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When people think of Mexico, they often think of either overly crowded border cities like
Tijuana or busy resort towns.
But there is a lot in between these extremes.
Sure, TJ and the Hotel Zone of a resort area hold their charm and reasons to visit.
Still, there are highlands, unspoiled beaches, islands, historical ruins, and rich, vibrant
cultures throughout Mexico.
Today, we'll share 20 of the best places you can visit in Mexico.
let's dive in!
Number twenty.
Bacalar
About a 3 hours drive south of Cancun near the Belize Border is Bacalar the Lagoon of
the seven colors due to its many different blue and turquoise hues.
With crystal clear water, this freshwater lagoon looks like something you would expect
to find in the Maldives or the South Pacific islands.
Take a private sailboat tour to the Pirate channel and submerge yourself in fine white
powdered sand and turquoise blue waters.
Also, explore the bird islands and in town, make a stop at the Fuerte de San Felipe, this
18th-century old fort that now has a piracy museum inside displaying colonial-era artifacts
and weapons.
Number nineteen.
Chichen Itza.
When visiting the Yucatan Peninsula, most tourists opt for the ruins at Tulum, perched
on a cliff and closest to most resorts.
But working your way inland to Chichen Itza is the better trip if you have the time and
money.
The Mayans were skilled in mathematics, geometry, and astronomy, giving great significance to
this heritage site.
One testament to this is the feathered serpent of light and shadow.
A snake head adorns the base of the northern stairway of the Kukulkan Temple.
On the Spring and Fall Equinox, the shadow on the stairs creates the rest of the snake's
body.
Number eighteen.
Merida.
One of the lesser-known travel destinations on the Yucatan peninsula, it's home to incredible
architecture, history around every corner, and mouth-watering food.
This capital city of Yucatan has the best ham in Mexico, and the local dish cochinita
pibil is full of flavorful citrus that permeates pulled pork.
If you're hungry for more, you can sign up for cooking classes at schools that have even
seen Martha Stewart as a former student.
And if you'd rather immerse yourself in Mayan history, you can catch a weekly re-enactment
of the Mayan sport Pok ta Pok or partake in any of the other frequent festivals that can
be found in Merida.
Number seventeen.
Oaxaca.
The mountains meet the sea in Oaxaca.
Rugged mountains hide secret sites like Monte Alban, where temples offer panoramic views
of the Tlacolula Valley.
You'll be glad to know that human sacrifices are no longer standard practice when visiting
these ruins.
Oaxacan cuisine is booming across the globe.
But when you're in Oaxaca, you can get the real deal.
You can also purchase artisan crafts from the area, like hand-painted wooden animals,
which the area is famous for.
Number sixteen.
Puerto Vallarta.
This popular Pacific coastal resort town has it all.
Top-notch all-inclusive resorts line the streets, and each offers its own spas, pools, and dining
experiences.
Its location near the equator means it gets sun pretty much year-round, making it an ideal
escape for those who experience proper winters.
And if you'd like to take a day trip, the city of Tequila is just four hours away.
Home of the beloved alcohol, it's a must-see location if you want to sample the drink while
getting an inside look at the production process.
Number fifteen.
Cozumel.
Cozumel is the Caribbean's largest island and has plenty of pristine beaches and palm
trees to meet your relaxation requirements.
You can experience world-class diving and snorkeling year-round, but if you want to
see hundreds of Eagle Rays, you'll want to visit between December and April.
The Great Mayan Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, so you're sure
to spot something spectacular.
Number fourteen.
San Miguel de Allende.
Known as one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, this colorful colonial city is
one of the most Instagrammable locations in Latin America.
The famous pink-walled church is omnipresent when wandering downtown.
There's also a considerable ex-pat community, so you'll find a good mix of authentic Mexican
cuisine and international options that suit the tastes of the cultural melting pot that
San Miguel de Allende has become.
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Number thirteen.
Los Cabos corridor.
The coastline stretch connecting San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is known as the
Los Cabos corridor.
Numerous luxury resorts boasting premium ocean views line the area.
World-class golf courses are also easy to find in this area, so be sure to bring your
clubs if you enjoy an idyllic tee time.
Next to the sandy beaches, you'll find a dramatic desert landscape, making it a unique geographic
location to visit.
Number twelve.
Yelapa.
About 90km south of Puerto Vallarta lies Yelapa which is only reachable by boat.
It's a remote location not often frequented by tourists but offers a lot of opportunities
for adventure.
The rainy season lasts nearly half the year, meaning it's full of dense forest and two
waterfalls.
Yelapa is also famous for its food.
In particular, finding the "pie ladies" who sell fresh, delicious pies on the beach is
a true treat.
Number eleven.
The historic center of Mexico City.
Let's be clear - Mexico City is a great place to visit, but we love spending most of our
time in the city's historic center of Old Town.
Concentrated around the public square El Zocalo, you can even find ancient Aztec Temple ruins
within this area.
