Are you fantasizing about a warm location where you can relax on sunny beaches, visit ancient and hip ruins, and taste some of the tastiest food on earth?
Yes, then Mexico can be your fantasy destination for your next trip! Mexico offers tranquil beach villages and vibrant towns full of history and vibrancy. Mexico has something exciting for every single individual.
You can relax on the beach, stroll down ancient streets full of stories, or have some thrilling outdoor adventure elsewhere in the nation.
Mexico boasts 14 fantastic World Heritage Sites, including the famous Chichen Itza. Mexico boasts the beautiful blue waters of Cancun too.
No matter which vacation style you prefer, Mexico is waiting to be discovered, enjoyed, and lived by you in a fantastic adventure your own way!
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas)
- 2 2. Puerto Vallarta
- 3 3. Sayulita
- 4 4. Tequila
- 5 5. Mexico City
- 6 6. Teotihuacán
- 7 7. San Miguel de Allende
- 8 8. Oaxaca City
- 9 9. Puerto Escondido
- 10 10. Palenque
- 11 More Amazing Places in Mexico
- 12 Valladolid
- 13 Isla HolboxI
- 14 Things to Do in Holbox
- 15 Isla Mujeres
- 16 Final Thoughts
1. Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas)
Location: Southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula
Known for: Luxury resorts, nightlife, and water activities
People go to glamorous Cabo San Lucas for its crystal-clear waters because it offers excellent swimming opportunities along with diving and whale observation. The famous El Arco (The Arch) rock formation is a must-see.
Top Things to Do:
- Sunset Cruise: Take a catamaran tour to see El Arco at sunset.
- Scuba Diving: Explore underwater cliffs and marine life.
- Whale Shark Snorkeling (Oct-Apr): Swim with gentle giants in La Paz.
- Whale Watching (Dec-Mar): Spot humpback whales on a guided tour.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Mayan Monkey Hostel (from $30 USD)
- Luxury: Playa Grande Resort (from $300 USD)
2. Puerto Vallarta
Location: Pacific Coast, Jalisco
Known for Beaches, nightlife, and jungle adventures
Puerto Vallarta mixes beach fun with Mexican charm. The Malecon boardwalk is full of art, restaurants, and ocean views.
Top Things to Do:
- Rhythms of the Night Show: A dinner and performance by Cirque du Soleil’s co-founder.
- Dolphin Snorkeling: Swim with wild dolphins.
- Islas Marietas Tour: Visit hidden beaches and snorkel in clear waters.
- Explore the Romantic Zone: A lively area with great food and drag shows.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Oasis Hostel (from $19 USD)
- Luxury: Hilton Vallarta Riviera (from $350 USD)
3. Sayulita
Location: Near Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit
Known for: Surfing, bohemian vibe, and colorful streets
The beach town Sayulita maintains a mellow atmosphere with a bohemian character. The area features beaches that are appropriate for new learners, while the town offers visitors artistic venues alongside delicious dining options.
Top Things to Do:
- ATV Jungle Tour: Ride through muddy trails and beaches.
- Visit Playa Los Muertos: A quieter beach with golden sand.
- Instagram Street: Take photos under colorful papel picado banners.
- Try a Giant Margarita: El Costeño serves a 4-liter margarita!
Where to Stay:
- Mid-Range: Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas (from $200 USD)
- Budget: Casa Love (from $96 USD)
4. Tequila
Location: Jalisco
Known for: Tequila production and agave fields
Real tequila production takes place within this compact town. The business allows guests to see distillery facilities while experiencing multiple tequila varieties and examining fields of blue agave plants.
Top Things to Do:
- Jose Cuervo Distillery Tour: Learn how tequila is made.
- Taste Premium Tequila: Try rare blends not sold elsewhere.
- Explore the Town: Walk cobblestone streets and visit historic buildings.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Hotel Delicias Tequila (from $63 USD)
- Luxury: Hotel Solar (from $282 USD)
5. Mexico City
Location: Central Mexico
Known for: History, food, and culture
Mexico’s capital is a huge, exciting city with world-class museums, ancient ruins, and amazing street food.
Top Things to Do:
- Zócalo & Historic Center: Visit the main square and cathedral.
- Lucha Libre Show: Watch masked wrestlers in an epic match.
- Taco Tour: Try the best tacos in the city.
- Day Trip to Teotihuacán: See the famous pyramids.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Selina Hostel (from $24 USD)
- Luxury: Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico (from $200 USD)
6. Teotihuacán
Location: Near Mexico City
Known for: Ancient pyramids
This archaeological site was once a massive city with towering pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun is one of the largest in the world.
Top Things to Do:
- Climb the Pyramids: Get a view from the top.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: See the ruins from above at sunrise.
Where to Stay:
Most visitors stay in Mexico City and take a day trip.
7. San Miguel de Allende
Location: Central Mexico
Known for: Colonial architecture and art
This colorful town has cobblestone streets, art galleries, and a stunning church.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel: A pink Gothic church.
- Explore Art Galleries: The town is full of creative shops.
- Relax at Hot Springs: Nearby, La Gruta has warm pools.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Hotel del Portal (from $88 USD)
- Luxury: Casa Don Quijote (from $105 USD)
8. Oaxaca City
Location: Southern Mexico
Known for: Day of the Dead, chocolate, and mezcal
Oaxaca is a food lover’s dream, with mole, chocolate, and mezcal tasting tours.
