Adventure Time! Must See Places In Mexico

When we retire, we have often contemplated living in Mexico. We enjoy Mexico every time we visit! We haven’t seen all in the country, but we strive to add a new destination each time we visit. So we collaborated with Nathan of The TRVL Blog to highlight the top spots to visit in Mexico.

Mexico is a country comprising 31 states and 758,000 square miles. Mexico is a land of pyramids, jungles, stunning beaches, and large resort cities that borders the United States and the Latin American countries of Belize and Guatemala.

Mexico has it all, from the bustling capital metropolis of Mexico metropolis to the peaceful settlements of Baja California Sur. Mexico is diverse, and we’ve included a number of destinations on our list of must-see places in Mexico to satisfy all preferences. So take a seat and begin organizing your trip to Mexico right away.

1. Cancun

Cancun is the most well-known city on the Yucatan Peninsula. This resort town is a famous Spring Break vacation destination for college students. It was the first spot we visited in Mexico, and it’s likely that it’s the first stop for most tourists, and for good reason.

Many people may tell you not to travel to Cancun, yet we still enjoy it. We’ve returned several times, and Cancun is an excellent base for exploring the Mayan Riviera.

There are resorts to suit all budgets and types of travel, including all-inclusive resorts for couples-only and adults-only resorts for a quieter, more romantic getaway. We stayed at The Excellence in adjacent Puerto Morales on the Cancun Riviera the last time we visited Cancun and adored the luxurious all-inclusive retreat.

There are numerous day tours, water sports, adventures, and Mayan ruins to visit from Cancun. So don’t be put off by its reputation; it’s popular for a reason. The Hotel Zone’s lengthy stretch of sandy beach along turquoise waters is second to none and the place to stay.

2. Riviera Maya

This resort area stretches from just south of Cancun to Punta Allen, south of Tulum. The Riviera Maya (or Mayan Riviera) in southern Mexico is home to the best resorts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel. If you’re searching for an all-inclusive resort, you’re probably going to the Riviera Maya.

This section is an excellent starting point because most excursions pick you up immediately at your accommodation and hotels provide shuttles to important attractions. Furthermore, because of its location on the Gulf of Mexico, the waters are warm and tranquil, with coral reefs just off the shore, making for the ideal beach holiday. Look into: Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves – Rio Secreto Cenote.

3. Los Cabos

Los Cabos, located on Mexico’s west coast in Baja California Sur, is one of the most popular spots to visit in Mexico for those living on North America’s West Coast. Los Cabos is a municipality made up of two towns: San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

The Cabo San Lucas resort strip is located between the two cities and offers all of the activities that one would anticipate on a Caribbean vacation. Despite the fact that it is located on the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Cabo San Lucas is a touristy resort with nightlife, whereas San Jose del Cabo is a more traditional beach town with authentic Mexican cuisine.

4. San Luis Potosí

San Luis Potos, both a city and a state in central Mexico, played an important role in Mexico’s independence and revolution. As a result, it is home to various historical sites, structures, and museums that document the country’s history.

The city’s historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is replete with well-preserved colonial structures. Highlights include the beautiful Cathedral of San Luis Potosi, the Government Palace, and the Plaza de Armas.

It is home to the Huasteca Potosina, a region known for its lush jungle, waterfalls, caverns, rivers, and the strange panoramas of the Las Pozas garden in Xilitla.

Visit Real de Catorce. This former silver mine town, located in the state of San Luis Potos, is now a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town) and a major tourist destination. It is well-known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and spiritual significance, since many believe it to be a center of energy and healing.

The central location of San Luis Potosi gives it an ideal starting point for exploring other parts of Mexico. It’s close to numerous other important cities, including Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.

5. Acapulco

Acapulco is a renowned beach resort city on Mexico’s Pacific coast that has long been a favorite destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. It is well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches. The coastline of the city is bordered with high-rise hotels and restaurants, and the beaches, including Playa Condesa and Playa Icacos, are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

The city is known for its party atmosphere, with many places to dance and listen to music into the early morning hours. The La Quebrada Cliff Divers are a group of professional divers who undertake dangerous jumps from cliffs as high as 35 meters into the ocean below, a must-see show for any visitor to Acapulco.

Despite being a modern city, Acapulco has some noteworthy historical features. The 17th-century Fuerte de San Diego, for example, is a star-shaped castle that currently houses the Acapulco Historical Museum, which provides insights into the region’s past. The Chapel of Peace (Capilla de la Paz), located on one of the city’s highest elevations, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Acapulco Bay.

