Working on cruise ships, we have been to Mexico over a hundred times! Cozumel felt like a second home, and we knew very well the Caribbean area of this country. But finally we spent a full two months road tripping around, getting to know all the best places to visit in Mexico.
The Caribbean is only a small part of this beautiful country, and the landscapes, culture, weather, and food is so diverse! Here are 55 (and some more) of the best places to visit in Mexico.
One of the top destinations for people who visit Mexico is Cancún. But do you want something a bit different to do in this party city? On the North-Western tip of Cancún you can find a beautiful red and white light house. Head there for sunrise or sunset for a truly magical experience.
One of the main things that people think of for the best places to visit in Mexico is without a doubt the beaches. One of our personal favorites is right in Cancún!
Most of the best beaches are actually taken over by the giant fancy resorts, but Playa Delfines is actually a public beach, offering the most turquoise waters you will ever see- for free of charge!
Playa Delfines is the best public beach in Cancún.
This cenote is pretty off-the-beaten-path, but it definitely does not disappoint! Just a half hour from Cancún, Puerto Morelos has a whole zone of cenotes, one of our favorites being cenote La Noria.
This place features a cenote that has three entrances into an open cave. You can swim or kayak around and there are also two swings so you can have some fun and take a cute picture!
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #4: Kin-Ha Cenotes, Puerto Morelos
Located right across from Cenote La Noria, you can also find some really cool cenotes. Kin-Ha features two main cenotes- one that is an open cenote and has various jumping platforms and ziplines, and one that is inside a cave, that you can jump inside from the top! Click Here for more info about these awesome cenotes!
This hotel is located in the hotel zone of Tulum, and has a truly unique feature. The giant hand extends out right over the jungle, giving you the most stunning views! Bring a drone for an even more unique perspective of the area.
While visiting Tulum, this is one of the most Instagrammable spots there is. The large sculpture features a woman opening up her heart with plants inside. "Ven a la luz" and experience this truly breathtaking display.
The great thing is that the entrance of the hotel is located right off the side of the road, and taking a photo here is extremely easy, and costs nothing!
Gran Cenote is without a doubt the most popular cenote in Tulum, and while it can get pretty crowded, it's obvious why. The two cenotes here are connected by a cave, and have crystal clear waters, turtles, and plenty of space to swim around and cool off from the Tulum heat.
This is another one of the best places to visit in Mexico for the cenote lovers. Located just down the road from Gran Cenote, this cenote is just a half hour walking from the center of Tulum! (or just a few minutes in car).
Cenote Calavera features two small holes where you can hike up that adrenaline by jumping into the darkness, as well as a the super Instagrammable rope swing that sits across the open area.
This place in Tulum is a bit more off the beaten path, but definitely worth a visit! Located just about 20 minutes from downtown Tulum, this lagoon is unique due to the giant dark "hole" that appears from a birds-eye view. Kaan Luum offers lounge chairs, hammocks sitting in the water, a long pier, and a viewing platform you can walk up to.
Bacalar is a true paradise that is becoming more popular each year. With waters like the maldives, it's no wonder that this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
The lagoon here features "7 shades of blue", and is some of the most gorgeous water you'll ever encounter. Take a boat trip through "Canal de los Piratas", visit the cenote Cocolitos, or simply enjoy the fresh crystal clear waters. Cruising? You can visit here from Costa Maya!
Looking for a spot that is almost hardly touched by any tourists? This is one of the best places in Mexico for those who want to discover hidden gems. Located just 15 minutes from Bacalar is Laguna Bonanza, where you can find gorgeous turquoise waters, beach clubs, and almost no tourists! A true treasure to check out if you visit Mexico.
Want to check out another hidden gem near Bacalar? Xul-Ha is actually the same body of water that flows into the lagoon of Bacalar, and is only a half hour away.
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It's located just South (a little bit past Laguna Bonanza). There is a small town that surrounds the lagoon, and it has plenty of entrances to the lake featuring platforms, piers, restaurants, etc.
Laguna Xul-Ha
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #13: Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza may not be off the beaten path, but it is without a doubt a must see! You cannot visit Mexico without coming here. This is one of the seven wonders of the world, and is a truly gorgeous pyramid to visit. Want to splurge a little? You can actually take a small plane from Cozumel for a truly unique experience!
