Are you planning your next Mexico vacation? Are you looking for somewhere new and exciting to visit? Well, if so, you’re in luck because in this installment of Viewcation, we’re going to be taking you on a tour of some of Mexico’s best vacation destinations.
Mexico is a nation that boasts a wide range of vacation spots ranging from the bustling metropolis of Mexico City to the pristine beaches of Playa del Carmen. Most of the destinations that we’re about to cover, such as Tulum and Oaxaca, you’ve probably already heard a lot about, but we’re also going to talk about a few more obscure locations that are every bit as amazing!
Now, some of you might be under the impression that Mexico is unsafe – and while there definitely are some places that you wouldn’t want to go due to narco activity, as long as you use a little common sense and don’t go off the beaten path, you should be fine.
Mexico is a beautiful nation that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. The people of Mexico are hospitable and have a very distinct culture. The cuisine is diverse and oftentimes quite inexpensive, and the nature is downright breathtaking. If you’ve never had the pleasure of exploring the Mexican countryside, then you should do yourself a favor and put it on your bucket list.
Without further ado, let’s go ahead in dive into our list of best vacation spots in Mexico.
Mexico City
Seeing how this city is not only Mexico’s capital but also it’s largest metropolitan area, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that it’s also one of the best places to visit when vacationing in Mexico. It’s home to a staggering 20 million people and is famous for it’s striking landscapes, diverse and lively culture, and for it’s centuries-old architecture.
This land-locked city is always busy. In fact, you might initially find it to be a bit overwhelming, but after you get over the culture shock, you’ll find that Mexico City is one of the most stimulating urban centers in North America. There is always something to do from dusk till dawn, and if you’re itching for a party, Mexico City’s nightlife scene is a whole world of fun.
Whether you’re into enjoying a luxurious evening sipping on craft cocktails and nibbling on appetizers, or you prefer bar hopping with your friends, There’s an exciting nighttime adventure waiting for just about everyone in Mexico City.
Flying into Mexico City is an adventure of it’s own. From your plane window, even before you touchdown, you’ll see an enormous, sprawling urban jungle surrounded on all sides by towering mountains and volcanoes.
Once you’ve made your way into the city, there are countless places to explore – all of which offer different experiences. If you head on over to the neighborhood of Condessa, you’ll find lush parks and well-manicured gardens. For trendy streets filled with colorful street art and a popping nightlife scene, visit Roma.
There are plenty of hostels and hotels to choose from and the sheer number of restaurants is almost too much to comprehend. A recent trend has been vegan cuisine, but you can find just about any style of food that you’re craving. Our favorite grub in town, however, has to be from the cheap and delicious street food vendors.
Oaxaca City
There are many exciting things to do in Oaxaca City. You just need to know where to begin.
A great place to start is by taking a stroll around the city centre. Since it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you really should take some time to admire the architecture, churches, and vibrant colors. Oaxaca City looks almost like something you’d see in a fictional movie set. You might even catch yourself wondering if you’ve just walked into a fairy tale. It’s really a sight to behold. Words don’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to visit and see for yourself what all the hype is about.
The best time of year to visit the city is during Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. The city comes alive with celebration and festivities. If you aren’t able to make it for this extraordinary event, no worries, because there are many more remarkable things to see and do in the area.
A few of the best attractions in Oaxaca City include the Zocalo, the botanical gardens, the museums, and the various street markets. If you have the time, we recommend checking out Hierve el Aqua. This popular spot can be reached by taking a 45-minute bus ride out of the city. Here you’ll find breathtaking beauty unlike anything you’ve ever seen, including thermal pools and a frozen waterfall.
Isla Holbox
This lovely little island located in Yucatan is perfect if you’re looking for someplace less crowded to enjoy a beach getaway. Only a small portion of Holbox is inhabited, so there is plenty of virgin nature to explore. Cars aren’t allowed on the island, so the main way to get around is via golf cart. Carts can be rented on the island, or you can always call a golf cart taxi if you need help getting someplace.
The nature of Isla Holbox is really the main draw. You can see marine life like whale sharks, manta rays, flamingos and even glowing bio-luminescent plankton. The best way to experience all of this is by taking a boat tour. There are quite a few to choose from, depending on what you’re hoping to see. Likewise, you could always choose to go swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving to get up close and personal with the marine wildlife.
