By Mark Chesnut
Mexico offers a diverse array of travel experiences, from dreamy beach settings to sophisticated cities, historic towns with colonial roots, and vast expanses of unspoiled nature. With its rich traditions, delicious cuisine, and outstanding service, Mexico is a top destination for travelers with varied interests.
#### Best Destinations in Mexico
– Cancun/Riviera Maya: These sun-soaked destinations are the jewels of the Mexican Caribbean, known for their pristine beaches with silky sand and turquoise waters. The new airport in Tulum and the completion of the Tren Maya railway in 2024 have made the region even more accessible.
– Puerto Vallarta: This Pacific coast hotspot blends Mexican charm with modern amenities. The iconic Malecon waterfront promenade, inclusive atmosphere, thriving culinary scene, and diverse accommodation options make it a must-visit destination.
– Los Cabos: Known for its luxury resorts, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of pampering and outdoor activities such as sunset cruises, whale watching, Jeep tours, and golfing.
– Mexico City: North America’s largest metropolis, Mexico City, is a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and tourism. Its historic center, numerous museums, upscale Polanco district, and trendy neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma make it a vibrant destination.
– Riviera Nayarit: This coastal destination includes charming small towns, luxury hotels, and unique accommodations. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from off-road adventure tours to yoga retreats.
– San Miguel de Allende: Located in central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende enchants visitors with its small-town warmth, colonial architecture, luxurious boutique hotels, stylish restaurants, and excellent shopping. Its proximity to cities like Guanajuato and Queretaro makes it a great base for exploring the region.
Best Attractions in Mexico
Chichen Itza: One of Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza is now even more accessible, thanks to the Tren Maya (Mayan Train) that connects it to other major destinations across the Yucatan peninsula. This UNESCO World Heritage site’s iconic El Castillo pyramid remains a remarkable and fascinating feat of engineering, and the entire state of Yucatan is dotted with still more ruins to explore.
Copper Canyon: This group of six canyons is four times larger than the Grand Canyon, and they offer some of Mexico’s most dramatic views. The easiest way to visit is via the Chepe Express, a passenger train that runs between Los Mochis, Sinaloa and Creel, Chihuahua. Staying at a hotel overlooking one of the canyons is another way to enjoy the views even more, and the Parque Barrancas, the Copper Canyon Adventure Park offers thrilling activities, including zip lines and aerial tram rides.
Mexico City’s Centro Historico: The historic heart of Mexico’s capital remains a must-see for anyone interested in culture and history. The massive Zocalo — one of the world’s largest city squares — is the centerpiece of a neighborhood that’s graced with beautiful, colonial-era architecture like the Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as the remains of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan, which was there long before the arrival of the Spanish invaders. Watching the gigantic Mexican flag lowered by military staff every day at 6 p.m. is a treat.
Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula: The large natural sinkholes in the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo provide some of Mexico’s most beautiful and interesting places for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and exploring. Many cenotes — such as IK Kil near Chichen Itza and Dos Ojos and Ox Bel Ha near Tulum — offer guided tours that help visitors better appreciate the dramatic underwater cave systems and the cenotes’ significance in the Mayan world.
Palenque: Located in the state of Chiapas, this stunning Mayan site stands out for its beautiful architecture, which features sculpted reliefs with mythological themes, all set against the backdrop of a lush jungle setting. This development, which reached its peak between AD 500 and 700, is best visited with an expert guide.
Puebla’s Centro Historico: Mexico’s fourth-largest city is anchored by a dazzling, UNESCO-recognized historic downtown that feels like an open-air museum of colonial architecture — including fascinating landmarks like a cathedral that was the tallest church in Spanish colonial America and the Palafoxiana Library, the oldest library in the western hemisphere. Downtown Puebla is also a rewarding place to indulge in — and perhaps learn to prepare — traditional poblano cuisine.
Must-See 2025 Events in Mexico
Dia de los Muertos: Perhaps Mexico’s most visually striking cultural tradition, the Day of the Dead, generally takes place starting in late October, with the most important days on November 1 and 2. The tradition provides an opportunity for people to honor deceased loved ones with altars, flowers and mementos. In Mexico City, it’s become a spectacular, tourist-friendly occasion, thanks to the large-scale Dia de los Muertos parade, which was inspired by a scene created for the James Bond film “Spectre.” Destinations including Oaxaca and Merida are also great places to witness more traditional interpretations of the event, while in Aguascalientes, the Festival de las Calaveras (Festival of the Skulls) (https://festivaldecalaveras.aguascalientes.gob.mx/) takes place to honor native son Jose Guadalupe Posada, the creator of the iconic Catrina skeleton figure often associated with the Day of the Dead.
