With over twenty million international visitors annually, Mexico stands as a global tourist haven. Its multifaceted appeal caters to diverse interests, encompassing tequila and ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayas, the vibrant celebration of the Day of the Dead, cultural icons such as Salma Hayek, the excitement of Lucha Libre, the renowned Corona beer, and the allure of beach resorts lining both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Delve into our guide to the “Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico” and uncover the remarkable sights that define this captivating destination.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Monte Alban
the impressive size and ancient ruins of Monte Alban. Image source: Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock.com
AMAZING VACATION SPOTS IN MEXICO, The Zapotec capital formerly stood atop Monte Alban, often known as White Mountain. Monte Alban, which sits on a hill overlooking the Valley of Oaxaca, is widely regarded as one of Mexico’s top archaeological sites. The Gran Plaza is a long, flat hilltop terrace running north to south from which tourists can observe the ruined buildings and take in breathtaking vistas of the valley below.
The enormous plaza is entirely surrounded by two massive pyramid mounds, and it is surrounded on all sides by tiered platforms and terraces.
24. San Miguel de Allende
The dome and steeple of the Parroquia Archangel church in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Image source: Bill Perry/Shutterstock.com
DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL (MEXICO), San Miguel de Allende is a small colonial destination in the Bajio Mountains in central Mexico. The city was built by a San Franciscan monk, was an important stop on the Mexican Silver Trail, and played a major part in the fight for independence from Spain.
Colonial architecture and charming cobblestone streets are its claim to fame today. Tourists go to the city to see its famous landmarks, such as the pink Teatro Angela Peralta and the massive Santuario de Atotonilco church complex.
23. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, Mexico. Image source: Noradoa/Shutterstock.com
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN MEXICO, One of the most popular events that draws tourists to the central highlands of Mexico is the yearly migration of the monarch butterfly. To complete their annual migration, millions of monarch butterflies fly up to 3,000 miles from eastern Canada to the forests of western central Mexico.
Hibernation occurs in small groups across the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, where the butterflies spend the winter before returning to the northern hemisphere.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Great Pyramid of Cholula
The impressive Cholula Pyramid in Puebla, Mexico. Image source: Diego Grandi/Shutterstock.com
TOP CITIES TO VISIT IN MEXICO, The world’s biggest pyramid can be seen at the Great Pyramid of Cholula, an archeological site not far from Puebla. The initial phase of construction of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, also known as Tlachihualtepetl, started 2,300 years ago. However, the pyramid has been overgrown for so long that it now only seems like a hill on which a Catholic church has been built.
The Spanish constructed the “Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de los Remedios” in 1594. Travelers can explore more than four miles of underground tunnels to get a feel for the enormous scale of this remarkable landmark.
21. El Malecon
The famous Malecon promenade in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Image source: Konstantin Aksenov/Shutterstock.com
BEST BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL PARKS IN MEXICO, El Malecon, the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk, is a beautiful beachfront promenade that runs along the city’s Pacific coastline. El Malecon is mostly a pedestrian promenade, so it’s a great area to snap pictures and enjoy the scenery without worrying about being run over.
The promenade is adorned with statues, the beach often has spectacular sand displays, and there are innumerable shops, restaurants, and other establishments geared toward tourists. A leisurely walk along El Malecon can be punctuated with stops for locally crafted handicrafts, delicious seafood, or refreshing tropical cocktails at any one of a number of bars and restaurants.
20. Uxmal
the Pyramid of the Magician in Uxmal, Mexico. Image source: Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock.com
One of the most culturally and historically important places in Mexico is the ruins of the Mayan city of Uxmal. The city was founded in the ninth century and is located about 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Merida in Yucatan. One of the best examples of Puuc architecture is located at Uxmal, which was originally the regional capital.
The towering look of the pyramids is due to their multi-tiered stone construction and intricate craftsmanship. Uxmal is home to many impressive pyramids, but the highest, the Magician’s Pyramid, should not be missed.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Zipolite
A colorful sunset sky at Zipolite Beach in Oaxaca, Mexico. Image source:In2dodo/Shutterstock.com
Zipolite is a mile-long stretch of beach in the Oaxaca region on Mexico’s Pacific coast that has managed to maintain its progressive, hippie vibe. Zipolite used to be a popular nudist beach, although this practice is much less widespread these days.
