Hello traveler, Explore the best places to visit in Mexico for your adventure. It is a country that is on every traveler’s bucket list. For many people, traveling to this country is considered a dream.
But why Mexico? Because Mexico is full of history, beautiful beaches, mountains, volcanoes, deserts, and finger-licking incredible food. More and more travelers choose this Latin American country as their vacation destination.
Hello to our community of adventurers! Welcome to a fun trip to the best places to visit in Mexico.
If you want to know more about this beautiful country and all it has to offer, don’t worry! ‘’Tale of Journey’’ will help you choose which places to visit for you. You should never miss these places. If you go to Mexico, prepare for adventure and enjoy with an open mind.
The 18 Best Places To Visit in Mexico
Here are the best places to visit in Mexico for whatever adventure you’re looking for.
1. Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is an archaeological theme park of jungle, culture, and ecology in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The park covers 200 acres of land with underground rivers, lush forests, and beautiful beaches, making it one of Mexico’s best places to visit.
You can find ancient Mayan ruins, participate in great cultural activities, and have fun with animals like dolphins and swimming with fish and parrots. Xcaret has embarked on a foray into green tourism with a butterfly house and an aquarium for corals and turtles. Remember to indulge in fine dining.
How to Reach
In Playa del Carmen, Xcaret Park is accessible via Cancun International Airport (CUN). You can take a shuttle, taxi, or bus to the park.
2. Cozumel
Cozumel is a beautiful island off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Very famous for its stunning beaches and indigo water. Cozumel has several vibrant coral reefs that are a great attraction for snorkeling and diving lovers. Punisher Eco Beach is one of the best beaches on the island. You will see birds, sea turtles, and other flowers.
You can also do night dives with Atlantis Submarine and Barbados. Ever wondered what pearl farms would look like? You can find it at the Cozumel Pearl Farm, where you get demonstrations and techniques for pearl farming. It is one of the safest places in Mexico for travelers.
How to Reach
Ferries run from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. You can also fly directly into Cozumel International Airport.
3. Tulum
Tulum has gained great popularity over the years, and the main reason is the Tulum beach area, the archaeological site of several Mayan ruins. Its most iconic feature is Tulum National Park, home to well-preserved Mayan ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
In addition to the archaeological site, Tulum is known for its beautiful beaches, blue waters, and eco-tourism. There is much more to do, including swimming in cenotes and exploring the underwater cave peninsulas surrounding the Yucatan. This is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
How to Reach
Tulum is a two-hour drive from Cancun International Airport. Buses and shuttles are also available.
4. Cancun
Cancun is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. Known for its clear, blue Gatorade-colored waters and proximity to several islands, such as Isla Mujeres, which many choose to visit while in Cancun. White and turquoise sand beaches and clear waters fascinate people.
If you stay here, you’ll find a spring break party scene. Here, you’ll find Señor Frog’s, Hard Rock Cafe, and Coco Bongo, so, as I mentioned, Cancun’s nightlife scene comes alive. It offers beach lovers many activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins.
How to Reach
Cancun International Airport is well connected to major cities around the world.. Public transportation and taxis make commuting easy.
5. Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, also known as Los Cabos, has beautiful beach resorts, great food, deep sea fishing, snorkeling tours, desert tours, and razors and ATVs. Horse riding, camel riding—there is so much to do. It is a completely different environment from Quintana Roo as it is a tropical jungle. Here, you will find many desert and rough clips that appeal to everyone.
You can go off-roading, but you will notice that the beach sand is a different color. It’s still soft, but not like the pure white sand found in Cancun. Cabo is an excellent place for whale watching. Let me tell you—beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and great nightlife on the beach. It is one of the best places to live in Mexico.
How to Reach
Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and take a taxi or rental car to Cabo San Lucas.
6. Isla Mujeres
One of the best destinations to spend a good week in Mexico with the family. Isla Mujeres, or the “island of women,” is a short ferry ride from Cancun. On the island of Isla Mujeres, the Garafon Natural Reef Park housing Punta Sur is not to be missed.
It is well known for having some of the best coral reefs in the world and is excellent for snorkeling and diving. It is also great for ziplining and kayaking. Explore the soft white sand on a glass boat. Pla Ya Norte is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico due to its shallow turquoise waters.
See ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful mountains, and temples dedicated to the Mayan goddess of the moon and fertility. It is especially concerned with the protection and conservation of sea turtles.
How to Reach
Take a ferry from Cancun’s Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres.
7. Rio Secreto
The Rio Secreto, ideally located at the top of Playa del Carmen in Mexico, is a remarkable underground river combined with a cave system. The site has clear turquoise water and intricate limestone designs that create a sense of adventure.
Visitors can swim or walk through the underground labyrinth, whose ceilings and floors are encased in formations of rock “sparks” that have evolved over the ages into stalactites and stalagmites. I must mention that not even a cell phone or wristwatch is allowed on the trip; after that, I can understand why. This is one of Mexico’s best-hidden gems.
How to Reach
Located near Playa del Carmen, you can drive or book a guided tour from nearby cities.
8. Tolantongo Caves
Tolantongo Cave is one of the best-hidden gems in Mexico. In Hidalgo, you can find a canyon and a group of caves where thermal water flows through the caves! On the banks of the gorge, visitors pitch tents and spend the night there.
You can find 40 thermal pools in the canyon to enjoy and relax in the turquoise blue water. You can also enjoy nature hiking, ziplining, steam baths in caves, and admire beautiful waterfalls. This is one of the best places for adventurers in Mexico.
How to Reach
Take a bus or car from Mexico City to Ixmiquilpan, then transfer to local transportation heading to Tolantongo.
9. Mexico City
Situated on a lake, this city was formerly known as the City of Palaces. It still houses some of the most beautiful palaces, namely the National Palace, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Coastal Palace, and the House of Azulejos.
Little Venice is one of the most important places in the city where it is possible to cross the canals by traditional boats known as Trazinares. The beating heart of Mexico City, Constitution Square, also known as the Zócalo, is where the country’s first constitution was proclaimed in 1813. It is one of the largest squares in the world. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico.
How to Reach
Fly into Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) and use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing apps.
10. Playa Balandra
With its picturesque landscape and calm beach waters, Playa Balandra is located near La Paz. This beautiful beach is composed of fine white sand. It is formed by shallow blue water lagoons, making it paradise-perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Nestled between green hills and oddly shaped rocks, Playa Balandra is the perfect beach for nature and photography lovers. The area is regulated, ensuring no noisy or annoying crowd exists. It is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.
How to Reach
Fly into La Paz International Airport and drive or take a taxi to Playa Balandra.
11. Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon, also known as Barranca del Cobre, is a fascinating array of canyons carved into the Sierra Tarahumara in northwestern Mexico. It is deeper and more significant than the Grand Canyon in the United States.
It’s a dream for those who love the outdoors and adventure hiking, sometimes rock climbing, and taking train trips through canyons. The region is also home to the Tarahumara indigenous people, who lead a traditional lifestyle.
Bacesachic Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Mexico, can be found in Copper Canyon. You will find a wonderful place called Urick Canyon, the deepest in North America. Copper Canyon is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
How to Reach
Take the Chihuahua al Pacífico Railway (El Chepe) from Chihuahua or Los Mochis.
12. Teotihuacán
Teotihuacan is said to be the most impressive and fascinating archaeological site in all of Mesoamerica. Among Teotihuacan’s many attractions, none is more famous than the Pyramid of the Sun, the city’s largest structure, and the world’s third-largest pyramid.
The pyramid, at a height of 65 meters, offers a stunning view and preserves the sense of the city’s past grandeur. In addition to the attractions, the Pyramid of the Moon, located at the terminal of the Avenue of the Dead, is also one of the attractions.
The temple contains many intricate designs and images of the Feathered Serpent God, a prominent deity in Mesoamerican history. This arrangement emphasizes the city’s function as a religious site and an astronomical observatory. Teotihuacan is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
How to Reach
Located an hour from Mexico City, you can take a bus or guided tour.
13. El Pinacate and Great Altar Desert Biosphere Reserve
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico, a protected desert north of the Gulf of California. Famous for its black, volcanic landscape. Beautiful and secluded, there are many treasures to explore. Volcanic craters dot the landscape, and you’ll find many hiking trails.
If you want a fantastic experience, a trip to Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico, can be arranged. I recommend this park to any nature lover.
How to Reach
Located in Sonora, you can reach the reserve by car from Puerto Peñasco.
