Mexico is a diverse, colourful and fascinating country with a rich cultural, an abundance of natural wonders and some of the best food in the world. From ancient ruins and colonial cities to palm-fringed beaches and jaw-dropping landscapes, Mexico certainly offers something for everyone and every budget. There are many more reasons to visit this beautiful nation than any single list can contain but we've gathered together some of the best places Mexico has to offer.
Here are our top 10 places to visit in Mexico.
No. 10 - Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a popular coastal resort town located on the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, along the Caribbean Sea.
Playa del Carmen is known for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It was once a small fishing village, but has since grown into a bustling tourist destination. The town is located just south of Cancun and is easily accessible by car, bus, or ferry.
Some of the main attractions in Playa del Carmen include the famous Fifth Avenue, a pedestrian street that runs parallel to the beach and is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing, as well as cultural activities such as visiting Mayan ruins and exploring nearby eco-parks.
The town is also a popular base for exploring the wider Yucatan region, with many visitors using it as a jumping-off point to explore attractions such as the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and the island of Cozumel.
No. 9 - San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a historic and picturesque town located in the central highlands of Mexico. Founded in the 16th century, it is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and colourful buildings.
The town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a popular destination for travellers seeking a taste of traditional Mexican culture. Its charming downtown area is filled with artisan shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving up delicious Mexican cuisine.
One of the main attractions in San Miguel de Allende is the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, a beautiful pink church located in the town's main square, known as El Jardin. Visitors can climb to the top of the church's bell tower for stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Other popular activities in San Miguel de Allende include strolling through the town's many parks and gardens, taking a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful countryside, and visiting nearby vineyards to sample the local wines.
No. 8 - Cozumel
Cozumel is a beautiful island located off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. The island is home to several coral reefs, including the Mesoamerican Reef, which is the second largest coral reef system in the world. These reefs provide a habitat for a diverse array of marine life, making Cozumel a popular destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Cozumel also boasts beautiful beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and a vibrant downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. The town of San Miguel de Cozumel is the island's main town, and it offers a mix of traditional Mexican architecture and modern amenities.
No. 7 - Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a resort city located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. One of the main attractions in Cabo San Lucas is its stunning coastline, which features a variety of beaches, bays, and coves. Popular beaches include Playa El Médano, which is a lively and popular beach with plenty of water activities and beachfront restaurants and bars, and Lover's Beach, which is a secluded beach accessible only by water taxi or private boat.
As well as its beaches, Cabo San Lucas is also home to a thriving nightlife scene. The city has a variety of bars and nightclubs that cater to a range of tastes, from live music venues to beachfront dance clubs.
Other popular activities in Cabo San Lucas include fishing, snorkelling, and diving, as well as visiting nearby attractions such as the El Arco rock formation and the San José del Cabo art district.
No. 6 - Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a historic and picturesque city located in central Mexico. The city was founded in the 16th century and was a major centre of silver mining during the colonial era. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico.
Some of the main attractions in Guanajuato include the stunning Teatro Juarez, a beautiful theatre built in the late 19th century, and the historic San Diego Church, which dates back to the 18th century. Visitors can also explore the city's many museums, such as the Diego Rivera Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Mexican artist who was born in Guanajuato.
One of the most unique features of Guanajuato is its network of underground tunnels, which were originally built to divert floodwaters away from the city's streets. Today, the tunnels are used as roads for cars and pedestrians, and visitors can take a guided tour to explore this fascinating aspect of the city's history.
No. 5 - Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco. The city was originally a small fishing village, but it has grown into a major tourist destination in recent years. It offers a variety of activities and attractions, including beautiful beaches, water sports, hiking trails, and historic landmarks.
One of the most popular areas in Puerto Vallarta is the Malecon, a scenic oceanfront boardwalk that is lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can take a stroll along the Malecon to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the city.
Another popular attraction in Puerto Vallarta is the El Malecon Sculpture Walk, which features a collection of beautiful sculptures by local artists. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars and nightclubs catering to a range of tastes.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of options, including hiking trails, zip lining, and water sports such as snorkelling and surfing. Visitors can also take a day trip to nearby attractions such as the beautiful Marietas Islands, which are home to a diverse array of marine life.
No. 4 - Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a state located in southern Mexico, known for its rich cultural heritage, colourful markets, and delicious cuisine. The state's capital city, also called Oaxaca, is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the region's history and culture.
The city of Oaxaca is home to a number of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, including the Oaxaca Museum of Contemporary Art and the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art. Visitors can also explore the city's many historic churches and buildings, such as the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, which dates back to the 16th century.
One of the main attractions in Oaxaca is its vibrant food scene. The state is known for its delicious cuisine, which features a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences. Popular dishes include tlayudas (a type of Oaxacan pizza), mole (a rich and flavourful sauce made with chocolate and spices), and mezcal (a type of agave-based liquor).
Oaxaca is also home to a number of indigenous communities, each with its own unique traditions and customs. Visitors can explore the local markets to see traditional crafts and textiles, and can visit villages such as Teotitlán del Valle to see traditional weaving techniques in action.
Other popular activities in Oaxaca include hiking in the Sierra Norte mountains, exploring the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, and attending one of the many cultural festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year.
No. 3 - Tulum
Tulum is a popular beach town located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. It is known for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and ancient Mayan ruins.
One of the main attractions in Tulum is the Tulum archaeological site, which features a well-preserved walled city that was built by the Mayans in the 13th century. Visitors can explore the ruins, which include the Temple of the Frescoes, the Castillo (a large fortress), and the Temple of the Descending God.
Tulum is also known for its beautiful beaches, which offer a range of activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. The town has a relaxed and bohemian vibe, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops catering to visitors.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Tulum offers a variety of options, including kayaking through the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, hiking in the nearby jungle, and swimming in the cenotes (natural swimming holes) that are scattered throughout the area.
No. 2 - Cancun
Cancun is a popular resort city located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun has a variety of attractions to offer visitors, including stunning white sand beaches and a range of water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and parasailing. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Cancun Maya Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the ancient Maya civilization.
One of the main draws of Cancun is its lively nightlife scene, which features a range of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants catering to a variety of tastes. The city's Hotel Zone is particularly popular, with many of the top nightclubs and bars located there.
Cancun is also a gateway to a number of nearby attractions, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, and the natural beauty of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Visitors can take day trips to these destinations to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region.
No. 1 - Mexico City
Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico, located in the central part of the country. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and is considered one of the most important cultural and financial centres in Latin America.
Mexico City is known for its vibrant street life, with colourful markets, food stalls, and street performers lining the city's bustling streets. The city is also home to a wealth of cultural institutions, including world-class museums, art galleries, and theatres. Some of the most notable cultural sites include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
The city is also famous for its cuisine, which combines traditional Mexican flavours with influences from around the world. Visitors can try a range of dishes, from street food like tacos and tamales to high-end dining at some of the city's top restaurants.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Mexico City has a number of historical sites that showcase its rich past. These include the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which was founded in the 14th century and is now the site of the Templo Mayor archaeological site. Other historical landmarks include the Palacio Nacional, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Chapultepec Castle.
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Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Mexico. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Mexico.
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