Top Things to Do:
- Day of the Dead Celebrations (Oct-Nov): See colorful altars and parades.
- Hierve el Agua: Swim in petrified waterfalls.
- Food Tour: Try Oaxacan specialties like tlayudas and tejate.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Yabanhi Hostel (from $40 USD)
- Luxury: Quinta Real Oaxaca (from $250 USD)
9. Puerto Escondido
Location: Oaxaca Coast
Known for: Surfing and bioluminescent plankton
This beach town is perfect for surfers and nature lovers.
Top Things to Do:
- Surf at Playa Zicatela: Known for big waves.
- Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton: Glow-in-the-dark water at night.
- Release Baby Turtles: Help conservation efforts.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Casa Losodeli (from $125 USD)
- Surf-Friendly: Hotel Rockaway (from $95 USD)
10. Palenque
Location: Chiapas
Known for: Mayan ruins and waterfalls
Deep in the jungle, Palenque’s ruins are surrounded by waterfalls.
Top Things to Do:
- Explore Palenque Ruins: Climb ancient temples.
- Visit Misol-Ha Waterfall: Swim under a towering cascade.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Kin Balam Cabanas (from $45 USD)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Ciudad Real (from $75 USD)
More Amazing Places in Mexico
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Valladolid
Location: Yucatan state
Known for: Stunning cenotes and delicious food, and being close to Chichen Itza, this city is a must-visit for anyone exploring Mexico.
The focal point of Valladolid consists of spectacular architecture and vivid street designs that shape its defining center. The major showstopper in Valladolid is Calzada de los Frailes, which features picturesque combinations of active construction with boutique businesses, friendly coffee spots, and decorative walls.
Food lovers will be delighted by the local cuisine. IX CAT IK is a top restaurant serving authentic Mayan dishes made with fresh ingredients from their own garden.
The atmosphere is lively, with live music and a beautiful outdoor setting. For something different, Elela Organic Vegan Cafe offers flavorful vegan meals, like their famous Spanish omelet made with ibes and papa, all at an affordable price.
Where to Stay in Valladolid
Hotel Casa Bamboo: A cheap but clean place with a tiny pool close to the bus station. Dorms for $45 USD.
Hotel Fundadores: A nice colonial-style hotel with pool and patio. A junior suite with balcony for around $75 USD.
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Isla HolboxI
Isla Holbox stands as a peaceful island destination at the northern boundary of the Yucatan Peninsula. No cars, sandy streets, and some of the most gorgeous beaches in the region.
Things to Do in Holbox
- Whale Shark Swimming (May–September): The whales pass through waters close to Holbox, and swimming alongside them is an experience one will never forget. The tour is around $220 USD.
- Beach Relaxation: Quiet Playa Punta Cocos has hammocks and blue shallow water.
- Boat Tour to Secret Islands: A three-island boat tour leads visitors to quiet beaches, a cenote, and flamingos and pelicans residing in Isla Pajaros. The $42 USD boat tour.
- Coffee at Clandestino Cafe: This is a great place to have a healthy breakfast bowl and fresh-brewed coffee.
- Where to Stay in Holbox
- Tribu Hostel: Relaxed social hostel with a beach-access atmosphere and rooftop yoga. Dorm bunks are $30 USD.
- Hotel Casa HX: Boutique, adult-only hotel with upscale rooms. Prices start at $145 USD.
- Cancun: Beaches, Nightlife, and Adventure
- World-famous for upscale hotels, night-time partying, and stunning beaches.
Cancun
Coco Bongo is the most visited nightclub, with insane shows and theme parties. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Playa Delfines: Long, scenic beach with strong waves (lifeguards on patrol).
- Playa Chacmool: A less crowded alternative in the Hotel Zone.
- Playa Tortugas: Good party vibe and great snorkeling.
- Fun Activities
- Whale Shark Tours (May–September): Swim with these friendly giants on a guided tour for $179 USD.
- Xcaret Park: Water activity paired with cultural performance and animal contact. Price from $107 USD.
- Cancun Scenic Tower: City and ocean views from above. Admission price $20 USD.
- Sunset Cruise to Isla Mujeres: Party boat with live band and open bar for $69 USD.
- Where to Stay in Cancun
- Selina Cancun Laguna: Budget hotel in Hotel Zone with bar and pool. Dorm beds cost $24 USD.
- JW Marriott Cancun Resort: Mid-range hotel with decent dining available. Rooms are 350–350–500 USD.
Isla Mujeres
Nearby ferry boat trip from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, boasts lovely beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
Top Things to Do:
- Golf Cart Rental: This is a friendly way of getting around the island. The cost of daily rental is approximately $70 USD.
- MUSA Visit: Snorkel or dive above sculptures below the water level.
- Playa Norte: The prettiest beach in Mexico, with silky white sand and crystal-clear waters.
- Punta Sur: Lovely views with Mayan ruins and stunning sunrises.
- Where to Stay:
- Selina Isla Mujeres PocNa: Hostel close to Playa Norte. Bed in dormitory for $30 USD.
- Casa de los Sueños: Beach and swimming pool boutique hotel. Room for $300 USD.
Final Thoughts
Mexico boasts a plethora of tourist destinations beyond its crowded beach culture in Cancun, its serene atmosphere in Isla Mujeres, its retro charm in Valladolid, and its ocean paradise in Holbox. Whale sharks and cenotes are accessible through snorkeling, or simply just stay with traveling from one of its beaches in these destinations to another that can be reached by anybody who is at any age.