beautiful places to visit in Mexico

Puerto Vallarta

This cosmopolitan resort located on the country’s west coast Puerto Vallarta is a picky vacationers dream. It’s also the perfect choice for those on a limited time frame who want to get a taste for all aspects of Mexican life. The gorgeous stretches of sand along Banderas Bay is one of the biggest draws and so is the pretty old town of Puerto Vallarta which offers traditional architecture, stylish restaurants and plenty of interesting shops.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Rivera Del Rio, Puerto Vallarta – Stunning romantic four star hotel with the wow factor from $75pn
• Majahuitas Resort, Puerto Vallarta – Relaxing mid range bungalow resort with a private beach from $55pn

Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatan peninsula sits on the southern tip of Eastern Mexico. A popular and attractive area to visit, the peninsula is known for its unique geology, natural beauty, outstanding coastline and ancient Mayan ruins. The state’s national parks shouldn’t be missed nor should the incredible underground lakes otherwise known as the Cenotes.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel Julamis, Merida, Yucatan – Award winning hotel with fabulous decor and views from $65pn
• Casita de Maya, Cozumel, Yucatan – Rustic budget hotel with traditional decor and reasonable rates from $35pn

Oaxaca

Covering a part of Mexico’s south coast, this world heritage city offers both natural and man-made beauty. Famous for its indigenous people and ancient cultures as well as a vibrant art and craft scene – the city makes an exceptional travel destination. When visiting, make sure you explore some of the colourful colonial architecture and also the surrounding area which is abundant with deserted stretches of coastline, thick forests and photogenic waterfalls.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel Casa del Sotano, Oaxaca – Charming three star hotel with a lovely courtyard garden from $55pn
• Casa de los Frailes, Oaxaca – Stunning four star boutique hotel with traditional decor from $65pn

Chiapas

A subtropical paradise characterized by dense rainforest jungles and ancient Mayan ruins, the Chiapas is certainly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico. A southern Mexican state bordering Guatemala, highlights include the river-carved Canyon of Sumidero, the lakes at Montebello and the ancient ruins at Palenque.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel Ciudad Real Centro Historico, Chiapas Region – Charming and refined boutique hotel housed in a neoclassical building (an hour away from the Chiapas) from $50pn
• Hotel Boutique Casa Mexicana, Chiapas Region – Exceptional boutique hotel with colourful traditional decor from $60pn

The Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

This area in the north of Chihuahua is a beautiful environment made up of cliffs and caves. The cliffs join together to make a formation bigger than America’s famous Grand Canyon. Visit for stunning panoramic vistas as well as inspirational canyon walks where the sheer size of nature really helps put life in perspective!

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel Divisadero Barrancas, Chihuahua – Well presented rustic mid range hotel with fabulous views from $55pn
• Hotel Boutique San Felipe El Real, Chihuahua – Charming budget boutique housed in a 19th-century building from $40pn

The Bufadora, Baja California

This sea cave in Baja California is a stunning sight not to miss when visiting Mexico. With the cave at sea level, the tidal surges create a massive spouting geyser accompanied by an eerie sound that won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Join the other people gathering around the cave and sit back and enjoy the show. The rest of Baja California is also worth exploring – the earth’s second-longest peninsula the region spans hundreds of majestic mountains and gorgeous beaches.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Las Rosas Hotel & Spa, Ensenada – A modern four star spa resort in Baja California with stunning ocean views from $60pn
• Endemico, Robles – Chic and eco-friendly cabins staggered among the hills in the wine-growing region of Valle de Guadalupe – very cool! From $50pn

Chichen Itza, Yucatan

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza stands as testament to the might of the Mayan civilisation. Dominated by the imposing El Castillo structure this site of extreme archaeological interest is also one of the most stunning spots in the country and should be on everyone’s list of extraordinary places to visit in Mexico. The important site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State and when planning your trip make sure you allow for a full day to visit – the area occupies around a 2.5 square mile radius.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland, Chichen Itza – Exceptional luxury bungalow resort within walking distance of the scared site from $75pn
• Villas Arqueologicas, Chichen Itza – Mid range modern villas with gorgeous surroundings very close to all the attractions from $50pn

Horsetail Falls, Monterrey

The Cola de Caballo (or horse’s tail) waterfalls in Monterrey draws a huge number of visitors. The cascades are a great photogenic attraction and the surrounding area is also popular with outdoor activity and nature enthusiasts. Book a hotel in a nearby resort and choose from hiking, bungee jumping, canyoneering or (rather aptly) horse riding.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Chipinque, Monterrey – Comfortable rustic reasonably accommodation surrounded by nature, Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is just steps away from $40pn
• Quinta Real, Monterrey – Exclusive five star hotel with very grand decor colonial style decor from $100pn

Isla Mujeres, Yucatán Peninsula coast

Just a short boat ride from the package holiday favourite Cancun, Isla Mujeres (otherwise known as the Island of the Women) is a perfect tropical paradise which is a world away from the craziness of the mainland. It’s a small island with not an awful lot going on – but that’s the island’s main selling point. Swim, snorkel or just indulge in the sweet art of not doing very much at all.

Where to stay – our recommendations

• Isla Mujeres Palace – Exceptional high-end romantic all inclusive resort for couples only from $90pn
• Casa Ixchel Boutique Hotel, Isla Mujeres – A charming budget boutique hotel in a peaceful and romantic location from $40pn

Cabo San Lucas Arch, Cabo San Lucas

The coastal city of Cabo is a tourist hot spot and visitor’s love its sandy beaches, world class diving locations and holiday atmosphere. Although the highlight of Cabo is undoubtedly the beautiful natural rock formations that jut out from the turquoise sea. The Cabo San Lucas Arch sits at the meeting point of two seas and has rightly earned its place in Mexican legend and folklore.