In a nutshell
- Mexico is one of the most exciting travel destinations in North America, best known for its stunning beaches on the Yucatán Peninsula.
- Beyond the coast, you’ll find many of the best places to visit in Mexico, including charming colonial cities, dramatic volcanoes, ancient pyramids and other top attractions in Mexico that shouldn’t be missed.
- In this guide, we share 22 of the top places to visit in Mexico, with practical tips for each highlight and a helpful map of attractions in Mexico to plan your trip.
Map of our 22 Top Places to Visit in Mexico
To give you a clear overview of where the top attractions in Mexico are, we’ve marked our 22 highlights on this map of places to visit in Mexico.
Chichén Itzá
What you need to know: Just like Christ the Redeemer in Rio or Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichén Itzá is one of the seven new wonders of the world and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. It sits on the Yucatán Peninsula, between Mérida and Tulum.
Our ticket recommendation: Chichén Itzá Skip-the-Line ticket
Our hotel tip: Pisté: La Casa de las Lunas
Teotihuacán Pyramids
What you need to know: The ancient city of Teotihuacán is one of the most impressive places to visit in Mexico. It’s home to two famous landmarks, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Entry costs 90 MXN, and you can easily book guided tours from Mexico City.
Our tour recommendation: Guided tour from Mexico City: Teotihuacán, Guadalupe Basilica, Tlatelolco
Our hotel tip: Mexico City: Casa Comtesse
Cenotes
What you need to know: Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or taking photos. Found mostly across the Yucatán Peninsula, they are among the top places to visit in Mexico and a highlight for nature lovers.
Our ticket recommendation: Guided tour to four cenotes from Tulum
Our hotel tip: Valladolid: Casa Tia Micha
Barranca del Cobre
What you need to know: Located in Chihuahua, the Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) is even larger than the Grand Canyon. A ride on the famous El Chepe train is one of the best ways to experience it. Visitors also come here for hiking, cable cars, and what’s said to be the longest zipline in the world.
Our hotel tip: Los Mochis: Hotel Fenix
Ruined city of Palenque
What you need to know: Palenque is one of the most fascinating ancient cities in Mexico. Set deep in the jungle of southern Mexico, it feels more remote and less crowded than other Mayan sites, making it one of the best places to visit in Mexico for history lovers.
Our tour recommendation: Guided tour to the Mayan ruins in Palenque from San Cristóbal
Our hotel tip: Palenque: Hotel Chablis Palenque
Volcanoes in Mexico
What you need to know: Mexico has some of the most striking volcanoes in the world. Some are still active, while others can be climbed. The most famous are the ever-active Popocatépetl, its neighbor Iztaccíhuatl, and Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico. These top attractions in Mexico are all within reach of Mexico City.
Our tour recommendation: Two-day hiking tour to the summit of Iztaccíhuatl
Our hotel tip: Mexico City: Casa Comtesse
Sumidero Gorge
What you need to know: The Sumidero Gorge lies in the southern state of Chiapas and is one of the most dramatic places to visit in Mexico. Several viewpoints offer sweeping views, but the highlight is a boat trip through the canyon, where you might spot crocodiles and monkeys beneath soaring cliffs.
Our tour recommendation: Guided tour to Cañon del Sumidero from San Cristóbal
Our hotel tip: San Cristóbal de las Casas: Hotel Casa de Gandhi
Cancún
What you need to know: Cancún is among the best places to visit in Mexico and a favorite for beach lovers. Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, its coastline is lined with luxury resorts, and although many beaches in Cancún belong to resorts, there are still beautiful public stretches to enjoy.
The most beautiful beaches in Cancún: Playa Delfines and Playa Marlín.
Our hotel tip for Cancún: The Quetzal
Tulum
What you need to know: Tulum, in Quintana Roo, is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico, thanks to its Mayan ruins perched on the coast. While the town itself is busy and filled with hotels, it’s easy to escape into nature and enjoy some of the best beaches in the region.
Top highlights in Tulum: Tulum ruins, Gran Cenote, and Playa Paraíso.
Our hotel tip for Tulum: Botånica Tulum
Playa del Carmen
What you need to know: Playa del Carmen sits between Cancún and Tulum and is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It’s ideal if you want to relax on the beach by day and enjoy vibrant nightlife after dark.
The top highlights in Playa del Carmen: Rio Secreto and the beach.
Our hotel tip for Playa del Carmen: Meliora by Bunik
Cozumel
What you need to know: Cozumel is the largest Caribbean island in Mexico, just off the coast of Playa del Carmen. It’s a mix of turquoise beaches and fascinating Mayan ruins. While it’s one of the top places to visit in Mexico and no longer a secret, you can still find quiet, less touristy corners to explore.
