From an exuberant nightlife to gorgeous sandy beaches and vibrant cultural festivals, Mexico guarantees to give you perhaps the most memorable vacation of your life.
But where exactly should you visit? Well, here are seven of our favorite holiday destinations in Mexico:
1. Cancun
In 2019 alone, Cancun received around 6.15 million visitors from across the world. The city is a one-stop destination for everyone looking for a beautiful Caribbean beach with luxurious resorts. The weather in this area is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and tons of other activities.
Besides the beaches, Cancun offers modern attraction sites and breathtaking Mayan ruins. Some of these ruins are within the hotel zones, while others will require you to put on your boots and go for a jungle hike.
A short distance from the hotel zone is a Mexican city buzzing with activities. It’s the perfect spot to see and interact with the locals. Start your morning with some authentic Mexican Chilaquiles, spend the day exploring the city, grab some chicken quesadillas for dinner and finish the day off with some Jarabe dances in the local bars.
2. Chichen Itza
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza is the second most visited archeological site in Mexico. Located just a few minutes from the Cancun beach, the site offers the perfect day trip that’ll leave you marveling at the brilliance of ancient Mayans.
The pyramid of Kukulkan stands 30 meters high and has several points of interest, including statues of famous Mayan Chacmools. There’s also a 1000-year-old El Caracol, a standing testimony of the excellent architectural skills of Mayans. Legend has it that Mayan priests used to tell dates by observing the penetration of sunlight through the tiny slits on the walls of this tower.
3. Tulum
Tulum offers a complete package for every adventurous tourist. From beautiful beaches to ancient fortresses, you’ll never run out of activities in this place.
Start with a visit to the 25-feet tall El Castillo (castle) sitting atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The view from this castle will leave a lasting memory in your head. You can also explore The Temple Of The Frescoes located within the area.
Once you are done with the ancient ruins, spend the hot afternoon on the white beach. There are great water parks in the area and plenty of snorkeling and diving shops.
A few meters away is the town center Tulum Pueblo. There are many restaurants here and some great street arts that present the perfect selfie opportunities. You can also get transportation to Cancun, Valladolid, and Playa del Carmen from this town.
4. Playa Del Carmen
A versatile destination for foodies, beach lovers, Mayan history enthusiasts, zip liners, scuba divers, etc. There are plenty of fun activities in Playa. You can swim in the fresh underground waters of a cenote. You are also free to dive into the caves if you have a PADI license.
Thirty minutes South of Playa is the Akumal beach, where you can swim alongside smiling turtles! If you get tired of the water, go parasailing and enjoy a magnificent aerial view of the blue waters.
The nightlife at Playa del Carmen is also impressive, with many active clubs and restaurants to choose from in the area.
5. Puerto Vallarta
The pacific coastal city is a popular destination for cruise ships. Touted by many as Mexico’s prettiest resort city, the picturesque Puerto Vallarta is home to lush jungles, historic colonial buildings, and beautiful beaches.
Deep-sea fishing, sailing, kite surfing, and dolphin watching are just but a few of the activities you should prepare for. Humpback whales are also common around December and March.
Beyond the beaches are busy restaurants churning all types of foods. Tequila tasting is also a common thing in the city.
Explore the mountains for zip lining, hiking, and horse riding opportunities.
6. Mexico City
With lots of cultural sites and art galleries, the metropolitan Mexico City is anything but boring. Sure, there are no beaches here, but you can visit the Zocalo, one of the world’s biggest squares. It’s also the same site where the electrifying opening scene of James Bond Spectre was filmed.
The Museo de Antropologia showcases the history of Mexico. The enormous Catedral Metropolitana is home to dozens of artifacts and paintings. You can also watch performing arts at the Palacio de Belles Artes and explore the mural paintings of Diego Rivera, Siquieros, and other famous artists.
7. Copper Canyon
Located in the Chihuahua State, the Copper Canyon is much bigger than Arizona’s Grand Canyon. The place has a railway line running 390 miles along the main canyon. Each journey takes 14 hours!
Birdwatching, camping, and hiking opportunities are in plenty. The mountains are also home to indigenous communities like the Tarahamuras.
A Mexican vacation should definitely be on your bucket list. Traveling to these places can help you connect and learn about their rich culture.
