Exploring Mexico is a journey through vibrant cultures, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Each destination in Mexico offers its own unique charm and experiences, making it a must-visit country for travelers.
Before setting off on your Mexican adventure, make sure you check if you need a Mexican visa. Once you’ve sorted your paperwork, you can start planning the trip of a lifetime!
Here’s a more detailed look at some of Mexico’s unmissable places:
Chichen Itza, Yucatán
This majestic site is not just a testament to the Maya civilization, but also a convergence of astronomical brilliance and architectural mastery. The central pyramid, El Castillo, is designed to cast serpentine shadows at the equinoxes, reflecting the Maya’s sophisticated understanding of astronomy.
Beyond El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the observatory known as El Caracol, offer insights into the Maya’s daily life, religious practices, and technological advancements.
Cancún and the Riviera Maya
The jewel of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancún is synonymous with crystal-clear waters, powdery white beaches, and a pulsating nightlife. The Riviera Maya extends this experience with its stretch of coastline offering luxury resorts, secluded beaches, and unique attractions like the ancient ruins of Tulum and Coba.
The cenotes, natural sinkholes, offer a unique swimming experience and are believed by the Maya to be sacred portals to the underworld. This region is perfect for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of the ancient Mayan culture.
Mexico City’s Historic Center
As the heart of one of the world’s most populous cities, the Historic Center of Mexico City is a bustling blend of past and present. The Zócalo, or main square, is one of the largest city squares in the world and is surrounded by landmarks such as the monumental Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.
Nearby, the ancient Aztec Templo Mayor unveils the city’s pre-Hispanic history. The area is also a hub for cultural activities, offering museums, art galleries, and traditional Mexican cuisine, making it a vibrant place to explore and soak in the local culture.
Oaxaca
This region is a tapestry of indigenous cultures, colonial influences, and natural beauty. Oaxaca is particularly famous for its culinary diversity, including mole, a traditional sauce with complex flavors, and mezcal, a local spirit.
The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is lined with colonial buildings, colorful markets, and bustling squares. The annual Guelaguetza festival is a vivid display of Oaxaca’s diverse cultural heritage, with music, dance, and traditional costumes from various indigenous groups.
Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
This network of canyons, larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, offers a stunning natural landscape. The Copper Canyon can be explored on foot, by bike, or on horseback, but the most famous way is by the El Chepe train, which winds through the rugged terrain, offering spectacular views.
The region is also home to the Rarámuri or Tarahumara people, known for their rich culture and remarkable long-distance running abilities. Visitors can explore the local culture, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and partake in various outdoor activities.
Guanajuato
This charming colonial-era city is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, colorful houses, and underground tunnels. Guanajuato’s history is rich with stories of silver mining, contributing to its wealth and architectural splendor.
The city is also famous for the Festival Internacional Cervantino, a cultural festival that attracts artists and performers from around the world. The University of Guanajuato adds a youthful vibrancy to the city, making it a lively and culturally rich destination.
Teotihuacan
Just an hour’s drive from Mexico City, Teotihuacan was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world. The site is dominated by two large pyramids – the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
The Avenue of the Dead, a broad, central roadway, links the main structures. The city’s influence extended throughout Mesoamerica, and its origins and the ethnicity of its founders remain a subject of research and fascination.
San Miguel de Allende
Nestled in the mountains of central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a haven for artists, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant arts scene.
The city’s centerpiece is the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a Gothic-style church with an ornate pink façade. The town’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural richness and historical significance.
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
This natural reserve, spanning Michoacán and the State of Mexico, is the winter home of millions of monarch butterflies. The annual migration of these butterflies from North America to this small area of Mexico is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world.
The reserve offers guided tours that allow visitors to witness this incredible spectacle up close.
Tulum
Located on the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline, Tulum is known for its stunning beaches, well-preserved Mayan ruins, and tranquil cenotes. The Tulum ruins, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, provide a picturesque setting unlike any other archaeological site.
The town itself has a laid back atmosphere, blending a bohemian vibe with eco-friendly resorts and beachfront cabanas.
Puebla
As Mexico’s fourth-largest city, Puebla is a treasure trove of colonial architecture and culinary delights. The city is renowned for its use of Talavera pottery, evident in many of its beautifully decorated buildings.
Visitors can explore the historic center’s streets, lined with colorful buildings and ornate churches, or visit the Amparo Museum, which showcases pre-Hispanic, colonial, modern, and contemporary Mexican art.
Merida, Yucatán
Mérida is a city where the past and present converge. It’s known for its colonial-era buildings made of white limestone, giving the city a distinctive look. Mérida is also a cultural center with a rich music, dance, and theater calendar, especially in the historic Plaza Grande.
The city is an excellent base for visiting nearby archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Uxmal, as well as natural attractions like the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, a coastal wetland famous for its flamingo colonies.
Bacalar
Located in the southern part of Quintana Roo, Bacalar is a serene paradise. The town is famous for the Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, due to its varying shades of blue and crystal-clear waters. The lagoon is perfect for swimming, sailing, and kayaking.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Cenote Azul, one of the largest cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, or visit the San Felipe Fort, which offers a glimpse into the area’s history as a defense against pirates.
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Todos Santos is a charming town with a laid-back atmosphere, popular with artists and surfers. The town boasts beautiful beaches like Los Cerritos and Punta Lobos, ideal for surfing and relaxing.
Its vibrant arts scene is evident in numerous galleries and studios that exhibit local and international art. The town also hosts cultural events, including the Todos Santos Music Festival and the Todos Santos Art Festival.
Zacatecas
This city, once a silver mining powerhouse, is now a cultural center with well-preserved colonial architecture. Zacatecas’ historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, flanked by opulent buildings.
The city’s former wealth from mining is showcased in its ornate churches and the Zacatecas Cathedral, an outstanding example of Mexican baroque architecture. The El Edén mine, now a museum, offers underground tours, and the nearby Mina El Edén offers a unique nightclub experience deep inside a former mine.
Morelia, Michoacán
Morelia, known for its splendid colonial architecture, is a city steeped in history and culture. The Morelia Cathedral, with its stunning baroque exterior and majestic interior, is a must-visit.
The city is also famous for its music, particularly the Morelia International Organ Festival and the Morelia International Film Festival, which attracts filmmakers and enthusiasts worldwide.