Tourists from all over the globe go to Zipolite for its alternative culture, and despite the influx of visitors, the town has managed to maintain its genuine Mexican feel. Zipolite’s Av Roca Blanca, a street just off the beach with bars, shops, and cafés, is a popular draw in its own right, even though the beach is the major draw.
18. Museo Nacional de Antropologia
The interior of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Image source: Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock.com
Mexico’s biggest and most popular museum is the National Museum of Anthropology, or Museo Nacional de Antropologia. Chapultepec Park in Mexico City is home to a massive museum dedicated to the country’s pre-Columbian history and culture. The famous Stone of the Sun, the first calendar stone used by the Aztecs, is among these artifacts from the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.
17. El Tajin
the Pyramid of the Niches at El Tajin archeological site in Veracruz, Mexico. Image source: Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock.com
The Classic Veracruz culture established the city of El Tajn on the Gulf Coast. Construction on the majority of the site’s structures occurred between the years 600 and 900 AD. These ruins, which are surrounded by a lush jungle, are said to have been the cultural and political epicenter.
More than 150 buildings have been mapped out for tourists to explore today, but only around a dozen are fully restored and available to the public at any one moment. Among the notable structures is the Pyramid of Niches.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: San Ignacio Lagoon
A gray whale in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California, Mexico. Image source: Mike Laptev/Shutterstock.com
Among the many whale-watching spots in Mexico, San Ignacio Lagoon is without match. Some gray whales from the Eastern Pacific spend the winter in a lagoon off the coast of Baja California Sur.
The lagoon’s shallowest parts attract pregnant gray whales throughout the winter months so that they can give birth in safety. San Ignacio Lagoon is the biggest animal reserve in Latin America, and there are several guided boat trips that bring people within inches of the gray whales.
15. Bonampak Murals
A Mayan mural painting from Bonampak in Chiapas, Mexico. Image source: Leon Rafael/Shutterstock.com
Archaeological excavations have been going on at Bonampak in Chiapas for quite some time. Although there are several interesting Mayan structures to see in Bonampak, the Temple of Murals is by far the most well-known. The Bonampak Murals, which depict scenes from Maya history and culture, are housed at this temple. Hundreds of figures were painted in bold turquoise, red, and yellow colors throughout three rooms that portray distinct parts of a story.
14. Isla Mujeres
Relax on the beaches of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Image source: NewNomads/Shutterstock.com
Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, located just eight miles from Cancun. This island is not just a modern tourist destination; it also has historical and cultural value for the surrounding area. The Mayan goddess of childbirth was honored on Isla Mujeres, or the Island of Women.
Visitors now come by ferry from Cancun to relax on the picturesque beaches, see the local turtle farm, scuba dive or snorkel in the clear waters, or just relax away from the Cancun beach crowds.
13. Santa Prisca Church in Taxco
Admire the architecture of Santa Prisca Church in Taxco, Mexico. Image source: GABRIELA JG/Shutterstock.com
The Santa Prisca Church, also known as El Templo de Santa Prisca, is a beautiful Baroque structure in Taxco. The church, a notable example of colonial architecture, was commissioned in the 18th century by a wealthy Spanish mining owner.
This pink stone and tile-decorated structure has massive twin towers and is a sight no architectural buff should miss. Nine huge, gold-covered altarpieces line the inside, floor to ceiling.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Acapulco Cliff Divers
Watch daredevils cliff dive in Acapulco, Mexico. Image source: alysta/Shutterstock.com
In the 1950s, Acapulco rose to fame as a resort for Hollywood celebrities and wealthy businessmen. No vacation to Acapulco is complete without witnessing the cliff divers do their amazing leaps into the ocean.
This practice dates back to the 1930s; modern divers are trained experts. For a nominal cost, you can watch the dives from a platform beside the cliff, or you can dine at the La Perla restaurant, which also has a great view of the divers.
11. Cenote Dos Ojos
Explore the beauty of Cenote Dos Ojos in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Image source: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Cenote Dos Ojos, located just outside of Tulum, is one of the biggest underwater cave systems in the country. The two sinkholes are linked by a lengthy passageway, thus the name “the cavern of two eyes.”
This is because the water in the caves has been filtered via limestone and is thus quite clear. As a consequence, snorkelers and professional scuba divers both go to Cenote Dos Ojos, with some venturing far into the cave system.
10. Catedral Metropolitana
The Catedral Metropolitana is without a doubt one of the most visited landmarks in all of Mexico City. The city’s central plaza, the Zocalo, is dominated by the 16th-century structure, the oldest and biggest cathedral in Latin America.