The most beautiful beaches on Cozumel: Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Playa El Cielo and Playa Palancar.
Our hotel tip for Cozumel: San Miguel de Cozumel: Hotel Puerto Libre
Isla Mujeres
What you need to know: Isla Mujeres lies in the Caribbean just off Cancún and is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico. The island is one of the top attractions in Mexico for snorkeling, diving and relaxing by the sea. You can visit on a day trip or stay overnight to enjoy it at a slower pace.
Our tour recommendation: Day trip from Cancún to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy
Our hotel tip for Isla Mujeres: Casa Azul Maya
Los Cabos
What you need to know: Los Cabos sits at the southern tip of Baja California on the Pacific and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico. The landmark here is El Arco, a dramatic stone arch rising from the sea. Los Cabos combines stunning scenery with lively nightlife and is always listed among the best places to visit in Mexico.
Our tour recommendation: Go kayaking and snorkeling at El Arco in Los Cabos
Our hotel tip: Cabo San Lucas: Los Milagros Hotel
Puerto Escondido
What you need to know: Puerto Escondido is a legendary surf town and one of the top places to visit in Mexico for adventure lovers. Besides world-class waves, it’s also known for turtle releases, dolphin watching, and a more laid-back vibe than busier beach towns. Nearby Mazunte offers an even quieter escape.
Our tour recommendation: Sunrise tour and dolphin watching in Puerto Escondido
Our hotel tip for Puerto Escondido: Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel
Puerto Vallarta
What you need to know: Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco, is a perfect blend of city charm and beach life. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico, with colorful streets, a lively promenade, and stunning sunsets. Whale watching is another highlight, making it one of the best places to visit in Mexico for nature and culture together.
Top highlights in Puerto Vallarta: Playa Los Muertos pier, Malecón promenade, and the church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Our hotel tip for Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Leon Oceanfront
Ciudad de Mexico
What you need to know: Mexico City is the country’s capital and largest city. No Mexico trip would be complete without a stop here, as it’s packed with history, culture, and some of the best tourist attractions in Mexico.
Top highlights in Mexico City: Centro Histórico, Xochimilco, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Our hotel tip for Mexico City: Casa Comtesse
Guadalajara
What you need to know: Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and offers a real taste of authentic Mexico. It’s lively, youthful, and full of charm, making it one of the top attractions in Mexico for travelers who love culture and music.
Top highlights in Guadalajara: the historic center and a ride on the Tequila Express.
Our hotel tip for Guadalajara: Hotel Real Maestranza
Oaxaca
What you need to know: Oaxaca de Juárez is the capital of the region and is famous for its architecture, churches, and outstanding Mexican cuisine. Few other cities in Mexico offer such a rich mix of history, food, and culture.
Top highlights in Oaxaca: Templo de Santo Domingo, Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán.
Our hotel tip for Oaxaca: NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca
Puebla
What you need to know: Puebla is about 120 kilometers south of Mexico City and is especially known for its incredible food scene. Its historic center is stunning, and the city is framed by impressive volcanoes, making it one of the top places to visit in Mexico.
Top highlights in Puebla: Plaza Zócalo, the town of Cholula, and the Palafoxiana Library.
Our hotel tip for Puebla: Hotel 5 de Mayo
San Miguel de Allende
What you need to know: San Miguel de Allende, in the state of Guanajuato, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colorful streets and thriving art scene make it one of the best places to visit in Mexico for history, culture, and creativity.
Top highlights in San Miguel de Allende: Parroquia de San Miguel, El Jardín, Allende Institute.
Our hotel tip for San Miguel de Allende: Casa María Elena
San Cristóbal de las Casas
What you need to know: San Cristóbal, a colonial city in Chiapas, is a colonial city high in the mountains at 2,200 meters. With its cool climate and deep cultural roots, it’s one of the most unique tourist attractions in Mexico.
Top highlights in San Cristóbal: Real de Guadalupe, Andador de Carmen, Plaza Zócalo.
Our hotel tip for San Cristóbal: Hotel Casa de Gandhi
Taxco
What you need to know: Taxco is known as the Silver City thanks to its mining history. Today it’s the perfect place to shop for silver jewelry while also enjoying its colonial houses and mountain views, making it one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Top highlights in Taxco: Plaza Borda, Teleférico de Montetaxco, Iglesia de Santa Prisca.
Our hotel tip for Taxco: Hotel Agua Escondida
These were our favorite places in Mexico
Have you already explored some of the top places to visit in Mexico? Do you know other beautiful spots or tourist attractions in Mexico that we should add to our map of places to visit in Mexico? Share your tips in the comments!