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #14: Cenote Suytun, Valladolid
This is seriously one of the most gorgeous cenotes we've been to! Cenote Suytun features a platform that juts out in the middle of the cave, where you can experience a giant light-beam shining down from the sun at certain times of the year. Head here in the summer (June-August) midday for a truly magical moment!)
Note: This picture was taken after a hurricane, resulting in a high water level change, Therefore, hiding the platform that is normally there.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #15: Cenote Lorenzo Oxman, Valladolid
Another one of the best places to visit in Mexico for cenotes can be found right outside the center of Valladolid. The hacienda features a swing inside the cenote, a pool, and a restaurant, as well as a gift shop with local liquors.
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The cenote is super unique because the roots from the trees above ground hang into the sinkhole, giving a really dreamy atmosphere.
Cenote Lorenzo Oxman has a rope swing inside.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #16: Hacienda Kaan-AC, Valladolid
Hacienda Kaan-AC is one of the most stunning hotels! Right outside the center of Valladolid you can sleep inside an ancient castle! The rooms are magnificent, and the hacienda features a large pool, several ancient royal rooms, as well as a workshop for different art techniques, all of which are included in your stay!
Want to know more about all the great things to do in and around Valladolid? Just simply click the link below for our full Valladolid guide.
Are you ready for the best things to do in Valladolid, Yucatan? Although it isn't as typically popular as the nearby beach cities, there are so many reasons to visit Valladolid!This Mexican town is considered a "Pueblo Mágico". This means that it has been preserved through time with its architecture and
Hacienda Mucuyche is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for cenotes. Here you will find an old residence that offers two-hour guided tours of the ruins, as well as the beautifully well-kept cenotes.
They are connected through caves, and even have a waterfall at the end! Hacienda Mucuyche also offers a restaurant, pool, and gift shop with beautifully hand-made crafts and jewelry.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #18: The Yellow City of Izamal
There are so many cities in Mexico that are full of color! But did you know that there is a town almost completely painted yellow? Wander the streets full of yellow houses, shops, and restaurants, or visit the famed sanctuary in the middle of town.
Izamal is just a one hour drive from the city of Merida, making it very easy to get to! This town is definitely a reason you will want to visit Mexico.
The city of Izamal is painted from top to bottom in yellow.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #19: Campeche, Campeche
Campeche is a small but colorful city that is just two hours from Merida. Located right on the coast, you are just a short distance from the beach, city center, and some great restaurants. Come check out this super underrated city and enjoy the wonderful vibes it has to offer.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #20: Iglesia del Senor, Balancan, Tabasco
This church is one of the most random places that you will ever encounter! Tucked away in a tiny town in the state of Tabasco, the building just radiates happiness with all the different colors it is painted. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Mexico if you want to see something different!
There are also sunflower fields located nearby that opens for a few weeks in the spring. Make sure you check it out if you happen to come at the right time!
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #20: Cascadas Agua Azules, Chiapas
Chiapas is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for waterfalls. Las Cascadas Aguas Azules are one of the biggest and most impressive. The entire park of Aguas Azules is covered with (what feels like) hundreds of falls, plenty of restaurants, and souvenir shops, keeping you entertained for hours in this place!
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #22: Cascada el Chiflon, Chiapas
While in Chiapas, another great set of waterfalls to check out is el Chiflon. Climb up higher and higher to keep experiencing more and more falls, until you reach one of the most powerful waterfalls there is! Want an even more intense experience? You can actually zipline across them!
Located right outside Oaxaca is an entire area with fields and fields of Magave, which is the plant that makes Mezcal. Learn about the process, walk through the fields, and try all different versions of this local liquor!
In Matatlan you can visit the fields of agave plants.
Located just a half hour outside of the city of Puebla, lies a Pueblo Magico that is definitely worth visiting while in Mexico!
Right in the middle of the city lies this gorgeous mural that was just painted this September 2020. The mural took about 15 days to paint, and was done by a well known local artist Juan Manuel Martinez Caltenco. The elaborate mural depicts figures of the town's folklore, and features every color of the rainbow!
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While in Atlixo, another really cool spot to check out is the view from the top of town! Head to the top of Capillo del Cerro de San Miguel and you will not only have amazing views of Atlixco, but of the nearby, as well as this fun swing!