Guelaguetza Festival: Oaxaca’s magnificent celebration of indigenous cultures takes place in late July, as the city of Oaxaca hosts live performances of music and dance representing the state’s eight regions. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to see hundreds of dancers performing in traditional costumes, and street festivals and other events take place during these dates.
Festival Internacional Cervantino: The annual International Cervantes Festival, slated next for October 10-26, 2025, fills the city of Guanajuato with dozens of live cultural performances — including music, dance, theater and visual arts. Multiple venues around the city host activities during these dates, including the gorgeous 19th-century Juarez Theater. Reserving hotels and event tickets in advance is a must.
Carnaval: Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans may host higher-profile carnivals, but Mazatlan’s pre-Lenten celebration is equally exciting. Slated for February 27-March 4, 2025, Carnaval Mazatlan features parades, live musical performances, parties and the crowning of a carnaval queen.
Monarch Butterfly Migration: Among Mexico’s most breathtaking natural events is the migration of Monarch butterflies to sanctuaries in the states of Michoacan and Mexico between November and March. The spectacle of millions of butterflies filling the forests is a truly unique sight.
Best Places for Families in Mexico
The Riviera Maya: This region of the Mexico Caribbean offers lots for families to love, including kid-friendly, all-inclusive hotels with extensive children’s programs, water parks and other features. There are lots of nature-based activities that are ideal for travelers of all ages — including Xcaret, the eco-archeological park where kids can learn about nature and Mexican culture while having fun.
Los Cabos: This popular Baja California offers families an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. The calm waters of Medano Beach are perfect for swimming and water sports, while companies like Wild Canyon Adventures offer kid-friendly zip lining, whale-watching cruises and desert adventures.
Puerto Vallarta: Cultural experiences, natural attractions, and family-friendly hotels make Puerto Vallarta stand out among families. The city’s safe, walkable downtown provides endless entertainment with street performers, public art and family-friendly events. Canopy tours, ziplining and boat rides are among the possibilities, and Aquaventuras Park provides lots of water-based fun with its water slides and other activities. Rhythms of the Night, a dinner show that takes place at an open-air amphitheater, offers memorable, after-dark entertainment at a secluded cove.
Merida: Yucatan’s capital has emerged as a welcoming destination for families, thanks to its safe environment, strollable downtown and variety of cultural and historic attractions. The city’s free cultural programming provides entertainment suitable for all ages, while the new Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Mayan World) offers interactive exhibits about Mayan culture. The city serves as a convenient base for day trips to nearby ruins, haciendas, cenotes and the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, where families can see flamingos in their natural habitat.
Mexico City: The nation’s capital has much to offer families regarding culture. World-class attractions like the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) provide unique learning opportunities for kids, while the new Museo Casa de los Mil Muñecas (House of 1,000 Dolls Museum), which opened in 2024, showcases a delightful collection of dolls from various centuries, as well as intricately designed doll houses. Also worth visiting for families is the Papalote Museo del Niño (Papalote Children’s Museum), which offers many interactive exhibits.
Best Places for Couples in Mexico
San Miguel de Allende: This charming town in the state of Guanajuato offers a deeply romantic setting with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, atmospheric restaurants and luxurious small hotels, many of which are set in restored historic homes. Couples can enjoy sunset views from rooftop bars and restaurants at hotels like the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Couples can explore artisan markets together, take cooking classes and enjoy spa treatments, and — in the surrounding countryside — sign up for wine tasting at artisanal vineyards, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides.
Guanajuato: Not far from San Miguel de Allende is Guanajuato City, the state’s capital, which offers a dramatic vacation setting like no other destination in Mexico. Set in a narrow valley, Guanajuato city is graced with colorful houses climbing its hillsides, twisty callejones (alleyways), historic architecture and subterranean streets that seem straight from a movie. Couples can take in a musical or theater performance at the Juarez Theater, ride the funicular to enjoy panoramic views from the El Pipila monument and relax in pristine plazas.
Holbox: This postcard-perfect island offers couples a laid-back alternative to Mexico’s more developed beach destinations, with its car-free sandy streets and boutique hotels providing all the ingredients necessary for an intimate getaway. The island’s natural setting allows couples to share memorable experiences like night swimming, whale shark watching (in season) and private beach picnics. Small, candlelit restaurants serve fresh seafood and Yucatecan specialties, while beachfront bars offer spectacular sunset views.
