There are numerous places to visit in Mexico that show its history and natural wonders. A World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza, showcases the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilisation. The Tolantongo invites visitors to relax in warm, turquoise pools surrounded by rugged mountains. Teotihuacan’s awe-inspiring pyramids, like the Pyramid of the Sun, reflect a once-thriving pre-Aztec metropolis. The cenotes of Valladolid provide pristine waters, ideal for a rejuvenating swim. For adventure and history enthusiasts, there are various places to explore in Mexico, offering an unforgettable experience.
10 Must-See Places To Visit In Mexico
The following are ten popular places to visit in Mexico that you can explore on your next trip to this culturally rich country.
1. Tulum
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Tulum is a famous Mexican town known for its archaeological zone, which consists of ancient Mayan ruins such as city walls and its iconic castle. The ancient site, located on a cliff overlooking the turquoise-green waters of the Caribbean Sea, presents one of the most beautiful images. You can also explore the beach of the ruins while in Tulum, which is one of the most impressive beaches in Mexico. If you prefer less crowded places, then you can explore Playa Paraiso, one of the best beaches in Tulum. The Playa Paraiso is almost two kilometres long.
Located: Quintana Roo, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Cancun International Airport
2. San Miguel De Allende
Photo: Jiuguang Wang / Wikimedia Commons
This beautiful city is among the best places to visit in Mexico and has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city of San Miguel de Allende is filled with vibrant colours, including its streets and houses. Here, you can witness the historic architecture, handicraft markets, squares, and old churches. Several festivals are celebrated here, and you can join in to experience Mexican hospitality. It is said that over three hundred festivals are celebrated in this town, and it houses the renowned Church of San Miguel Arcangel.
Located: Near Santiago de Queretaro, Guanajuato, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Queretaro Airport
3. San Cristobal De Las Casas
Photo: GameOfLight / Wikimedia Commons
The San Cristobal de Las Casas city is located at an elevation of more than 2,000 metres above sea level. This town is among the famous tourist places in Mexico for being photogenic. The city, recognised as Pueblo Magico, stands out for its colonial buildings and its bohemian atmosphere. The San Cristobal de Las Casas is filled with places where you can relax while strolling through its vibrant cobblestone streets. It houses the famous Cathedral of San Cristobal Martir, whose construction began in 1528 CE. If you love coffee or sweets, then you can find good cafes here.
Located: Chiapas, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport
4. Puerto Vallarta
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Puerto Vallarta has been named one of the prettiest towns on the list of places for a Mexico trip. The town is known for its opulent resorts and scenic landscapes that include beaches. If you are a water sports enthusiast, there are many water activities you can try here. The city has vibrant nightclubs filled with people from all over the world. You can also explore the lush jungles and historic colonial buildings that exist in the city and around it. The city centre of Puerto Vallarta has historic cobblestone streets and the beautiful Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe church.
Located: Pacific coast, Jalisco, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Puerto Vallarta International Airport
5. Holbox
Photo: Dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Holbox is an island that seems like a paradise, perfect for a getaway, with its beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise green water, and delicious array of local and international cuisines. The Holbox is among the top Mexico tourist places. The island has artistic murals, and visitors can witness the beautiful sunsets in the evening. Around the outskirts of the island, you can experience many water activities, like swimming with magnificent creatures such as whale sharks. You can also attend a turtle nesting or choose to do a bioluminescence tour.
Located: Quintana Roo, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Cozumel International Airport
6. Calakmul
Photo: PashiX / Wikimedia Commons
The Calakmul is a must-visit destination for you if you are interested in history or archaeology. It is known to be a relevant city in terms of Mayan civilisation. This place is located near Guatemala, on the south side of Mexico. This archaeological site expands over seventy square kilometres and consists of 6,000 structures. Calakmul is hidden in the middle of an immensely dense jungle. It contains three large structures, which are pyramids that you can climb on; from there, you can enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the surrounding jungles.
Located: Campeche, southeastern side of Mexico
Nearest Airport: Corozal Airport
7. Cenotes Of Valladolid
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Cenote refers to the collapsing of limestone bedrock, due to which underground water gets exposed and fills in the naturally formed pit. The cenotes were sometimes used for sacrificial offerings, and in general, they were used by the Mayan civilisation people to get water supply. In the Yucatan Peninsula, there are hundreds of mesmerising cenotes that you can visit. The cenotes of Valladolid are cavern-like, full of incredible karst formations. Here, you can bathe in its crystal-clear water, which seems like a small pond.
Located: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Talum International Airport
8. Teotihuacan
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) / Wikimedia Commons
This place is famously known as where men became gods and is one of the places to visit in Mexico, a must-explore. Teotihuacan is located around fifty kilometres away from the bustling Mexico City. This archaeological site still presents many enigmas surrounding the people who built and inhabited it for several centuries. One of the most popular structures in this ancient complex is the Pyramid of the Sun. Other popular historic structures are the Calzada de Los Muertos and the Pyramid of the Moon.
Located: State of Mexico, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Felipe Angeles International Airport
9. Tolantongo
Photo: Carlos Adampol Galindo / Wikimedia Commons
Tolantongo is where you can find a canyon and a group of ancient caves. Thermal water flows through the main cave due to geothermal activities. You can set up your tent on the bank of the canyon and spend your night under the stars. There are approximately forty thermal pools that you can choose from to relax in. If you are an adventure or nature enthusiast, then you can experience activities like zip-lining and nature hiking here. You can also choose to take a steam bath in the cave and admire its surrounding region.
Located: Hidalgo, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Felipe Angeles International Airport
10. Chichen Itza
Photo: Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons
Chichen Itza is considered to be the most popular fusion of Mayan and Toltec civilisations, whose ruins can still be seen. For several people, it comes at the top of the Mexico tourist places list due to being considered among the world’s seven wonders. To witness this ancient marvel built around the 6th century CE, around one million people visit this place every year. Near the Chichen Itza, many ancient structures are present; some of them are the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Ball Game.
Located: Yucatan, Mexico
Nearest Airport: Merida International Airport
The list contains a few of the popular places to visit in Mexico, which have a captivating mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. You can relax on Tulum’s pristine beaches, framed by ancient Mayan ruins, or wander through the artistic streets of San Miguel de Allende, known for its colonial charm. Book your trip with TripXL today to begin this memorable journey to Mexico’s top destinations soon.
Cover Photo: Mardetanha / Wikimedia Commons