19 Most Breathtaking Places To Explore In Mexico
Mexico is home to some of the most stunning beauty spots in the world! After many trips exploring beyond the big-name resorts, I uncovered hidden coastlines, ancient ruins, and extraordinary islands. Let me take you through my absolute favorite gems….
1. Yucatán Peninsula
I completely fell for the Yucatán Peninsula’s beauty — unique limestone landscapes, pristine beaches, and jungle-hidden cenotes made it unforgettable. I flew into Cancún, I hopped in a colectivo for the 1.5-hour run down Highway 307 to Playa del Carmen where I spent two weeks.
I split my stay between the trendy 4-star HM Playa del Carmen and the boho-chic 4-star Era Hotel & Spa Tulum, loving the lush courtyards, spa vibe, and Riviera Maya’s effortlessly glam resorts and yacht-filled coast.
I swam in magical cenotes (Gran Cenote’s turquoise waters and hanging vines were my favorite!), explored breathtaking national parks, spotted cute dolphins on a boat tour, and celebrated the colorful Day of the Dead in Mérida with glowing marigolds, candles, and hauntingly beautiful parades.
- Location: on the southeastern tip of Mexico, extending between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Dolphins, tropical fish, howler monkeys
My favorite highlights…
- Dining in the chic Kuuk Restaurant housed in a restored colonial mansion, the cold tart-sweet raspberry and hibiscus soup was a stand-out!
2. Oaxaca City
I absolutely loved Oaxaca City – its colorful colonial architecture, bustling artisan markets, and mountain backdrop made it one of the most attractive and soulful cities I’d come across in the country. I flew into Oaxaca International Airport, took a 20-minute taxi past scenic mountain views, and stayed for an idyllic week in the historic center.
I adored its bohemian, small-town vibe where tradition meets creativity – cobblestone streets lined with striking street art, the sound of live music drifting from plazas, and delicious mezcal tastings.
I was pleased to discover it was a foodie’s paradise and I made the most of it – I explored the artisan-filled market, joined a vegetarian cooking class, and dined at trendy El Destilado, savoring a rich, spicy mole made with chillies, peanuts, sesame seeds, and anise. I also squeezed in exploring deserted white-sand beaches, misty forests, and hidden waterfalls – the scenery was just as enchanting as the city!
My personal highlights…
- Staying at 4-star Majagua Hotel Boutique – I really liked its wow-worthy boho design, glowing fire pits, earthy handwoven textiles, and blanched driftwood furnishings that gave it a rustic-chic vibe!
3. Isla Holbox
I thought Isla Holbox was so magical – a dreamy, traffic-free island with white-sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, and splashy, colorful buildings. I took a two-hour shuttle from Cancún to Chiquilá, then hopped on the 20-minute ferry across calm, teal-blue waters.
I spent a blissful week here wandering past vibrant street art, kayaking through mangroves, and swimming in wild and unspoiled Yalahau Lagoon’s spring-fed waters surrounded by wild orchids. I loved my boat tour spotting flamingos at the dreamily secluded Punta Mosquito and watching the island glow with bioluminescence at night (June to September is the best time). Each evening ended with a jaw-dropping sunset that turned the whole sky gold and pink!
- Location: off the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula (around 40 miles northwest of Cancún).
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: flamingos (seasonal), pelicans, herons, ospreys, crocs in mangroves, whale sharks (seasonal)
- Staying at the creative 4-star Soho Boutique Holbox – I loved its boho vibe and sipping on a sweet, fragrant xtabentún (a traditional Yucatán honey-anise liqueur) in my huge soaking tub!
4. Bernal
I was completely beguiled by Bernal – a timeless village of colorful colonial streets, rustic stone pathways, and lively plazas, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Peña de Bernal, one of the tallest monoliths in the world!
I took a 45-minute bus from Querétaro’s central station and spent five slow-paced days at the beautiful 4-star Zidada Hotel and Chalets, soaking up the laid-back vibe. I hiked the cactus-studded Peña de Bernal trail which had stunning views, browsed cool little artisan shops, sipped on fruity and vibrant local wines, shopped for handicrafts at the authentically Mexican Centro Artesanal La Aurora, and tucked into hearty traditional dishes in cozy courtyard restaurants.
My favorite highlights…
- Dining alfresco on stuffed poblano peppers drenched in spicy mole in the serene, lantern-lit courtyard of the rustic-chic El Arrayán was pure Mexican charm!
5. Isla Mujeres
I thought Isla Mujeres was pure bliss – white-sand beaches, clear, sparkling turquoise waters, and pretty coral reefs gave it a dreamy, slow-paced island vibe just a short boat ride from Cancún.
