Mexico’s popularity as a vacation destination is hardly surprising. Beach fans love the country’s crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches dotted with everything from quaint fishing villages to all-inclusive resorts.
Foodies can tuck into gorgeous street food or try fine dining. History buffs will love diving into ancient Mexican cultures, from the Aztecs to the Mayans, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotting the country.
A heady mix of indigenous and Spanish cultures makes Mexico a vibrant and colorful vacation spot. Let’s look at the best places to visit in Mexico across its different states and cities, and see why this country is fast becoming the place to vacation.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Mexico is home to some of the most famous visitor sites in the world. Iconic destinations include the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and the sandy beaches of Acapulco and Cancún.
Visitors will often hear the famous melodies of mariachi bands in the streets, a fine accompaniment to the delicious street food you’ll find across the country’s endless cities, villages, and towns. The aroma of tacos and tequila will drift past the nostrils from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast.
Everyone has a different travel style, so we’ve divided the attractions into subsections to make it easier to follow your own interests. It’s time to check out the best places to visit in Mexico with our trusty travel guide.
Where Are the Best Archaeological Sites in Mexico?
Mexico has many fascinating archaeological spots to visit, including many on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Mexico has some of Latin America’s most jaw-dropping archaeological sites with Mayan and Aztec ruins being some of the most popular destinations. Many of these sites are in the Yucatán Peninsula in southeast Mexico.
Chichén Itzá Mayan Ruins
Chichén Itzá is just 125 miles (200km) west of the popular beach resort, Cancún. Its closeness to Cancún makes Chichén Itzá one of the country’s most popular day trips and visitor attractions. The iconic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá are one of Mexico’s best-restored archaeological sites. It’s a must-see for anyone heading to the Yucatán Peninsula and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Uxmal Pyramids
The Yucatán Peninsula is dense with Mayan ruins. In the peninsula’s center lies Uxmal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uxmal is famous for its pyramids. Unlike most other Mayan ruins, visitors can still climb many of the pyramids, adding to the site’s popularity. Many people visit Uxmal as a day trip from the nearby Merida.
Oaxaca
Further inland, Oaxaca City is the capital of a state of the same name and a must-see for those seeking real Mexico. It lies below the Sierra Madre mountains in a valley with a lovely climate.
The city is famous for its food, including the chocolate and chili sauce called mole and the alcoholic drink mezcal (which is made from the agave plant, same as tequila). It’s also famed for its annual Dia de los Muertos celebrations in early November. There are plenty of archaeological sites around the city, plus colonial buildings and restaurants. Many visitors leave Oaxaca clutching beautiful Oaxacan handicrafts, from wood carvings to pottery to woolen rugs.
Palenque
Palenque is one of Mexico’s best Mayan ruins, tucked away in the jungle in the southern state of Chiapas, famed for its hieroglyphics. Tourists often feel their inner explorer bubble to the surface as they journey deep into forests to find these seemingly hidden archaeological sites.
Much of Palenque remains unexplored, overgrown, and covered by the forest. Howler monkeys jump through the trees, and there are waterfalls and jungle pools to enjoy on full-day guided trips.
Where Are Mexico’s Best Examples of Colonial Architecture?
Spanish colonists ruled Mexico for almost three centuries until the Mexicans gained their independence in 1821. The Spanish influence during that period still runs through Mexico, especially in its buildings. Churches, government buildings, plazas, and cathedrals form part of Mexico’s fascinating tapestry and draw visitors from around the world. In general, you’ll need to visit towns and cities to find the best examples.
Mexico City
Mexico’s capital, Mexico City, is another UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its arts and cultures. Foodies love the cuisine in the world’s fifth most-populated city, plus there are many art galleries and amazing museums.
The historic city center is full of beautifully preserved colonial buildings and bucket-list attractions like the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. There are also five Aztec temples to explore and the nearby Mexican highlands for those who want to escape the bustling city.
Don’t miss the Teotihuacan ruins about an hour away from Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as impressive and important in its day as Chichén Itzá.
Merida, Mexico’s White City
Merida, known as the White City thanks to its white buildings, is the Yucatán Peninsula’s capital. Its appearance may be colonial, but its atmosphere is unlike anything else in Mexico.
