21 best places to go in Mexico
/It seems like Mexico is on everyone’s lips these days, possibly because it’s the only places many can travel right now. So there’s at least one bright side to a global pandemic along with the fact that you get to explore a new part of the world that you might never have discovered.
I’ve been visiting Mexico for years and decided to settle down and use it as a base back in 2017 because, in my eyes, it’s almost perfect. Each state has a distinct identity from the food to the culture and picking the best places to go in Mexico can be challenging.
To help you decide where you should visit on your next trip, I got some travel bloggers to pick their favourite places to go in Mexico and share what they love about it. If you do decide to visit, please share your experience in the comments below!
Best places to go in Mexico
1) Oaxaca City (Ciudad de Oaxaca)
I’ll start with my personal favourite, a cute colonial city just south of Mexico City. Oaxaca is the capital city of a state with the same name, also popular for the beaches of Puerto Escondido and Mazunte.
There are a lot of things to do in Oaxaca but one of my favourite parts about the city is its lively cultural calendar. I’m talking about weekly festivals, elaborate Quinces and spontaneous parades.
Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico and no matter your budget, you’re going to be eating it up. From street-side quesadillas (with original quesillo from Oaxaca), to crunchy grasshoppers in the bustling markets and the Mexican-fusion creations of the fine-dining restaurants.
Don’t forget about the regional speciality of mezcal. Make a beeline for the closest mezcaleria or a mezcal factory for a tasting to figure out your favourite blend. Mezcal, which is similar to tequila, is served with orange slices and sal de gusano or worm salt and can be found in all of its varieties in every bar and restaurant around the city. It would be tough to avoid it even if you tried. They’re serious about their mezcal!
In between meals, you’re going to want to visit the nearby villages, natural sites and ancient ruins surrounding the city. You’ve got a petrified waterfall, artisan workshops and breathtaking Monte Alban that offers a panoramic view over the valley.
2) Mexico City
- Melissa from Parenthood and Passports
With more than 150 museums, incredible food, and a vibrant, family-friendly culture, Mexico City offers everything from a chic, cosmopolitan experience to an artistic, and authentic urban adventure. As North America’s largest city, this mega-metropolis has something for everyone. The number of museums in the city is second in the world only to Paris. Give yourself at least 3 days in Mexico City to hit the highlights. Although you would need weeks to visit all of the world-class museums, galleries, and historic sites in the country’s capital city. In the heart of Mexico City, you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the largest church in the Americas. Directly across the street from the cathedral, the open plaza, known as Zocalo, is a popular place for festivals, public events, and even protests. It is, by far, the largest square in the Americas, as well.
A visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral and Zocalo can easily be combined with a tour of the ancient Mayan ruins of Templo Mayor, and the city’s historic old town area. Old Town entices visitors with its colorful facades and stunning street art painted along the corridors, alleyways, and streets.
Other must-see sites include Palacio de Bella Artes, the National Museum of Anthropology, and Paseo de la Reforma. Paseo de la Reforma is a popular and modern street lined with tall trees, unique sculptures, famous monuments, and high-end restaurants and hotels.
With so much to do and see in Mexico City, it should be a must-visit on any Mexico itinerary and definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico.
3) Isla Mujeres
- Chris from The Aquarius Traveller
Isla Mujeres is a small Island in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Cancun with a population of approximately 12 thousand people. It’s known as the “one stop” island destination, with those fantastic looking beaches and luxury hotels. If you’re travelling on a budget, then you are still sure to find suitable, comfortable accommodation as well.
Anyone that visits Isla Mujeres will either be relaxing the day away, doing an endless supply of water activities, Shopping or exploring. The Island itself is only 4 miles (7km) long and 0.4 miles (650 metres) wide and the easiest mode of transport is by golf buggy or scooter. Being as small as it is though, the Hotels, restaurants and shopping districts are all within walking distance.
