When you’re looking to take an incredible vacation, it’s definitely worth considering a trip south of the border. Mexico is an incredibly diverse country, and one that’s home to some of the very best travel destinations on the planet.
If you’re looking to have an incredible time on the beach sipping tropical cocktails while letting the cool ocean breeze wash over you, then you can do that. If you’re looking to tour ancient ruins that will awe you in their majesty, then you can do that too. You can even visit some of the world’s finest museums and sample some of the best cuisine on the planet. Mexico has all of these things and so much more!
The point is this. There’s much and more to see in Mexico, and if you want to have the best experience possible when visiting, then you have to know what those things are! On the list below, we’re going to share out 20 picks for the things that you absolutely have to do when you visit Mexico. From incredible museums, to great places to eat, and even the very best beaches, we’ve got it covered. So come take a tour with us, and learn about all the things you need to see, hear, taste and do the next time you head south of the border.
1. Monte Alban
Just a short way away from Oaxaca, these Zapotec ruins are some of the most incredible things you’ll see on the planet.
2. San Miguel de Allende
There’s a strange magic and beauty to this city, which is why Travel + Leisure recently rated it as the world’s best.
3. Puerto Vallarta’s Baby Turtles
Sea Turtles use Puerto Vallarta as a place to lay their nests and rear their young. When the baby turtle’s hatch, it’s a thing of beauty.
4. Rio Secreto
Have you ever dreamed of checking out an underground river? Well, you can when you visit this spot in Mexico!
5. Tulum Clifftop Castle
This castle is the focal point of Tulum and is itself a relic of the ancient Mayan civilization that once abounded.
6. Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres
When you want to visit the very best beach that Mexico has to offer, then take this as our recommendation.
7. Mexican Wrestling
Forget about what you think of the WWE. There’s no substitute for the fun of visiting a bona fide Mexican wrestling match.
8. Frida Kahlo’s Home
Fans of this artist must make it a point to visit her home in Mexico City, which doubles a museum.
9. Chichen Itza
Perhaps the most famous of the Mayan ruin sites in Mexico, this is one of those things that isn’t done justice by pictures.
10. Las Pozas Surrealist Gardens
Created by an eccentric artist over a period of two decades, this incredible garden in the jungle is supposed to resemble the ruins of a fictional ancient civilization.
11. Museo Soumaya
Having finished construction in 1994, this museum is itself a world of art, which is to say nothing of the incredible works of art you’ll find inside.
12. Sunset at Land’s End
From the right vantage point, you can watch the sun as it dips below the horizon through the unique rock formations just off shore.
13. Cancun Underwater Museum
Provided you’re a capable scuba diver, you can head to Cancun and check out one of the world’s only underwater sculpture gardens.
14. Palacio des Bellas Artes in Mexico City
One of the most incredible examples of architecture in the entire world, this place is not to be skipped if you’re in Mexico City.
15. Playa del Carmen
A bit more laid back than the party atmosphere you’ll find in Cabo, Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to go if you want to relax on your Mexican vacation.
16. Guadalajara
You definitely want to pay a visit to this incredible city, which perfectly mixes the modern world with classic and ancient architecture.
17. The Tequila Trail
Hop on a train, start drinking some tequila, and then learn about this unique Mexican libation as you do so. What’s not to love?
18. Day of the Dead
You’ll never think of Halloween in the same way after you’ve had a chance to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico on November 1st.
19. Playa Escondida
It’s a beach that’s literally located inside of a cave… If that doesn’t sell this as a must-see destination, we don’t know what will!
20. Island of Dolls
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this landmark was created by one man over many years and has a very haunting quality to it.