I took a 25-minute bus from my chic Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres hotel in Cancún to Puerto Juárez, hopped on the Ultramar ferry for the quick 20-minute crossing, and spent three blissful days here. I swam and snorkeled, lazed on beautiful Playa Norte’s powdery sands, explored Punta Sur’s scenic cliffs and Mayan ruins, sipped strong Mango Margaritas at the funky Tiny Gecko Bar, and ended each day with a gorgeous sunset cruise – doing absolutely nothing had never felt so perfect!
- Location: small island off the coast of Cancún.
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks (June–September)
My highlights…
- Staying at the 4-star Icaco Island Village — I loved the trendy all-white design, Insta-worthy pool cabanas, and sipping a tangy tamarind margarita by the pool!
I thought Puerto Vallarta made the perfect all-in-one Mexican getaway – a gorgeous mix of golden beaches, lush green mountains, cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, creative street art, and spectacular Pacific sunsets.
I flew into Puerto Vallarta International Airport, took a 20-minute taxi ride over the Ameca River with ocean views, and spent a laid-back but lively week at the romantic 4-star Casa Victoria Malecón. I lounged on the beaches, strolled the scenic Malecón boardwalk, snorkeled, went whale watching, and explored the pretty old town with its traditional architecture, stylish restaurants, artisan shops, and buzzing nightlife.
My personal highlights…
- Taking a lively all-inclusive yacht cruise to the stunning Yelapa Falls, loved the party onboard vibe, spotted playful dolphins, and even enjoyed a blissful open-air Shiatsu massage as we sailed!
I was seriously in awe of Celestún – a sleepy coastal town of serene lagoons, mangrove forests, and flocks of pink flamingos that looked absolutely incredible against the turquoise water!
I drove 1.5 hours from Mérida along Highway 281, passing tiny Yucatecan villages, and spent three blissful days at the trendy 4-star Tótem Beach Club. I took a boat tour to spot flamingos and pelicans, drifted through the tangled mangroves, swam in freshwater springs, lazed on quiet white-sand beaches, and feasted on fresh seafood at casual beachside restaurants with my toes in the paradise-like sugar soft sand!
- Location: on the northwestern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula.
- Location map and directions
- Wildlife: pelicans, herons, flamingos, American crocodiles, jaguars (habitat for) and the endangered Yucatán black howler monkey.
My favorite highlights…
- I went on a boat tour through the extraordinary earth-scented mangroves of the Celestún Biosphere, sipped a chilled agua de chaya, and loved spotting the flocks of majestic pink flamingos!
8. Lago de Patzcuaro
Lago de Pátzcuaro felt utterly magical – mist-covered waters, historic islands, and deep-rooted Purepecha traditions gave it a timeless, almost spiritual vibe (I wasn’t surprised that it inspired Pixar’s Coco)!
I drove an hour from Morelia through scenic pine forests to the lakeshore town of Pátzcuaro and found it nestled in an ancient volcanic basin and home to rare creatures like the rough-footed mud turtle and Mexican garter snake. I spent four peaceful days at the romantic 4-star Mansion de los Sueños, taking a boat to the authentic and traditional Janitzio Island, exploring artisan villages, hiking scenic trails, sampling traditional Michoacán dishes, and visiting the Colonial-era Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud.
- Location: in the state of Michoacán, in the country’s central-western highlands.
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Rough-footed mud turtles, Mexican garter snakes, egrets, cormorants
My personal highlights…
- Visiting Santa Clara del Cobre and watching artisans hammer glowing copper into shape, breathed in the warm metallic scent, and picked out a gleaming hand-hammered bowl to take home!
9. Cabo San Lucas Arch
I thought the Cabo San Lucas Arch was breathtaking – a dramatic rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, standing out sharply against the turquoise waters and perfectly capturing Cabo’s rugged coastal beauty.
I flew into Los Cabos International Airport, rented a car, and took a 40-minute drive down the coast to the fun resort of Cabo San Lucas, where I stayed for a lively week. I photographed the striking Arch (my photo is above), lounged on white-sand beaches, went snorkeling and whale watching, zipped through desert canyons on an ATV, and ended my nights with spicy tacos de canasta, live music, and dancing at the buzzing Mango Deck Bar and Grill.
- Location: in the resort city of Cabo San Lucas ,which lies at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Sea lions, humpback whales, tropical fish
My highlights…
- Staying at the trendy 4-star Bahia Hotel & Beach House — I loved its superb location by the best beaches and sipping on tangy mezcal margarita at awesome swim-up bar!