While you there, why not try your hand at snorkelling or Diving on the many reef systems including the manmade “Musa Museum” or swimming with Dolphins. If you up for a little excitement, summertime brings whale sharks to the area and is often the biggest draw card for many tourists.
Are you into fishing, then the turquoise blue waters are excellent, even for beginners? On land, there is a Mayan temple, sculpture garden, Hacienda Mundaca Homestead, a turtle farm and the Garrafon reef park.
At the end of the day, feast down on a local dish like “Ceviche”…….you won’t want to go home!
4) Cancun
- Michelle from That Texas Couple
You cannot have a list of the best places to visit in Mexico and not include the tourist hot spot that is Cancun. Surrounded by the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is a mecca for those seeking sand, surf, sun, and fun. Known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, excellent resorts, and great nightlife, Cancun truly has something for everyone.
Of course, the first thing you want to do is choose where to stay in Cancun. We recommend choosing Cancun’s Hotel Zone. This area gives you easy access to the beach as well as some great shopping and nightlife. Once you have chosen the perfect accommodations, then be sure and check out all of the fabulous things to do in and around Cancun.
Visitors have unlimited water sports at their disposal. You can easily book a snorkeling or diving trip, ride jet skis, or try out parasailing. We especially love taking the ferry over to Isla Mujeres. Touring Isla Mujeres on a golf cart makes for a really fun experience. If shopping is what you are looking for, then you are in luck. Cancun is full of great places to shop as well.
History lovers will definitely want to book a day trip to the Mayan ruins that are in this area including the world-famous Chichen Itza, located a short drive from Cancun. Foodies will also enjoy all of the fabulous Mexican cuisine that Cancun has to offer!
5) Puerto Escondido
- Anna from Anna Meanders
Puerto Escondido means hidden port, although it's not quite so hidden nowadays as more and more people discover the magic of Oaxaca state's stunning Pacific coastline. The vibe here is laid back and totally chilled out, with a beach suited for everyone, and some of the best fish tacos you've ever tasted.
Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo provide picture perfect sheltered bays full of tropical fish and soft, golden sand to dig your toes into while you sip a margarita - you're running on Mexican time now, after all! Across the other end of town you'll find Playa Zicatela, a surfer spot with long stretches packed full of excellent waves and pro surfers, great juice bars and magnificent sunsets each evening, with no shortage of hammocks to kick back and take it all in.
If wildlife is your thing, there is an abundance of sea-life tours to take you out spotting the local dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and humpback whales who frequent the warm, Pacific oceans. At dusk, make your way to Playa Bacocho for an unforgettable experience releasing newly hatched sea turtles out into the ocean. Once night sets in, make your way to the lagoon of Manialtepec for an otherworldly show of magical bioluminescence, and watch the phosphorescent plankton light up the water in a show of a billion glowing stars.
6) Valladolid
- Kate from Our Escape Clause
Small, colorful, and perfectly positioned to act as a base for all kinds of day trips when road tripping the Yucatan peninsula, Valladolid definitely lives up to its status as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (“magic towns”) and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Valladolid isn’t located on the coast, so while it is a popular city to visit in the region, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere than hotspots like Playa del Carmen or Tulum, and attracts a different kind of tourist.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the charming Zocalo and the beautiful Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, as well as take a stroll down the colorful Calzada de los Frailes and admire the gorgeous Iglesia de San Servicio.
Cenote Zaci, located in the heart of town, is also worth a visit (though it will be overshadowed by other nearby cenotes!).
Be sure to also stop for some food at the Mercado Municipal--the earlier you visit, the better!
As lovely as central Valladolid is, though, it is perhaps even better known for what lies just outside of it.
Valladolid is centrally located to some of the best cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula. Instagram-famous Cenote Suytun is less than a 15-minute drive from central Valladolid, as are Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken.
You can also use Valladolid to visit the stunning Ek Balam ruins and the cenote located right next door, Cenote X’canche (which may just be the most stunning cenote in the area).