Baroque and Mexican Churrigueresque design elements are prominently included in the building’s design. The Catedral Metropolitana is notable not just for its architecture but also for its extensive art collection and the catacombs that lie under the main structure.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Guanajuato
Guanajuato, a stunning colonial city, can be found in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato. In 1554, the city was founded near a prosperous silver mine in what is now Mexico. Beautiful haciendas and excellent colonial structures were built as a result of the mining boom in the 16th century.
Because most of the city’s traffic is routed via a system of underground tunnels, Guanajuato is a great place to explore on foot.
8. Dias des los Muertos, Oaxaca
Dia de los Muertos is a popular holiday celebrated across Latin America, and the city of Oaxaca is home to one of the biggest festivals honoring the dead in the country. The origins of this celebration in Mexico date back thousands of years to times when the country was inhabited by indigenous peoples like the Zapotec and the Aztec.
As Halloween draws to a close, families in Oaxaca begin preparing their gravesites for the homecoming of the departed souls who will celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 2nd. During this season, families lay floral decorations and other tributes at graves and on domestic altars as a gesture to the departed.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Cozumel
Cozumel, an island situated off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a famous spot for underwater adventurers. In 1959, Jacques Cousteau explored the waters of Cozumel and declared them to be among the best diving spots on the planet. Since then, Cozumel has been protected as a National Marine Park in order to preserve the island’s stunning coral reefs and extraordinary marine life.
6. El Arco
In Cabo San Lucas, you can visit the spectacular El Arco arch. At the point where the Pacific Ocean transitions into the Gulf of California, you’ll find this remarkable rock formation. The arch, now a symbol of Cabo San Lucas, can be seen from a number of different vantage points.
By taking a walk down the beach, you can capture stunning images of El Arco, as well as the blue waters, the gray whales that play in the ocean regularly, and other rock formations along the coastline.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Palenque
Palenque is a Maya archaeological site in the Mexican state of Chiapas, which was formerly the westernmost point of the Maya Empire. Though smaller than many other Mayan cities, Palenque is home to some of the most beautiful architecture and sculptures ever created by the Maya. The Temple of Inscriptions, the only pyramid in Mesoamerica, was constructed in Palenque as a burial monument between the years 600 and 800 AD.
4. Copper Canyon
Many times the size of the Grand Canyon, the Copper Canyon is really a system of canyons. The “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway is the most popular way of seeing the Copper Canyon. The circuit rises as high as 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level, taking riders over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels while providing breathtaking vistas of the canyons below.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Tulum
Located on the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula, this is where you’ll find Tulum. Coba, a Mayan city, used this location as its major port. This is because Tulum was constructed around 1200 AD when the Mayan civilization was already in decline, and as a result, it lacks the beauty of other well-known Mayan sites.
However, the beautiful beach backdrop makes this a must-see. Cabanas on the beach are one option, while five-star hotels are another.
2. Chichen Itza
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is the most populous of the ancient Maya cities there. Chichen Itza’s best-known landmark is the El Castillo temple pyramid. The temple was built with astronomical precision in mind.
There are 365 steps in all, one for each day of the year, and one that is shared by all four sides of the pyramid. The Great Ballcourt and El Caracol, a circular temple used as an astronomical observatory, are further notable features of Chichen Itza.
Best Tourist Attractions in Mexico: Teotihuacan
There was a cultural shift in the valley of Mexico around the second century BC. The thriving city of Teotihuacán, home to monumental pyramids, was constructed by this culture. Around 100 AD, construction began on what would become the largest pyramid in Teotihuacán and all of Mexico: the Pyramid of the Sun. The smaller Pyramid of the Moon wasn’t built until 450 A.D., although its construction began a century later.
The pyramids of Teotihuacán were cherished and put to religious use by the Aztecs seven centuries after the collapse of the Teotihuacán civilization. The bus or cab ride will only take about an hour and a half to get you to the heart of Mesoamerica, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City.
Conclusion
Mexico, a country of vibrant colors, rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, is a destination that captivates the hearts of travelers from around the world. As we journey through this extraordinary nation, several key takeaways stand out
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Plan your trip with ontravelx and get ready for a journey full of breathtaking sights and priceless memories.
Visit Mexico: The official tourism website of Mexico offers information on destinations, attractions, and travel tips.
Mexico Tourism Board: This website provides insights into Mexico’s diverse culture, heritage, and travel options.