Another Pueblo Mágico that is nearby Puebla is that of San Andres Cholula, which features 365 churches! That's one church for every day of the year. Crazy right?
Well the most iconic one is called Shrine of our Lady of Remedies, which is perched above the pyramids up high on a hill. During October you can even get a great view with the surrounding cempasuchil fields.
If you visit Cholula in October you can experience the fields of Cempesuchil.
October is one of the most magical times to visit Mexico, because the country is covered in Cempesuchil (orange flowers), in preparation for the day of the dead festival.
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You can find them in many places, but in Puebla they seem to be pretty much everywhere! Stop and smell the flowers for once, because it is truly magical to experience.
Laguna de Atexcac is truly a hidden gem of Puebla. Just an hour outside the city you can find the tiny town of Atexcac. It seems that there might not be really anything around, but just head up the giant hill and you will find something truly gorgeous awaiting.
You can enjoy the views from above, or if you're feeling athletic you can do an intense hike down. This way, you'll be able to get closer to the stunning turquoise waters, surrounded by towering mountains in the back.
Laguna Atexcac is the perfect day trip from Puebla.
Here is another hidden gem located right down the road from Atexcac. Laguna Alcichica may seem pretty cool from the side of the highway, but head further in and you will be absolutely mesmerized. Its crystal clear waters, and the calcium deposits surrounding it, create a really unique landscape.
Want to know more amazing lakes and lagoon throughout the country? Check out our article about the top 8 must-visit lakes in Mexico.
Meet the London eye of Puebla. This massive ferris wheel reaches 260 feet high, and is actually considered to be the biggest of its kind in all of Latin America. Enjoy the ride and get some awesome views of the city at the same time.
The Estrella of Puebla is one of the icons of the city.
There are so many great things to do in Puebla, that's why we made a list of 15 of our favorites. Click the link below to read a full article of things to do in Puebla, Mexico.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #31: Zacatlan de las Manzanas
Zacatlan is a truly unique Pueblo Magico to visit in Mexico. This charming town is actually covered in a layer of mist or fog a lot of the time, making it feel really magical. Enjoy the view of the valley and waterfalls from the glass platform, and an entire wall of art made of mosaic tiles.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #32: Xochimilco, CDMX
Right inside Mexico City is the cutest neighborhood and experience ever. Meet the Venice of Mexico. Xochimilco features a long river that is full of colorful wooden boats that you can rent by the hour. You can find neighboring boats selling food, drinks, souvenirs, and even mariachi bands! This is a must if you visit Mexico City.
Want to read more about this unique experience? You can check out our full article below:
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #33: Cafe Isabela, CDMX
Want to visit the most Instagrammable cafe in all of Mexico? Check out Isabela Café, which is covered from top to bottom in pink and flowers. Not only is it beautiful , but they have seriously delicious cakes, pastries, and coffee concoctions.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #34: "La Gruta", Teotihuacán
Looking for another cool place to dine in Mexico City? Just an hour North nearby the pyramids of Teotihuacán, is a restaurant built right into the cave. Enjoy the colorful atmosphere, as well as a healthy, delicious, and local menu from this really unique restaurant.
La Gruta is a restaurant built into a cave!
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #35: Hot Air Ballooning Teotihuacán
Checking out the pyramids while in Teotihuacán is a must, but seeing them from a hot air balloon is really something to add to your bucket list. Soar high above the pyramids and enjoy the views from above, while listening to music, watching the sunrise, and maybe even getting to experience yourself floating above the clouds!
Hot air ballooning in Teotihuacán is one of the most special activities in Mexico.
Want to know more about what to expect and how to plan a trip to got hot air ballooning? You can check out our full article about visiting Teotihuacan below:
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #36: Arcos del Sitio
Located an hour and a half north of Mexico City, is one of the world's biggest aqueducts! The 3 tiered aqueduct can actually be walked across, making it a truly unique experience. Head even further and you can cross a hanging bridge to see Arcos del Sitio from further out to really appreciate all of its beauty.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #37: Parroquia de San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a must if you go and visit Mexico! This city is actually a UNESCO world heritage site, and with good reason. Check out its most iconic structure, the Parroquia de San Miguel de Allende. This pink cathedral will make you seriously feel like you are right inside a Disney movie.