6. Tulum

Tulum is well-known for its ancient ruins. Tulum is located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the south. While these aren’t our favorite ruins in Mexico, they certainly feature the most spectacular setting of any Mexican ruins.

The historic Mayan city of Tulum has the nicest view in the house, perched above steep cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Aside from day tours to the ruins, what draws travelers to Tulum is its expanse of white sandy beaches.

7. Cozumel

Cozumel, an island off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea, is a popular tourist destination for divers, attracting tourists from all over the world to explore its waters and see its marine life and coral reefs. Within its seas, this island features some of the best scuba diving on the planet. Don’t worry if you’re not a diver; you can still go snorkeling.

Many tourists visit Cozumel as a day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but staying on the island provides a true Caribbean experience. Cozumel has all-inclusive resorts, modest Mayan ruins, and abundance of lovely beaches. The downtown markets are an amazing spot to shop, and there’s lots of nightlife, as there is in many Mexican tourist cities.

8. Chichen Itza

This ancient Mayan city is the mother of all Mayan ruins in Mexico, with immaculately kept grounds.

The Grand Pyramid El Castillo at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Mexico’s most popular day outings and may get very busy, so if you truly want to see Chichen Itza, consider staying nearby and getting there early to avoid the tour busses. If you plan a day excursion to view it, combine it with a swim in one of the neighboring Cenotes.

9. Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is made up of the Mexican states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche.

The Yucatán Peninsula is by far one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. This lovely peninsula, which juts out between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, is Mexico’s most popular tourist destination. It is home to many of Mexico’s most popular attractions and sites. It is home to the popular beach cities of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, and many others. With a land area of 197,000 square kilometers (76,300 square miles), there is enough to see and do.

10. Playa Del Carmen

Another well-known Mexican beach location is Playa del Carmen. This gorgeous beach town on the Riviera Maya is located an hour south of Cancun and has plenty of nightlife, shopping, and dining. All of the Cancun day tours and activities can be done from here, and tour operators will pick you up from your hotel.

This resort town has expanded significantly over the years, and it is no longer the sleepy village we first visited in 1998, yet there are still peaceful areas. When visiting Playa del Carmen, we recommend staying in a vacation rental so you can enjoy the beach and nightlife like a native.

11. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, or “The Island of Women” is generally visited as a day excursion from the mainland, although there are resorts on the island where you may remain in luxury.

It’s ideal for water sports, scuba diving and snorkeling, or swimming with sea turtles, thanks to its white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and wealth of marine life. It is a more peaceful vacation destination in Mexico. (Unless you stay near the beach, where daytrippers congregate to party).

The little island is easy to navigate by motorscooter or bicycle, making it ideal for a relaxing vacation. Whale shark trips depart from Isla Mujeres, and this once-in-a-lifetime experience is one that everyone should try when visiting Mexico.

12. Rio Secreto Cenote

The resorts along its blue waters are quieter than those in other resort locations, making for a more off-the-beaten-path holiday than Cancun’s livelier metropolis. Tulum has a high concentration of these stunning underground sinkholes, so if you wish to explore them, this is the spot to do it.

13. San Miguel De Allende

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico’s picturesque historic city, is a popular destination for ex-pats. It draws folks who want to spend a long time enjoying its laid-back lifestyle. It isn’t at the top of the list for a vacation in Mexico, but it is a fantastic alternative for someone traveling around or wishing to spend the winter in the nation. If you’ve seen most of Mexico’s tourist attractions, San Miguel de Allende is the destination for you.

This picturesque town is only 170 miles from downtown Mexico City, and its historic center is rich in history and stunning Spanish-colonial architecture, including the neo-gothic church of La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

14. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, has long been a popular tourist destination.

Visitors may enjoy food and nightlife, stunning beaches, and watersports at all-inclusive resorts comparable to those found in Cancun. Puerto Vallarta, a historic town nestled among jungle mountains rising from the sea, is one of the best sites on the planet to observe humpback whales as they migrate through from December to March. Scuba diving or horseback riding on the beach are both options. Puerto Vallarta is ideal for both rest and activity.

15. Rancho le Puerto

Tijuana may be the more well-known town on Mexico’s northern border, but Rancho la Puerto in adjacent Tecate provided us with a peaceful respite. Condé Naste Traveler has continuously named this wellness resort in the highlands as one of the greatest spa locations in the world. We crossed the border from San Diego to explore this less-visited part of Mexico, which is located just outside the small town of Tecate. Tecate serves as the entry point to Mexico’s wine route and the state of Baja California.