Most famously, Valladolid is perfectly positioned to take a day trip to Chichen Itza!
7) San Miguel de Allende
- Katja from Globe Totting
San Miguel de Allende is undeniably one of Mexico’s prettiest destinations and one of the best places to go in Mexico. Famed for its elaborate baroque architecture, charming cobbled streets and its pink sandstone church, it’s one good-looking city.
The good news for visitors, however, is that there’s more to San Miguel de Allende than simply good looks. It’s home to a colourful history, some excellent restaurants, noteworthy sights and 100s of elaborate, Instagram-perfect doors.
Start your visit at San Miguel’s iconic pink church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (otherwise known as La Parroquia). This Grand Dame towers above the city skyline and was modelled on Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. From here, hop on the antique-looking trolley bus for a tour of the city. Stops include El Chorro, the public laundry that is still in use today. If you have your own wheels, then make sure to visit El Charco del Ingenio, the Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserve. Located just outside the city centre, these wild gardens extend over 170 acres.
Other highlights include the lively local market, the excellent traditional toy museum (particularly good if you’re visiting San Miguel de Allende with kids) and Cumpanio, one of the best bakeries in town. Make sure to stop by Churrería San Agustín while you’re here as well. Owned by a famous Argentine actress, Margarita Gralia, this is the place to come for churros con chocolate.
8) Puerto Vallarta
- Vicky from Buddy The Traveling Monkey
Puerto Vallarta is definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico. It’s especially great if you’re traveling on a budget. There are a lot of free things to do in Puerto Vallarta! One of the most popular things to see and do in Puerto Vallarta is to walk along the Malecon. This concrete boardwalk is a mile long and offers great views of the bay. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and shops there.
Another popular place to visit is the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe. It was built in the 1930s and the inside is beautiful. Not too far from the church is Isla Cuale, which we also recommend visiting. It’s a small river on the Cuale River and has a few restaurants and a small cultural museum that’s open during the winter months. The main reason to go, though, is the flea market. Here you can find clothes, jewelry, paintings, things for the home, and souvenirs.
Puerto Vallarta is also known to have spectacular sunsets. The best place to watch a sunset in Puerto Vallarta is the Mirador de La Cruz. This hilltop lookout on the eastern side of Puerto Vallarta is a challenge to get to; it requires climbing up a lot of very steep stairs. But we promise the sunset views at the top are worth the climb.
For small town vibes close to Puerto Vallarta, check out this digital nomad Airbnb in Sayulita.
9) Campeche
- Maartje and Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack
The picturesque town of Campeche in the Yucatán peninsula is one of the best places to go in Mexico. It is often called the most beautiful town in the country and a must-visit on any Mexico itinerary.
Campeche is known for its pastel-colored houses and charming streets. You’ll only find this in the small old town, while the city is actually quite big though. Strolling around the colorful streets in the old town is one of the best things to do in Campeche.
There aren’t many other big sights or attractions. The biggest sight is the old city wall, once located directly at the sea. Some parts are open as a museum and others can be climbed for free, like the museum in Baluerto de San Carlos, close to the northern gate.
Another great place to visit is the old botanical garden. It’s small and tours are only available in Spanish, but even without any explanation it’s a peaceful place to just sit on the swings and relax.
One of the most beautiful spots in Campeche is just outside the old town, at the seaside Malecon. This beach avenue is the best place to be around sunset when the sky turns yellow, orange and red with the sun setting in the sea.
You can’t visit Campeche without seeing its main square. It has a cozy village vibe with colorful buildings, a monumental church and a gazebo.
10) Mazatlan
- Daniel from Layer Culture
If you are on the lookout for the best places to go in Mexico, Mazatlan may not appear on your radar but as a prominent coastal destination, you'll quickly see why there's more than one reason to visit.