Valle de Guadalupe: One of Mexico’s premier wine regions, Valle de Guadalupe offers couples a sophisticated escape reminiscent of Napa Valley but with uniquely Mexican touches. Located in Baja California near the town of Ensenada, the valley features award-winning wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and unique accommodations that include the luxurious Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, which features 30 villas. Couples can spend their days wine tasting, taking cooking classes or horseback riding through the vineyards. The region’s proximity to the Pacific Coast allows for day trips to Ensenada for fresh seafood and whale watching.
Tulum: The new airport in Tulum has made it easier for couples to tap into this destination’s Bohemian beach lifestyle and rich Mayan history. A variety of adults-only boutique hotels like Kanan Hotel & Spa and The Beach Tulum ensure a peaceful stay for couples, and couples can start their day with beachfront yoga and spa treatments, followed by excursions to visit nearby cenotes and archeological sites.
Best Places for Group Travel in Mexico
Cancun: Mexico’s Caribbean coast hotspot wows groups with its wide array of accommodation options that can meet every budget, including all-inclusive resorts. Families and multigenerational groups will find that Cancun offers lots of activities for every age — including golf at championship courses, live entertainment like lucha libre dinner shows at Luchatitlan, guided visits to the Museo Maya (Maya Museum) and day trips to nearby Mayan ruins. Many hotels have extensive event spaces for private group events, and at properties like the Iberostar Selection Cancun, groups can even choose between a family-friendly accommodation section and the adults-only Iberostar Selection Coral Cancun.
Los Cabos: The wealth of well-equipped hotels make San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas an ideal option for group getaways, with luxury villas and resorts that cater to both intimate gatherings and larger parties. It’s easy to arrange group activities like private yacht charters, golf tournaments and fishing expeditions. Groups can also find lots of restaurants with private dining rooms and ocean views, while dedicated group coordinators can arrange everything from tequila tastings to desert adventures.
Puerto Vallarta: This destination’s combination of small-town charm and modern amenities makes it another excellent choice for group travel. Puerto Vallarta offers diverse accommodation options, from beachfront resort complexes to multi-bedroom villas in the hills overlooking Banderas Bay, and groups can charter boats for snorkeling or whale watching, take cooking classes and arrange private tequila tastings. The walkable downtown area allows groups to easily explore restaurants, shops and art galleries, while those looking for an all-inclusive experience can find lots of hotel choices.
Mexico City: This bustling metropolis caters to various group interests with its diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums and vibrant food scene. Accommodation choices range from boutique hotels like the new Casona Roma Norte in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood to larger properties like the luxurious St. Regis Mexico City. Regardless of where they stay, groups can easily arrange private food tours through historic markets and enjoy expert-led museum visits and guided architectural walks. The city’s extensive selection of restaurants includes many with private dining rooms and group menus.
Oaxaca: The eponymous capital of Oaxaca state, the city of Oaxaca offers groups fascinating and immersive cultural experiences in an easily walkable setting. The town provides excellent group accommodations in restored colonial buildings and modern hotels, while its renowned culinary scene includes cooking schools that specialize in group classes. Groups can arrange private visits to mezcal distilleries, artisan workshops and archaeological sites like Monte Alban, or coordinate market tours with local chefs.
Best Places for Solo Travel in Mexico
Mexico City: There’s never time to feel bored or alone in Mexico City. As North America’s largest metropolis, this multifaceted destination is packed with diversions to satisfy just about any solo traveler’s taste — whether it’s outstanding cultural attractions like the National Museum of Anthropology, the Soumaya art museum or the architectural treasures of the historic city center. The city’s efficient Metro system and affordable ride-share options make it easy to navigate, while neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacan are highly walkable and filled with cafes perfect for people-watching. In addition, the city’s growing digital nomad and expat community has spawned numerous co-working spaces and social meetups, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers and locals.
Sayulita: This bohemian surf town on the Riviera Nayarit has evolved into a perfect spot for solo travelers seeking a balance of relaxing solitude and social interaction. The small town’s various activity options make it easy to meet people, whether through surf lessons, yoga classes or the many casual beach bars and cafes. Solo travelers can feel safe strolling the town’s picturesque streets, and the variety of accommodation options includes small boutique hotels where travelers can interact with others or keep to themselves, as they wish.