16. Copper Canyon

Speaking of canyons, Copper Canyon in Northern Mexico is greater than Arizona’s Grand Canyon! It is a renowned train destination in Mexico, consisting of six canyons. Take the picturesque route from Chihuahua to Los Mochis on the Copper Canyon Railway (The Chihuahua-Pacifico Railway). Instead of just boarding the train, spend the night in a hotel overlooking one of the world’s deepest canyons. Copper Canyon offers a variety of activities such as zip line, hiking, and horseback riding.

Copper Canyon, also known as Barranca del Cobre in Mexico, is located in the southwestern section of the state of Chihuahua. It is sometimes compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, but Copper Canyon is really larger and deeper. Copper Canyon is a one-of-a-kind Mexican destination that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, outdoor activities, and culinary adventure.

17. Izamal

Izamal is a picturesque tiny town in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula known as the “Yellow City” because to the color of its structures, especially the spectacular Convento de San Antonio de Padua, a massive 16th-century Franciscan monastery erected on top of a Mayan pyramid.

The Yellow City is constructed on top of and around numerous ancient Mayan pyramids. The most notable of these is the Kinich Kak Moo pyramid, one of Mexico’s largest, which visitors can climb for a panoramic perspective of the City of Hills.

Izamal is one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos,” or “Magic Towns,” a title bestowed by the Mexican government to communities with significant cultural and historical significance. It was an important religious center in the ancient Mayan culture and is one of Yucatán’s oldest cities.

18. Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit is located a little further up Mexico’s Pacific Coast from Puerto Vallarta. Riviera Nayarit, albeit less visited than places like Puerta Vallarta, has long been a favorite surfing destination. Expats and bohemians who love the artistic lifestyle, gorgeous beaches, and world-class surfing have kept Sayulita a secret. Explore its fishing towns and take in the laid-back beach life while enjoying the relaxed pace of its pleasant beach feel.

Explore the Pacific Ocean-fed Parque Nacional de la Tovara while enjoying some of the best bird watching in the country. While taking a boat ride in this picturesque park, keep an eye out for crocodiles and turtles. Stay in a small boutique resort in San Blas to enjoy its numerous magnificent beaches and historical history. Alternatively, enjoy the true Mexican charm of Buceras, a peaceful fishing village.

19. Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City is situated at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Local Oaxacan pleasures may be found around every turn in this lively city. If you’ve never had Oaxacan cheese, now’s your chance. Mole comes in a variety of tastes, so ready for a plate of sizzling chicken slathered in a flavorful thick sauce.

The colonial architecture, as in many Mexican cities, will keep you occupied for hours. After you’ve done eating your way through and experiencing Oaxaca City, take a day trip to Hierve el Agua. Hierve el Agua is a natural springs site where hardened minerals stream over the cliff’s edge to look like waterfalls.

20. Mexico City

It’s tough to single out one characteristic of Mexico City that justifies its inclusion on this list. Is it the food, the architecture, the museums, the art galleries, the pubs, or the shopping? The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is densely packed with historic structures such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

Mexico City has over 150 museums, including the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The culinary culture in the city is one of the best in the world, with everything from street food carts to high-end restaurants. It’s the ideal spot to try traditional Mexican delicacies like tacos, tamales, and enchiladas, as well as regional dishes from across the country.

Just outside Mexico City, you can visit the ancient city of Teotihuacan, home to some of the largest pre-Columbian pyramids in the Americas.

21. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, is a renowned Mexican tourist resort known for its magnificent beaches. It is famous for its surfing at Zicatela Beach, sometimes known as the “Mexican Pipeline.” It’s one among the world’s top surf places, attracting both professionals and serious amateurs. There are some beaches with gentler waters that are appropriate for novices. as well as surfing.

Aside from Zicatela, there are several other beautiful beaches to visit, including Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Manzanillo, and Playa Principal. These beaches are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The area around Puerto Escondido is rich in biodiversity. Laguna de Manialtepec, a few kilometers north of town, is famed for its bioluminescent plankton. There are also opportunities to view animals such as birds, turtles, and whales. Puerto Escondido is well-known for its sea turtle conservation initiatives. Visitors can take part in release programs, in which newborn sea turtles are released into the ocean.

22. Tequila

Tequila the drink is named after the town of Tequila in central Mexico. Tequila is produced in this historic Mexican town. Have you had too much tequila? Get used to it: drinking a lot of tequila will be the sole focus of your day in Tequila.

There are distilleries all around town, so go visit one and discover how the humble agave plant is transformed into one of the world’s most popular drinks, as well as sample their own brand of tequila. La Capilla, which has been designated one of the top 100 bars in the world, is a must-see when in Tequila.