When you think of Mazatlan imagine local markets, breathtaking ocean views, and historic landmarks all in one place. Not only will you find some of the best sunsets in the whole country, but you may be pleased to notice the area is a little less congested than others when comparing to beach resorts in Mexico such as the Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
With so many things to do in Mazatlan, the coastal town boasts a solid list of luxury hotels as well as budget hostels and B&Bs for backpackers, so no matter what your style of travel is you’ll find something to suit you. There are three islands located off the coast which are very popular with people looking to try surfing, diving, and other aquatic activities.
For those looking for a more cultural experience, there are landmarks such as the Centro Historico which is home to many historical buildings and places such as Plaza Machado know as Machado Square in English which is one of the most popular places to go in Mazatlan where many restaurants and entertainment venues offer you a memorable experience on any trip to the city. All in all, any visitor to the Pacific side of Mexico should consider a trip to Mazatlan to see all that it has to offer.
11) Teotihuacan
- Taima from Poor in a Private Plane
Located less than an hour outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is a must-visit and certainly a contender from one of the best places to go in Mexico. This ancient city is home to the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the top 10 largest pyramids in the world.
This ancient city was once one of the largest cities in the Americas. Today visitors can spend the day admiring the pyramids and making their way around the archaeological site.
After a morning of exploring take a break and head over to La Gruta for lunch. La Gruta is a restaurant that is in a cave. And it's a great place to have a meal and enjoy a nice cold margarita before heading back out to explore the pyramids.
Take the time to do the climb to the top of the pyramids where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the ancient city. These are some of the few pyramids where you can still climb up to the top.
If time permits then make your way into town where you can try many of the vendors selling everything from street tacos to sweets. This is also a great spot to really experience daily life in Teotihuacan as this is the place where locals go shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables, and other food items. It is soo colorful and really gives you a unique look into the day to day life.
12) Guadalajara
- Jeanine from Le Wild Explorer
Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and located in the state of Jalisco. It’s widely known for mariachi music and the state is where tequila originated from. There are many things to do in this beautiful city from sight-seeing to eating the local and national cuisine. A trip to Guadalajara is amazing at almost any time of the year.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to eat and drink at the restaurants and bars on Chapultepec Avenue. Here you’ll find bars such as El Depósito World Beer Store, El Perdón Cantina, and more. If you’re looking for a different type of drink experience try pulque, an alcoholic drink made of fermented sap from the maguey plant, at La Pulkata. It’s said to be the “drink of the gods” and was drunk by the Aztecs.
Check out the monuments such as the beautiful Guadalajara Cathedral in the historic center and the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, a neo-gothic church from the late 1800s. The city is also full of art. Check out the murals of Jose Clemente Orozco at the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas.
There are also many day trips you can take from Guadalajara. You can take a tour to Tequila town to sample some tequila from the source. Or visit the charming town around Lake Chapala or take an excursion to check out Los Guachimontones, a pre-Columbian archaeological site about an hour outside the city. There are many things to do in the city so at least three days in Guadalajara is recommended. Enjoy your visit to Mexico!
13) Guanajuato
- John from Roaming Around the World
Guanajuato isn’t just one of the best places to go in Mexico. Many visitors proclaim this colonial city in the central highlands is the most beautiful in all of Mexico. The notoriously colorful dwellings connected by narrow pedestrian alleyways help to make Guanajuato shine brightly!
The historic town of Guanajuato is also listed as one of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as its beauty is further evident throughout the city's historic architecture. Baroque and neoclassical buildings add a certain flair to Guanajuato. Opulent churches, a spectacular theatre, ancient haciendas, and the grand staircase leading to the iconic university building are all impressive examples of Guanajuato’s architecture that can be viewed by taking an amble around the city.