10. Mahahual
Mahahual turned out to be one of my favorite hidden gems – a sleepy fishing village with palm-lined beaches, dazzling Caribbean waters, and a slow, rustic vibe that felt worlds away from the busy resort towns.
I took a 3.5-hour bus ride south from Tulum along a scenic coastal road and spent four blissful days at the boho 4-star Hotel Luna De Plata. I lazed on quiet, unspoiled beaches, snorkeled and dove the vibrant Mesoamerican Reef, strolled the palm-lined Malecón boardwalk at sunset, feasted at barefoot beachside restaurants, and explored the nearby mystical Chacchoben Mayan ruins.
- Location: coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, Blue Tang, Wrasse
My personal highlights…
- Diving with Pepe Dive School, I floated weightlessly past rainbow coral, schools of Blue Tang and Wrasse fish, and eagle rays, with a curious sea turtle gliding right up to me!
11. Morelia
Morelia completely charmed me – a pink-stone colonial city with UNESCO World Heritage status, where Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture glowed softly against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.
I took a 4-hour bus from Mexico City’s Terminal Poniente through volcanic landscapes and farmland and spent three days at the Insta-worthy Hotel De La Soledad. I explored the magnificent Cathedral, strolled the colonial aqueduct and plazas, browsed bustling artisan markets, and tasted authentic Michoacán cuisine (the tamales were amazing!) between visits to the Elegant 17th-century Palacio Clavijero and local museums.
My favorite highlights…
- Dining at the rustic-chic Cuish Cocina Boutique, I loved its crackling fireplace, inventive craft cocktails, and my dish of a smoky Michoacano chili served with delicate pumpkin blossoms!
12. Isla Espiritu Santo
Isla Espíritu Santo felt like discovering a secret paradise – a UNESCO-listed island of turquoise waters, red cliffs, and white-sand beaches, teeming with marine life and blissfully free of tourist crowds.
I stayed in La Paz and joined a guided day trip, taking a one-hour panga boat ride each way before stepping onto its untouched shores. I swam with playful sea lions, kayaked along hidden coves, hiked scenic desert trails, dove among colorful fish, and spent the afternoon relaxing on dreamy beaches that felt completely mine! I have to just mention that there were no facilities on the island, so I packed everything I needed for the day!
- Location: in the Gulf of California, off the coast of Baja California Sur
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Sea lions, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks
My highlights…
- Snorkeling in El Cardonal in glass-clear water – I glided among schools of bold-striped sergeant majors as silver Needlefish darted around and then ate chile-lime mango in a cardón’s shade!
13. Chichen Itza, Yucatan
Chichén Itzá completely blew me away – this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World has an almost mystical vibe, with towering pyramids, intricate carvings, and sacred cenotes hidden in the jungle.
I took a two-hour ADO bus from Mérida along Highway 180, paid $35 USD for entry, and spent a day exploring the mighty El Castillo pyramid, the eerie sacrificial cenote, the vast ball court, the fascinating warrior temple, and the ancient Observatory that once tracked the stars as well as discovering the two incredible cenotes there. I have to admit though it got very busy with tourists in the afternoon, so I was glad I arrived early in the morning!
My personal highlights…
- Taking a dip in Cenote Ik Kil — I swam beneath earth-scented dangling vines in a giant open-air cavern, down stone steps into clear, cool, emerald waters!
Campeche had me under its spell from the moment I arrived – a 16th-century colonial city with UNESCO World Heritage status, pastel facades, fortress walls, and cobblestone streets, all framed by the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.
I took a 2.5-hour ADO bus from Mérida along Highway 180, passing traditional fishing villages and salt flats, and stayed for three days. I wandered the colorful historic center, explored the historic Forts of San Miguel and San José, watched golden sunsets from the attractive Malecón, and feasted on rich Yucatecan dishes in charming courtyard restaurants.
My personal highlights…
- Dining on the terrace at Casa Vieja del Río, I loved the colonial setting, sunset views, and savoring pillowy chile rellenos smothered in a smoky tomato sauce!
15. The Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
Copper Canyon actually managed to make my jaw drop – a vast network of canyons even deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon, with rugged cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and Insta-worthy, untamed views.
I rode the famous Chepe train from Chihuahua City to Creel (a scenic four-hour journey), then spent four days based at the rustic-chic Lodge at Creel Eco-Hotel & Spa in the charming mountain village, surrounded by local art, crafts, and cozy restaurants. I swam in the cool waters of the photogenic Cusarare Falls, hiked rugged trails with canyon panoramas, explored Rarámuri villages to learn about indigenous culture, and soared across the canyon on the thrilling zip-lines at the fun Copper Canyon Adventure Park.