Merida has its own dialect, formed by Mayans, Caribbean, and Spanish colonial influences. The city is quite relaxed and great for strolling through parks or perusing street markets. Many people use it as a base from which to visit nearby Mayan ruins on day trips.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is famous for being one of Mexico’s safest places. Its large expat population doesn’t detract from the beautiful architecture of its UNESCO World Heritage historic center (Centro Historico). The town is famous for its pleasant year-round climate, pink San Miguel de Allende church, artists, and great dining for foodies.
Guanajuato City
Guanajuato city is all cobbled lanes, cafés, baroque architecture, and mariachi bands. Guanajuato is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its colonial buildings and dollops of Mexican culture, and it has a lively feel.
Scratch the surface — so much so that you go underground — and you’ll find a labyrinth of underground tunnels keeping traffic and noise away from the picturesque cobblestone streets of the city center. Guests can also visit the colonial city’s gold and silver mines and the ornate Church of San Cayetano.
Where Are the Best Beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula?
For many people, Mexico is a beach paradise with plenty of sunshine, warm seas, beachside cocktails, and delicious seafood.
Well, they’re not wrong because Mexico excels at all things beachy. The Yucatán Peninsula has some incredible places to visit. Here are some unmissable spots, most of which are in Mexico’s easternmost state of Quintana Roo.
A Little Bit of Everything on the Yucatán Peninsula
Tulum is the place to stay if you want to see a little bit of everything on the Yucatán Peninsula and don’t mind sharing space with lots of Instagramming tourists. It’s also known as pueblo magico or magic town, and it’s easy to see why.
The small town has preserved its ancient Mayan port, which is well worth a visit. Beautiful white sand beaches nestle on the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the resort town boasts lively nightlife. Tulum also has beautiful cenotes in the nearby jungle. Cenotes are natural freshwater swimming holes, some underground, formed when limestone formations collapse: paradise on Earth.
Cancún
The world-famous Cancún, at the far northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, remains one of the country’s most popular destinations for international tourists. Water sports fans love jet skiing and parasailing by day. In contrast, others relax on the beaches or at their boutique hotels, possibly after enjoying too much of the city’s world-famous nightlife the night before.
Day trips to Chichén Itza and the nearby Isla Mujeres are popular. South of Cancún runs the Riviera Maya, a strip of coastline famous for its white sand beaches and beauty. Here are a few Riviera Maya highlights.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a great getaway day trip from Cancún, situated about five miles to the east of Cancún. This island paradise is excellent for snorkeling, kayaking, and zip lines, with Garrafon Park as the hub. Cliffside paths offer superb views over the Caribbean Sea, and there are cenotes for those wanting to swim.
Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox lies off the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a small island renowned for wonderful beaches, a laid-back vibe, and calm water to match. Many people come to swim with whale sharks that glide past from June to September.
Playa del Carmen
Often shortened to Playa, Playa del Carmen is a lively but smaller Cancún, about 40 miles south of its larger cousin. There is plenty of nightlife and beautiful beaches to enjoy, but it’s not as full-on as Cancún. Cruises stop here, and Playa del Carmen is also the access point for Cozumel Island. Cenote hunters won’t be disappointed; there are several nearby.
Cozumel Island
Located 12 miles in front of Playa del Carmen is Cozumel, a laid-back and low-key Caribbean island. Its best white sand beaches are on the western side, facing Playa, and the island is not overly developed.
Cozumel is fantastic for scuba diving, especially at the underwater Palancar Gardens, an ideal place for people wanting to learn. There are crystal clear waters, colorful fish, and beautiful marine life to observe. Indeed, the Mesoamerican Reef here is part of the largest coral reef in the Western hemisphere, perfect for snorkeling. You’ll also find Mayan ruins and cenotes on Cozumel.
Which Part of Mexico’s Pacific Coast Has the Best Beaches?
Mexico’s western coast gives to the Pacific Ocean, the largest body of water on the planet. The names are not as famous, but the sea, surf, and sun are equally fabulous. Discover some of the best places to visit in Mexico along the Pacific Coast.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, in Mexico’s Jalisco state, is a popular destination that’s enjoying a resurgence. There are lots of all-inclusive resorts and some of Mexico’s best beach hotels.
The Sierra Madre mountains flank the bay, lending Puerto Vallarta its picture-perfect appearance. Waterside restaurants and bars bring a lively ambiance to the destination.
Love is often in the air as Puerto Vallarta has a romantic zone (zona romantic) for lovers to stroll and a hidden Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) to keep the allure going.