In addition to sightseeing, there’s also lots to do in Guanajuato. The city was built on the prosperity of silver mines, which can still be visited today. Meanwhile, museums range from the artist Diego Rivera’s birthplace to a museum that houses over 100 local mummies! For recreation, consider hiking in the surrounding mountains or take a paddleboat within a city park. In the evening, callejoneadas offer a local Guanajuato tradition of taking a nighttime stroll filled with legends, lore, music, and laughs, all as this gorgeous city lights up.
Like any great city in Mexico, there are also some delicious eating and drinking opportunities. Leafy plazas lined with cafes give a perfect excuse to unwind with a cerveza while soaking in the atmosphere. Miner’s enchiladas are a signature dish to try while dining in Guanajuato. This vegetarian dish is super filling! A great street food scene abounds too, as do restaurants that elevate the local cuisine.
There’s lots to love about this beautiful city sprawled across the mountainside.
14) Playa Del Carmen
- Christine from Mexico Viajera
Playa Del Carmen is one of the popular towns in Quintana Roo along the Caribbean shoreline. Famous for its palm-lined and sandy white beaches, it's only one hour from Cancun and it's also a popular day trip from the city. I recommend staying for a couple of days though as there are many things to do in Playa Del Carmen and it deserves a couple of days at least.
Playa del Carmen used to be just a sleepy village that gained popularity from the counter culture crowds but it has now evolved as a cosmopolitan Mexican city. From the last decade, the city has become inundated by construction and tourism development that it has now become like an extension of Cancun City offering massive hotels, shopping malls, and lively nightlife.
But despite the massive progress over the years, it still remains one of the best places to go in Mexico that offers laid back to sophisticated holidays.
Activities in Playa del Carmen include surfing and paddle boarding on its beaches, watching a cultural show in the Parque Los Fundadores, eating the best Mexican food that you can find, and shopping in La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). You can even go ATV riding in the Mayan jungle.
Playa Del Carmen is also a good base from several adventure activities within the area. You can explore cenotes like Cenote Azul, Cristalino, and Jardin del Eden, the majestic cave system of Rio Secreto, less popular beaches like Xpu-ha and Puerto Morelos, and also explore nearby popular diving sites like Akumal and Cozumel. The majority of these you can reach within an hour from Playa del Carmen.
Check out my guide on my favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen from a local’s perspective.
15) Tijuana
- Kay from The Awkward Traveller
For lack of better words, Tijuana does not have the best reputation when it comes to Mexican cities. Usually, tourists either think Tijuana is dangerous or they think of it as seedy and too raunchy.
While these reputations were earned for a reason, the city has really put in a lot of work (and time, and energy, and money) into shedding the city's less-desirable reputation and creating a welcoming environment for all visitors with lots of fun activities in Tijuana. And they have succeeded. This is why it makes the list from one of the best places to go in Mexico.
First, Tijuana is like a lesser-known Tulum in the sense that it has an incredible underground art scene. You can visit various galleries and shops at Pasaje Rodriguez, a colorful alleyway lined with murals alongside the twenty-four studios, cafes, and even an independent library! Tijuana is also big on craft brews and creative cocktails, like Border Psycho Brewery and La Mezcalera.
But of course, Tijuana is a foodie's paradise. Fun fact: the Caesar Salad was actually invented in Tijuana, and you can try it at its original location, Caesar's, where they prepare the salad dressing table-side! Then, eat everything else! Telefonica Gastro Park is an amazing food cart hub if you can't decide on a particular cuisine. Or if you already know you want to chow down on authentic Mexican street food, head to the street known as "Taco Alley" for, unsurprisingly, more tacos than you could ever finish eating.
However, if you do want to experience more of the classic party scene Tijuana is known for, head to Revolution Avenue where bars and clubs are plenty, there is a Tijuana Walk of Fame, and no-touching strip clubs!
16) Puebla
- Rose from Where Goes Rose
The gorgeous city of Puebla makes a pleasant break from busy Mexico City. Just two hours from the capital, you can visit either as a busy day trip or, the recommendable option, an overnight trip.
