9 Improbably Beautiful Destinations in Mexico
Blissful Beaches, Ancient Ruins and Fresh Local Cuisine Flavored with Limes and Sunshine
Nights under the stars, dancing to Mariachi bands and the wavering light of candles. Days strolling miles of pristine beaches, eating tacos until the juice runs down your fingers then washing off in the Caribbean sea. Sound like your idea of an incredible holiday? Then you should start planning a trip to Mexico.
The country’s reputation has been tarnished by stories of drugs and gangs, but if you know the right places to go you’ll have a trouble-free trip you’ll remember forever. So, without further ado, here are some of the top Mexico travel destinations.
Mexico City
Mexico’s capital is an immense and often misunderstood city. It may be infamous for high crime rates, but it’s also known as the City of Eternal Spring, for good reason. The agreeable climate, a surprising number of green spaces, and stylish modern architecture make it a refreshing and interesting stop on your tour of the best travel destinations in Mexico.
In a city this size you’ll never have the chance to get bored. There is a thriving foodie scene that borders on hipster, museums cradling centuries of the country’s history, and dozens of plazas alive with the sound of Mariachi bands. At night, parties kick into full swing. Even the lobby of your hotel may be a great place to partake in the Mexico City nightlife scene.
Since the city is so sprawling, you’ll need to figure out an effective way of getting around without adding too much stress to your Mexico City vacation. The metro is efficient and inexpensive, though you’ll want to avoid it at rush hour. The same sentiment goes for buses. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, however you’ll want to make sure you only ride in official taxis to avoid getting ripped off.
Merida
Merida is the elegant and beautiful capital of the Yucatan peninsula. The art galleries, restaurants and theaters are a sophisticated change of scenery from the resorts along the coast, and simply wandering the pretty colonial streets to see what treasures you’ll discover is one of the best activities to do here.
Merida also makes a great base for day trips in the area. From here you can visit cenotes, flamingos, ruins and a dozen other natural and cultural wonders.
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Cancun
A Cancun vacation might summon up images of inappropriately drunk spring breakers strutting around in barely-there swimsuits, but pick your places wisely and it can be a whole lot of fun. Cancun is the heart of the all-inclusive resort industry in Mexico, with a string of resorts with varying numbers of stars laid out along the beach.
It’s worth splurging on one of these all-inclusive options at least once in your life — there is something delightfully decadent about lounging in an infinity pool with an unlimited supply of cocktails on hand.
Certainly the main events in Cancun revolve around spring break — Inception Music Festival, for example, is a particularly large draw. But even if you aren’t visiting during this time of year, Cancun nightlife is known for being lively and raucous year-round.
The party scene is there for the taking, but you can just as easily enjoy a peaceful vacation reveling at Cancun’s turquoise waters and friendly atmosphere. Just be aware that hurricane season in Cancun is from June to November, if you are trying to avoid the spring break crowds.
Oaxaca
Cradled by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, everywhere you look in Oaxaca will make your breath catch. Colorful buildings and majestic churches alike pop against the mountain backdrop.
Oaxaca is famous for its gastronomy, history and the strong indigenous cultural presence. While it still holds true to its roots, the city is also surprisingly modern. The calm, clean streets are lined with boutique hotels, artisan stores and small bars where you’ll be welcomed with shots of tequila and cheerful smiles.
You’ll also see the occasional splash of street art, reflecting the edgier political side of the city’s history.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Blessed with cool mountain breezes, San Cristobal de las Casas is a breath of fresh air after the busy beaches of the Yucatan. It has its own brand of charm, with gorgeous colonial architecture set against a backdrop of pine trees and markets selling local handicrafts and colorful weavings.
Following the cobblestone streets, you could just as easily end up on a country lane lined with corn fields as you could turn into a cosmopolitan cafe area. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
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Tulum
Tulum is a lot less pretentious than neighboring Playa del Carmen, and while you can still find glitzy resorts along the beach here, the town retains its laid-back vibe. You’ll find plenty of eateries and hangout spots where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with locals and getting a taste of la vida mexicana.
The town is also a treasure trove of activities. Sink your bare toes into sugar-soft sand, strike a pose in front of waterfront ruins, or dive into the cool depths of a cenote. At the end of the day you’ll be sun-kissed and glowing with happiness.
San Miguel de Allende
Set in the central highlands, San Miguel de Allende definitely deserves a place on a list of top travel destinations in Mexico. The city features baroque Spanish architecture and has a cobblestone heart.
In among the historic buildings is a thriving art and cultural scene, with plenty of festivals, parades and fireworks to keep things interesting.
