Gorgeous beaches, a delicious culinary scene, festive culture and ancient pyramids
all make Mexico a popular tourist destination. Mexico is a land of color and contrasts.
Crowded beaches lead into quiet colonial towns while resort cities open gateways
to jungles ringing with parrots and howler monkeys. Majestic mountains descend to remote
deserts. Traditional pueblo houses sit near Spanish haciendas. Ruins of Mayan cities lie
excavated outside of modern metropolises. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Mexico:
Number 10. San Miguel de Allende.
One of the most popular destinations in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque
and charming Mexican city that is magical to wander around. Looking out over the Rio Laja,
the city is beautifully located on a steep hillside; its cobbled streets and delightful
colonial architecture make it a treat to behold. Although there are no major attractions,
simply being here is a treat. Whether it’s dining in the great restaurants,
perusing the galleries or visiting the nearby hot springs, this city won’t disappoint.
Number 9. Cancun.
A world famous tourist destination on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula,
Cancun presents a complete vacation package of fabulous beaches, a first-class hotel zone,
Mayan ruins and an exuberant nightlife. Cancun’s year-round perfect weather and gorgeous beaches
are the city’s top tourist magnets. With fourteen miles of powdery white sand bordering turquoise
waters, these beaches offer a wide range of outdoor activities. The downtown area,
known as El Centro, beats to a more authentic Mexican tune with its historic architecture,
cheap eating options and salsa clubs.
Number 8. Copper Canyon.
Named after the copper-green color of the canyon walls, the Copper Canyon is a network
of six canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon. Located
in the Sierra Madre, this canyon system offers some of Mexico’s most extraordinary scenery.
There are many ways to explore Copper Canyon, but the most outstanding way is by
the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway. The track passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising
as high as 8,000 feet above sea level featuring some of the canyon’s most spectacular scenery.
Number 7. Guanajuato.
Tucked away in a narrow valley in central Mexico, lies the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato.
The city was founded in 1554 next to one of the richest silver mining areas of Mexico.
The 16th-century mining boom led to the construction of beautiful haciendas and
fine colonial mansions. Many of them are built out of pink and green sandstone. Guanajuato
streets and many colorful alleyways spread out in every direction while most of its traffic
is served by a network of underground tunnels making it an excellent city for pedestrians.
Number 6. Oaxaca.
The capital city of the state by the same name, Oaxaca is located in a valley below the
Sierra Madre mountains. Colonial architecture, archaeological sites and a tranquil atmosphere
make it a popular tourist destination. At the heart of Oaxaco is its charming town square
where tourists can admire beautiful colonial landmarks like the Santo Domingo church,
tour museums and relax at an outdoor cafe. Several archaeological sites around the city
can be explored such as Monte Alban. Perched on a mountain, Monte Alban was the site of the
ancient capital city of the Zapotec inhabitants and offers impressive views of the valley below.
Number 5. Mexico City.
One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is the sprawling capital of Mexico.
This incredible metropolis is jammed full of history, scintillating culture and amazing art.
Originally an Aztec settlement as evidenced by the ruins of the 13th century Templo Mayor,
there are plenty of buildings that point back to its Spanish colonial past as the capital
of New Spain. Baroque churches and ornate palaces lie among cobblestoned old lanes.
The city has a long relationship with art and has been the home to famous intellectuals
and artists throughout the years, including Mexican icons Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Number 4. Puerto Vallarta.
Situated on the Bay of Banderas along Mexico’s Pacific Coast is the popular vacation city
of Puerto Vallarta. Landscapes of gorgeous beaches and lush jungle mountains envelope
this picturesque town of colonial landmarks, first-class resorts and gourmet restaurants.
The city’s main attraction, the golden sand beaches, offer relaxation and water sports such as
sailing, kite surfing and deep sea fishing. Giant manta rays and dolphins can be viewed
here while humpback whales can be seen between December and March.
Number 3. Teotihuacan.
Located on the outskirts of modern-day Mexico City, Teotihuacan is one of the most famous Aztec
archaeological sites. But the Aztecs didn’t actually build it. Despite many theories,
nobody is really sure who did. However, the Aztecs did name it and make it their own when they
stumbled across the abandoned city. In its prime, it was the largest city in the Western Hemisphere
and home to a plethora of residential compounds and pyramids. Today, its two iconic pyramids,
the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon, are the major highlights. Stroll along
the Avenue of the Dead and visit the Citadel and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
Number 2. Tulum.
An hours’ drive from Cancun, the Tulum ruins are the remains of an ancient cliff top fortress
built by the Mayans. Walled on three sides with the fourth open to the Caribbean Sea,
the views are simply incredible. Even though it dates back to 564 AD,
Tulum was at its prime during the 13th and 14th centuries. It was a powerful trading hub for jade,
cotton, and cacao beans. Apart from the El Castillo pyramid, the main attraction,
have a look at the beautiful mural inside the Temple of the Frescoes
and go for a swim at Tulum’s secret beach, surrounded by palm trees and sunbathing iguanas.
Number 1. Chichen Itza.
One of the most famous archaeological sites on Earth, Chichen Itza was once a thriving
city on the Yucatan Peninsula. Built by the Mayans in 600 AD, it was abandoned in 1221
when Mayapan became the region’s new capital. Highlights include the Temple of Kukulkan,
a giant stone pyramid with four stairways representing a compass and 365 steps for
each day of the year. It is best visited during the spring or fall equinox when the sun creates
a light show on the stairs of the pyramid. Other must-see sites include the Ball Court,
the Wall of Skulls, and the Sacred Cenote that was once a site of human sacrifice.