chance to spot the endangered volcano rabbit. Hidalgo is home to the Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla, a stunning rock formation lining a ravine with a waterfall cutting through it. Tolantongo, a box canyon in Hidalgo, is a geothermal wonderland of caves, hot springs, caverns, geysers, and fantasy-landscape waterfalls.
Veracruz is one of the 9 Most Beautiful Regions in Mexico
Veracruz, located on the coast of the state of Veracruz, stretches in both the northeast and southwest directions, encompassing a significant portion of the Mexican Gulf. For those seeking a combination of stunning beaches and captivating architecture, Veracruz offers a delightful blend without the overwhelming tourist crowds found in central Mexico or the Yucatan Peninsula.
Veracruz holds historical significance as it was the starting point of the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. Additionally, it served as the birthplace of the Veracruz Mesoamerican culture, which is aptly named after the region’s rich heritage at El Tajín.
The variation in elevation is striking, ranging from the picturesque strips of beach, dunes, and ever-changing lagoons along the coast at sea level to the perpetually snow-capped peak of Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, which stands at an impressive altitude difference of 5,636 meters.
Veracruz is home to smaller settlements like Papantla, which conceals archaeological sites and Aztec monuments, and Xico, a charming town with its cobblestone streets and a picturesque baroque church square. These settlements have been designated as “pueblos magicos” or “magical villages,” adding to the allure of Veracruz as a captivating destination worth exploring.
Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast of Mexico has gained renown for its vibrant party cities, such as Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. However, there is much more to discover and experience in this region beyond the lively nightlife. The coastal area offers an abundance of natural wonders waiting to be explored, with miles upon miles of picturesque coastline.
One notable destination is San Benedicto Island, located in Colima and part of the Revillagigedo Islands. This uninhabited island is home to a striking volcano and teems with diverse marine life, including majestic manta rays. Another must-visit spot is El Tortugario Ecológico, a national reserve that features mangroves and serves as a sanctuary for turtles, releasing them into the ocean.
If you venture away from the coast, you’ll find Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park in Guerrero. This park boasts one of the world’s longest cave systems, known as the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Caverns. In addition to exploring the captivating caves, the park’s surrounding areas offer ample opportunities for thrilling activities like rock climbing and rappelling.
Spanning the states of Jalisco and Michoacan, you’ll discover Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. Fed by the Lerma River, this expansive lake covers over 1,100 square kilometers and is adorned with numerous scenic beaches and excellent fishing spots. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Lake Chapala offers a serene escape from the bustling coastal cities.
The Pacific Coast of Mexico truly offers a diverse range of experiences, from the vibrant nightlife of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta to the tranquil beauty of its natural wonders. Embark on a journey along this captivating coastline and uncover the hidden gems that await you.
Oaxaca
Located on the southeastern coastline of Mexico, the state of Oaxaca, pronounced wa-ha-ca, is renowned for its indigenous communities and their rich cultural heritage, including the Mixtecs and Zapotecs. The majority of these communities reside in the central valley region, which is abundant with archaeological wonders.
The capital city, also named Oaxaca, is a highly sought-after destination. It boasts picturesque streets and remarkable examples of baroque architecture, such as the fortress-like Church of Santo Domingo and the intricately carved Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad. Additionally, there are vibrant markets to explore, offering a glimpse into the local culture.
For history enthusiasts, the sprawling archaeological site of Monte Albán is a must-visit. This site showcases pre-Colombian ruins that date back thousands of years. Another site worth exploring is Yagul, which also features ancient ruins.
If you prefer coastal experiences, there are various options to choose from. Puerto Escondido, a popular spot among surfers, offers a more laid-back and alternative atmosphere. Alternatively, you can opt for purpose-built resort towns like Huatulco, which provide a range of amenities and services for a comfortable beach vacation.
