Mexico holds more than just partying, pristine beaches, and good food.
While these may be excellent ways to see the country, you could be missing out on some of the most gorgeous spots.
Mexico is a brilliant country filled with friendly locals, incredible nature, mysterious ruins, and, yes – amazing beaches.
If you happen to visit during a holiday, you can experience rich culture and traditions passed down through generations.
Most Beautiful Places in Mexico
Take the first step in exploring Mexico by traveling to some of its most beautiful places.
Here are 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
10. Isla Holbox
For those looking for a break from work and modern technology, this is the place to be. The whole island is filled with sandy beaches, widely used for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Isla Holbox is known for its avoidance of cars and roads. When you want to get somewhere, you’ll need to walk or grab a golf cart taxi.
In the relaxed town, there are eateries, shops and accommodations for many different budgets.
The vibe of the area is relaxed, almost tropical.
Wildlife is plentiful here - you may see flamingos strolling by, or a whale shark in the distance of the ocean.
This island provides gorgeous weather, ample beaches, excellent food options, and shops.
9. Campeche
With all of the multicolored buildings situated along the streets in Campeche, you might think you're in Cuba.
However, this state is located in the Southern part of Mexico, near the Gulf of Mexico.
Campeche was named a UNESCO heritage site in the late 1990s for containing ancient ruins.
Foodies may love this: the only private restaurant in Mexico is located here. Casa De Las Murmullos, run by Chef Patrick Cross, provides the ultimate dining experience. Listen to classical piano music while enjoying French/Mexican fusion food.
This is the ideal location for travelers craving beauty, history, and amazing architecture – all in one spot.
8. Oaxaca City
Looking for the "real Mexico"?
What makes Oaxaca city incredibly beautiful is the architecture, handmade crafts, and delectable food.
One great example of the architecture found here is the Santo Domingo Church, which features bell towers, dome-topped buildings, and a botanical garden. Step inside to see the museum that was once a church, and now holds treasure from tombs.
This is the city that boasts 7 types of mole. For those who haven't tried/heard of mole, it's a savory chocolate sauce typically used over meat.
Oaxaca City is well known not only for its mole – Oaxaca is often declared the top gastronomy spot in Mexico.
Local vendors set up their shops along the cobbled streets here. The markets include anything from art to brightly colored jewelry and fresh produce and meat.
7. Baja California
Despite the name, Baja California is indeed located in Mexico. Like most peninsulas, it's surrounded by amazing beaches and crashing waves.
Hidden beaches are also plentiful here, and it's worth the adventure to explore and find them.
Marine wildlife is abundant here, like sea turtles laying eggs on the
beaches and humpback whales
in the water.
For more action, try hiking on flower-lined trails in Baja California's desert mountain ranges.
6. Isla Espiritu Santo
Just looking at images of this island does not do it justice.
Isla Espiritu Santo ("Holy Spirit Island" in English) is one of the prettiest places in Mexico, surrounded by crystal clear water, gorgeous beaches, and peace.
La Isla Espiritu Santo is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly for the presence of rare animals on the island, such as the black jackrabbit. Other wildlife like dolphins, whales, and sharks can also be seen from La Isla Espiritu Santo.
Not only is this location a UNESCO site, but it's also a National Park.
This island is known for many outdoor activities like kayaking and diving.
Those with an adventurous spirit can even get up close and personal with rock formations from volcanoes here.
5. The Copper Canyon
If you’re expecting something similar to the Grand Canyon here, you're in for a surprise.
While there are indeed canyons (six to be exact), their appearance is a long shot from the dry, reddish-orange of Arizona's, and the Copper Canyon is even larger than the Grand Canyon.
Go zip-lining through the canyon, or take an explorative adventure into the caves.
Mountain bike or hike up for incredible views from high levels. Imagine lush greenery covering mountains and cliffs, water running through. There are even waterfalls.
Some people prefer the Copper Canyon Train Ride for the best views.
If you decide to take this route, you can expect to travel through 86 tunnels and over 656 kilometres (408 miles)!
4. Guanajuato
Guanajuato is another city famous for its colorful
buildings stacked upon a hill.
This town has more mansions in the
colonial style than any other city in Mexico.
Bearing many historic buildings, Guanajuato is marked as a UNESCO
World Heritage site.
Most notable of these buildings is
the San Miguel Arcángel. This towering parish looks like it's straight
out of a storybook: beautifully detailed turrets surround a bell tower,
with incredible mountain views in the background.
Guanajuato
provides a relaxed yet lively feeling that other cities just can't match.
3. Lacandon Jungle
The Lacandon Jungle sits in Chiapas, and is home to the Lacandon Mayan people.
This jungle is thick with greenery and mountainscapes, filled with rolling waterfalls like Agua Azul.
Ancient Mayan ruins lie within the jungle, right in the middle of the trees. These archaeological sites splay out over miles of land – it’s such a large area, that only about 10% has been really explored.
Pyramids can be climbed, and tombs can be entered here.
Take the opportunity to explore the jungle with the help of a Lacandon Mayan guide; You can even stay at one of the camps.
Or you can always stay at other nearby accommodations (hotels and hostels).
2. Yucatán Peninsula
You may know of the Yucatán Peninsula as the home of Riviera Maya – quite the popular holiday destination.
However, there are more reasons to visit other than beautiful resorts – There are also many amazing national parks in the state.
Here in Yucatán Peninsula, you’ll find cenotes: natural pits that offer underground swimming areas, some exposed at the top where sunlight can peek through from above.
The UNESCO Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, is the home to some remaining Mayan Ruins, and is considered one of the (new) seven wonders of the world.
Ancient stone carvings can be found here as well as grandiose staircases leading up the side of large pyramids.
Another honorable mention in the Yucatán Peninsula is a stunning town called Celestun. Celestun is known to have pink flamingos that wander here in large family groups.
Coupled with beautiful beaches and a relaxed vibe, this town is quite the desirable location.
1. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico has become a more popular destination in recent years, largely because of social media.
Despite the growing crowds, it's still a worthwhile visit for anyone seeking a beautiful holiday. Tulum can be considered one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Tulum is also known as the last large city built by the Mayans. The ruins are right near the beach, attracting many visitors.
Tulum is filled with more gorgeous cenotes – part of the reason why interest in Tulum has grown over the last few years. Some of the cenotes here feature winding staircases that lead down to swimming holes, while others grow dangling vines as natural decorations.
The art zone is worth mentioning – Galleries and art shops are situated here in mass quantities.
Foodies can enjoy available cooking classes, and those seeking interesting architecture will find their match in the modern art museum.
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This is just 10 of many of the most beautiful places in Mexico.
Other notable locations include San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, Cabo San Lucas, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Vallarta.
Next time you’re planning a trip, check out both natural and man-made beauty at these spots first. You might find your new favorite vacation location.
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