Mexico is one of the best tourist countries, I feel that. I visited the 12 Best Places in Mexico, which was an unforgettable trip for me. The 12 Best Places to Visit in Mexico. I enjoyed those unforgettable places. Mexico is bursting with some of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet! After several trips exploring far beyond the famous resort towns, I’ve uncovered secluded coastlines, mystical ancient ruins, vibrant towns, and incredible islands that feel like another world. From hidden beaches to cultural wonders, these are the Mexico travel gems you absolutely need to put on your bucket list. Trust me, they’re worth the journey.
01. Yucatán Peninsula
I absolutely fell in love with the Yucatán Peninsula’s breathtaking beauty, from its limestone landscapes and pristine Caribbean beaches to its jungle-hidden cenotes that feel straight out of a dream. I flew into Cancún and hopped on a colectivo for the 1.5-hour ride along Highway 307 to Playa del Carmen, where I based myself for two unforgettable weeks. I split my stay between the stylish 4-star HM Playa del Carmen and the boho-lux Era Hotel & Spa Tulum. Both offered lush courtyards, spa-like vibes, and that effortlessly glamorous Riviera Maya atmosphere, complete with yacht-filled coastlines and dreamy resort scenes.
My favorite part? Swimming in magical cenotes. Gran Cenote totally stole my heart with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, hanging vines, and mystical cave ambience. I also explored incredible national parks, joined a boat tour where dolphins popped up to say hello, and soaked in the cultural magic of Mérida during Día de los Muertos, surrounded by glowing marigolds, candles, and hauntingly beautiful parades.
Location: Southeastern Mexico, stretching between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Wildlife: Dolphins, tropical fish, howler monkeys
Must-Experience Highlight: Dining at the elegant Kuuk Restaurant in Mérida, set inside a restored colonial mansion, the cold raspberry and hibiscus soup was an unforgettable standout!
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02. Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City is one of the best places in Mexico, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Its vibrant colonial streets, thriving artisan markets, and stunning mountain backdrop make it one of the most soulful and visually striking cities in Mexico. After flying into Oaxaca International Airport, I took a quick 20-minute taxi ride filled with scenic views and spent an unforgettable week exploring the historic center. Oaxaca has this magical blend of creativity and tradition. Picture cobblestone streets decorated with colorful street art, lively plazas filled with music, and countless mezcal tastings that give you a real taste of local culture.
Food lovers, prepare to be obsessed. Oaxaca City is a culinary hotspot, and I dived right in, wandering through bustling local markets, joining a vegetarian cooking class, and indulging in an incredible dinner at El Destilado, where I tried an unforgettable spicy mole made with chilies, peanuts, sesame seeds, and anise. Beyond the city, I explored serene white-sand beaches, misty forests, and secret waterfalls. The landscapes are just as captivating as the culture.
Location: Nestled in a valley in southern Mexico
My Personal Highlights:
Staying at the stylish 4-star Majagua Hotel Boutique, with its boho-chic design, cozy fire pits, handwoven textiles, and rustic driftwood décor, it truly delivers that dreamy, earthy, boutique-hotel vibe.
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03. Isla Holbox
I found Isla Holbox to be absolutely magical, a dreamy, car-free island paradise with powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, and colorful, artsy streets that instantly steal your heart. I reached the island by taking a two-hour shuttle from Cancún to Chiquilá, followed by a scenic 20-minute ferry ride across calm, teal-blue waters.
I spent an unforgettable week soaking up Holbox’s laid-back island vibes. My days were filled with wandering past vibrant street art, kayaking through quiet mangroves, and swimming in the wild, spring-fed waters of Yalahau Lagoon, surrounded by orchids and lush greenery. A highlight was taking a boat tour to the secluded Punta Mosquito, where I spotted elegant flamingos wading through shallow waters. And nothing compares to watching the island light up with magical bioluminescence at night, best experienced between June and September. Every evening closed with a breathtaking sunset that turned the sky into shades of pink, orange, and gold.
Location: Off the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, about 40 miles northwest of Cancún.
Wildlife: Seasonal flamingos, pelicans, herons, ospreys, crocodiles in the mangroves, and seasonal whale sharks.
My Personal Highlight:
Staying at the stylish 4-star Soho Boutique Holbox, where I loved the boho-chic atmosphere and unwinding with a sweet xtabentún (traditional honey-anise liqueur) in a luxurious soaking tub pure bliss!
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04. Bernal
I was completely enchanted by Bernal, a timeless Mexican village filled with colorful colonial streets, rustic stone pathways, and lively plazas, all set beneath the towering Peña de Bernal, one of the tallest monoliths in the world. Getting here was easy: I hopped on a 45-minute bus from Querétaro’s central station and soon found myself in this peaceful, postcard-perfect destination.
