I’ve never seen colors like I have in Mexico. After months of road-tripping from colonial cities to secret beaches, I found a country that’s way more than resort towns and spring break spots. We’re talking pink lakes, turquoise waterfalls, colorful mountain towns, and beaches that make the Caribbean look boring.
These are the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico that left me completely speechless. From desert oases that look photoshopped to jungle cenotes that feel like another planet, these 12 spots prove why Mexico is the gift that keeps on giving. And trust me, the street food alone is worth the trip!
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Mexico
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Mexico
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Mexican adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last winter, I flew to Mexico City for just $240 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local mercados and street food stands. You’ll find incredible tacos, tlacoyos, and full meals for under $5 – a steal in Mexico! For groceries, shop at markets like Soriana or Chedraui instead of tourist-oriented stores.
- Transport: Use the Metro in Mexico City. It’s incredibly efficient and costs less than 50 cents per ride. For intercity travel, first-class buses like ADO are comfortable and affordable when booked in advance. In smaller towns, local buses and colectivos (shared vans) are budget-friendly options that run frequently.
Mexico may have a reputation for pricey all-inclusive resorts. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore its wonders on the cheap. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Mexico!
1. Chichen Itza
- 📍 Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
- 🏆 Best For: Ancient history buffs 🗿, culture lovers 🎭, UNESCO site collectors 📘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing El Castillo, exploring the Great Ball Court, visiting the Sacred Cenote
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler weather and fewer crowds 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel DORALBA INN Chichén – Affordable stay with pool just minutes from the ruins
Chichen Itza is one of the most legendary archaeological sites in Mexico. At the center is El Castillo, a perfectly symmetrical pyramid built to reflect astronomical events. During the spring and fall equinox, sunlight creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down its steps, which draws huge crowds each year.
The Great Ball Court is just as fascinating. This massive arena was used for ritual games, and the acoustics are so precise that a whisper at one end can be heard clearly at the other. The stone carvings along the walls show how deeply sports, religion, and sacrifice were connected in Mayan life.
Close by, the Sacred Cenote offers a look into ancient religious practices. It was once used for offerings and rituals, and its still waters hold an eerie calm. Exploring Chichen Itza is not just sightseeing, it’s stepping into the heart of a lost civilization.
2. San Miguel de Allende
- 📍 Location: Guanajuato State, Central Mexico
- 🏆 Best For: Art lovers 🎨, foodies 🌮, architecture fans 🏰
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, browsing local galleries, exploring El Jardín
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for mild temperatures and cultural festivals 🎭
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Misha – Upscale boutique hotel with panoramic city views and handcrafted decor
San Miguel de Allende feels like stepping into a living canvas. Cobblestone streets wind past bright facades, blooming balconies, and art studios tucked into colonial buildings. At the city’s heart is El Jardín, a leafy plaza perfect for people-watching with a coffee in hand.
The iconic pink spires of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel rise above it all, looking like something out of a fairy tale. Step inside for a peaceful break from the busy streets, or climb nearby rooftops for photo-worthy views.
San Miguel’s charm extends to its food scene. You’ll find everything from street tacos to gourmet mole, all packed with flavor. For something different, visit the nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco, often called the Sistine Chapel of Mexico. With its art, food, and slow pace, this place pulls you in and makes you want to stay longer.
3. Tulum
- 📍 Location: Caribbean Coast, Yucatán Peninsula
- 🏆 Best For: Beach bums 🏖️, history buffs 🏛️, eco travelers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Tulum Ruins, swimming in Cenote Dos Ojos, relaxing on Playa Paraíso
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for dry weather and clear water 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Nativus Glamping Tulum – Eco-friendly jungle stay near cenotes and beaches
Tulum blends ancient ruins with a laid-back beach scene. The Tulum Ruins sit right on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea, offering wide ocean views you won’t get anywhere else. Meanwhile, El Castillo overlooks the waves from the edge of the bluff, and it’s easy to see why it was once used as a lighthouse for Mayan sailors.
When you’re ready to cool off, head to one of the nearby cenotes. Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos are top picks for swimming or snorkeling, and the crystal-clear water makes them unforgettable. You might even spot a few turtles while you’re there.
Tulum’s beaches are picture-perfect, with powdery white sand and warm turquoise waves. Grab a fresh juice or ceviche at a beachside shack and stay to catch the sunset. If you’re into eco-conscious vibes and barefoot luxury, Tulum delivers without trying too hard.
