22 Best places to visit in Mexico
This list of the best places to visit in Mexico will help you discover the best of this beautiful country full of color, delicious cuisine, natural landscapes, and friendly people, who we are sure will welcome you with open arms.
During our trip, we were able to discover many of its wonders that have shown us that Mexico is much more than the famous Riviera Maya and that, furthermore, this country is not summarized in the headlines that we often see in the media.
Unfortunately, its reputation as a dangerous country means it receives much less tourism than it should. In addition, this reputation keeps many travelers away from less touristy areas. However, these areas are truly incredible and safe. Logically, always travel with common sense.
That is why we always recommend using the comfortable bus service to get around the colonial cities of the center and the south. For the jewels of the Yucatan Peninsula, it is better to rent a car. This will allow you the freedom to stop where and when you want.
Remember that the best time to travel to Mexico is during the months of December to April when there is less precipitation, and the temperatures are more pleasant. This avoids the hurricanes that usually appear between the months of May to November. However, we cannot forget that one of the best times to visit Mexico is during November 1 and 2, when the famous Day of the Dead is celebrated.
Based on the experience of our trip, we have made a list of the 22 best places to visit in Mexico. Let’s start!
1. Mexico City
If you land at the Mexico City International Airport, one of the best things to do in Mexico is to spend a minimum of one day getting to know all the points of interest in the capital.
Located more than 2000 meters above sea level and with more than 20 million inhabitants, this city has a beautiful old town that revolves around the Zócalo (gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec), ruins of ancient civilizations such as the Templo Mayor, interesting museums such as Frida Kahlo’s, and charming neighborhoods such as San Ángel and Coyoacán.
After touring some of the best spots in Mexico City, you can eat some good tacos in one of its many restaurants and go to a lively plaza to listen to the mariachis.
2. Teotihuacán, One of the Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Teotihuacán, the place where men become gods, is one of the best excursions in Mexico City and one of the points of interest in Mexico.
Located less than 50 kilometers from Mexico City, the archaeological zone of Teotihuacán still presents many enigmas around the town that built and inhabited it for centuries.
Of the entire complex, the enormous Pyramid of the Sun stands out; it is one of the largest pyramids in the world, and it welcomes the thousands of tourists who visit it every day. The Causeway of the Dead and the Pyramid of the Moon are two of the places in Mexico that exceeded all our expectations.
We recommend visiting Teotihuacán first thing in the morning; they open at 8 am so as to avoid the hours when most organized groups gather. If you want to do this visit on your own, you can arrive by bus from the Central del Norte station in Mexico City, after a one-hour journey, with a departure frequency of about half an hour.
To get to the bus station, you can do it by metro, although due to prices, we recommend using Uber, one of the safest ways to get around Mexico City.
3. Chichen Itza
Visiting Chichén Itzá, considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is one of the best things to do in Mexico.
Considered the most famous Mayan ruin in the world, Chichén Itzá is located in the tourist area of the Yucatán Peninsula and receives more than a million tourists each year. It is for this reason that it is advisable to arrive a little before 8 at the ticket office to avoid finding the venue full of people or organized groups, which usually begin to arrive around 10-11 in the morning.
During the visit, which usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours depending on the areas you visit and how much fun you have in each of them, you will be able to tour the central area of the site, where the most important structures are located such as the Kukulkan Pyramid or the incredible Ball Game. Further away from these are several spectacular buildings that you can enjoy more peacefully since there are tourists who do not reach them, but they are really interesting.
If you do not have a car to get there, a good option to also learn about the history of this ancient Mayan city is to book a tour with a guide. If you want to visit on your own, you can book your ticket in advance and skip the lines from this page.
4. Puebla
Puebla, known as the City of Angels and declared a World Heritage Site, is another of the most beautiful places in Mexico.
Located at the foot of the Popocatepetl volcano, you’ll fall in love with this city at first sight with its historic center of colonial architecture with some gems such as the Cathedral, the Palafoxiana Library, the Temple of San Francisco, Santa Clara Street, and the Artist’s Quarter.
Once you have completed touring the points of interest in the town, we advise you to try the delicious mole poblano or chiles en nogada at the Casareyna restaurant, one of the best places to eat in Mexico.
If you have time, you can go to Cholula, located 7 kilometers away, to see its famous pyramid and the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, with the Popocatepetl volcano in the background.
To get to Puebla, you can take an ADO bus at the TAPO Station in Mexico City, which takes about two hours to arrive, and once there, take an Uber, a bus, or an official taxi that takes you to the center.
5. Guanajuato
Capital of the state with the same name and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Guanajuato is one of the best colonial cities to visit in Mexico.