I spent five dreamy, slow-paced days at the beautiful 4-star Zidada Hotel and Chalets, soaking up Bernal’s relaxed atmosphere. My trip was a perfect mix of adventure and culture: hiking the cactus-lined Peña de Bernal trail with panoramic mountain views, browsing charming artisan boutiques, sampling fruity local wines, and shopping for handmade treasures at Centro Artesanal La Aurora. Evenings were all about cozy courtyard restaurants, warm lights, and authentic Mexican flavors.
Location: A small town in Querétaro, central Mexico
My Favorite Highlight:
Dining alfresco at the rustic-chic El Arrayán was pure magic, think lantern-lit courtyards and stuffed poblano peppers drenched in rich, spicy mole. It felt like stepping straight into a Mexican fairytale.
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05. Isla Mujeres
I thought Isla Mujeres was pure paradise powder-soft white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs creating the perfect slow-paced island escape just a short ferry ride from Cancún. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, the ocean sparkles all day, and every moment feels like a postcard.
From my chic Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres hotel in Cancún, I took a quick 25-minute bus ride to Puerto Juárez, hopped on the Ultramar ferry for a scenic 20-minute crossing, and spent three blissful days living the island dream. I snorkeled in impossibly blue waters, relaxed on Playa Norte’s powdery sands, explored the dramatic cliffs and ancient ruins at Punta Sur, sipped strong Mango Margaritas at the funky Tiny Gecko Bar, and ended each day with a magical sunset cruise. Honestly, doing absolutely nothing had never felt so perfect!
Location: A small tropical island just off the coast of Cancún, Mexico
Wildlife: Dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and whale sharks (best spotted from June to September)
My Personal Highlight:
Staying at the stylish 4-star Icaco Island Village, I loved the sleek all-white design, Insta-worthy pool cabanas, and ending the day with a tangy tamarind margarita by the pool. Total island bliss!
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06. Puerto Vallarta
I thought Puerto Vallarta was the perfect all-in-one Mexican getaway golden beaches, lush green mountains, colorful colonial streets, vibrant street art, and some of the most unforgettable Pacific sunsets you’ll ever see. It’s that rare destination that feels both laid-back and full of life at the same time.
I flew into Puerto Vallarta International Airport, took a quick 20-minute taxi ride over the Ameca River with dreamy ocean views, and spent a relaxed yet exciting week at the romantic 4-star Casa Victoria Malecón. My days were a blissful blur of lounging on sun-kissed beaches, strolling the scenic Malecón boardwalk, snorkeling in clear waters, going whale watching, and wandering through the charming Old Town filled with traditional architecture, stylish restaurants, artisan boutiques, and buzzing nightlife.
Location: Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, along the beautiful Bahía de Banderas
Wildlife: Dolphins, humpback whales (seasonal), tropical fish
My Personal Highlight:
Taking a lively, all-inclusive yacht cruise to Yelapa Falls was unforgettable! I loved the upbeat party vibe onboard, spotting playful dolphins along the way, and even enjoying a blissful open-air Shiatsu massage as we sailed toward this hidden tropical paradise.
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07. Celestun
I was truly blown away by Celestún, a peaceful coastal escape filled with serene lagoons, thick mangrove forests, and dreamy flocks of pink flamingos that look unreal against the turquoise water. If you’re looking for one of the best hidden gems in the Yucatán Peninsula, this tranquil paradise is it.
I drove about 1.5 hours from Mérida along Highway 281, passing charming little villages, and spent three blissful days at the stylish 4-star Tótem Beach Club. My days were pure relaxation and adventure rolled into one: I took a scenic boat tour to spot flamingos and pelicans, glided through mystical mangroves, swam in refreshing freshwater springs, lounged on quiet white-sand beaches, and devoured fresh seafood at laid-back beach restaurants with my toes buried in powder-soft sand.
Location: Northwestern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
Wildlife: Flamingos (seasonal), pelicans, herons, American crocodiles, jaguar habitat areas, and the endangered Yucatán black howler monkey
My Favorite Highlight
Gliding through the earthy, mystical Celestún Biosphere mangroves, sipping a cold agua de chaya, and watching flocks of majestic pink flamingos take flight was one of those “wow, this is real life” travel moments.
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08. Lago de Patzcuaro
Lago de Pátzcuaro truly feels like stepping into a magical world with its misty blue waters, ancient islands, and rich Purepecha traditions; it has an almost spiritual charm (no wonder it helped inspire Pixar’s Coco!).
I drove just over an hour from Morelia through scenic pine forests to reach the beautiful lakeside town of Pátzcuaro, tucked inside an ancient volcanic basin. The region is also home to rare wildlife, including the rough-footed mud turtle and Mexican garter snake. I stayed four peaceful days at the romantic 4-star Mansion de los Sueños, taking boat trips to the traditional Janitzio Island, exploring artisan villages, hiking serene nature trails, tasting authentic Michoacán cuisine, and visiting the striking Colonial-era Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud.