23. Querétaro

Querétaro is a lively city in central Mexico. It is well-known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and fine wine. Querétaro is regarded as one of the best locations to visit in Mexico due to its historic core, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its wonderfully preserved colonial architecture. The city’s baroque architecture and narrow cobblestone alleyways are among the most magnificent in Mexico.

24. Bacalar 

Bacalar, known as the “Maldives of Mexico” because to its beautifully clear, blue lagoon, is an incredible spot to visit in Mexico. Laguna Bacalar, also known as the Lake of Seven Colors, is Mexico’s second biggest natural freshwater lake and is recognized for its magnificent blue and turquoise colors. Swimming, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding are all popular activities in this lagoon.

Bacalar is a quieter and less congested destination than more popular places like Cancun or Playa del Carmen, making it an ideal site for a serene and restful holiday. It also has a reputation for being environmentally friendly, with a focus on sustainable tourism. This technique has aided in the preservation of the area’s natural beauty.

Don’t spend all of your time lounging by the calm Laguna; there are 16 square miles of lake to explore. Rent a kayak and go kayaking on the lake. The water is lovely and calm, making for ideal kayaking conditions. Take a speed boat cruise around the lake and spend the morning exploring the cenotes.

25. Guanajuato 

Guanajuato, in central Mexico, is rich in culture, history, and unique attractions. Guanajuato’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, notable for its wonderfully maintained Spanish colonial buildings and cobblestone streets.

Guanajuato’s subterranean network of tunnels, originally built for flood control, today helps manage the city’s traffic. Walking through these tunnels is an adventure in and of itself, and don’t miss the Alley of the Kiss (Callejón del Beso), a narrow alleyway famous for a tragic love story reminiscent to Romeo and Juliet.

Guanajuato is advantageously placed in the middle of Mexico, within easy distance of other notable sites such as San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, and Mexico City.

26. Merida

Merida, the capital city of the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico’s cultural center, is frequently cited as one of the greatest locations to visit in Mexico due to its cultural history. It also boasts a friendly and inviting ambiance, wonderful local cuisine, and is close to important archaeological sites.

It is a picturesque city famed for its colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and historic landmarks. Art galleries and great dining are available. It also serves as a gateway to some of the most significant Mayan archaeological sites, including Uxmal and Chichen Itza. It is near to the stunning Yucatan Peninsula, which is known for its cenotes (natural sinkholes), fauna, and lovely beaches. Progreso, a port city, is a short drive from the city.

27. El Cuyo

El Cuyo is a peaceful fishing community on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, within the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve. Although it is not as well known as some of Mexico’s other beach resorts, it is a site of natural beauty that offers peace and an authentic local experience.

El Cuyo, a small fishing community, offers a flavor of true Mexican life that is difficult to discover in more popular areas. Visitors can eat delicious seafood, engage with friendly locals, and experience the laid-back lifestyle.

28. Valladolid

There are a few spots on the Yucatan Peninsula that I couldn’t possibly leave out of this list. Valladolid is a lovely town. There’s a prominent plaza overlooking a gorgeous church, as well as numerous bars and restaurants situated in pastel-colored structures serving up regional specialties.

Having saying that, the main reason Valladolid reaches this list is because of the cenotes found on the outskirts. Rent a bike and ride to Cenote X’Keken and Samula. Take a refreshing plunge in the limestone cave cenotes and wonder at the infinite stalactites hanging down above you.

29. Monterrey

Monterrey is the third-largest city in Mexico and one of its most important economic centers. Monterrey’s modern skyline includes towers like the Torre Ciudadana and the Pabellón M. A noteworthy sight is the Faro de Comercio, a dazzling green laser monument on the city’s Macroplaza.

When it comes to the Macroplaza, it’s one of the world’s largest city squares, and it’s home to notable structures including the Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey, the Government Palace, and various museums.

Despite its hectic nature, Monterrey is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The Cerro de la Silla mountain is part of the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, and the Grutas de Garcia are spectacular caves accessible via a panoramic cable car.

30. La Paz

With the Sierra Madre Mountains looming in the backdrop, the capital of Baja California Sur is a lovely city with imaginative street art and powerful coffee. This quaint coastal town is well-known for its beautiful beaches, particularly Balandra coastal. Consider pristine sands and crystal clear waters tucked away in a harbor. Within the bay, the water does not rise beyond your knees, allowing you to stroll all the way to the opposite side’s uninhabited castaway-style beach.

Because development is prohibited in the vicinity of Balandra Beach, there are no unsightly resorts lining the beach. In fact, there are no structures for kilometers. Doesn’t that sound ideal? Balandra Beach is not only the nicest beach in Mexico, but it is also one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.