Mexico is one of the top travel destinations, attracting around 20 million visitors every year. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, excellent climate, and cultural attractions like Chichén Itzá, Mexico is the quintessential destination for anyone eager to explore Latin America.

10 places in Mexico you have to visit

Mexico has it all – a vibrant culture, breathtaking tropical destinations, and a rich historical heritage with hidden gems waiting to be discovered in every nook. It’s no wonder that Mexico has become a popular tourist destination with its incredible natural beauty and cultural treasures. So, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the best Mexico has to offer!

Riviera Maya, a must-visit gem

The Riviera Maya is undoubtedly one of the top places to go in Mexico.

In the Riviera Maya, you’ll discover Puerto Morelos, a charming coastal town offering a wide array of tourist services. Get ready to experience water sports like windsurfing, diving, and delightful boat rides. Plus, the accommodations and dining options here are more budget-friendly compared to other tourist destinations, making it a great choice among Mexico’s best travel spots.

Moving along the Riviera Maya, we find the renowned Playa del Carmen, the region’s best-known city. Tourism takes center stage here, providing a diverse selection of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping centers, and recreational activities to delight in. The beaches are exceptionally beautiful, offering various activities, or you can simply unwind on its warm, white sands under the sun.

In addition to these two destinations, the Riviera Maya offers other gems such as Tulum, Akumal, Coba, Puerto Aventuras, and the magnificent Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Cancún, a thriving tourist paradise

On the other hand, the most popular tourist destination in Mexico might be Cancún, attracting visitors from all over the world. Besides its beautiful beaches, Cancún is renowned for its numerous tourist activities and attractions.

The city offers an impressive selection of over 180 hotels, most of which line the beautiful boulevard Kukulcán, catering to a wide range of travelers’ preferences and budgets.

Nature lovers will find the Ecological Park Kabah a must-visit destination, housing various animal and plant species, some of which are endangered. And for an unforgettable experience, dive into exploring a portion of the world’s second-largest coral reef system, located just off the coast of Cancún.

Archaeology enthusiasts shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of civilizations like the Mayans in the archaeological zone. Highlights include El Templo del Alacrán, El Castillo, and the El Rey archaeological site.

Cancún’s array of stunning beaches is not to be missed, with highlights including Caleta and Caletilla, Manzanillo, Revolcadero, Pie de la Cuesta, and Tlacopanocha.

Additionally, we highly recommend exploring Isla de la Roqueta, where you’ll discover the same type of beaches we mentioned earlier, perfect for enjoying a variety of water sports and expert-guided tours. Diving, in particular, is a favorite activity here, thanks to the crystal-clear water and the presence of mesmerizing underwater flora and fauna.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the renowned Virgen de los Mares, a 2-meter monument submerged just a few meters deep in the sea. This holds great significance in the local culture, with residents venerating it every 12th of December, as it is believed to protect all those at sea or on the water.

On the island, there’s also a zoo showcasing a fascinating collection of exotic animal species, including tigers, monkeys, giraffes, and many others to make your visit even more memorable.

Sótano de las Golondrinas, San Lui Potosi

For adventure and thrill seekers, the Sótano de las Golondrinas (Swallows’ Sinkhole) is the perfect place to explore if you want to visit Mexico’s most daring destinations. This awe-inspiring abyss is home to different types of birds and has been formed over many years due to erosion. Today, it serves as a captivating spectacle for tourists. You can experience the thrill of descending into the chasm and witness the hidden beauties this place has to offer.

This destination is consistently ranked among the top adventures, offering an unparalleled experience that is truly one-of-a-kind in the world. With its magnetic allure, it’s no surprise that this place has become a beloved hotspot for tourists, eager to forge unforgettable memories.

Yucatán Cenotes

“Cenote” is a Mayan word that means “abyss of water wells.” For this culture, these wells symbolized an entrance to the life-giving liquid for the soul.

Today, the cenotes are a spectacular tourist destination in Mexico, surrounded by turquoise and crystalline waters. Within them, you can find hidden rivers and enjoy scuba diving.

Santuario de los Flamencos in Yucatán

For bird enthusiasts, a must-visit is the Santuario de los Flamencos in Yucatán. This sanctuary is home to more than 20,000 pink flamingos and a range of diverse ecosystems. Popular activities here include kayaking and boat tours to explore this captivating sanctuary.

In every corner of the world, nature displays its profound wisdom, and Mexico is no exception. Idyllic backdrops for a rejuvenating vacation, these places offer the perfect escape from urban life. Take a leap and disconnect from your surroundings!

