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16 Most Breathtaking Places To Explore In Mexico
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 seriously Insta-worthy sunset that turned the whole sky gold and pink!
Location: Northern Quintana Roo off the Yucatán Peninsula | Size: small, car-free island | Vibe: barefoot-boho | Wildlife: flamingos, pelicans, crocs in mangroves, whale sharks
- 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, the third largest monolith 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, taking in the laid-back vibe. I hiked the cactus-studded Peña de Bernal trail, browsed cool little artisan shops (the handcrafted textiles at Centro Artesanal La Aurora where a stand-out!), savored fruity La Redonda Tempranillo Joven, and shopped for handicrafts at the authentically Mexican Centro Artesanal La Aurora.
Location: Central Mexico, Querétaro State | Size: small town | Vibe: mystical, slow-paced, artisan
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 short walk or shuttle from my chic Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres hotel to the nearby ferry terminal in Costa Mujeres and hopped on the Ultramar ferry for the quick 20-minute crossing and spent three beautiful 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 not much at all had never felt so perfect!
Location: Off the coast of Cancún, Quintana Roo | Size: small island | Vibe: relaxed, colorful, and beachy-chic | Wildlife: Dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks
My highlights…
- Staying at the 4-star Icaco Island Village — I loved the trendy all-white design, Insta-worthy pool cabanas, and sipping on a tangy tamarind margarita by the pool!
6. Puerto Vallarta
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.
Location: Pacific coast of Jalisco | Size: medium-sized resort city | Vibe: romantic, lively, and beachy-glam
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!
7. Celestun
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 go flamingo and pelican spotting, 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: Northwestern Yucatán | Size: small fishing town | Vibe: sleepy, nature-focused, and wonderfully wild | Wildlife: flamingos, pelicans, herons, American crocodiles, jaguars 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 just over 45 minutes from Morelia through scenic pine forests to the Pátzcuaro lakeshore, continuing to the town of Pátzcuaro itself 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: Central Mexico | Size: large volcanic lake | Vibe: tranquil, timeless, and culturally rich | 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: Southern tip of Baja California Sur | Size: around ~140 ft | Vibe: dramatic and photogenic
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: Southern Quintana Roo on the Costa Maya | Size: small town | Vibe: relaxed and barefoot-boho
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.
Location: Central Mexico in Michoacán’s highlands | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: elegant, historic, and quietly sophisticated
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: Gulf of California near La Paz, Baja California Sur | Size: medium-sized protected island ~80–90 km² | Vibe: pristine eco-paradise | Wildlife: Sealions, 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!
14. Campeche
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.
Location: Western Yucatán Peninsula | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: colorful, historic, and quietly elegant
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: Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua, Northern Mexico | Size: vast network of six interconnected canyons | Vibe: rugged, remote, and dramatic | Wildlife: golden eagles, pumas, black bears, coatis, ringtails, white-tailed deer, and a rich variety of birdlife
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!
