When many people think of the best places to visit in Mexico, they think of the Caribbean beaches. While those are amazing as well, we're here to show you that there is much more to Mexico than just turquoise waters and silky sand.
Mexico is a diverse country, and from top to bottom it takes almost two days to drive! You can find everything from beaches to mountains, from waterfalls to volcanoes, and from small towns to big cities.
So next time you're planning a trip to Mexico, try exploring some of the other beautiful spots that this country has to offer! Here are 16 of the best places to visit in Mexico.
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Best Places to Visit in Mexico #1: Mexico City
As many people are looking to enjoy the tropical vibes of Mexico, you cannot miss out on the capital! Although it's not near the beach, the city is so much fun, and has lots of other cool stuff to offer!
Teotihuacan
Xochimilco
Head to the center for tons of history and art, or to Xochimilco to meet the Venice of Mexico. Not only that, but Mexico City has tons of cool day trips like exploring aqueducts, pyramids, and basaltic prisms.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #2: Puebla
Puebla is one of those places that we just feel deserves so much more notice than it gets! It is only two hours outside the capital of Mexico City, and has so much to do and see.
Puebla is full of color and vibrancy.
This city is covered in color, has great dining and night life, and some awesome small pueblos around it. We could spend weeks in Puebla exploring the city and it's surroundings! Check the article below for all there is to do in Puebla, Mexico.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #3: Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico, and is also home to the famous tequila train! Check out the beautiful historical center, learn about the art of tequila, or enjoy some local mariachi music. There is always something to do in Guadalajara, Mexico.
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Best Places to Visit in Mexico #4: Guanajuato
Guanajuato is one of the best places to visit for those who want those European vibes. It's 2,000 tiny alleyways and colorful houses will make you feel as if you've just been teleported to Italy.
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Check out their torture and mummy museums, go join a group of local musicians as they sing and dance their way through the alleyways with you.
Guanajuato is our favorite place in all of Mexico.
Not only is Guanajuato, the city, a true gem, but so are some other spots inside the state. Head to San Miguel de Allende to feel like you're right inside of a Disney movie. The small town is charming, and has great art, spas, and even a hotel filled with over 2,000 suns.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #5: Queretaro
Head two hours outside of Mexico City and you will be in the state of art, wine, and cheese. Check out the vineyards, museums, and cute towns that surround Queretaro, and you will see why this is one of the most underrated spots in Mexico.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #6: Huasteca Potosina
Calling all waterfall lovers! La Huasteca Potosina is one of the most mesmerizing places you will ever see, and definitely one of the best places to visit in Mexico. This area is in the state of San Luis Potosi, about 4-5 hours away from Mexico City.
Go canoeing in Cascada Tamul, play around in Tamasopo falls, or go zipling over Los Micos (and even ride a bike over the waterfalls!). There is always something fun to do in Huasteca Potosina, and the waters there are as stunningly turquoise as they could get.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #7: Hidalgo
This state is a little bit more off the beaten path, but definitely does not disappoint! We've added Hidalgo to our list for best places to visit in Mexico because it is truly unique.
Prismas Basalticos, Hidalgo
Head over to Pinal de Amoles to hike above the clouds, or to visit some fairytale-like waterfalls. Head to Prismas Basalticos for 2 million-year-old lava rock formations, or catch the sunset the huge reservoir of Presa Zimapan.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #8: Tolantongo
The winner of the best places to visit in Mexico for us goes to Tolantongo. Why? In just one park you can experience anything you've ever wanted.
Grutas de Tolantongo have heated pools, waterfalls, and a thermal river.
Grutas de Tolantongo feature 70 jacuzzis with naturally heated thermal water hanging off the side of a mountain. They also have waterfalls, caves, and a bright blue thermal river! It's just so incredible that you have to see it to believe it.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #9: Chiapas
This state of Mexico is located in the South West, and borders Guatemala. Chiapas is another area with some true hidden gems. Just like Huasteca Potosina, this state is full of stunning waterfalls and nature.
Head to the capital of Tuxla Gutierrex for a true taste of Chiapas, or Cristobal de las Casas for the cutest little pueblo you'll ever see. You'll want to rent a car to get here, as coming to Chiapas is truly off the beaten path. We promise you'll have some fun adventures in this crazy place.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #10: Oaxaca
Oaxaca (pronounced Wa-Ha-Ka) is located right in the middle of Mexico City and Chiapas. They are known for their amazing food, as it is very different to other areas of Mexico.
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This area is full of interesting things to do. The capital is colorful and vibrant, while it is surrounded by some really gorgeous nature.
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Head to Mazatlan to learn about the art of making Mezcal, to el Tule for the world's widest tree, or to Hierve el Agua for the petrified waterfalls. We're sure you'll realize why this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #11: Bacalar
Bacalar is a true paradise. Known for it's seven-colored lagoon, featuring various shades of blue, this Pueblo Magico also has cenotes, fun water activities, and delicious seafood. Do we need anything else to convince you that this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico?
Seven Colored Lagoon, Bacalar
Want to know more about visiting Bacalar? We have a full guide that you can check out below!
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #12: Riviera Maya
This is the most popular area of Mexico, and while it can be touristy, it really is beautiful. Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are the three most visited cities on the Riviera Maya, and are known for their stunning Caribbean beaches, cenotes, and big fancy resorts.
Cancún is the main airport for the region, and is just one hour from Playa del Carmen, and two hours from Tulum. Some other cool spots in the area to check out are the islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #13: Valladolid
Valladolid is right near the Riviera Maya, but just an hour inland. They may not have beaches, but this city truly makes up for it with their cenotes, colorful buildings, and close proximity to Chichen Itza.
Another reason Valladolid is one of the best places to visit in Mexico is due to the great food, and cheap prices! Not to mention, they even have a castle that you can spend the night in.
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
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #14: Merida
Also located in the Yucatan peninsula, is an equally beautiful coastal city to those on the Riviera Maya. Merida has been rated the safest city in all of Mexico, and is also one of the most fun.
Head to the nearby beach town of Progreso, the surrounding yellow town of Izamal, or go bar hopping at the local cantinas. Merida has so many great reasons to visit. For our full guide, check the link below.
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Best Places to Visit in Mexico #15: Campeche
Campeche is a little bit lesser known on our list of best places to visit in Mexico, but we definitely think it's worth the visit. This small town is located just two hours from Merida, and offers beaches, colorful streets, and the nearby ruins of Palenque.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico #16: Cabo
It's time to head over to the West Coast and enjoy the Pacific area of Mexico. Cabo is similar to the vibes of the Riviera Maya. Here you can find stunning beaches, beautiful resorts, and plenty of sunshine.
Cabo is one of the only places that we haven't been to in Mexico just yet, but it's on our list, so stay tuned!
Photo by Christopher Kuzman on Unsplash
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