Mexico is a country full of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With so many incredible destinations to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down your travel itinerary. To help you plan your trip, here is a list of the best places in Mexico to visit, including some hidden gems and popular spots.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico
There are a myriad of options for vacations you can take to Mexico. Some people prefer the resort and spa experience, while others want to rough it backpacking from village to village. Some people love the cultural options of the urban landscape, while others want to see Mexico’s astounding biodiversity. History buffs love the ancient ruins and historic architecture, while young people like the lively night action at many spots. For every kind of traveler, there are dozens of things to do in Mexico.
Geography
When most people think about Mexico, they start dreaming of the long stretches of beaches and the famous resort towns of Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and Playa Carmen. But there are a world of options for travelers in this country.
There are fishing and snorkeling opportunities on the Baja peninsula. There are the city markets filled with fresh produce and handicrafts in almost every village. For those who prefer Vuitton to vegetables, there are the Condesa and Polanco neighborhoods of Mexico City, filled with stand-alone boutiques and malls. Culture vultures love the archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas and Oaxaca, among other places.
The colonial cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel del Allende offer the romantic Mexico of postcards, with bougainvillea spilling over stone walls, twisting cobblestone streets and a bohemian vibe. The small beach towns of Zihuatanejo, Puerto Angel and Puerto Escondido are the polar opposite of the mega-resorts, with some beaches that are nearly deserted in the low season.
Features
Things to do in Mexico often center around food. Every beach town has its seafood specialty, featuring a fresh catch of the day. Northern Mexico has the burritos with which many Americans are familiar. Tamales, sweet corn cakes with fillings, are popular.
Agua fresca, made from fresh fruit, sugar and water comes in many only-in-Mexico flavors, such as jamaica (hibiscus flower) and tuna, a kind of cactus fruit. Cactus is also chopped up and scrambled with eggs. Salsas are sauces made with chili peppers ranging from mild to wild. Tortillas come in many incarnations, from hand-patted white corn to giant white flour.
Time Frame
At any time of the year, somewhere someone is throwing a party, and you are invited. High season on the beaches hits in spring and lasts through summer, heating up again for December and January. Guanajuato hosts October’s Festival Cervantino celebration of the arts while Veracruz puts on its spicy version of Carnival.
Oaxaca presents the Gueleguetza performance of indigenous dance every August and its unique Night of the Radishes exhibit of carved radishes on Christmas Eve. Villages throughout Mexico shut down the streets and put on a public party with fireworks and food stalls when their saint days arrive. October and November bring Day of the Dead while December is about posada processionals.
Considerations
Consider planning a longer stay that allows you time to visit a locale’s surrounding villages and cities. Most tourist hot spots offer a plethora of organized tours that might encompass seeing nearby natural wonders and wildlife or hitting some archaeological ruins. If you speak even a cursory amount of Spanish you will benefit greatly for the insider information a tour operator can offer, though many tour operators in Cancun, Guadalajara and other heavily-touristed cities speak English.
Public transportation, either by bus or collective taxi, is a cheap and convenient way of seeing the more out-of-the-way spots Mexico has to offer. First class buses, used for long-distance trips, are plush affairs, with airplane-style upholstered seats, air conditioning and, on the deluxe models, stewardess service.
Warning
Many tourists have heard that they should not drink the water in Mexico. Some fancier beach resort spots have internal purification systems but, for the most part, people buy bottled water. Bottled water is affordable and plentiful, available at supermarkets, corner stores and even by truck to people’s doorsteps.
Other precautionary measures include examining street stalls for cleanliness and freshness of the food and avoiding raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables unless a restaurant notes that they have been purified.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a small town nestled in the heart of Mexico. Known for its colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene, it offers a perfect blend of history and contemporary charm. Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, visit the well-preserved buildings, and immerse yourself in the local Mexican culture. Don’t miss exploring the charming city center and its beautiful churches.
Copper Canyon
For adventure seekers, a visit to Copper Canyon is a must. Located in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, this natural wonder offers jaw-dropping views and great hiking opportunities. Take a scenic train ride through the canyon, hike through its rugged terrain, and marvel at the stunning landscapes that will leave you speechless.
Along the Coastline
With its technicolor Caribbean dreamscapes, jungle-backed Pacific horseshoe bays and the rich marine life of the Sea of Cortez, Mexico’s iconic coastline gets unimaginably close to paradise. It’s no wonder major publications such as “Travel and Leisure” and “Lonely Planet” consistently rank these regions as the most alluring coastal enclaves in Mexico.
Off the beaten track, a world apart from the mega-resorts, Mexico’s alter-ego offers serene beaches far from the partying crowds. Adventures on the water, blissful retreats and authentic beach towns are easily accessed by car from major international transport hubs. Avoid Mexico’s coastal areas between June and October when the humidity rises and downpours are frequent.
The poster child of Mexicoís schizophrenic beach development, the Yucatanís coastline offers pleasures pagan and divine. Just 70 miles south from the glitz of Cancunís behemoths, Tulum delivers enough spiritual authenticity to transfix even the most die-hard materialist.