The pink church in San Miguel de Allende will make you feel like you're in a Disney movie.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #38: La Gruta Spa, San Miguel de Allende
While in San Miguel de Allende, make sure you try out one of its Mayan spas. Our personal favorite is "La Gruta" which features a series of pools that are sourced by thermal waters. Swim through a tunnel and you will reach a cave that pretty much becomes a natural sauna, and even has a waterfall inside!
La Gruta Spa has a unique tunnel going into a cave.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #39: Casa de los Soles, San Miguel de Allende
This hotel is one of the most unique hotels in the world. It features a collection of suns from all over the world. To date there are over 2,000 suns that decorate this gorgeous hotel, making for a great Instagrammable shot.
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We talk more about this unique location in our article about San Miguel de Allende that you can read by clicking the link below:
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #40: Pipila de Guanajuato
In our opinion, this is one of the most stunning views in all of Mexico. See this colorful city from above, and you can enjoy it at pretty much any time throughout the day. Our personal favorite is catching it at sunrise, for some really magical lighting and less crowds.
The Pipila de Guanajuato viewpoint is beautiful at every time of the day.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #41: Callejon del Beso, Guanajuato
Looking for the most romantic spot in Mexico? Well Callejon del Beso actually translates to "alley of the kiss". Learn about the tragic love story of this location, and make sure that you kiss your loved one on the red step for 7 years of good luck! Kissing on the balconies may not be good luck, but it is still fun!
Guanajuato was one of our favorites places to visit in Mexico. That's why we've written a full guide for all the other amazing things that you can do there. Just simply click the link below:
Located just an hour away from the capital city of Queretaro, is one of the most charming towns! The large rock jutting out behind the town makes a great photo backdrop, as well as a great viewpoint of the city. Get lost in the colorful streets, and check out the small shops with local crafts and clothing.
Peña de Bernal is one of the best day trips from Queretaro.
Want to know some other things to do in and around Queretaro? Just check out our full article below:
Are you looking for the best things to do in Queretaro, Mexico? Then welcome! This city has both great historical spots and natural landscapes. Also, the best part, is that its location allows its visitors to experience a lot inside and outside the city.From massive rocks, to old aqueducts, and from
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #43: Festival de Globos, Leon
This is one of the most magical experiences of the year! For an entire weekend in November, you can watch hundreds of balloons soar above the city of Leon. These balloons are also pretty unique because they have all various shapes, colors, and sizes! You can see traditional balloons, blimps, and even cartoon characters.
The festival de Globos happens every November.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #44: Dia de Los Muertos, Janitzio
If it's one time you should visit Mexico, it is during Dáa de los Muertos. The day of the dead is the biggest holiday in the country, and even though the holiday celebrates the dead, the country seriously comes to life at the time.
Head to the tiny island of Janitizio which is one of the biggest and most traditional celebrations, where the island is covered in candles and flowers.
Día de los Muertos is a celebraron to add to your bucket list.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #45: Prismas Basalticas, Hidalgo
Prismas Basalticas are extremely fascinating. They were created 2.5 million years ago by the colliding of lava and water, giving them the shape they still have today! Walk along the hanging bridge to get a good view from above, or walk down to experience the waterfall flowing over them from up close.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #46: Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo.
This is hands down one of our favorite spots and best reasons to visit Mexico! Grutas de Tolantongo is a park that includes anything you could ever want. Here you can find 60 jacuzzis built into the mountain, a bright blue thermal river, caves, and stunning waterfalls. They are open 24/7, and have restaurants, shops, and camping available.
Grutas de Tolantongo are one of the most incredible places to visit in Mexico.
Want to know more about this magical place? Check out our full article by clicking here.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #47: Tamasopo Falls, Huasteca Potosina
La Huasteca Potosina is covered in waterfalls! Each one more is more breathtaking than the next. The park of Tamasopo Falls is perfect to spend an entire day. They have a series of waterfalls, pools, jungle gyms, and gardens. So grab a giant michelada and enjoy the view.
Tamasopo Falls is a whole park full of activities.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #48: Los Micos, Huasteca Potosina
This spot not only has a stunning set of turquoise falls, but they have one of the most interesting experiences in the world!
You can bike over Los Micos Waterfalls.