14. Bacalar
Bacalar Lagoon, sometimes called the Lagoon of Seven Colors, has to be one of the loveliest places I have been to in Mexico. Bacalar is on the Yucatan Peninsula, about a few hours’ drive south of Cancun.
In Bacalar, for instance, one can find out some of the town’s history by visiting a 300-year-old fort where the amazing lagoon views can also be enjoyed. Additionally, I suggest heading out to the lagoon. You can do this by renting kayaks and paddleboards or taking a sailboat tour of the town.
How to Reach
Fly into Chetumal International Airport and drive or take a taxi to Bacalar.
15. Puerto Vallarta
The sea, jungle, mountains, and great nightlife are all in this dream city of Mexico. A very scenic walk along the Malecon coast leads to the Zona Romantica, the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta. Cobblestone streets and alleys are lined with historic buildings, each with trademark red tile roofs.
Check out the fantastic beaches and one of the world’s largest bays, Banderas Bay. Go cycling or hiking in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains. South of Puerto Vallarta, Playa Los Gamelas is a famous beach where turtle, whale, and dolphin sightings abound. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico.
How to Reach
Fly into Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport and take a taxi or bus to the city center.
16. Iztaccihuatl – Popocatepetl National Park
Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park is located in Mexico and consists of two volcanoes, Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl, which are well known. The park is located in Puebla and Morelos, Mexico. Views of alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and non-active volcanoes characterize it.
It is an ideal place for relaxation and provides plenty of entertainment, such as hiking, climbing, and bird watching. If you want to go for a long hike to 5636m Karinos View at Pico de Orizaba, see the beautiful and charming view of the surroundings.
How to Reach
Located near Puebla, you can drive or take a bus from Mexico City.
17. Playa Miramar
Playa Miramare is one of the most frequented beaches, with a cheerful atmosphere enchanting golden sands and clear blue waters. Playa Miramar, located in Madero, Mexico, boasts swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and, more importantly – eating out.
Other possible activities include sailing across Laguna del Carpintero or enjoying exhibits at the Tamaulipas Museum of Natural History. It is one of the best beaches in Mexico.
How to Reach
Located near Tampico, fly into General Francisco Javier Mina International Airport and take a taxi.
18. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. Playa del Carmen, often called “the playa,” is a vibrant coastal town in the heart of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Here, you will find the famous dishes of Mexico.
The city is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Fifth Avenue, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, is the epicenter of Player nightlife and entertainment.
How to Reach
Fly into Cancun International Airport, then take a shuttle or taxi to Playa del Carmen.
Best Time to Visit Mexico
The best time to visit Mexico largely depends on your destination and interests. Coastal areas like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are best for warm, dry weather from November to April. In central Mexico, including Mexico City, plan to travel from October to March when temperatures are mild.
If you’re interested in festivals, plan around events like Day of the Dead (November) or Guelaguetza (July) in Oaxaca.
Safety Tips for Travelers in Mexico
- Stay in Well-Traveled Areas: Stick to popular tourist destinations, especially at night.
- Use Trusted Transportation: Rely on official taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps, and avoid unofficial taxis.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Don’t display valuable items; keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas.
- Be Mindful of Local Warnings: Check travel advisories and listen to local advice regarding safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the NO: 1 tourist attraction in Mexico?
Chichen Itza is considered the most popular tourist attraction in Mexico. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, this ancient Mayan city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World . It is famous for the iconic El Castillo pyramid, which has a unique celestial orientation.
2. What are the best beaches in Mexico?
Mexico is known as a beach lover’s paradise. Tulum Beach, Playa del Carmen Beach, Isla Mujeres Beach, Isla Holbox Beach, Playa del Amor Beach, and Puerto Escondido Beach are the best beaches in Mexico.
3. Is Mexico safe for tourists?
Yes, especially in popular areas and tourist destinations. Exercise caution, stay informed, and follow safety tips for a trouble-free trip.
3. What is the safest parts of Mexico for tourist?
However, all tourist spots in Mexico are safe for tourists. Yucatan Peninsula, Pacific Coast, San Miguel de Allende, Cancun are some of the safest parts of Mexico.
All the best on your trip to the best places to visit in Mexico. “Tale of Journey” is waiting for your valuable feedback to hear your Mexico travel experience. Oh yeah and one more thing Subscribe to our Newsletter to get more destination updates straight to your email.
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