Puebla is both the name of the state and the city at its heart. It’s cobbled streets and colourful houses are comparable to Oaxaca yet it’s smaller and sleepier with less tourist thoroughfare and less English spoken.
There are plenty of things to do in Puebla that will keep you busy for a couple of days. Spend a sunny day browsing galleries in the artists quarter and pick up some souvenirs at the Parian Market. Foodies will be in their element as they stroll Calle de Dulche, in English ‘Sweet Street’. Every shop is a sweet shop, serving traditional recipes handed down through the generations. Prices are very low and you can walk away with a giant basket of candies for a couple of dollars.
Foodies should also try mole poblano which the locals will tell you was invented in their city (although the locals of Oaxaca will tell you the same!). This rich chilli and chocolate sauce is best eaten over chicken enchiladas at Fonda de Santa Clara. You can also try Puebla’s signature dish, chile en nogada translating as chili in walnut. A giant chili is stuffed with peach and pear, lightly battered and bathed in a creamy walnut sauce, decorated with pomegranate seeds.
Other things to do include walking underground through the Secret Tunnels of Puebla, learning about the history at the Amparo Museum and taking a day trip to nearby town, Cholula, known for its impressive pyramids.
17) Merida
- Alexander from Gourmand Trotter
Merida is actually the largest city of the Yucatan Peninsula, but only a few tourists venture here. It's a great city to experience the authentic Mexican culture of Yucatan. Merida features beautiful buildings with classic colonial architecture mixed with big squares that are lined with markets and food stalls from time to time. It's fantastic to see the influences from various cultures throughout times, ranging from Mayan, Spanish, French, British, and even Lebanese influences.
Also, what makes Merida even more special is the fact that it's the Mexican city with the highest percentage of the indigenous population, around 60% of Meridians are of Mayan descent.
Some of the main attractions of the city include Plaza Grande, Catedral de Mérida, Dzibilchaltún, and the famous Lucas de Galvez Market. Mérida is also known for its many festivals throughout the year, and the locals love a good celebration. It's a great place to celebrate Dia de Muertos, and the city also has an annual carnival in February or March.
If you want a cultural experience, a visit to the Theatre in Merida, also known as Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, is a great option. It's an old theatre with elegant details and budget-friendly shows.
Another option could be to experience Pok Ta Pok, which is a modern take on the ancient Mayan Ball Game, although without the spilled blood. These games take place each Saturday night on Calle 60 around 8:30. And they are free to watch.
Overall, Mérida is kind of a hidden gem that more and more travelers discover as they venture beyond the classic destinations of Yucatan, and it's definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico.
18) Morelia
- Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic
Morelia was one of the most pleasant surprises of all the enjoyable Mexican cities we’ve visited. The capital of Michoacan state has a fascinating history and its beautiful historic center and vast array of classic colonial architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Often flying under the radar compared to more popular central Mexican tourist hotspots like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende (worthy destinations in their own right), those who make the short detour to Morelia will be thrilled with the authentic atmosphere and relative lack of foreign tourists.
Lacking the dramatic hills of the Mexican mining towns, Morelia nevertheless offers a compelling grandeur in its neat, orderly grid of clean streets and impressively well-preserved buildings. Around practically every corner is another grand cathedral or photogenic plaza, making it the perfect place for an extensive Morelia walking tour. Another great option is to rent bikes, as Morelia’s wide, flat streets are perfect for cycle touring. In fact, every Sunday morning is the Ciclovia, when most of the main central streets are closed to vehicles so the locals can get out and enjoy the beauty of their own city.
From its iconic pink limestone buildings to the grand, bustling plazas to the dramatic and imposing ancient aqueduct, Morelia is a perfect location for some relaxed wandering and colonial sightseeing. Of course, like any Mexican city worth its salt, Morelia also boasts great taquerias, social rooftop bars and more popular ice cream shops than you could hope to visit all in one stay.