4. Oaxaca City
- 📍 Location: Oaxaca Valley, Southern Mexico
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🧵, foodies 🌶️, art enthusiasts 🎨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Mercado 20 de Noviembre, visiting Monte Albán, tasting mole in a local eatery
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for dry weather and Day of the Dead festivities 🎉
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Antonieta – Stylish boutique hotel steps from the city center and markets
Oaxaca City is a place where culture, tradition, and flavor come together fast. Walk around the city’s colorful streets and you’ll run into markets full of textiles, street food, and handmade crafts. The Zócalo is always buzzing with music, locals, and vendors selling everything from tamales to souvenirs.
Food is a major highlight here. Mole is the star, and you’ll find at least seven different kinds throughout the city. Try a local cooking class or just dive into Mercado 20 de Noviembre for a full-on tasting session. If you’re into mezcal, this is the spot to sample straight from the source.
A short trip from the city takes you to Monte Albán, a pre-Columbian ruin set on a hilltop with sweeping valley views. It’s quieter than Chichen Itza but packed with history. Oaxaca City is one of those places where every block feels alive with something to discover.
5. Guanajuato City
- 📍 Location: Central Mexico, Guanajuato State
- 🏆 Best For: Street photographers 📷, history fans 📖, romantic getaways 💕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking Callejón del Beso, riding the funicular, visiting the Mummy Museum
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October during the Festival Cervantino for live music and events 🎭
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Boutique 1850 – Elegant stay overlooking the city’s main plaza
Guanajuato City feels like something out of a storybook, with its bright buildings stacked across winding hills and narrow alleys. Getting lost here is part of the fun, especially when you stumble onto quiet courtyards or colorful staircases filled with local art.
Callejón del Beso is one of the city’s most iconic spots. Legend says that couples who kiss on the third step will have years of happiness. Whether you believe it or not, it’s a cute photo stop with a fun backstory. Don’t miss the city’s underground tunnels either. Once built to control flooding, they now act as roads and footpaths.
For something a little eerie, visit the Mummy Museum. It’s strange but fascinating and offers a very different look at local history. Guanajuato mixes charm, tradition, and a little bit of weird in the best way.
6. Copper Canyon
- 📍 Location: Sierra Madre Occidental, Northern Mexico
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌲, train travelers 🚞, hiking enthusiasts 🥾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the El Chepe train, hiking Urique Canyon, visiting Rarámuri communities
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler hiking weather and clearer skies 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Mirador – Scenic cliffside hotel with panoramic canyon views
Copper Canyon is a massive system of gorges that’s actually larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The best way to take it all in is by riding the El Chepe train. The route stretches from Chihuahua to Los Mochis and passes through tunnels, bridges, and dramatic cliff views the entire way.
If you’re into hiking, Urique Canyon is one of the most beautiful and challenging trails in the region. The switchbacks lead to jaw-dropping views, especially during sunrise. There are also easier trails with lookout points that don’t require a full day of hiking.
This region is also home to the Rarámuri people, known for their long-distance running and deep cultural roots. Some villages offer guided visits, which give a respectful look into their lifestyle. Between the views, the culture, and the slow travel vibe, Copper Canyon is a place that sticks with you.
7. Palenque
- 📍 Location: Chiapas Jungle, Southern Mexico
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, jungle explorers 🌴, photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the Temple of Inscriptions, exploring the Palace, hiking to Misol-Ha waterfall
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April for dry weather and lush green surroundings 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Chan-Kah Resort Village – Jungle-style retreat with pools close to the ruins
Palenque sits deep in the jungle, and that alone makes it one of the most atmospheric ruins in Mexico. The main attraction is the Temple of Inscriptions, where hieroglyphs tell stories of ancient rulers and rituals. It’s also the tomb of Pakal the Great, one of the most famous Mayan kings.
The surrounding structures are just as intriguing. The Palace features a maze of courtyards and towers with carvings that bring Mayan mythology to life. The jungle backdrop adds a wild and mysterious feel, and it’s not uncommon to hear howler monkeys echoing from the trees.
Just a short drive away, Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls give you the perfect nature break after a day of exploring ruins. Cool off with a swim or just enjoy the peaceful jungle vibe. Palenque is ideal for travelers who want ancient history without the big crowds.
- For more stunning coastal adventures, explore: Baja California’s Most Beautiful Places
8. Bacalar
- 📍 Location: Southern Yucatán Peninsula, near Belize border
- 🏆 Best For: Kayakers 🛶, slow travelers 💤, nature lovers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in the Lagoon of Seven Colors, visiting Cenote Azul, exploring Fort San Felipe
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for sunny days and calm lagoon conditions ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Bakal – Lagoonfront property with hammocks, kayaks, and sunrise views
Bacalar is the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. The star here is the Lagoon of Seven Colors, named for the shifting shades of blue that stretch out like a natural watercolor painting. It’s great for swimming, kayaking, or just floating around in peace.