The history of Mexico City is more than 700 years old, so there's a lot to take in.
You can easily spend two to four days exploring this area of Mexico City.
A walking tour will point out the most significant locations, but spend some extra time checking
out the murals at the National Palace or Diego Rivera Mural Museum.
More artwork is on display at the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Number ten.
Isla Holbox.
Many picture-perfect beaches in Mexico are also stuffed with giant resorts, making a
pristine coastline nearly impossible to find.
So, are there any places in Mexico where you can get beautiful views without the horrendous
crowds?
Yes, you can - at Isla Holbox.
Streets are unpaved, and you'll see only golf carts and bikes.
It has a distinctly bohemian, laid-back vibe, which will help you max out your relaxation
while on vacation.
Number nine.
Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosi.
This fabulous area is a dream location for eco-tourism.
It's full of jungles, waterfalls, forests, and plenty of biodiversities.
You can even stay at Selva Teenek, a jungle animal sanctuary and eco-park.
Take a boat ride to one of the many impressive waterfalls, or go white water rafting along
the rivers.
And if you're interested in birding, you have to see the Swallows Abyss, a chasm that reaches
nearly 1700 feet deep, with over 1200 feet of vertical dropoff.
Thousands of birds bring the chasm to life daily, making this natural wonder truly unique.
Number eight.
Riviera Nayarit.
Lesser known but still bustling with activity, Riviera Nayarit offers famous spots like Love
Beach and Hidden Beach and the annual migration of graceful humpback whales, often with babies.
You can take a boat a few miles offshore to the Marietas Islands, which are now a protected
bird sanctuary.
You can't step foot on the island, but you can snorkel by the caves, arches, and hidden
beaches that are teeming with wildlife.
Number seven.
Copper Canyon.
Known as the "Grand Canyon of Mexico," the Copper Canyon is comprised of six canyons
that, when combined, stretch out four times further than the Grand Canyon in the United
States.
One of the best ways to see the series of canyons is on El Chepe, the train that runs
more than 400 miles, making several small town stops along the way.
If you're traveling west to east, sit on the right side of the train for the best views.
Number six.
Puerto Morelos
This small authentic Mexican Beach Town is a peaceful getaway from the busy nearby tourist
hot spots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Take a boat tour and go snorkeling at the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest
reef system in the world, and just offshore the beach.
Relax at one of the many beach clubs and restaurants, enjoying some delicious fresh seafood and
a cold margarita.
Enjoy this laid-back place where you can spend the majority of your time on the beach.
Number five.
Palenque.
There are plenty of ancient ruins throughout Mexico, but Palenque might just be the best.
The Mayan ruins of Palenque were lost for centuries after being suddenly abandoned in
799 AD and only rediscovered in the 1500s.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is close to eco-hotels, and you can get your workout in
by climbing to the top of many of the tops of the temples.
Number four.
Cenotes - Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenotes are massive caves or sinkholes commonly found in the limestone rock that permeates
the Yucatan Peninsula.
There are popular, crowded cenotes and less crowded hidden gems throughout the area.
They all offer something unique.
Whether it's vine-covered walls or ceilings and floors of caves covered with stalactites
and stalagmites, you'll find unique features at each cenote you visit.
Number three.
Isla Mujeres.
Translated as the Island of Women, this tropical island sits off the coast of Cancun.
It was once a sanctuary for the Mayan goddess Ixchel; it's now a sanctuary for luxury day-trippers
and those looking for a more secluded resort stay.
Renting a golf cart is a great way to navigate the island once you're there, and a visit
to Punta Sur Park offers views, trails, iguanas, angry waves crashing against dramatic cliffs,
and more.Don't forget to visit Playa Norte one of the best beaches in Mexico.
Number two.
San Cristobal de las Casas
This colonial Pueblo Magico features cobblestone streets and red-tiled roofs in Chiapas state,
famous for its coffee and colorful markets and museums, plazas, and churches.
You can take tours to surrounding waterfalls, canyons, and different eco reserves.
Don't forget you are about 2200 meters above sea level, so you need to do some acclimatization
before doing anything like extreme sports or excursions.
This lovely town is a great choice to spend a few days away from the beaches and all-inclusive
hotels.
Number one.
Morelia.
It might seem strange to include a very non-touristy city like Morelia as our number one place
to see in Mexico, but hear us out.
Mexico has become increasingly popular over the last years and decades, so finding quieter,
hidden gems is difficult.
Enter Morelia, with about 600,000 inhabitants.
Downtown is full of more than 200 colonial buildings, earning the title of UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
The Baroque-style cathedral is a stunning centerpiece in the city, or you can walk the
path of the Aqueduct that once supplied the town's fountains and convents with water.
And suppose you happen to visit between December and March.
In that case, a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve may reward you with thousands
of Monarch butterflies that migrate here during the winter.
That's it for today's list!
Do you agree with our ranking?
Are there any must-see spots missing from our list?
Let us know in the comments!
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