The beaches of Isla Holbox look like something straight off a postcard. The sea is almost always calm, so it’s a great spot to go swimming, regardless of your skill level. While you won’t find large resort chains and familiar restaurants on the island, there are many smaller boutique hotels and independently owned and operated restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Uxmal
Uxmal is a Mayan archaeological site that is actually part of the Ruta Puuc. It’s also one of the best spots in Yucatan to visit. If you’re planning a vacation that involves more than just lounging on the beach sipping on a cocktail with one of those little paper umbrellas, you should definitely consider visiting.
The surrounding nature that the ancient buildings are nestled in is dramatically beautiful. If you keep your eyes open, you might even spot an iguana or two. The easiest way to access Uxmal is from Merida. From there, you can hop aboard the Ruta Puuc bus or join a tour group.
Long ago, Uxmal boasted a population of more than 25000 people. Nowadays, all that remains are the weathered stone buildings of a people that have long since vanished.
Tulum
Tulum at one point was considered to be a hidden gem, but in the last few decades, it’s become one of the most popular tourist destinations. Even though it can get quite crowded during the peak summer season, it’s still a special place. Despite having grown into an extremely popular destination rivaling places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, it’s still managed to retain a lot of it’s fiecely independent personality.
In between spending time at the beach or one of the island’s many resorts, we recommend venturing out to see the Tulum Archaeological site. Here you’ll find some of the most picturesque Mayan ruins perched high upon a cliff about the emerald-blue Caribbean sea.
Playa del Carmen
As you might have heard, Playa del Carmen is a vacation destination that has it all. It’s home to white sand beaches, killer cuisine, a bustling nightlife, and an endless number of things to see and do. Sure, it’s one of the most crowded and touristy places in all of Mexico, but as long as you go into it knowing what to expect, you’re sure to enjoy yourself.
One of our favorite things to do is checking out the cenotes. These natural water-filled sinkholes are just begging for you put on your swimsuit and dive in. Just outside of town is Cenole Azul. This cenole is tucked away in lush tropical vegetation. You’ll be getting strong jungle vibes when splashing about in the water, and we can’t think of a better way to cool off and take a much-needed reprieve from the blistering Caribbean heat.
Over on Playa del Carmen’s fifth avenue, you’ll find a ton of bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops to explore. It’s the perfect place to go at the end of a long day at the beach.
Cozumel
If you’re not looking to spend time at one of Mexico’s iconic party city’s like Playa del Carmen or Cancun, then come and relax on this comparably quiet, beautiful island. It’s the perfect beach vacation destination for travelers who are on a tight budget. You’ll feel like you’re on some Hawaiian Island when visiting Cozumel, but everything is essentially half-off.
You can easily spend days snorkeling, hiking through Eco parks, exploring Mayan ruins, sampling delicious food, or scuba diving on one of the most gorgeous coral reefs on the planet. Cozumel is nothing short of a seaside paradise.
Puerto Vallarta
Whether you love working on your tan at the beach, getting lost in nature or exploring a lively city while immersing yourself in it’s culture, Puerto Vallarta has a little something for everyone. At first glance, Puerto Vallarta seems a lot like any other popular Mexican resort town, but after making your arrival, you’ll discover that there is a rich culture and immediately recognizable magnetic energy that pulses through the region.
The city is bursting with markets, galleries, music venues, cafes, street food vendors, and fabulously friendly people. It leaves you with little wonder why so many ex-pats have moved here to enjoy their retirement.
Some of our favorite things to do in Puerto Vallart include dining in Versalles – the city’s foodie hub – exploring the Malecon dowtown, partying it up in Zona Romantica, and hiking out to the Mirador.
Every Sunday in Mojoneras, there’s a traditional open-air street market that get’s going around 9am. Here you’ll find local delicacies, handmade clothes, one-of-a-kind art pieces, second-hand goods, and souvenirs.
Well, there you have it. While this list isn’t necessarily comprehensive, the destinations that we just discussed are our favorites in Mexico. Before you move on to watching another one of our travel videos, we’d love to hear what you think about Mexico. Have you been to Mexico before? If so, what are a few of your favorite spots in the country? If not, what are you most excited to see whenever you get around to making your first visit? Let us know in the comments. And as always, happy travels!