Chichen Itza
One of the most outstanding Mexican travel destinations is also among the seven wonders of the world — Chichen Itza, the spectacularly well-preserved Mayan site. The ruins are steeped in fascinating (and sometimes very bloody) history, so the best way to explore is with a knowledgeable guide.
More than 1 million visitors flock to Chichen Itza every year, so it can get crowded, but there are still quiet spots among the pyramids and other remnants of a lost empire where you will feel like a true explorer.
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Palenque
In Palenque, jungle-clad ruins in a Mayan city of the same name are the main attraction. The Palenque temples are some of the best examples of Mayan architecture in Mexico, so they are well worth exploring. The town of Palenque isn’t as attractive as other Mexican travel destinations and mostly serves as a great jumping-off point for adventures in the area.
A great day trip from Palenque is the Cascadas de Agua Azul, a series of stunning waterfalls on the Xanil River. The terraced formation and incredibly green water make this spot one of the best places to cool off in all of Mexico.
Acapulco
Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Acapulco is often considered to be one of the most famous destinations in the country due to its popularity with Hollywood elite in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. While international tourism isn’t what it once was due to homicide statistics, the area’s natural beauty, warm water and plethora of attractions mean people continue to travel to Acapulco.
One of the big draws is the nightlife, although there are plenty of other fun things to do in Acapulco. Take in a performance of cliff divers at La Quebrada, snorkel or dive off Isla de la Roqueta, or learn about the area’s history at the Museo Histórico de Acapulco.
For a truly unique cultural experience, visit during March when the Festival Francés is happening. This event celebrates the relationship between France and Mexico and puts on display the work of artists, designers, filmmakers and chefs.
Cabo San Lucas
Vacations to Cabo San Lucas are quite popular, making this one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations. Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, you can look forward to white-sand beaches, stone arches over the waves and clubs you can spend all night dancing in. Cabo nightlife is world famous, in particular the Cabo Wabo Cantina, founded by Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar.
In nearby Todos Santos you can enjoy the Todos Santos Music Festival each January, where you can listen to the music of legends and local artists all to benefit local charities.
Those looking for high-end shopping will find paradise in Cabo, especially at the Puerto Paraiso Plaza. This three-level mall features brand name boutiques and classy restaurants you won’t want to miss out on. If you are planning to do some shopping in Cabo, be wary of how much how you bring, however. In some other areas, pick-pocketing scams can be common so leave those valuables and wads of cash at home.
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Cozumel
Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will love taking a Cozumel vacation. The system of reefs just off the island span 22 kilometers and are home to a bounty of marine life. You’ll see turtles, groupers, green moray eels, nurse sharks, angelfish, seahorses, parrotfish and so much more.
For those landlubbers, renting a scooter is a great way to get around the island. Explore Mayan ruins, tee off on pristine golf courses, go ziplining through the canopy or shop to your heart’s content at markets and boutiques. There are plenty of unique things to buy in Mexico to bring back home as a souvenir. Pottery, textiles and silver can be found in most shopping areas and reflect both tradition and modern craft.
Nightlife in Cozumel is lower key — but that simply means you’ll be able to get up bright and early each day to partake in more outdoor adventures.
Guadalajara
The second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara has a more relaxed feel than Mexico City while providing plenty of entertaining things to do. Once you realize it’s responsible for mariachi music, the Mexican hat dance and sombreros, you’ll understand what draws people to this spirited city.
If you’ve grown sick of the beach and want to spend a few days reveling in metropolitan pursuits, Guadalajara travel has it all. Visit the zoo and view animals ranging from adorable to ferocious. Watch a theatrical performance at the Teatro Degollado. For those looking for nightlife in Guadalajara, there are a range of experiences to be had. Electronic music lovers will want to hit up Bar Américas, while those looking for a more laid back evening will find it at El Rey.
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Puerto Vallarta
Take a sunset stroll on the boardwalk and you won’t be disappointed. This coastal town is ripe with beauty and brimming with enticing attractions. It all depends what you want to get out of your Puerto Vallarta vacation.
Eat your way around the city, take a stroll down a cobblestone street or get your blood pumping on an outdoor excursion. Vallarta has some of Mexico’s top five beaches, so you won’t want to miss out on lounging on the sand and diving into the vibrant blue water.
There’s so much to choose from when it comes to things to do in Vallarta. You can release sea turtles on the beach, shop at a variety of quirky shops or join flocks of people congregating at jazz and rock clubs after nightfall. Even simply strolling down El Malecón, a promenade in the historical center of the city, provides plenty of entertaining options from live bands to street theater to open-air dances.