Chiapas & Tabasco
The region of Chiapas and Tabasco is situated between Veracruz and Oaxaca in the western part, the Yucatan Peninsula to the northeast, and Guatemala and Belize to the east. This area is renowned for its coastal areas along both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, as well as its inland lakes and Mayan ruins.
The picturesque town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, nestled in the mountains, still retains its Spanish colonial charm with its red-tiled roofs and cobbled streets. Bonampak showcases the ruins of a Maya state, where you can marvel at beautifully preserved murals that have endured through the centuries.
For those interested in ancient history, Palenque is a must-visit destination. The stone ruins here tell the story of yet another flourishing Maya state that thrived for over five centuries before being reclaimed by cedar woodlands.
Chiapas is also renowned for its stunning turquoise Laguna Miramar, hidden deep within the biodiverse Lacandon Jungle that stretches across the border with Guatemala. With its warm waters, it offers an ideal setting for swimming and canoeing.
To the north of Chiapas, Tabasco offers more than just its namesake pepper and spicy sauce. The lush jungle landscape surrounding Tapijulapa is a sight to behold, where you can traverse hanging bridges over the river until you reach the breathtaking sulfur Villa Luz Waterfalls.
Yucatan Peninsula[SEE MAP]
The Yucatan Peninsula, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, is renowned for its association with the Maya Civilization. The Maya Riviera, which includes popular party destinations such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, is the ideal place to explore the remnants of this civilization.
One of the most famous landmarks in the region is the Chichen Itza pyramid, which is almost hidden by the surrounding jungle canopy. Additionally, the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its cenotes, which are sinkholes and caves filled with fresh water, as well as its impressive cave systems, some of which were considered sacred by the Mayans. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, is also located just off the east coast of the peninsula and is home to a diverse range of marine life.
Baja California
Baja California is a state in Mexico that stretches 1,500 kilometers southeast into the Pacific Ocean, with the American state of California to the north. The state is renowned for its stunning beaches, particularly in Los Cabos, where most visitors arrive via its airport. Cabo San Lucas, located on the southern tip of Baja California, is a resort city that offers great beaches and nightlife.
The best beaches are generally found on the western shore of the Gulf of California, with Bahía Concepción being a prime spot. For surfing, head to the west coast where the Pacific Ocean provides some excellent waves. Ensenada, the third-largest city in Baja California, is a great place for surfing and is also one of the oldest cities in the California region, founded by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century.
Northern Mexico
Northern Mexico is a vast area consisting of seven states, stretching from the Gulf of California across to the Gulf of Mexico. The Sonoran Desert, which is named after the state of Sonora, dominates much of the region. This arid landscape only supports vegetation at higher elevations, but during the wet season, certain areas like San Carlos burst into bloom with colorful flowers.
One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the area is the Copper Canyon, also known as Barrancas del Cobre in Spanish. Located in Chihuahua and part of the Sierra Madre Occidental range, this area is made up of six distinct canyons, offering breathtaking views and epic landscapes.
In addition to the desert, there are also coastal plains in Northern Mexico, such as in Sinaloa, where plant species like the elephant tree thrive.
Bajío
The Bajío region, located in the central part of the country, is relatively small in size. It is primarily characterized by its mountainous terrain and has a rich history in silver mining. This region holds the cultural heritage of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico and is home to numerous towns and cities. The states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Querétaro are all part of this region.
Among these, Guadalajara stands as the largest city in the Bajío region. This vibrant city is not only renowned as the birthplace of traditional Mexican mariachi music but also boasts some of the most magnificent examples of colonial architecture in the country.
One notable architectural marvel is the Hospicio Cabañas, which is one of the largest and oldest hospital complexes in the Americas. Founded in 1791, it holds great historical significance. Additionally, the Mexican Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, a grand neo-gothic cathedral, is another remarkable structure in the city.
Other towns in the Bajío region include the environmentally conscious León, known for its collection of old churches, San Miguel de Allende, which has a thriving community of foreign artists, and Guanajuato, considered one of the most picturesque colonial towns in Mexico.
