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Best places to visit in Mexico

Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches or Cancun’s Hotel Zone? Discover the best places to visit in Mexico.

Mexico’s made a name for itself as the crème de la crème of exotic escapes. Streaks of piña colada-white sand, neon-lit nightlife and natural good looks make it a must-visit. But not everyone’s after the same thing, so it’s important to pick the right part for your holiday. That’s where we come in. We’ve split the country’s most popular spots into an easy guide, from southern Mexico’s Cancun to Los Cabos on the Baja California Peninsula. Read on to find out which part of Mexico is best for you...

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BEST FOR ADVENTURES – RIVIERA MAYA

Sometimes the Riviera Maya’s pigeonholed as Cancun’s quieter neighbour, where beach-hugging resorts take centre stage. The first-rate sands and high-class hotels play second fiddle to top-drawer daytrips in the area, though. Hundreds of crystal-clear cenotes are great for taking a dip with a twist, and eco-parks along the coast offer up submerged caves and jungle trails. Then there are the Caribbean waters, which deliver world-class snorkelling over one of the biggest coral reefs on earth. More of a history buff? The ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum are for you – here you can explore a well-preserved city, which dates back to the 13th century. It’s like an open-air archaeological museum, with 60 buildings to see, including a castle and a temple. If you’re willing to travel a little further, you can also visit Chichen Itza – its Kukulkan Pyramid features impressive ancient Aztec patterns. Plus, if you fancy turning up the pace of your holiday, the dusk ‘til dawn parties in Playa del Carmen are just a 20-minute cab ride away.

Find out more about holidays to Riviera Maya

BEST FOR PARTY VIBES – CANCUN

Cancun couldn’t be more different from Mexico’s snooze-ready western shores. The beaches are a similar shade of marshmallow-white, but come with infinity pools, trendy bars and DJ booths on the waterfront. The sands hug the whole of the up-tempo Hotel Zone, where casual days morph into fast-paced nights. Ibiza-standard club sets, pyrotechnic shows and the famous Coco Bongo parties are just a flavour of the buzzing after-dark atmosphere – it’s no wonder Spring Breakers can’t keep away. And if you need a bit of a break from all of that partying, Isla Mujeres is just across the water. This tiny isle is all about embracing a slower pace of life – kick back on white-sand beaches and swim in the Caribbean Sea’s famous azure waters.

Tempted? Check out our holidays to Cancun

BEST FOR R&R – PACIFIC COAST

Mexico’s Pacific Coast is well-suited to slowed-down getaways, so head here if you’re after some R&R. Soak up the sun on the boardwalk-backed beaches of Nuevo Vallarta, or sip sea-view drinks in Puerto Vallarta’s quirky old town, before wandering along the arty Malecón promenade. Lots of the hotels are hemmed by emerald-coloured countryside, so there’s a real sense of seclusion. This part of the map is a winner when it comes to adventurous activities, too – it’s where you’ll find the longest and fastest zip-lining circuit in Mexico. And the Sierra Madre Mountains are great for wildlife walks, where you can spot the likes of jaguars, cougars, green iguanas and ocelots. If hiking sounds like too much leg work, visit a tequila distillery in the foothills of the mountains. You’ll get to learn all about the production process – from the agave plant to the bottle – and, of course, try a sample… or two.

Get the lowdown on holidays to Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Ready to book your escape to Mexico?
 
Browse our All Inclusive holidays to Mexico. Or, find out when’s the best time to visit Mexico. We’ve also made a handy guide to the best hotels in Mexico.

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Author: Danielle Penny

Last updated: 28.02.2022

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