Acapulco

And of course, if we are speaking about the best places to visit in Mexico, we cannot overlook the port city of Acapulco (also known as Acapulco de Juarez). As the first city in Mexico dedicated to tourism, it offers excellent services and warm hospitality, promising the best quality for your stay.

Acapulco is a true paradise for a vacation in Mexico, providing a plethora of options that cater to every visitor’s preferences. From its awe-inspiring beaches and breathtaking landscapes to its vibrant nightlife, Acapulco stands as one of the top choices for an unforgettable holiday.

Upon arriving in this Mexican city, you can indulge in thrilling water sports like diving, windsurfing, or surfing, or simply unwind on its captivating beaches. As night falls, many exciting activities await, including lively nightclubs, captivating theaters, charming bars, and much more. If you’re planning to visit Acapulco soon, don’t miss out on any of these incredible destinations.

Playa la Condesa (Acapulco)

Playa la Condesa in Acapulco is considered one of the most popular beaches in the country, with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Located in Acapulco’s tourist zone, this beach offers fun and mystery beneath its waters.

According to legend, there is a mythical rock within the sea that dates back to the 18th century. It is said that a priest went to this place to pray for an end to a devastating storm that was wreaking havoc on the entire city. Miraculously, as soon as the priest finished his prayers, the storm dissipated, and the rock was granted magical properties.

Today, Playa la Condesa is a hotspot for various water sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, water skiing, and sailing.

Bars and clubs of Acapulco

For those who seek to dance all night and have a great time with friends, Acapulco offers a wide variety of nightclubs to suit all tastes. Each night, these places feature entertaining shows as their main attractions. From juggling acts and “stilt walkers” to contests for visitors, live music, and more, each venue has a unique offering. Some of the most renowned nightclubs include Baby’O, Pure Night, Mandara, and Alebrije.

Acapulco is a vibrant city offering a mix of relaxation and entertainment. Enjoy serene beach mornings and lively nightlife with unique music and shows that you can only find in Acapulco. 

If you’re interested in exploring Mexico, now is a great time to visit. Prepare to be embraced by Mexico’s warm hospitality and discover the captivating charm it holds. Don’t miss out!

Chichén Itzá

And, of course, we can’t leave Mexico without visiting Chichén Itzá, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. It’s situated on the Yucatán Peninsula and boasts some incredible Mayan structures that have stood the test of time for centuries. The highlight for tourists is undoubtedly the Temple of Kukulcán, which UNESCO has recognized as one of the wonders of the modern world.

Mérida

In the Mexican state of Yucatán lies the city of Mérida. It is one of the oldest in the country, founded in 1542 on the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of T’Hó. In addition to its rich historical heritage, the city has a clear cultural vocation, which led to its designation as the American Capital of Culture in the year 2000.

Some of the cultural expressions cherished by the citizens of Mérida are music and visual arts. Poets, composers, and singer-songwriters have been the main ambassadors of Yucatecan music, such as Trova and Jarana.

The city is also home to one of Mexico’s best symphony orchestras: the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra, based in the Teatro Peón Guerrero. As for visual art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Ateneo de Yucatán (MACAY) stands out, exhibiting murals by the Meridian artist Fernando Castro Pacheco.

The historic center of the city houses treasures like the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the first on the entire American continent. You can also visit the Monument to the Homeland, the Government Palace housing a Hall of History, or the neighborhoods and parish temples such as San Juan or Santa Lucía.

In Mérida, there are many parks and green areas, including the Plaza Mayor, Las Américas Park, San Juan Park, San Cristóbal Park, and the Acuaparque de Mérida, offering moments of relaxation and enjoyment.

Once in the city, it is worth visiting three of the most important archaeological sites in the region: Uxmal, Dzibichaltún, and Chichén Itzá. A great time to visit the city is at the beginning of January during the Festival of the City.

The extensive program of festivities includes theatrical performances, musical acts, traditional dances, and many other cultural expressions. During this time, the gastronomy of the city takes center stage, with Yucatecan recipes based on maize, the staple food of the Maya people.

Oaxaca City

Continuing to explore the best places to visit in Mexico, let’s talk about Oaxaca City. Not only is it one of the finest tourist spots in Mexico, but it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the country. When you visit, you’ll be charmed by its picturesque ambiance and historic center. The city boasts rich cultural traditions, vibrant festivals, and exotic cuisine that will leave you captivated.

Teotihuacán Pyramids

Known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacán offers an exciting adventure for tourists. Multiple tours and guided visits are available to explore this World Heritage Site. You can visit the plazas, pyramids, and murals, and try local cuisine and beverages from nearby establishments.

Mexico awaits us with these and countless other tourist destinations. There’s something for every taste and preference; all you need to do is find the one that resonates with you.

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