In between, Playa del Carmen’s style finds its expression in sleek lounge bars, boutiques and cocktail culture. Tulumís touchstones are wellness, serenity and purity, a place of infinite blue where New Age and ancient mysticism coalesce. A new crop of chic beachfront retreats marry eco sensitivities with comparative luxury. Hipster New Yorkers balance their inner chakras beneath the Maya ruin that overlooks Tulumís turquoise waters. Some might call Tulum’s coastline “ethereal.”
Chichen Itza
No list of the best places in Mexico is complete without mentioning Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in ancient civilizations. Marvel at the grandeur of the iconic El Castillo pyramid, explore the ancient Mayan ruins, and learn about the fascinating history of this once-thriving city.
Banderas Bay
Puerto Vallartaís sultry brand of tropical excess has lingered since Taylor and Burton put the fishing village on the map in the 1960s. Resolutely all things to all men, ìPVî is the gateway for some of the Pacific Coastís most diverse nature experiences.
The calm waters that surround the fishing village of Yelapa (accessed only by boat) are perfect for snorkeling, and local outfitters offer jungle hikes and canopy tours in the lush mountains surrounding Boca de Tomatlan. Some eight miles south of Puerto Vallarta lies one of the Pacificís most-acclaimed dive destinations, Los Arcos National Marine Park, an underwater treasure trove of reefs, rock arches, troglodyte caves and wrecks.
The waters off the Pacific Coast serve as a treasure trove for scuba divers.
Riviera Nayarit
Itís no surprise the Four Seasons chose the white sands of Punta Mita as the site for its exclusive Mexican outpost. Waves caress the palm-fringed beach, a picture-perfect vision consummated by dolphin pods cavorting off shore and, if you are lucky, you’ll catch humpback whales breaching between December and March.
A short boat ride away, the waters and reef formations of the protected Marietas Island teem with marine life, ideal for scuba and snorkeling. A 15-minute drive north, the fishing village of Sayulita exudes an earthly timelessness. Lauded as a surfers’ Mecca, this traditional Mexican beach town appeals to those in search of a more laid-back vibe.
Punta Mita’s luxury resorts ensure that every vista is nature perfect.
Oaxaca City and Surrounding Area
Oaxaca City is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that should not be missed. Explore the city’s colonial architecture, visit the historic buildings, and wander through its colorful markets. Venture outside the city to discover Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder with petrified waterfalls and mineral pools. Oaxaca City and its surrounding area offer a perfect combination of history, natural beauty, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
Sea of Cortez
Immortalized by John Steinbeck, the landscapes, sierras and coastline of Baja California defy hyperbole. South from La Paz, cacti rise abruptly from a desert bearing surreal rock formations awash with kaleidoscopic hues. A choppy boat ride from La Paz to the cluster of islands known as Los Islotes rewards with a colony of sea lions who entertain, tease and captivate snorkelers and divers. South from La Paz, a string of beaches culminate at the gently sloping sands of El Tecolote (perfect for families) where, just off shore, the rich ecosystem of the uninhabited island of Espiritu Santo can be experienced only by boat or kayak.
Baja California Sur
A 90-minute drive south from La Paz toward Los Cabos, the funky town of Todos Santos offers inexpensive places to stay, an authentic street culture and innovative local cuisine. A couple of miles along a dirt road lies Los Cerritos beach where hammocks dot the golden sands backed by shaggy cliffs and where beach huts cook up fresh fish and serve organic fruit juices laced with mezcal to a mix of locals, expats and travelers in search of the real Mexico.
Surfers and diving pelicans provide the entertainment at Los Cerritos beach.
South Pacific Coast
Some 21 miles north of the twin towns of Ixtapa-Zihuatenajo, hemmed in between the Sierra Madre and the Pacific, Troncones is a diamond in the rough. Tronconesí wild virtues unfold as pelicans dive in silhouette against a sunset or as local fishermen haul still-flapping fish to the beachfront grills. Visitors will enjoy barefoot strolls that reveal tide pools filled with tropical fish and can relax in a hammock with cold beer and fish tacos.
Isla Mujeres
For a perfect beach getaway, head to Isla Mujeres. This small island off the coast of Cancun is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Spend your days snorkeling or diving to explore the colorful coral reefs, or simply relax on the pristine white sands. Don’t forget to visit the picturesque Playa Norte, one of the top spots on the island.
Isla Holbox
If you’re a nature lover seeking a peaceful retreat, Isla Holbox is the place to be. This small island is renowned for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy swimming with whale sharks, spot flamingos in their natural habitat, or take a leisurely stroll along the unspoiled beaches. Isla Holbox is a hidden gem that will leave you in awe with its untouched beauty.
Mexico has an abundance of beautiful places to explore, each with its unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, historic cities, or natural wonders, Mexico has it all. With its rich culture, warm hospitality, and top spots to visit, Mexico is undoubtedly a great place to satisfy your wanderlust.
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