Whether you are already planning your next vacation, or just daydreaming about paradisaical beaches, we give you the best places to visit in Mexico. If money is a little tight and you cannot afford a transatlantic European destination, this neighboring country to America might be just the answer. So, in this list, we are traveling south of the border into a land of color and contrasts. Mexico has it all: idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife, colonial towns, mysterious jungles, mesmerizing cities, archeological sites and so much more.
However, the news we get from Mexico is rather alarming, even scary. Drug cartels, murders, trafficking and poverty are some of the topics that constantly make the headlines regarding the U.S’ Southern neighbor, and it is naturally off-putting. Some wonder if it is safe to choose Mexico as a holiday spot, and it actually is, if you know where to go and where not to. But if you are still feeling uneasy about visiting Mexico, you should take a look at The 10 Best Places to Visit in the USA. If you still haven’t traveled along and around our beautiful country, it’s about time you did so.
Adventure, pleasure, relaxation, history, culture and endless fun await in the best Mexican vacation spots. So, let’s take a look at the countdown for the best places to visit in Mexico.
10. Mexico City
Mexico City was founded by Amerindians and is one of the oldest capital cities in the Americas. It was originally built by the Aztecs in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, so the history behind this city is one of the best attractions it has to offer. Around every corner of the Mexican political, cultural and financial center, a secret waits to be revealed by curious tourists. Don’t let rumors and myths about this city fool you, Mexico City cleaned up nicely for the bi-centennial and now has a crime rate about a third of Washington, DC’s.
9. Acapulco
Southwest of the capital lies the largest beach and balneario resort city of Mexico. This 1950s hotspot for Hollywood stars and millionaires is still renowned for its nightlife and keeps attracting many tourists. In fact, nowadays Acapulco is a popular destination for American spring breakers who are looking to party and enjoy the beach life.
8. Guadalajara
Another urban vacation spot, Guadalajara is a cultural center where one can enjoy mariachi music, go to film festivals, book fairs and other cultural events. And, if you like sports, this city is home to one of the most popular soccer teams in Mexico. Moreover, it has a great nightlife to offer, and you should experience drinking real tequila at the city where it was born.
The Mexican hotspots only get better from here, as we count down the seven best places to visit in Mexico on the next page.
7. Oaxaca
This colonial city is located in a valley at 5,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by the mountains of Sierra Madre del Sur. Its cultural value is worth exploring: visit the churches and museums and rejoice in the colonial architectural wonders, eat traditional Mexican cuisine or experience the typical Oaxaca festivals. This city is a great getaway to immerse in Mexico’s authentic culture.
6. Los Cabos
Los Cabos is a municipality that includes two towns: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, as well as the Resort Corridor that lies between the two. The outstanding transformation this region underwent in the twentieth century left the rural appeal behind; nowadays Los Cabos welcomes about two million visitors per year. This place where the desert meets the sea, is famous for its resorts, golf hotspots and sport fishing opportunities.
5. Mazatlan
A great destination if what you like is relaxing at the beach. Once famous in the 1970s and 1980s, Mazatlan is re-attracting tourists to its historic sites, renovated museums, and, of course, gorgeous beaches.
4. Cozumel
This island’s economy is based mainly on tourism. And, no wonder, for it is extremely beautiful and a great place to learn about Mayan culture. Located in the Caribbean Sea, tourists like to scuba dive or snorkel in the crystal clear warm waters of Cozumel. Other water-related attractions are the cruise boats and the coral reef.
3. Tulum
Tulum is the site of a Mayan walled city and the ruins are located along the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. But this port is not only of historical relevance, it is also one of the new beach hotspots. A tranquil and rural retreat, Tulum is chosen by tourists who want to void the mega-resorts that have taken over other Mexican beaches.
2. Puerto Vallarta
This city has it all: wild nightclubs and raves, spectacular beaches, colonial landmarks, jungle mountains, regional cuisine restaurants… and what is great about it is that it is not as crowded as other typical tourist centers such as Cancun.
1. Playa del Carmen
“Playa” is now a lively resort town with breathtaking beaches, entertainment venues and commercial buildings, but it once was only a small fishing village. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, souvenir shops: everything is right by the beach and available at all hours.
