The Top 10 Must-See Spots in Mexico

This post is long overdue. I spent a year teaching in Mexico, and fell in love with this marvelous country. ❤It’s full of charm, unique character, and countless hidden gems around every corner.As such, I’ve come up with a list of the top 10 must-see spots in Mexico that everyone should add to their bucket list. 😀

10. Morelia

Morelia’s captivating Spanish architecture and its wealth of cultural sites makes it the perfect hub for exploring the region of Michoacán.Witness the annual migration of Monarch butterflies in Angangueo at Sanctuary El Rosario. Wander the candlelit cemeteries near Patzcuaro for Día de Los Muertos.Appreciate deep religious devotion at Templo de las Rosas.Marvel at Morelia’s pink stone cathedral and pop inside for a free symphony performance.Eat red, white and green pozole: a pork and white corn soup, topped with avocado and crunchy radish.

9. Guanajuato

Take a ride up Guanajuato’s funicular tram to admire this colorful city. 😀Stroll the cobblestone streets with student musicians, singing folk songs and reciting local legends.Lick the plate clean at Truco 7, devouring a plate of enchiladas verdes.Become mesmerized by the gardens at Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel.Visit neighboring San Miguel de Allende, named one of the world’s most beautiful towns.End with a historic stroll through Dolores Hidalgo, and refresh in this palate pleaser of avocado ice cream.

8. Pachuca

View Pachuca’s striking architecture from the center of their stunning central plaza.Better yet, take in the view from atop their monumental clock.Visit Las Prismas Balsaticos, a natural rock ravine in Huasca del Ocampo.Explore the historic Spanish mining hacienda of Santa Maria Regla, also the filming location for The Mask of Zorro.Thanks to Cornish influence, indulge in a buttery beef filled pastry, and the obligatory siesta that follows. 😛

7. Valladolid

Valladolid’s pastel colored buildings and wide cobblestone streets make it an ethereal town, and the perfect hub for exploring the surrounding Yucatán Peninsula.

Marvel at this city’s colonial charm by wandering the San Bernadino Convent.
Swim in their striking cave pools, especially Cenote X’keken.Visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá.Hike the jungle ruins of Coba.Wander the beachfront Mayan ruins of Tulum.Scuba dive Dos Ojos, one of the largest underwater cave systems.Visit Rio Lagartos Bioreserve and view flocks of pink flamingos.Visit nearby Akumal and snorkel with sea turtles.Glide alongside gentle whale sharks off the island of Isla Holbox. Support marine conservation at Cancun’s underwater museum.Take a ferry to Cozumel and scuba dive the vibrant coral reefs of Punta Tunich.

6. Huasteca Potosina

This region, nicknamed “La Huasteca,” is known for extreme sports and bizarre sights.Enjoy whitewater rafting in Río Tampaón.Visit the mystical surrealistic gardens of Xilitla.Rappel and jump off waterfalls with Huaxteca Expediciones.
Fall down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, spending a night at Casa Caracol.

5. Mayto

This tiny beach town provides you the ultimate escape, yet remains in close proximity to lively Puerto Vallarta. Lounge by the pool and watch for dolphins swimming in the Pacific.Help rescue baby sea turtles.Learn about sustainable living and make fresh goat’s cheese at Rancho Sol y Mar.Crack open a coconut and drink straight from the tap. 😉Drink cheap beer and eat fresh oysters on the beach.End each day with a sunset walk along the miles of gorgeous coastline.

4. Oaxaca

Oaxaca has fantastic handicrafts, is a culinary mecca, and holds a wealth of natural wonders.

Swim in the calcified pools of Hierve El Agua.Marvel at the Zapotec carvings in Mitla or the ruins of Monte Albán.Take a cooking class in a traditional Oaxacan home.Admire the vibrant street art.Savor creamy guacamole topped with crunchy, salty grasshoppers. Yes, you heard me right.While you’re at it, take a shot of mezcal, the smokey sister of tequila and a specialty in this region. Enough to put hair on anyone’s chest. Ole! 😉

3. San Cristóbal de las Casas

Centered in the heart of Chiapas, this mountain village is a real cultural whirlwind, full of thriving ethnic communities surrounded by lush jungle landscapes.Swim in the turquoise pools of Cascadas Aguas Azul.Visit the Mayan ruins of Palenque.Cruise through Sumidero Canyon.Watch shaman ceremonies and learn about ethnic communities in San Juan Chamula.Tempt your taste buds with pork tamales, cooked in a banana leaf, and topped with a spicy chili sauce.

2. Querétaro

This region known as “El Bajio” is the heart of this country, with stunning architecture and unbeatable hospitality, it’s one of the safest areas in Mexico. Safe enough to even bike in heels. 😉Begin early by climbing La Peña, a monolith in Bernal.Drink wine and horse back ride in Tequisquiapan.Eat blue corn gorditas full of fungus. Trust me. They’re delicious. 😀Go ATVing in the Sierra Gorda Bioreserve.
Visit the pre-Colombian ruins, Las Ranas, in hillside San Joaquín.Make friends with the local cactus man and eat nopales stuffed with sausage, onions and chillies.Cheer with avid fans at a soccer match, and learn a Mexican swear or two. 😛End with a stroll through Museo Regional, and admire the colonial architecture of this charming historic town.

1. Mexico City

This major metropolitan city is an urban splendor, with lush parks, the most museums in the world, and the most delicious food you’ll ever find.It’s also the perfect home base for many incredible weekend escapes. 😀Take a hike in Nevado de Toluca, a stratovolcano filled with two picturesque lagoons.Take a day trip to the vast ruins of Teotihuacán.Get muddy in Guerrero by spelunking in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, one of the world’s largest cave systems.
Visit the magic town of Malinalco and view their rock-carved Aztec ruins.Visit nearby Tepotzotlán and climb El Tepozteco.Soar over Valle de Bravo, one of the top spots for hang gliding.Take a weekend trip to Puebla.
While you’re there, eat lots of mole, especially mole poblano. 😀 Oh yeah, and eat tacos.Lots of tacos.
All the tacos. 😀