San Cristobal de las Casas: This designated Magical Town in the state of Chiapas offers solo travelers a culturally immersive experience in a lovely mountain setting. The town has a vibrant backpacker and language-school infrastructure, making connecting with other travelers easy. Local tour operators offer group trips to nearby indigenous villages and natural wonders, providing safe and fun ways to explore the region. The city’s cafe culture and artisan markets are also ideal for solo exploration, while some hostels and guesthouses organize community dinners and cultural activities.
Merida: Yucatan’s state capital offers solo travelers an authentic Mexican experience in a safe, historic, small-city setting. Free cultural events often occur in public plazas to add to the city’s allure, and solo travelers can join small group tours to nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins. Merida’s growing expat community is another reason why solo travelers can feel at home here; expats often organize meetups and cultural events that can add more to the travel experience.
Oaxaca: The capital of Oaxaca state is a natural choice for solo travelers. The historic city center is easily walkable, and many solo travelers take advantage of the services of numerous Spanish-language schools and cooking classes to immerse themselves in the region’s fascinating culture. Visitors can shop for unique finds at the 20 de Noviembre market, join group tours to archeological sites and perhaps meet fellow travelers at hostels and boutique hotels.
Best Places for Foodie Travel in Mexico
Puebla: Mole poblano is one of this city’s most legendary culinary traditions and just one reason why foodies love Puebla. The destination’s rich culinary heritage, which also includes revered dishes like chiles en nogada and cemita sandwiches, makes it a great place to indulge the palate. In historic downtown Puebla, visitors can stop at traditional sweet shops to sample treats like camotes and tortitas de Santa Clara and also plan a stop at the El Carmen market to see where local chefs get regional ingredients. Even better, visitors can learn to make their own Puebla specialties at hotels like the Banyan Tree Puebla, which offers cooking classes that focus on mole, ceviche and other favorites.
Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: These Baja California hotspots allow visitors to indulge in Baja cuisine paired with varietals from one of Mexico’s premier wine regions. Ensenada’s vibrant fish market and street food scene provide perfect opportunities to sample delicious fish tacos, while Valle de Guadalupe’s outstanding restaurants offer farm-to-table cuisine, as well as excellent, locally produced wines.
Guadalajara: Jalisco’s capital is well versed at enticing foodies with an array of local favorite dishes, including tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches), birria (a spicy meat) and carne en su jugo (meat in its juices). A great place to start a culinary tour is at the Mercado San Juan de Dios, Mexico’s largest indoor market, which offers a rewarding look at authentic regional ingredients and dishes. A side trip to the nearby town of Tequila, of course, is a great way to sample excellent cuisine paired with the legendary spirit of tequila.
Mexico City: This large metropolis offers something for just about every palate — whether it’s fine dining at Pujol and Quintonil or classic tacos from a local street food stand. The upscale neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma and Condesa are especially great places to savor sophisticated flavors from some of the city’s hottest restaurants, and food tours allow for an even more thorough introduction to the city’s gastronomic traditions.
Best Places for Adventure Travel in Mexico
Sumidero Canyon National Park: Located in the state of Chiapas near San Cristobal de las Casas, this national park offers diverse adventure activities set against a dramatic natural landscape. Boat rides through the vast canyon are the most popular way to view this region, and those seeking more adventurous activities can opt for mountain biking, rappelling, rock climbing and hiking.
Sierra Gorda: In this beautiful region of the state of Queretaro, visitors can find lots of exciting challenges at this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is known for its forests, waterfalls and rivers. Visitors can often spot wildlife while hiking through this section of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range, and activities, including rafting, rappelling, and kayaking, are among the top ways to boost adrenaline.
Huasteca Potosina: Located in the state of San Luis Potosí, Huasteca Potosina is a verdant tropical area where nature lovers can explore a network of beautiful rivers, waterfalls and sinkholes. Options include full-day canoe tours to the Tamul waterfall, whitewater rafting in the Tampaon River and rappelling in Micos and Minas Viejas, which are also great locations for cliff jumping.
Copper Canyon: Chihuahua State’s Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) is one of the nation’s most stunning settings for adventure experiences. The El Chepe train provides easy access to the region, and visitors can hike remote trails, rappel down canyon walls and go mountain biking along the edges of the cliffs. The Copper Canyon Adventure Park offers still more thrills, including one of the world’s longest zip lines.