In addition to enjoying the good student atmosphere and the colorful architecture, it is worth visiting some of its wonders, such as the Juárez Theater, the Mirador del Pípila, the Casa Diego de Rivera Museum, the University or the Collegiate Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, among others.
To get to Guanajuato, you can take a plane or an ETN bus at the North Central Bus Terminal in Mexico City, which takes more than 5 hours. If you are staying in San Miguel de Allende, you can take an ETN bus that takes an hour and a half.
6. Oaxaca
Visiting the city of Oaxaca, a World Heritage Site and known as Green Antequera for its beautiful Colonial-style green quarry buildings, is another of the cool things to do in Mexico.
Oaxaca falls in love with all travelers for its ancient traditions, its architectural beauty, and its magnificent gastronomy, in addition to its numerous points of interest such as the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the Ethnobotanical Garden or the Metropolitan Cathedral.
If you have time, another of the best things to do in Oaxaca is to visit some of the wonders of this state, such as the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, the Archaeological Zone of Monte Albán, or the paradisiacal beaches of the coast.
You can get to Oaxaca from the capital by plane or with an ADO bus that takes between 6 and 7 hours.
7. San Cristóbal de Las Casas
San Cristóbal de Las Casas, located in the beautiful state of Chiapas, is a photogenic city and our favorite place to visit in Mexico.
Recognized as a Magic Town, it stands out for its colonial buildings and its bohemian atmosphere, full of places to relax while enjoying life.
Walking through its cobbled streets, surrounding yourself with color, drinking coffee or chocolate in a charming place, trying its delicious cuisine, looking for a bargain at its markets, listening to music on the street, or seeing an incredible sunset from a viewpoint, are just some of the many things to do in San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
8. Palenque, One of the Best Places to See in Mexico
After arriving in Palenque from San Cristóbal de Las Casas by bus, we have to confess that our first visit to a Mayan city amazed us and exceeded all the expectations we had. So we have to include it in this list of the best places to see in Mexico.
Palenque is a Mayan archaeological site, smaller than Chichén Itzá or Calakmul, which is located in the middle of a tropical jungle and stands out for the good state of conservation of its buildings and sculptures.
To reach the Mayan ruins from the city of Palenque, 9 kilometers away, you can do so by taxi or in a shared van from the city’s bus station. Keep in mind that there are two entrances, the upper one and the lower one, although we recommend entering through the second one. It is the one in the upper part, and you will do the entire route on a flat and descending path.
The visit to Palenque usually lasts between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the areas you visit and what you are interested in. At the entrance, you can hire a guide to learn more about the history and the places you will visit.
Although it is not very popular, at the end of the visit, we recommend you enter the “Alberto Ruz Lhuillier” Museum, one of the most important Mayan museums, where you can see truly incredible pieces.
9. Calakmul
Located in the south of Mexico, near the border with Guatemala, Calakmul was one of the most important cities of the Mayan civilization and another of the most impressive places to visit in Mexico.
This archaeological site spans 70 km² with more than 6,000 structures and is hidden in the middle of an immense jungle. Its structures full of moss and vegetation give it the appearance of an adventure movie setting, which delights all those who visit it. The site features three large pyramids that you can climb and admire incredible panoramic views of the jungle.
A big downside is that it’s far from other tourist attractions in Mexico, and there aren’t many hotels around. However, on the bright side, if you visit in the morning, you can explore the ruins almost all by yourself.
10. Bathe in the Bacalar Lagoon, One of the Best Things to do in Mexico
Bathing in the blue waters of the Bacalar Lagoon, located in the south of Quintana Roo, is another of the best things to do in Mexico.
It is known as the Lagoon of the Seven Colors due to the different shades of blue the water acquires depending on its depth. It is worth taking a boat trip to discover its most interesting points, such as the Pirates Canal, the Black Cenote, and the Bird Island.
Other incredible experiences in this area include renting a kayak, paddle surfing, visiting a spa to freely access the lagoon, or staying in a hotel located on the shore, such as the Villas Eco-Románticas Kúuch Ka’anil. You can also enjoy bathing in a cenote such as the Esmeralda, the Cocalitos, or the Azul. Additionally, you can get closer to the San Felipe fortress and see the surprising stromatolites.
11. Campeche
Campeche, the capital of the Mexican state of the same name, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is another of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
This port city on the Gulf of Mexico is famous for the good state of conservation of its baroque colonial buildings and its enormous walls that protected it from pirate attacks, which is why it earned the title of World Heritage Site.
In one day, you can tour some of the city’s main attractions, among which the Plaza de la Independencia, the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Malecón, and the Fort of San Miguel stand out. In addition, it is best to get lost in its walled historic district, enjoying its colorful architecture and delicious local cuisine with dishes such as coconut shrimp.