- Location: the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in Chihuahua, northern Mexico
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Golden eagles, woodpeckers, squirrels, tarantulas
My highlights…
- Riding the scenic Chepe train – I felt the rhythmic rumble of the tracks as I passed rugged canyons, soaring cliffs, pine forests, dramatic bridges and tunnels, and glimpses of the remote Rarámuri communities along the way!
16. Valladolid
Valladolid really won me over – a charming colonial town with pastel-colored streets, superb historic architecture, and fascinating Mayan culture that gave it such a relaxed, authentic vibe.
I took a two-hour ADO bus west from Cancún along Highway 180 through jungle and villages and kicked back for three easygoing days. I explored the pretty town square and whitewashed San Gervasio Cathedral, swam in the vine-draped Cenote Zací right in the heart of town, and browsed lively Mercado Municipal for local handicrafts.
I also visited the 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, cooled off in the stunning Cenote X’kekén and Cenote Samulá, and strolled along the Colonial-era Calzada de los Frailes, discovering unique shops, charming cafés, and traditional Yucatecan restaurants filled with folk art.
- Location: Yucatán Peninsula, about halfway between Cancún and Mérida, it’s conveniently close to Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam.
- Location Map and Directions
My personal highlights…
17. Lacandon Jungle
I discovered the Lacandon Jungle was a dream for adventure lovers – a dense, vibrant rainforest of cascading waterfalls, hidden lagoons, and incredible wildlife that felt wild and mystical, like stepping into an untouched ancient world.
I based myself in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque and joined a two-day guided tour by van and boat (which was the easiest way to get here), staying in a rustic eco-lodge in the remote jungle village of Lacanjá Chansayab. I hiked steamy jungle trails, explored the intriguing remote Mayan ruins of Bonampak and Yaxchilán, rafted the mighty Usumacinta River, and learned about the fascinating traditions of the Lacandon Maya community.
- Location: stretches from Chiapas to the southern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, jaguars, toucans, scarlet macaws, tapirs, butterflies
My highlights…
- On a two-day jungle tour from Palenque, I explored the hidden Lacanjá Ruins and Bonampak’s murals, breathing in the humid, earthy air and spotting playful chattering spider monkeys overhead!
18. Chiapas
Chiapas blew me away – a whole state of raw, untouched beauty with rainforest-covered mountains, winding rivers, cascading waterfalls, deep canyons, ancient Mayan ruins, and colorful colonial towns.
I flew into Tuxtla Gutiérrez, rented a car, and drove an hour up winding mountain roads with spectacular views to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where I stayed for a week at the jungle-gem Chan-Kah Resort Village.
I took a boat ride through the towering cliffs of the towering Sumidero Canyon, explored San Cristóbal’s colorful streets, wandered the Mayan ruins of Palenque, swam in the turquoise pools of limestone-terraced Agua Azul, learned about indigenous culture in traditional villages, and hiked the mountain-framed Lagos de Montebello with its more than fifty jewel-toned lakes.
- Location: in southern part of the country (near the border with Guatemala)
- Location Map and Directions
- Wildlife: Crocodiles, herons, kingfishers, butterflies
My favorite highlights…
- Seeing the Bonampak Murals — I stood standing in the cool, dim temple and gazing at reds, blues, greens, and yellows that still glow brilliantly after 1,200 years!
19. The Bufadora, Baja California
La Bufadora was a seriously thrilling stop – a dramatic marine geyser where towering jets of seawater explode from the cliffs against the sparkling Pacific, creating a mesmerizing natural show.
I stayed at the chic 4-star Hotel Punta Morro in the Pacific-fronted Ensenada and drove 45 minutes down the scenic coast to reach it. After watching the blowhole from the viewing platform, I browsed artisan stalls, sampled tasty Mexican street food, snapped coastal photos, and hiked nearby trails where I was treated to stunning ocean views! I have to admit though it was a fairly touristy place with lots vendors — so go early for a less crowded experience!
- Location Map and Directions
- Location: on the Punta Banda Peninsula along the Pacific coast.
- Wildlife: Seals, sea lions, pelicans, tidepool creatures (sea stars, crabs)
My favorite highlights…
- Hiking the 2.6-mile Punta Banda Peak trail in two hours — a moderately challenging climb which rewarded me with salty ocean breezes and sweeping views over Ensenada and the rugged coastline!
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