20 Must-Visit Attractions in Mexico
Whether you want to stick to the lush jungle backdrop of the humid Yucatán Peninsula, make your way to the beautiful beaches of Baja California, check out some natural wonders in Oaxaca, or just explore culture in the capital Mexico City, you’ll never be short of things to do. Mexico is full of must-visit attractions – here are the top 20.
1. La Catedral Metropolitana, Mexico City
Cathedral, Museum
2. Teotihuacán, State of Mexico
Historical Landmark, Archaeological site, Ruins
Less than an hour’s bus ride away from Mexico City lies the mysterious archaeological site of Teotihuacán, which was supposedly inhabited by a multicultural society (not the Aztecs!), of which little is known to this day. Climb the two main Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and wander the Calzada de los Muertos, but remember to pack sunblock and water.
3. The beaches of Tulum, Quintana Roo
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
We hop over to the Caribbean coastline now, with a visit to the cool town where you can find some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches – Tulum. Somewhat of a tourist trap in recent years, there is still an excellent dining scene and one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful coastlines in the country, all white sand and tranquil turquoise waters ideal for swimming.
4. Cenotes, Yucatán Peninsula
Natural Feature
It’s impossible to select just one cenote that you must see while you’re on the Yucatán Peninsula, because the place is literally full of them. However, there are some reputable big names that you might be interested in, such as Dos Ojos just outside the aforementioned Tulum, or the intriguingly named Carwash. Alternatively, take a dip in Ox Bel Ha, the world’s largest underground cave system.
5. Las Pozas, San Luis Potosí
Architectural Landmark
Mexico is often touted as an intensely surrealist country, and given the number of world famous (and even underrated) surrealist artists this North American powerhouse has produced, it’s not hard to believe. However, Mexico doesn’t get more surreal than the British eccentric Edward James’ magnificent and bizarre sculpture park Las Pozas, set deep in the heart of the San Luis Potosí rainforest.
6. Horno3, Monterrey
Museum
7. Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico
Park
8. Las Coloradas, Yucatán
Natural Feature
An Instagrammer’s dream location is the best way to describe the fascinating phenomenon of Yucatán’s pink salt lakes. Yes, you read that right. Las Coloradas are strikingly pink pools that you can find in a tiny Mexican fishing village, close to Mérida. While taking a dip is now sadly off limits, you can still wander round the edge and soak up the wonderful weirdness of it all for yourself.
9. Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City
Museum
10. Playa del Amor, Baja California
Natural Feature
If you thought that Mexico’s Caribbean coastline was the only place you could find a decent beach, then you clearly forgot about the Baja Peninsula. Now best known for the northern border city of Tijuana and the southern celebrity haven of Los Cabos, it’s also home to Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach). A sure-fire bucket list beach, even for the sand-a-phobes among you, it rather amusingly borders Divorce Beach. Seriously.
11. Barranca del Cobre, Chihuahua
Natural Feature, Hiking Trail
12. Coyoacán, Mexico City
Park
13. Agua Azul, Chiapas
Natural Feature
Perhaps the best-known waterfall in Mexico, Chiapas’ Agua Azul is a major tourist destination and often visited as part of a set tour that will also take you to several fascinating spots like the archaeological ruins of Palenque and the Misol-Ha waterfall. Over-commercialized or not, it’s hard to deny the magnificence of these dazzlingly blue rapids that cascade for miles, collecting in small bathing pools along the way.
14. Pípila, Guanajuato
Architectural Landmark
You may well have stumbled across a photo or two of colonial Guanajuato at one point or another, given that it’s one of Mexico’s most emblematic tourist destinations. However, while the cobbled streets, colourful buildings and subterranean passages are all lovely in their own right, you must scale the hill to the Pípila monument and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views over the entire town.
15. Mina El Eden, Zacatecas
Architectural Landmark
One of Mexico’s most underrated destinations is also the home to one of the country’s coolest attractions – Mina El Eden (Eden Mine). You might be wondering what’s so special about a mine, but that’s only because you’ve never come across one that’s also a bar. Yes, in Zacatecas you can take a ride on the cable car, explore the mine by day and return at night for a quick drink in an unforgettable location.
16. Tequila, Jalisco
Architectural Landmark
17. Isla Janitzio, Michoacán
Natural Feature
Alongside Oaxaca and Mixquic, Mexico City, Isla Janitzio is the place to celebrate the fascinating Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead. A small island within Lake Pátzcuaro in the troubled state of Michoacán, Janitzio comes alive at the start of November, as residents and tourists crowd onto the island to pay their respects for the dead and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the unique celebration.
18. Islas Marietas, Nayarit
Park
Las Islas Marietas were temporarily closed in recent years due to the high numbers of tourists that traveled to these tiny and fragile islands, famed for their hidden beach and wealth of flora and fauna. Nowadays, they’re open for business, although there are limited numbers allowed to access the islands each day. So, should you get the chance to go, grab it with both hands, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
19. Chichen Itzá, Yucatán
Archaeological site
Finally, how could we not mention Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the modern world? Sure, some believe it to be overrated and inauthentic, but as one of the greatest Mayan archaeological sites in the country, it’s also an essential visit. Renowned for its central pyramid, the site has plenty of other ruins to explore and makes for an unforgettable trip that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
20. La Merced Market, Mexico City
Market
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