19) Taxco
- James from Travel Collecting
Taxco is a small town set on the sides of a steep hill. It is a classic colonial town with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with orange tiled roofs. Taxco is famous for silver and there are lots of silversmith workshops throughout town, as well as a major silver market. You can wander into the workshop and see the artisans at work, and get some bargains on beautiful silver work at the same time.
There are also dozens of churches in town. The most famous is the incredible Baroque church the Templo de Santa Prisca which sits on the main square or Zocala, the Plaza Borda.
Santa Prisca and all of the other churches in Taxco come alive during the Semana Santa or Holy Week. Taxco is home to nightly processions starting with Palm Sunday when crowds of people walk through the narrow streets holding figures made from palm fronds. On following nights, statues of the main characters in the story leading up to Easter are carried through the streets from churches around the area, re-enacting scenes from the Bible.
However, it is the nightly processions of penitents that make Semana Santa in Taxco truly unique and places it firmly as one of the best places to go in Mexico. Brotherhoods of penitents walk through the streets carrying huge bundles of thorny sticks on their bare shoulders, or laboring under enormous heavy crosses, or, even more gruesomely, lashing their backs with sharp thorns until they are bleeding wounds to pay penance for their sins. This is a centuries-old tradition that is still very much alive in this tiny hillside town.
Whether you visit at Easter or another time of year, Taxco is a fascinating place to explore. Taxco is in Guerrero, about 2 hours and 40 minutes southwest of Mexico City by bus or car.
20) San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Claire from Claire's Itchy Feet
San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of my favorite places to go in Mexico. What I love about San Cris is the perfect mix of old and new. It feels like it’s retained a lot of traditions there, while having a bit of a hipster edge. It’s very close to the border of Guatemala and you can really feel it. Like in Guatemala the local people still mostly wear traditional dress which is always beautiful to see and admire and the main town is a perfect example of colonial architecture. Once you are done wandering the streets admiring the architecture you can duck into one of the many cute cafes for a coffee fix.
San Cristobal is also (in my opinion) the best place in Mexico to get your shopping fix! They have several amazing markets to explore. Things to buy in San Cris are leather goods, traditional Mexican textiles, crystals and stones for jewelry, coffee, and an alcoholic drink called Pox. Last time I went I left with a new wardrobe, far too many new pieces of jewelry and a handbag. The prices are extremely reasonable and the quality is excellent.
Be sure to find a place to stay in the centre and bring some warm clothes and wet weather gear. The temperatures often drop, even in the summer and it also rains quite a bit. Don’t let that put you off though, you can buy warm clothing there at the market for a very reasonable price and you will fit right in!
21) Tulum
I couldn’t end this post without including the real talk of the town right now, Tulum. Although I live in Playa del Carmen, Tulum is just an hour away from me and a place I frequently visit for the weekends or when I need a short getaway.
It really seems like Tulum is the top of everyone’s best places to go in Mexico list and for good reason. Tulum is an easy base to explore the Yucatan peninsula and has some of the region’s best attractions within a short drive.
Tulum is surrounded by picturesque cenotes and lagoons and you could easily spend days visiting one after the other without making a dent in the seemingly never-ending list. The Tulum Ruins, while on the smaller side, has a dramatic Instagram-esque location perched at the edge of a cliff overlooking its own private beach.
If you’re up for some nightlife, Tulum turns it up in the only way it knows how - with either over the top bougie boho-chic clubs filled with international eco-art pumping out house music under the full moon or ancient herbal drug-fueled jungle trance parties.
And, even though I love my easy breezy, taco joints and ample choices of vegan restaurants in Playa, it’s hard to ignore the foodie scene that just keeps growing in Tulum. From farm-to-table Mayan-inspired dishes to fine dining restaurants featuring a different menu each night. Or try the romantic, candlelit hacienda-turned-restaurant for date night followed by drinks at the cenote-side dining of Clan-Destino.