Cenote Azul is just minutes from town and offers a change of pace from the lagoon. It’s super deep, ridiculously clear, and perfect for snorkeling or cliff jumping if you’re feeling brave. You can grab lunch at a nearby lakeside spot before heading back out on the water.
Don’t skip Fort San Felipe in the town center. It has great views of the lagoon and tells Bacalar’s pirate-filled backstory. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore, Bacalar hits the sweet spot between chill and unforgettable.
9. Hierve el Agua
- 📍 Location: Oaxaca Highlands, Southern Mexico
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, photographers 📷, nature fans 🏞️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Soaking in mineral pools, hiking the mountain trails, seeing the petrified waterfalls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for clear skies and cool mornings 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Silencio Hotel Boutique & Distillery – Stylish boutique option in San Pablo Villa de Mitla with an outdoor pool, spa services, and easy access to Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua doesn’t look like anything else in Mexico. The site is famous for its petrified waterfalls, formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich water running down the cliffs. From a distance, they look like frozen white lava cascading over the edge.
At the top of the cliff, natural pools have formed where you can take a dip while staring out over the mountains. The water is cool and packed with minerals, which locals believe have healing properties. It’s a great spot for sunrise if you arrive early enough.
Several hiking trails wind through the surrounding hills and offer different views of the falls. It’s not a huge site, but the scenery is next level and worth the trip from Oaxaca City. Hierve el Agua is quiet, strange, and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
10. Mexico City
- 📍 Location: Central Mexico, Valley of Mexico
- 🏆 Best For: City explorers 🏙️, culture lovers 🖼️, foodies 🌮
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Zócalo, exploring Chapultepec Park, dining in Roma Norte
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for warm days and spring festivals 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Catedral – Central location with rooftop views near historic landmarks
Mexico City is a full-on sensory experience. One minute you’re walking past Aztec ruins, and the next you’re inside a modern art museum. The Zócalo is the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.
Just a short ride away, Chapultepec Park gives you a breath of fresh air. It’s one of the largest city parks in the world and home to a zoo, several museums, and a castle with great views. If you’re into art, don’t miss the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán.
The food scene is unreal. From al pastor tacos on street corners to fine dining in Polanco, the variety is endless. Local neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa are packed with cafés, galleries, and colorful streets. This city never stops moving, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
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11. Todos Santos
- 📍 Location: Pacific Coast, Baja California Peninsula
- 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄, artists 🎨, chill travelers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking historic streets, surfing Playa Cerritos, visiting art galleries
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April for sunny beach days and art festivals ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Guaycura Boutique Hotel – Rooftop terrace and pool with views of downtown Todos Santos
Todos Santos is one of those towns where time slows down. You’ll wander cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, art galleries, and small cafés that make you want to linger. It’s artsy but not pretentious, and every corner feels local.
The beach scene is strong too. Playa Cerritos is great for surfing or just watching the waves roll in. You might even spot whales offshore during the right season. If you’re up for a hike, head to the Tropic of Cancer monument for wide-open views and a cool photo stop.
This town has just the right mix of beach, creativity, and quiet. It’s perfect if you’re looking to unwind without skipping the good stuff. With laid-back vibes and a strong sense of place, Todos Santos makes it easy to feel at home.
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12. Isla Mujeres
- 📍 Location: Off the coast of Cancún, Caribbean Sea
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, snorkelers 🤿, relaxed island trips 🐠
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at Playa Norte, visiting Punta Sur, snorkeling at MUSA
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to May for clear skies and whale shark season 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Secreto – Quiet oceanfront stay near Playa Norte with minimalist design
Isla Mujeres gives you all the tropical island feels without the crowds of Cancún. A short ferry ride gets you to powdery beaches, colorful streets, and warm turquoise water that feels like a dream. Playa Norte is the main beach, and it’s one of the best in all of Mexico.
For snorkeling, head to MUSA, an underwater sculpture park that’s both eerie and beautiful. You can also rent a golf cart and drive to Punta Sur, where you’ll find cliffs, iguanas, and views for days. It’s small enough to explore in one go but fun enough to stay a few nights.
Evenings are low-key with fresh seafood, cold drinks, and live music floating through the air. Whether you’re in the mood for swimming or just swaying in a hammock, Isla Mujeres is the kind of place that makes it really hard to leave.
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