Location: Central-western Mexico, in the state of Michoacán. Location map & directions
Wildlife You May Spot: rough-footed mud turtles, Mexican garter snakes, egrets, cormorants
My Favorite Experience at Lago de Pátzcuaro
One of my most unforgettable moments was visiting Santa Clara del Cobre, where I watched local artisans skillfully hammer glowing copper into beautiful handcrafted pieces. The rhythm of the hammering, the warm metallic scent, and the pride in their craftsmanship made it such a special cultural experience, and yes, I brought home a gleaming hand-hammered copper bowl as a keepsake!
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09. Cabo San Lucas Arch
I was completely captivated by the Cabo San Lucas Arch, an iconic rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, rising dramatically against the turquoise waters and perfectly showcasing Cabo’s rugged coastal beauty.
I flew into Los Cabos International Airport, rented a car, and drove about 40 minutes along the scenic coast to the lively resort town of Cabo San Lucas, where I stayed for a fun-filled week. My days were packed with adventure and relaxation: photographing the stunning Arch, lounging on soft white-sand beaches, snorkeling among tropical fish, going whale watching, and even zipping through desert canyons on an ATV. Evenings were all about spicy tacos de canasta, live music, and dancing at the buzzing Mango Deck Bar and Grill.
Location: Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula
Wildlife: Sea lions, humpback whales (seasonal), tropical fish
My Personal Highlight:
Staying at the stylish 4-star Bahia Hotel & Beach House was a dream. I loved its prime location on the best beaches, and sipping a tangy mezcal margarita at the swim-up bar quickly became my daily ritual.
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10. Mahahual
Mahahual quickly became one of my favorite hidden gems in Mexico, a sleepy fishing village with palm-fringed beaches, sparkling Caribbean waters, and a relaxed, rustic vibe that feels worlds away from the crowded resort towns.
I took a scenic 3.5-hour bus ride south from Tulum along the coast and spent four blissful days at the boho-chic 4-star Hotel Luna De Plata. My days were a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure: lounging on pristine, quiet beaches, snorkeling and diving along the vibrant Mesoamerican Reef, strolling the palm-lined Malecón boardwalk at sunset, enjoying fresh seafood at barefoot beachside restaurants, and exploring the nearby mystical Chacchoben Mayan ruins.
Location: On the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
Wildlife: Sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, Blue Tang, Wrasse
My Personal Highlight:
Diving with Pepe Dive School was unforgettable. I floated weightlessly past colorful coral, schools of Blue Tang and Wrasse, and majestic eagle rays. The best moment? A curious sea turtle glided right up to me, making the underwater world feel completely magical.
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11. Morelia
Morelia completely won me over as a stunning pink-stone colonial city with UNESCO World Heritage status, where Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture glows beautifully against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.
I took a scenic 4-hour bus ride from Mexico City’s Terminal Poniente, passing volcanic landscapes and fertile farmland, and spent three delightful days at the Instagram-worthy Hotel De La Soledad. I wandered through the city’s highlights: the magnificent Morelia Cathedral, the historic aqueduct and bustling plazas, colorful artisan markets, and the elegant 17th-century Palacio Clavijero. Of course, tasting authentic Michoacán cuisine was a must; the tamales here are unforgettable!
Location: Central Mexico, in the state of Michoacán, about 186 miles west of Mexico City
My Favorite Highlight:
Dining at Cuish Cocina Boutique was pure magic. The rustic-chic ambiance with a crackling fireplace, inventive craft cocktails, and my dish of smoky Michoacano chili served with delicate pumpkin blossoms made it one of the most memorable meals of my trip.
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12. Isla Espiritu Santo
Isla Espíritu Santo felt like stumbling upon a hidden paradise, a UNESCO-listed island with sparkling turquoise waters, dramatic red cliffs, and pristine white-sand beaches, all teeming with vibrant marine life and completely free of tourist crowds.
I stayed in La Paz and joined a guided day trip, taking a scenic one-hour panga boat ride each way to reach its untouched shores. My day was packed with unforgettable adventures: swimming with playful sea lions, kayaking through secluded coves, hiking scenic desert trails, snorkeling among colorful fish, and relaxing on sun-drenched beaches that felt completely private. Heads up: there are no facilities on the island, so I packed everything I needed for the day!
Location: Gulf of California, off the coast of Baja California Sur
Wildlife: Sea lions, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks
My Personal Highlight:
Snorkeling at El Cardonal was magical. I floated in crystal-clear water among schools of bold-striped sergeant majors and silver Needlefish, then enjoyed chile-lime mango in the shade of a towering cardón cactus, pure Baja bliss!
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