Cristina’s guide to the best places to visit in Mexico
You most likely already know about the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico City, and the charming towns nearby, but there are also many other incredible, lesser-known places worth considering. Cristina from our team spent a few years living in Mexico and made the most of her time by exploring the country far and wide. In this guide, she shares her favorite spots, what to do where, and some unique places that should definitely be on your radar if they aren’t already.
Mexico City:
One of my favorite cities in the world! Full of charm and mysticism. It comes second after Paris in the number of museums; it exudes history, art, culture, and uniqueness. It has some of the best restaurants I have been to in my life. It's fun, loud, colorful, and proud of its roots, rituals, and beliefs. Stay at Casa Polanco and feel like a local at Lincoln Park. Go to a wrestling show, have the best tacos ever on a secret food tour, or at the recently Michelin-starred taco stand. Go to the Sonora Market to see the Santa Muerte statues and the santería stands, or how about a limpia at the Zócalo? The main square, where the Cathedral sits on top of what used to be the center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. Do not miss the Basílica de Guadalupe, the Museum of Archaeology, the Soumaya Museum, or its next-door neighbor, the Jumex Museum, or the Diego Rivera Mural in the museum with the same name. Mexico City has it all!
Oaxaca:
The city of Oaxaca was the center of the Zapotec population; it is home to my favorite pyramids—Monte Albán. I also recommend Tula and Mitla—easily done in a day. They have the best gastronomy in the country, led by mole, a sauce that usually has a minimum of 50 ingredients, with cacao being one of them in some cases. Food historians say there are at least ten different kinds of mole, with recipes that vary from town to town and even from kitchen to kitchen. Visit the Temple of Santo Domingo, the Museum of Cultures, get lost following a typical cabezudo celebration, or come during the Day of the Dead celebrations to take part in this beautiful tradition. By far my favorite holiday ever! And don't forget to visit a mezcal artisanal distillery—the mezcal is the older cousin of tequila; it was only made in an artisanal manner until a couple of years ago. It can be made from different types of agaves (different from tequila, which only comes from blue agave), and it has a distinct and unique smoky taste. It is said to bring out different feelings and make conversations more profound.
San Miguel de Allende:
This picture-perfect town is a pleasure to visit. Each house, each cactus, each square, garden, and facade is stunning and colorful and seems to be alive. The main plaza is permanently filled with mariachi music and the laughter of kids running between the elders sitting under the trees' shade. It has a large population of expats who care for this town as if it were their own. There are countless art studios and old factories that have been transformed into art centers, which attract a very unique cultural population. You will find it all—traditional paper-mâché artisanal products, tapestries, textiles, paintings, and performances among many others. Walk and get lost among the small cobblestone streets that lead to fantastic small gardens, which are a surprise and a delight! End your day with a drink at the Rosewood, overlooking the town from above.
Puebla:
Close to Mexico City, you can find Puebla, known for its Spanish Baroque architecture, Talavera pottery, and rich gastronomy. It's ground zero for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations and boasts two of the most important dishes in Mexican cuisine—mole poblano and chiles en nogada. It also has many unique and beautiful churches and convents. From here, you have a clear view of Popocatéptl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. The Popo (as locals call it lovingly) is still active. Stay at the Banyan Tree and enjoy the views from the terrace—nothing beats the feeling of a waking city with the volcanoes almost watching over it.
Peninsula de Yucatán:
This peninsula is known for its white sand and turquoise beaches, old haciendas, and Mayan ruins. It has it all! No visit to Mexico is complete without a couple of days here. Stay at one of the stunning haciendas turned hotels in Mérida, spend a day at Chichen Itza, or get lost in the jungle in the smaller but enchanting Ek Balam. Take a swim in one of the ancient cenotes, a natural, usually hidden, sinkhole where the blue and green water seems to glow with the light that falls through the cracks in the cave stones. Visit the ruins of Tulum with the most stunning blue ocean as its background, or drive further south to Bacalar, known as the Lagoon of the Seven Colors.
Other places to visit:
Guanajuato for its colorful, winding streets and rich history as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The vineyards in the Valley of Guadalupe (Baja California) for a taste of Mexico's burgeoning wine scene and to enjoy picturesque landscapes and gourmet dining experiences.
La Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) for its breathtaking views and adventure opportunities, including hiking, biking, and the thrilling Copper Canyon Train ride.
San Cristóbal de las Casas for its charming colonial architecture, indigenous culture, and vibrant arts scene set in a highland environment.
Palenque for its stunning ancient Mayan ruins set amidst lush jungle, showcasing some of the most intricate and well-preserved carvings in the Maya world.
Cabo San Lucas for its world-class beaches, exciting water sports, and nightlife.
Zacatecas for its well-preserved colonial architecture, stunning hilltop views, and vibrant cultural scene, including the impressive La Bufa Hill and the historic silver mining heritage.
Interested in planning a trip to Mexico? Contact us here and let’s curate the perfect itinerary for you!