12. Edzná in Mexico
Edzná, located just 50 kilometers south of Campeche and founded in 600 BC, is one of the most important Mayan archaeological complexes to visit in Mexico.
Walking almost alone through the main square and the Great Acropolis, observing the great temples such as the Five Floors, the Nohochná (The Big House) or the Ball Game, one of the most popular pre-Columbian sports of its time, is one of the best experiences anyone can have in Mexico.
You can complement this visit to Edzná with a visit to one of the typical Mexican haciendas, such as Hacienda Uayamón. This will allow you to get to know the rural life of this area of the country, as well as its customs and culture.
13. Uxmal
Discovering one of the most important jewels of Mayan architecture, the ancient city of Uxmal, located between Campeche and Mérida, is one of the essential things to do in Mexico.
This archaeological complex declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is characterized by its Puuc architecture, which is evident in the decorations of its palatial buildings, such as the Governor’s Palace, and its imposing pyramids, such as the famous Pyramid of the Fortune Teller or the Great Pyramid.
To visit Uxmal, located two and a half hours from Campeche and one hour from Mérida, you can rent a car or book an excursion from Campeche.
14. Mérida, One of the Best Cities to Visit in Mexico
Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, known as the White City, is another of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
Considered one of the cities with the best quality of life and safest in the country, Mérida stands out for its rich colonial, Mayan, and African heritage, the latter influenced by the French and Lebanese cultures. In addition, it is renowned for its Yucatecan food with dishes such as Cochinita Pibil, the Papadzules, and the Panuchos.
One of the best things to do in Mérida is to tour its historical center, the third largest on the continent, to visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and the MACAY museum, Paseo de Montejo and Parque de Santa Lucia, among many others.
15. Izamal
Izamal was one of the great surprises of our trip. This beautiful, Magical Town of Yucatán, known by the nickname of the city of three cultures, is another of the best places in Mexico you need to visit. Here, walking through its streets becomes a spectacle, and you can see from pyramids Mayans to beautiful colonial houses and churches, all painted yellow.
Among the top attractions in Izamal, the impressive complex formed by the temple of the Purísima Concepción and the Convent of San Antonio de Padua stands out. They were built on a pre-Hispanic platform and are one of the icons of Izamal.
Although we cannot forget the typical Yucatecan food, another of the attractions to visit the city, which we recommend trying, is stuffed cheese, chaya with egg, panuchos, or cochinita pibil, especially at the Kinich Restaurant, a local institution.
16. San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende was the first city we fell in love with on our trip to Mexico. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city is like a canvas of bright colors in which you must get lost in its historic center. Its cobblestone streets, surrounded by color, the colonial architecture of its houses, the craft markets, squares, and old churches, form a complex that is difficult to beat.
To get to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City Central Station, you can take a bus from the ETN Company. The buses have very comfortable seats, even better than first class on many airlines. The journey takes about four and a half hours.
17. Cenotes of Valladolid
During a route through the Yucatan Peninsula, you can enjoy hundreds of cenotes, although, in our personal opinion, the cenotes in Valladolid and surrounding areas are the most interesting to visit in Mexico. These cavern-type cenotes, full of incredible karst formations, where you can bathe alone in their crystal-clear waters or with very few people, are a true wonder.
After visiting several cenotes during our trip to Mexico, our favorites are Ik Kil, Samulá, X’kekén, Palomitas, Agua Dulce, Xcanahaltun, Hubiku, and Suytun.
What we cannot deny is that it is not easy to visit the cenotes by public transportation, especially the less known ones. This is because they are far from each other and they do not have many visitors, so there is no transportation.
If you want to visit them with peace of mind, we recommend renting a car in Mexico. This is not only to see the cenotes, but also because the states of Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo are very safe to explore, providing the freedom that comes with having your own car.
After visiting several cenotes in the morning, you can spend the afternoon completing a tour of Valladolid (Mexico) sights. The city is full of pastel-colored colonial houses and is one of the most beautiful cities on the Yucatan Peninsula.
18. Holbox in Mexico
There is something unquestionable about Mexico: Holbox is a paradise and one of the best places to see in the Riviera Maya.
Its white sand beaches, its crystal-clear waters of intense turquoise green, its restaurants with delicious local and international food, its murals, and its beautiful sunsets make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
Furthermore, the island is not yet very crowded. This allows you to relax and enjoy its beaches to the fullest if you move away from the most central area, practically in solitude.
To get around the island, we recommend walking along the beach until you reach Punta Cocos or Punta Mosquitos, two of the most incredible points. You also have the possibility of renting a golf cart since motor vehicles are not allowed in Holbox.
