Mexico is a magnificent country with plenty of places to explore. From snorkeling and diving, hiking, historical sights, amazing food, to simply sitting by the shore and admiring the sunset, Mexico offers something special for everyone.
Spend a few days exploring the historic center of Mexico City or head out to Xochimilco for some amazing art and exciting day trips! Here are a few of the best places to visit in Mexico:
Tulum
Tulum is a tropical haven on the Caribbean coast surrounded by stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and delectable food and drinks. Its relaxed atmosphere and natural splendor have made Tulum an increasingly sought-after vacation spot for travelers from around the globe.
Tulum’s weather is ideal for swimming and exploring – the water is warm all year round, but it’s best to visit between November and April when humidity levels are lowest and rains are few. Additionally, this is the ideal time to visit Xel-Ha all-inclusive waterpark and eco theme park located south of town.
Visit one of many Cenote’s (sink holes turned into beautiful swimming holes) in the area including Gran Cenote, Two Eyes Cenote, and Cenote Calavera.
For a more relaxing and tranquil way to explore Tulum, why not rent a bike? There are numerous bicycle rental shops located around town that charge only a few hundred pesos per day.
Visit the Monkey Sanctuary, home to iconic spider monkeys and rescued capuchin monkeys. Not only is this a great opportunity for wildlife education, but you get to meet some of its residents up close too!
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Cancun
Cancun is a tropical haven located on the Yucatan Peninsula. With 150 miles of white sand beaches and warm water, Cancun also boasts Mayan pyramids, crystal caves and an amazing scuba reef off Isla Mujeres.
One of the best activities to do in Cancun is discovering its local cuisine. The city’s chefs are passionate about their dishes and it has been designated a Cultural World Heritage Site due to its intricate flavors. Mexican cuisine offers an unforgettable sensory experience, with vibrant visual aesthetics, aromatic qualities and mouthwatering tastes that tempt you to take another bite. Additionally, this cuisine serves as a representation of Mexico’s history and culture through its cuisine.
Visiting Chichen Itza is also a must-see sight in this area. Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It was one of the largest cities of the Mayan civilization and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous structure at Chichen Itza is the pyramid-shaped temple known as El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulcan.
Another enjoyable activity is exploring Nichupte Lagoon, located right in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Here, you can go kayaking or paddle boarding – many hotels offering these activities as part of their packages for an easy and fun way to see the surrounding area.
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Los Cabos
Los Cabos, sometimes simply called Cabo, on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula tip, is an enchanting resort destination that beautifully blends different concepts to create a visually stunning backdrop. Its white beaches, sand dunes and mountains are framed by the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez – making for an unforgettable vacation spot.
Los Cabos boasts an ideal climate with an average of 330 sunny days each year, making it a popular tourist destination. Daytime temperatures in Los Cabos range from 70 F (21 C) to 50 F (10 C), while nights bring temperatures down to 50 F (10 C). There is little rainfall during summer months.
Los Cabos’ culinary scene is flourishing, boasting fresh seafood and authentic Mexican cuisine from world-class chefs and local restaurants. Farm-fresh fare sourced from farms and fishermen is also becoming increasingly popular, providing health-conscious travelers with plenty of healthy choices to choose from.
Los Cabos is a great destination for family vacations, offering plenty of kid-friendly resorts that also have activities suitable for adults. From water parks and lazy rivers to children’s clubs, these establishments have everything you need for an amazing Cabo family getaway.
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San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is an enchanting city that charms travelers with its vibrant festival scene and stunning baroque Spanish architecture. In 2017, it earned Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best City Award”, while again being named one of Mexico’s top places to visit in 2018.
Weather here is typically warm and dry with clear skies for most of the year. To enjoy optimal conditions, we suggest visiting between November and April when highs in the 70s to 80s are experienced.
San Miguel offers an abundance of activities, from taking a leisurely walk down its cobblestone streets to dining at one of its many restaurants. Plus, don’t forget about the breathtaking sunsets that you can admire from rooftop bars with spectacular views over the city!
One must-visit landmark is the Parish of San Miguel Arcangel, towering over the city with its blush-colored spires and neo-Gothic design. Designed by a local stone mason from an inspiration postcard of Gaudi’s quirky Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, this church is sure to please everyone’s senses.
San Miguel is a family-friendly city that welcomes visitors with open arms. Visitors can choose from various hotels, from small family-run posadas to luxurious resorts.
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Bacalar
Bacalar, located near the border with Belize, has become a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its lake and water sports facilities as well as nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes.
The town’s main square is charming, featuring a small park in the middle and plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops around it. Plus, don’t miss out on exploring the pirate fort which offers stunning views of the lagoon and Canal de los Pirates!
Experience the joys of stand-up paddleboarding on the serene turquoise lagoons. This popular activity is easily rented from local establishments – boards are provided!
Snorkelling in La Laguna de Siete Colores (Laguna of Seven Colors) is another amazing experience. The water’s sapphire blue hue changes depending on depth and sunlight exposure.
Bacalar is an ideal destination for travelers looking to relax and take advantage of the tropical climate. The best time to visit is between January and February when temperatures typically reach the mid 80s with minimal rainfall.
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Cozumel
Cozumel Island is a tropical Caribbean haven, ideal for beachgoers and outdoor adventurers. It’s also renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Cozumel enjoys ideal weather year-round, though December to early June are the best times to visit as they are outside hurricane season (June-November). But aside from its beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature, visitors come to Cozumel primarily for its stunning natural landscape!
Another must-visit attraction is Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, a nature and wildlife preserve ideal for birdwatching and photography. Its idyllic white sandy beaches are lined with exotic birds, crocodiles, and sea turtles.
For those seeking a tranquil day trip in nature, taking a day trip here is highly recommended. Visitors of all ages can enjoy activities like swimming with stingrays and learning about Mayan culture – not to mention some great shopping!
Foodies will love Cozumel’s wide array of delectable dishes and drinks, while vegetarians will be delighted by many local eateries offering vegan or plant-based options.
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Celestun
Celestun, 96 km west of Merida, is renowned for its idyllic lagoon and expansive flamingo colony that make up its biosphere reserve. Here, fresh water from underground aquifers meets salt water from the Gulf of Mexico in an ecosystem supporting an array of wildlife species.
Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve in Yucatan is a haven for nature enthusiasts. This protected wildlife sanctuary encompasses an estuary, mangrove forest and coastal scrubland.
The biosphere is home to hundreds of pink flamingos that strut around protected lagoons in an unforgettable sight. There are two primary spots you can view these birds and you may also take a boat tour around their habitat.
No shortage of delicious seafood in Celestun, and you can enjoy it like a local at many of its restaurants. We especially enjoyed Los Negritos’ torta especial, which we consider one of Celestun’s premier street food spots with excellent service and reasonable prices!
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