The Best Places to Visit in Mexico

Holidays to Mexico are some of the most amazing escapes on planet earth, with everything you could possibly want for an unforgettable getaway.

We’re talking about beautiful beaches, out-of-this-world hotels, captivating culture, history, heritage, and let’s face it – fantastic food. Mexico holidays never disappoint! 

If you’re planning your Mexico holiday, you might be wondering where the best places are to visit. Well, we’ve got you covered! From the most popular resorts to must-visit attractions, here are all the best places to visit in Mexico.

 

Cancun

With one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the world, Cancun is a must-visit if you’re coming to Mexico. Starting out as a small fishing village in the 70s, it’s now blossomed into a huge, heavenly resort packing in plenty of amazing experiences. 

If you choose to stay in Cancun you’ll likely be positioned along the Hotel Zone – where, you guessed it, hotels take up the best spots along a 14 mile stretch of sun, sea, and sand. 

Thrown in the mix are a range of restaurants, serving everything from American fare to seafood, and of course fantastically fresh, authentic Mexican dishes. Prepare to feast on fajitas, enchiladas and burritos to your heart’s content! 

Beach days here are pure bliss – being smack bang in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea, you’ll be tempted in by turquoise waters each and every day.

Add all that to shopping malls for the perfect souvenirs and a vibrant nightlife scene, and you’ve got everything you need for a fun-filled getaway. 

The nights in Cancun can be as lively or low-key as you like – in the epicentre you’ll find state-of-the-art nightclubs with appearances from world-class DJs like Tiesto, bars with acrobatic displays and impersonators, or chilled-out lounges with live music. 

 

You can’t miss: Coco Bongo

You can’t come to Cancun without a visit to one of the most unique entertainment venues in the world! Entertainment is taken to a whole new level here – Coco Bongos is part club, part show, and is a night out you’ll remember forever. 

You’ll experience amazing acrobatic displays and performances from teams of dancers, all to the biggest hits. From Elvis to Queen, these impersonators will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to a one-of-a-kind concert. Add that to confetti canyons and a wave of balloons being bounced around the crowd, and you’ve got a party atmosphere like no other! 

 

Riviera Maya

Just down from Cancun, lies another stretch of Caribbean coastline, known as Riviera Maya. It comprises a few different resorts, the most popular being Playa del Carmen, and the most luxurious being Playacar. It’s also home to smaller village areas with a quieter atmosphere like Pureto Morelos.

The whole of Riviera Maya is renowned for its beauty, so no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular scenery at every turn. Beautiful beaches are an absolute given!

A lot of the hotel resorts in this area are huge and in their own isolated spots with private stretches of beach, meaning a lot of the time you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your hotel complex if you don’t want to. Of course, it’s always fun to venture out on a trip or two! 

One of the top places to visit in Riviera Maya is the Fifth Avenue of Playa del Carmen. It’s an iconic street boasting a superb selection of stores – from big brand boutiques to traditional craft shops – and a top-notch gastronomic offer, too. This colourful street will give you a real feel of Mexican flavour –  the food, the flowing drinks, and the lively atmosphere as you make your way through.

Riviera Maya is also your gateway to the idyllic island of Cozumel – a small island off the coast of Mexico, just across from Playa del Carmen. You can head on day trips here by boat, where you can also discover the amazing underwater world of the Caribbean sea – with this section in particular being home to the world’s second largest barrier reef. 

 

You can’t miss: Chichen Itza and Tulum

Mayan ruins are a must-see in Mexico – and you have some right on your doorstep when you visit Riviera Maya! 

There are many Maya civilisation sites spread out all across Mexico, but it could be argued that  Tulum has by far the most beautiful location. The ancient Mayans built a city and certainly gave themselves stunning ocean views to match!

The coastal beauty of Rivera Maya is truly on full display at Tulum. You’ll discover stone walls creating a fascinating fortress, all leading to the tallest building set in prime position against the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean sea. The clifftop El Castillo pyramid is the perfect selfie spot, and we’d recommend a guided tour so you can fully take in all the fascinating history of this place. 

And if you think those ruins are impressive, just wait until you set eyes on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, set deep within the Yucatan jungle.

The majestic Temple of Kukulkan will stop you in your tracks, and you’ll be fascinated to learn how sophisticated this ancient civilisation actually was, with the use of technology in their time.

These trips usually come accompanied with a stop off at a local cenote for a one-of-a-kind swim, and a traditional Mexican lunch in a local village. Experiences don’t come much more authentic than this!

Trips to Chichen Itza or Tulum are also available to you if you choose to stay in nearby Cancun, too. 

 

Playa Mujeres

If you’ve tested out the likes of Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico and are looking for somewhere new to stroll along the sand, then change up your Mexico holiday with a stay in Playa Mujeres, sometimes known as Costa Mujeres too.

This tiny peninsula is located north of Cancun, and is a pretty new addition to Mexico’s holiday scene. You’ll find some of the biggest and best hotels up this way, such as RIU Palace Costa Mujeres and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort.