Jalcomulco: This destination in the state of Veracruz offers some of Mexico’s most exciting whitewater rafting experiences. During the rainy season, which is June through September, visitors can expect higher water and class V-IV rapids, but rafting is a rewarding experience year-round in this beautiful region.
Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Mexico
Huatulco: This Pacific coast town in the state of Oaxaca is graced with multiple beaches and nine picturesque bays, making it an excellent destination for fans of water sports. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are outstanding in the protected waters of the bays, and diving and snorkeling offer views of beautiful coral reefs. On land, visitors can explore the Sierra Madre mountains while hiking and mountain biking.
Mexico City: Sports fans can tap into the excitement of diverse spectator sports in Mexico’s capital. Every week, thousands gather at the city’s two lucha libre venues — Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo — to witness the derring-do of Mexican wrestlers. Visitors can also check out the schedule at sports venues like the Palacio de los Deportes (Sports Palace); car racing fans may want to time their visit to coincide with the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, which takes place next on October 24-26, 2025.
Valle de Bravo: Located in the state of Mexico and not too far from Mexico City, this lovely lakeside town is a hotspot for paragliding and hang gliding, with spectacular views of Lake Avandaro the reward for those who take to the skies. Visitors can also windsurf on the lake, rock climbing, and mountain biking along trails through pine forests.
Los Cabos: Golf is a big draw in Los Cabos, where championship golf courses designed by legends including Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods offer outstanding opportunities for golfers to test their skills on the green. Sport fishing is another reason people love Los Cabos, and anglers can enjoy opportunities to catch tuna, sailfish, and dorado. Annual fishing tournaments increase the excitement in the waters.
Best Places for LGBTQ+ Travelers in Mexico
Puerto Vallarta: Long regarded as Mexico’s top LGBTQ+ destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, Puerto Vallarta offers a welcoming setting for diverse visitors as well as an array of LGBTQ+-owned and -friendly hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife. The Romantic Zone, with its popular queer nightlife scene and gay-friendly beach clubs, is square one for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the rainbow vibe. The inclusive ambiance comes to a head every year during Vallarta Pride, which takes place next on May 17-25, 2025.
Mexico City: It’s no surprise that one of Latin America’s largest cities is also one of its most progressive. Mexico City was the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage way back in 2009, and it shows its LGBTQ+ friendliness in many ways — including in the vibrant nightlife scene in the Zona Rosa neighborhood. The annual pride march, which takes place next on June 28, 2025, is an especially good time to experience the destination’s queer life.
Guadalajara: Also noteworthy for urban LGBTQ+ vacations is Guadalajara, another progressive metropolis where hip bars and clubs welcome visitors of every stripe. Guadalajara Pride, which includes a parade, festival and various events, takes place next on June 7-14, 2025.
Playa del Carmen: This Caribbean beachfront town in the Riviera Maya region of Quintana Roo state offers a laidback vibe that’s welcoming of LGBTQ+ travelers, with a variety of small hotels and a small-but-fun queer nightlife scene that’s within walking distance of hotels in town.
Unique to Mexico: Archeological Ruins
Teotihuacan: Located just outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is a must-visit site that dates to sometime around 100 BCE. The iconic Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon are massive reminders of how this former Mesoamerican metropolis once dominated the region as an urban center. Day trips from Mexico City are easy to arrange, and early morning balloon rides provide a memorable way to admire this fascinating site.
Tulum: Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was built sometime between 1200 and 1450 AD, and today its ruins are among Mexico’s most picturesque archaeological sites. Visiting Tulum offers a glimpse into this region’s importance as a port city, and the photo opportunities are simply spectacular.
Monte Alban: Overlooking the valleys of Oaxaca, Monte Alban was a hub for the Zapotec civilization that dates to the late 500s BC, making it one of the oldest Mesoamerican cities. Visitors can admire the architectural brilliance of its ancient ball courts, elevated terraces and carved stone monuments known as “Danzantes.” The panoramic views are another draw here.
Uxmal: Located in the state of Yucatan, Uxmal is an impressive archeological site, with its soaring Pyramid of the Magician and intricately detailed palaces. The after-dark light-and-sound show provides an especially dramatic way to view the site and learn about its history.
Coba : Tucked into the verdant jungles near Tulum, Coba was built between 500 and 900 AD and was one of the most important Mayan cities, linked by roads to other parts of the Yucatan peninsula. It’s home to Nohoch Mul, which is one of the tallest Maya pyramids on the peninsula.
Source: Travel Pulse