Not only can you experience the gorgeous waters from below, but you can actually zipline across them. Even better? After ziplining you get to bike along a thin line from hundreds of meters up! Now that's a surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #49: Mirador Cuatro Palos, Pinal de Amoles
When people think of Mexico they hardly think of the mountains, but Pinal de Amoles has some really stunning mountain views- our personal favorite being Cuatro Palos.
Head there early in the morning and you will have an entire blanket of clouds below you, or head over a little later to see the giant green mountain jutting through them.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #50: Presa Zimapan, Hidalgo
Zimapan is hardly a place that is visited by many, but driving through here we couldn't help but stop by and enjoy the view. This reservoir is created by a dam which is 1,360 million cubic meters wide, and is 280 meters deep. Drive around the winding hills to see the best views, and stop for sunset for a truly magical view.
Visit this Pueblo Mágico and you will feel like you are 100 years back in history. This charming place is built around a windy road and mountains, making it picturesque from any angle. Take the cable car, or enjoy the view of the old town from Hotel Cielito Lindo. If you visit Mexico City, this is the perfect place to get away for a few days.
Taxco Guerrero is full of historic charm.
Curious about the other great things that this city has to offer? Check out our article about "8 reasons to Visit Taxco Guerrero", by clicking the link below:
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #52: Mil Cascadas, Taxco Guerrero
Located just a few miles outside of Taxco is the land of "a thousand waterfalls". To get here you should drive a 4x4 as the road conditions are not ideal. You may feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, until you arrive to see tons of locals camping out, eating, drinking, and enjoying all that nature has to offer.
Mil Cascadas will make you feel like your are in a fairytale.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #53: Sunset at Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres has one of the most magical sunsets in Mexico! Head to the beach at one of the resorts on the west side and you will be amazed by the colors. While you're at it, wake up early one morning to experience an equally gorgeous sunrise on the East side.
Want to know some other fun things to do in Isla Mujeres? Check out our article "10 Things to Do in Isla Mujeres" by clicking here.
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico #54: Saving the Turtles, Cozumel
Cozumel is a great island to experience the island vibes of Mexico, but you can also do one of the cutest experiences ever.
From May to November the sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand, and you can help to make sure that they make it safely into the ocean! Could you think of anything more adorable think to do when you visit Mexico?
Helping sea turtles is something you can do in both Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.
Taking a Catamaran is definitely a must do in Mexico, and Cozumel is one of the best places to do it! Take a four hour ride with drinks and food, snorkeling, and a stop at "el cielo" which a shallow area in the water kind of like a sand bar, where you can find starfish and the clearest water ever.
Check out all the other amazing things to do in Cozumel, Mexico by clicking the link below!
Bonus Places to Visit in Mexico:
Here are some spots that we were unable to explore (mostly due to COVID), but nonetheless still have them on our bucket list for the future! Make sure you check to see when you go if they have opened, or if you need a reservation.
Here you can see what it's like to travel to Mexico during COVID.
Bonus Places to Visit in Mexico:
1. Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca- A set of natural rock formations that resemble cascades of water, and have natural pools at the top.
2. Jardines Botanicos, Oaxaca- A garden in the center of the city with giant cactus
3. Museo en Mitla, Oaxaca- Here you can find a huge tree made out of colorful papers
4. Jardines Surrealista Edward James, San Luis Potosi- A sculpture garden with the most abstract designs.
5. Cañon del Sumidero, Chiapas- A huge canyon where you can enjoy the views from the top, do a boat trip, or encounter river crocodiles, spider monkeys and ocelots.
6. Bioluminescence, Holbox- Anatural phenomenon that is only visible in complete darkness, where the water appears to be glowing.
7. Sand Bar, Holbox- A huge sand bar appears in part of the island depending on the tides.
8. Zona Arqueologica de Tula- A site where you can find a pyramid and basalt columns carved in the shape of warriors.
9. Tequila Barrel Hotel, Tequila- A hotel where you can stay inside giant tequila barrels.
10. Las Coloradas, Yucatán- Lagoon that has a pink hue.
11. Jose Cuervo Train, Guadalajara- Take a ride from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila on the official Jose Cuervo train, drinking tequila all day.
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Well there you have it! If this hasn't made you want to visit Mexico, we don't know what will! Want to learn more about some of these awesome spots? Check out our full guides here!
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