Mexico is one of the most stunning and surprising vacation destinations in the world. A vast country, much of it underexplored by foreign tourists, it boasts a glorious variety of places to visit, with almost every style of vacation covered somewhere. From towering mountains to golden sandy beaches, lush mysterious jungles to vibrant metropolises, and remote desert landscapes to charming hilltop towns, whatever you are looking for in a getaway, Mexico can provide.
For years, most people knew Mexico as not much more than Cancun, Acapulco, or Cabo. A place to head to find winter warmth and Spring Break parties, to soak up the sun on a paradise beach, or hit up tequila bars with the strains of mariachi music as a soundtrack. But in recent years travelers have become more adventurous, exploring this amazing country beyond the tourist traps of the Riviera Maya and Los Cabos, and discovering the incredible culture, cuisine, and beautiful diversity that exists.
So if you are planning your next vacation and the prospect of cruising to Mexico sounds tempting, here are some of the best and most fascinating places to visit that will seal the deal.
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Oaxaca
In 2022 Oaxaca was named the best city in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and it is not hard to see why! From its inventive and endlessly intriguing local cuisine and dining scene to its dramatic Zapotec ruins, from its glorious mezcal producers to its authentic Mexican culture and architecture, Oaxaca is a beautiful, exciting city to visit that will entertain all day long and always leave you wanting more. Visit petrified waterfalls, the ruins of ancient civilizations, and exquisite cathedrals, before dining at some of the best restaurants that Mexico has to offer.
Merida
Merida is a delightful city in Yucatan, full of stylish Spanish Colonial architecture and surrounded by some of the best and most beautiful natural landscapes in Mexico. You could spend your entire trip wandering around the beautiful streets and covered markets of Merida, but it is worth getting out of the city as well, to explore the pink lakes of Rio Lagartos, the flamingo-filled lagoons at Celestun, and the cenotes of Valladolid.
San Miguel de Allende
The foodie capital of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is consistently voted as being one of the best places to live on the planet. This picturesque hilltop town is overflowing with amazing restaurants, from fine dining to traditional Mexican taquerias, and is one of the best places to go wine tasting in the country. It is pretty easy on the eyes too, with leafy cobbled streets winding sinuously up the side of the mountain, highlighted by the gorgeous pink ‘wedding cake’ towers of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Chiapas is about as far off the beaten track as it is possible to get in Mexico. This southern state is nestled up against the Guatemalan border and is slightly tricky to get to, but it is well worth the visit, and San Cristobal de las Casas is its crown jewel. A delightfully charming, slightly hippy town full of cobbled streets, artisan makers, and lovely bars and restaurants, it is also surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in Mexico. Head to the Sumidero Canyon for an incredible boat ride between towering cliffs, or down to the Lagos de Montebello to discover Mexico’s beautiful lake district. And don’t miss out on the mysterious, intriguing, and slightly macabre town of San Juan Chamula, where ancient religious practices mixed with separatist politics dominate a small community almost fully independent from the rest of Mexico.
