The beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, festive culture, and ancient pyramids make Mexico a popular tourist destination. Mexico is a land of contrasts and colours. While crowded beaches lead to quiet colonial towns, resort cities offer access to jungles teeming with parrots and howler monkeys. Deserts descend from majestic mountains. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Mexico 

Number 10. Guanajuato

There are ornate colonial buildings, bustling plazas, and colorful homes everywhere you look on this UNESCO World Heritage site. Guanajuato is known for its subterranean streets and tunnels, which you can explore on a walking tour or at your own pace. Grab a souvenir or a bite to eat at the bustling Mercado Hidalgo after admiring the city’s cobblestone streets and charming architecture. Come to the Festival Internacional Cervantino in October if you’re an art lover.

Number 9. Cancun

Spring breakers and vacationers looking for an easy beach getaway flock to Cancun for its sand, nightclubs, all-inclusive resorts, and inexpensive flights from the U.S. The city is also near lush jungles and tranquil cenotes, making it an excellent option for nature lovers. Aside from that, travelers can find cheap and diverse street food in the downtown area. Visiting in fall or winter will allow you to see this city in its most tranquil light, but December through April is the best time to come.

Number 8. Manzanillo

Those seeking sailfish and marlin will enjoy a trip to Manzanillo, a world-class deep-sea fishing destination on the Pacific coast. With two bays, there are plenty of beaches to swim and sunbathe on: The top spots include Playa la Audencia and Playa Miramar. In addition, snorkeling and kayaking are popular activities to enjoy here. Visit the small town of Barra de Navidad (30 miles northwest) to see charming hotels, restaurants, and stores. 

Number 7. Espíritu Santo

Located in a Unesco-protected Biosphere Reserve, Espiritu Santo island is spectacular from every angle. Wind and waves have eroded pink sandstone into finger-like protrusions, each with a beautiful cove. Aside from this otherworldly beauty, you can dive with whale sharks, snorkel with playful sea lions at their island colony, and paddle along myriad azure bays. Kayaking and snorkeling are among the activities offered here by a number of operators.

Number 6. Ixtapa

Located just north of Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa’s curved coastline is lined with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Playa El Palmar, the main beach, is better for sunset strolls and people-watching than swimming or snorkeling due to its strong waves. Ixtapa’s warm, clear, and generally gentle waters make it an excellent place for beginner scuba divers. The Costa Grande Archaeological Museum is a small museum that highlights the various cultures and events that make the region unique.

Number 5. Mexico City

Mexico’s most populous city is rich in culture and history. Mexico City offers world-class hotels and delectable cuisine – all at fairly affordable prices – but if you feel like spending a bit more, you can shop at the high-end shops lining Avenida Presidente Masaryk in Polanco. Palace of Fine Arts and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe are two must-see cultural attractions. Consider joining a food tour if you want to eat your way through the city.

Number 4. Playa del Carmen

It has a diverse food scene, offering everything from tacos and tostadas to sushi and expertly cooked seafood, plus a hip bar culture. Additionally, this destination in the Riviera Maya attracts vacationers with its soft sand and stunning shoreline views. Also nearby is a cenote, where visitors can swim for a refreshing dip or play golf at one of the many nearby courses. This region also offers all-inclusive resorts, vacation rentals, and boutique properties, giving travelers plenty of options to meet their preferences and budgets.

Number 3. Zihuatanejo

With brilliant sunsets and laid-back vibes, Zihuatanejo offers travellers an authentic Mexican experience. On the beach, shoppers can buy local handicrafts (think: ceramics and woodcarvings), while foodies can enjoy fresh fish tacos and ceviche. Playa La Ropa serves as the city’s main beach and is known for its clean, family-friendly atmosphere. Divers and snorkelers can choose from more than 30 dive sites off the coast.

Number 2. Cozumel

It is probably best known for two things: coral reefs and cruise ships. Water sports abound in this destination, which has brilliant blue water and laid-back beaches. Several outfitters and resorts offer kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment. Although you can spend all your time on the beach or in the water, Cozumel is also a quiet place to learn about Mayan culture. Enjoy a dose of pre-Hispanic history at the San Gervasio archaeological site.

Number 1. Tulum

Tulum is home to Mexico’s most famous waterfront Mayan ruins. The Riviera Maya area offers a variety of lodging options, from small boutique hotels to wellness retreats to all-inclusive resorts. Therefore, every traveler can book a vacation that suits their needs. No matter where you stay, you can enjoy the beach, explore ancient ruins, and swim in secluded cenotes, unique underwater caves around the Yucatán Peninsula.

Mexico offers a wealth of beautiful beaches, resorts, historic cities, jungles, and deserts. Visitors can float down an underground river, snorkel with dolphins, hike through the jungle, go skydiving, and explore ancient ruins.