The resorts in this area are so stunning you’ll likely not want to leave your hotel grounds, but you’re still close enough to plenty of the action if you fancy a few days out and about.

Playa Mujeres really does boast the best of both worlds – it has a calm and secluded feel to it, whilst remaining just 30 minutes away from all the hustle and bustle of Cancun, so you can dip back into the amazing array of restaurants and nightlife at a moment’s notice.

 

You can’t miss: A Boat Trip to Isla Mujeres

Located just off the coast of Playa Mujeres is the spectacular little island of Isla Mujeres. From the moment you step ashore, you really will feel as though you’re in paradise. 

At just 4.3 miles long and less than half a mile wide, you can walk from one side of the island to the other in just a matter of minutes! It’s one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean, but it’s certainly not small on charm. 

From swimming in crystal clear, tranquil turquoise waters to cycling around the edge of the island, there’s a multitude of amazing memories to be made here. There’s even a one-of-a-kind underwater museum just off the coast of the island, where you can snorkel down to discover a gallery of sculptures under the sea. Talk about unique! 

You’ll find ferries, boats, and catamarans making their way to this idyllic island throughout the day from the mainland. Choose your favourite, hop on, and have fun! 

 

Puerto Vallarta

Over on the other side of Mexico lies pretty Puerto Vallarta, taking up a gorgeous spot on Mexico’s Pacific coast.  The cosmopolitan alternative to Cancun, you’ll love it here if you love seaside strolls, delicious dining, and plenty of people watching.

In the heart of the town lies El Malecon, a beautiful beachside promenade featuring a striking contemporary sculpture leading out into the sea, surrounded by bars, lounges, nightclubs and rustic restaurants.

The promenade starts by the fishermen’s market and flows south to a lively amphitheatre where you’ll find nightly folk dances and shows.  Along the way you’ll be captivated by musicians and street performers, and lured in to try tempting treats off local street vendors. This beating heart of Puerto Vallarta will give you a tantalising taste of true Mexico! 

And beyond the beauty of sand and sea, Mexico’s pacific coast boasts a gorgeous array of greenery. Say hello to the Sierra Madre mountains – an area bustling with amazing adventure activities for you to try, from abseiling to zooming along on zip lines! 

 

You can’t miss – Tequila Tasting 

You can’t come to Mexico without getting a feel for real Mexican traditions – and if there’s one you simply have to try, it’s got to be tequila tasting!

Along the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains you’ll discover family-owned tequila distilleries that have been producing the tastiest tequila for decades. 

You’ll be introduced to the whole fascinating process from start to finish – from the cooking, to fermenting, distilling and of course ageing, you’ll see how this favoured spirit goes from growing plant to the finished product in its shiny bottle. And of course, you’ll get to sample plenty!

 

Los Cabos

There’s nowhere in Mexico quite like Los Cabos. Mixing together a blend of desert and mountain scenery, you’ll be stopped in your tracks by the beauty around you at all angles.

With two main towns to choose from, there’s something for everyone in Los Cabos. You’ve got the sleepy area of San Jose del Cabo, illuminating traditional Mexican charm from traditional taco stands to pretty, pastel-coloured buildings. 

For something a bit more upbeat you’ve got Cabo San Lucas, a lively town with a marvellous marina. Expect to lay eyes on outlandish yachts and cooler-than-cool catamarans, with sophisticated bars and restaurants securing this spot as supremely trendy. 

Los Cabos lies on the very southern tip of the Baja California Sur Peninsula, meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to serene sights. 

The bold and brilliant beauty of Los Cabos stands out most once you clasp eyes on the amazing rock formations dotted out at sea. In fact, the signature landmark of Los Cabos is the Arch, known locally as ‘El Arco’. This stand-out limestone arch has been carved out over time by the tide and the wind, and makes for the most stunning backdrop on any holiday snaps. 

 

You can’t miss – Whale and Dolphin Watching

One of Los Cabos’s signature features has to be its amazing array of marine life. So no trip here is complete without a boat trip out on the water to see what you can spot!

Head here between January and April and you’ll have the best chances of seeing all kinds of spectacular sea life. The waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez are jam-packed with huge humpback whales and dolphins seemingly dancing above the waves! You’ll spot them jumping out from the water high into the air – it’s a marvellous thing to witness.  

There’s a chance you could also spot the more rare grey whales while you’re out, and not only that, but this area is also known for its colony of sea lions who love to sunbathe on the rocks, and occasionally even hop aboard onto the backs of boats perched in the harbour! 

And if you love snorkelling or scuba diving, you’ll be in your element here. Cabo Pulmo National Park is a nearby marine preserve where you’ll be right at home with schools of tropical fish, whale sharks and even sea turtles.

 

Time to Mexi-go?

So there you have it – our favourite hotspots in marvellous Mexico! Hopefully your choice on where to go in Mexico is now that little bit easier. Although, they’re all so fabulous, we might have just made things harder!

If you’re wanting a luxurious getaway in a dreamy destination, All Inclusive holidays to Mexico are the perfect way to relax and unwind. You can take a look at our top Mexico deals right here.