Sayulita
Sayulita, an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast, has shorn its sleepy fishing village past to become a mecca for hippies, artists, and surfers.
This beach town is usually festooned with flags along its picturesque streets lined with markets, bars, and boutique shops. Surfing is popular and suitable for beginners and advanced wave catchers alike.
You’ll also find yoga, zip line trips, horseback rides, and jungle hikes on offer in this laid-back but happening town.
Mazatlan
Halfway up Mexico’s Pacific Coast lies Mazatlan, a haven in the state of Sinaloa if you stay in the main tourist drag called the Golden Zone. Mazatlan is not for everyone though as it’s off the beaten track somewhat.
The beaches are full of friendly locals, and activities include zip lines, snorkeling, surfing, and 4×4 trips in the Sierra Madre mountains. Many of the city’s houses, or casas, are painted in bright colors, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to one of Mexico’s few historic cities on the coast.
Is it Cabo, Los Cabos, or Cabo San Lucas?
A “cabo” is a cape or headland in English. Los Cabos means several capes, and Cabo San Lucas refers to one specific cape called San Lucas. So where are these famous Mexican cabos? Los Cabos is at the southern tip of Baja California state, or Baja California Sur in Spanish.
Baja California is a vast peninsula that starts at San Diego, on Mexico’s northwestern border with the United States, and protrudes southwards. The Pacific Ocean stretches to the west and south of Los Cabos, and the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, to the east.
Cabo San Lucas is one of several top-quality beach destinations in the Cabos area. Swimming and snorkeling are popular at this more top-end resort, sometimes called “the world’s aquarium,” as is fishing, especially for Marlin. People also like to visit a large arch carved by the sea into the coastline called El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.
Zihuatanejo
Mexico’s Pacific Coast has some cracking smaller vacation destinations. Ixtapa is worth a visit, with its peaceful beaches and streets always welcoming guests and particularly good for families.
Just a few miles south is the former fishing village of Zihuatanejo for those wanting something even quieter. Whichever location you choose, be prepared for tasty beachside tacos and seas fizzing with marine life, perfect for divers, snorkelers, and fishing fans.
The Best Food, Drink, Canyons, and Tequila in Mexico
Mexico is as much about the tastes and smells as its history, coastline, and archaeological treasures. Foodies absolutely love the tacos, tortillas, ceviches, and moles available in Mexico. Every region has its specialties — here are some brief highlights.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico’s second-largest city, situated in the central-western part of the country. It’s more chill than the country’s capital, with the air filled with mariachi music through broad avenues and breezy parks.
There is plenty of great food, and look out for rodeo-style fiestas called charreadas that come with plenty of singing and dancing. The weather is usually good, as are the artisanal markets.
Tequila fans might want to take a quick detour to the nearby Tequila town, home to Mexico’s most famous beverage, and try the real thing.
Puebla
The colonial city of Puebla is packed with authentic Mexican character. Colorful streets, plenty of colonial churches, and Puebla’s lovely cathedral are all worth visiting.
Puebla’s main draw is its food, including the chocolate/chili/meat-based mole poblano and giant sandwiches called cemitas. Local artisans make excellent pottery, too. The city has UNESCO World Heritage status and can be visited on a day trip from Mexico City.
Copper Canyon
Mexico’s very own Grand Canyon is found in the north in the state of Chihuahua. Copper Canyon is a spectacular group of canyons that pierce the Sierra Madre mountains.
Visitors bike and horse ride around this national park’s six canyons, whose name comes from its steep canyon walls’ copper green coloring. There are waterfalls, rock formations, and wildlife to see.
Many people choose to board El Chepe, part of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway. The entire journey takes up to 10 hours, with the train passing through bridges and tunnels that crisscross the canyons and making stops at traditional Mexican towns.
Make Your List of the Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Mexico is a vast country with so many attractions that we’ve only just brushed the surface with our travel guide. It’s inspirational to think about how many other wonderful experiences await people who want to visit Mexico.
We recommend you make your own list of the best places to visit in Mexico and see if you can fit them all into a trip. A good rule of thumb is to see fewer places for longer, so you don’t spend all your time in airports and on transfers, and to take twice as much money as you think you’ll need and half the clothes!
If you can’t fulfill your wish list in one trip, Mexico and its wonderfully friendly people will be more than happy to see you return again and again to share their country’s magnificence.
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