One of the best things to do in Holbox is swim with the whale shark, which can reach 20 meters in length, between June and September. You can also attend the turtle nesting on its beaches or take the bioluminescence tour, the so-called luminous plankton. It is also advisable to check the best time since it cannot be seen at all times of the year.
To get to Holbox, you have to take a ferry from Chiquilá. If you get there by car, don’t worry; there are several parking lots next to the ferry area, where you can leave it on the days you are on the island for 100 pesos per day.
If you only have one day to get to know Holbox, a good option is to book a tour from Riviera Maya.
19. Isla Mujeres
Taking a boat that takes 20 minutes to travel the 10 kilometers that separate Cancun, the main city of the Riviera Maya, from Isla Mujeres is one of the best things to do in Mexico.
This narrow Caribbean island is famous for its paradisiacal white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, in addition to having a rich shallow seabed full of coral reefs and colorful fish. This makes it a paradise for divers and lovers of snorkel.
After a morning of diving, you can rent a bike or a golf cart to get to Playa Norte or the El Garrafón Marine Park and try the famous snail ceviche in one of its most typical restaurants.
To get to Isla Mujeres, you can take one of the ferries that leave every half hour from the hotel zone or book a comfortable catamaran excursion.
20. Cozumel
If you prefer a livelier island with better infrastructure, we recommend spending a few days in a hotel next to the beach in Cozumel, the third largest island to visit in Mexico.
Although it is an island that attracts a lot of tourism and is an important stopping point for cruise ships, it still preserves wild beaches such as those located in the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, an ecological reserve that houses lagoons, beaches, mangroves, a photogenic lighthouse and the ruins of a Mayan tomb.
To enjoy the best things to do in Cozumel, it is best to rent a car or a jeep that will allow you to reach beaches such as San Francisco and Palancar, the San Gervasio Archaeological Zone, or one of its theme parks.
If you have time, you can also practice snorkeling and diving or take a catamaran excursion to swim in Cielo, a beautiful sandbank full of starfish.
To get to Cozumel, you can take a ferry from the Ultramar and Winjet companies from Playa del Carmen or directly a flight from Mexico City.
21. Tulum
Visiting the ruins of Tulum and its incredible beaches is one of the best excursions in the Riviera Maya and one of the essential places to visit in Mexico.
One of the best things to do in Tulum is to invest several hours in the archaeological zone of its ancient Mayan city with the iconic castle. It is located on a cliff above the turquoise-green waters of the Caribbean Sea, forming one of the most beautiful images in the country.
The visit to the ruins of Tulum can last about 2 or 3 hours, depending on the stops you make, and one of its great attractions is to go down to the ruins’ beach, one of the most impressive in the world. However, if it is very crowded, don’t worry; another option is to walk to Playa Paraíso, one of the best beaches in Tulum. Here, you will find 2 kilometers of white sand beach, with shops and restaurants to drink or eat.
If you are not staying in Tulum, you can get to the city by bus and from there take a van to the ruins. Another more comfortable option is to book an excursion with a guide.
22. Coba
To finish this list of the best places to visit in Mexico, there is nothing better than a visit to the ruins of Cobá. This is an immense Mayan archaeological site of more than 80 square kilometers with more than 6,000 structures buried in the jungle, of which only ten have been unearthed.
To explore this extensive complex, we advise you to rent a bike and invest about 3 or 4 hours in getting to know its jewels, such as the Ball Court or the imposing Nohuch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatan Peninsula at 42 meters high and which has incredible views.
The great advantage of this site, as opposed to those of Tulum and Chichén Itzá, is that its structures are less restored, and its surroundings surrounded by jungle give it a more magical appearance.
A good option to learn about the history of the Mayan civilization and each structure is to book this excursion, which includes a guide and pick-up at your hotel.
Also Read: Best Beaches in Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico
How many days do I need to get to know Mexico?
Taking into account the large size of Mexico and the number of tourist attractions, we would recommend a minimum of one month. However, you can do excellent two- and three-week routes if you focus on the colonial cities in the center of the country and the Yucatan Peninsula.
What is the best time to visit Mexico?
To avoid hurricanes and the rainy season, the best time to visit Mexico is from December to April. But if you can get there in early November to see the Day of the Dead celebration, it is also a good option.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
Mexico is much safer than what you can read in the newspapers or see on television. However, if you move through non-tourist areas or neighborhoods, you have to be very cautious and use common sense. One of the best tips is to ask the hotel if there are any areas that are not recommended. Do not drive at night, avoid crowds in large cities, do not carry visible valuables, and use Uber.
