Mexico borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundaries with the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the southeast, and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. It, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America.
It is known for its rich culture, ancient ruins, dazzling beaches, and incredible cuisine. Tour Mayan temple ruins by day and indulge in fantastic food while listening to the rhythms of live music by night. Lounge on tropical beaches and explore the vibrant corals and marine life of the underwater world.
These are the major cities in Mexico;
Mexico City, Tijuana, Ecatepec, Leon, Puebla, Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Zapopan, Merida, and many more. These are the top major tourist destinations in Mexico:
Isla Mujeres.
A great option for a weekend stay or a quick day trip, Isla Mujeres sits just off the coast of Cancún and offers beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and coral reefs ready for exploration. In fact, it's one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world thanks to a unique underwater museum and one of the world's largest coral reefs, home to all sorts of colorful fish. See marine life from another perspective on a glass-bottom boat tour. When you want to catch some rays, Playa Norte is the most popular beach, framed by white sand, turquoise water, and swaying palm trees.
Guanajuato.
Colorful colonial buildings, busy plazas, and fascinating museums are everywhere you turn in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. The capital of Guanajuato state, Guanajuato City is known for its subterranean streets and tunnels, which you can explore on a walking tour or at your own leisure. After strolling the city's winding cobblestone streets, grab a souvenir or bite to eat at the bustling Mercado Hidalgo. Meanwhile, the romantic Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) is a must-visit for couples, and El Pípila Monument offers the best views of the city. If you enjoy the arts, arrive in October when the popular Festival Internacional Cervantino takes place.
Isla Holbox.
Quiet beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and stunning crystal-clear water are some of Isla Holbox's standout attributes. This slice of paradise is perfect for travelers looking to truly get away from it all, thanks to its car-free, off-the-beaten-path location. Isla Holbox is situated off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and is only 26 miles long. Expect quaint boutique hotels, stretches of white sand beaches (Playa Punta Cocos and Punta Mosquito are two top spots), opportunities for snorkeling and sailing, and more than 150 species of birds, including vibrantly colored flamingoes.
Zihuatanejo.
Visit Zihuatanejo for an authentic Mexican experience full of brilliant sunsets and laid-back vibes. In this fishing village, divers and snorkelers can pick from more than 30 dive sites, shopaholics can buy local handicrafts (think: ceramics and woodcarvings) and foodies can savor specialties like fresh fish tacos and ceviche. Stroll along the waterfront Paseo del Pescador to take in gorgeous coastline views, then spend the rest of the day lounging on beautiful Playa La Ropa. Travelers can also learn about Zihuatanejo's indigenous cultures at the Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande.
Puebla.
For a vacation packed with authentic character, head to Puebla. This colonial city, which sits about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, is filled with numerous churches, but its main draws are its stunning Talavera pottery and its sweet and spicy cuisine. Visitors must try mole poblano (made with numerous ingredients, including chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic) and chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit like peaches, apples, and pomegranate seeds). When the sun sets, venture to Callejón de los Sapos to listen to live music.
Oaxaca.
Travel to this colonial city in southern Mexico for a full immersion into Mexican culture. Situated more than 5,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, Oaxaca is the place to experience unique customs, visit vibrant markets, and dine on delicious Mexican food. Standout cultural sites include the Templo de Santo Domingo church, which dates back to the 16th century and was used for a time as military barracks, and the preserved ruins of Monte Albán.
La Paz.
Located on the eastern shore of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, La Paz wows visitors with its natural beauty and proximity to the incredible Sea of Cortez, which has been called the aquarium of the world. Spend your time here relaxing on Playa Balandra, dining on delectable seafood, and strolling along the Malecón waterfront promenade. Take a day trip to Isla Espíritu Santo, where you can snorkel with sea lions and kayak alongside rugged cliffs. Other can't-miss experiences include swimming with whale sharks and sandboarding down the Mogote Dunes.
Sayulita.
About 25 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a small beach town known for its awesome surfing conditions and scenic stretches of sand. If you've never surfed before, sign up for a lesson from a local to learn. Visitors can also go whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, zip lining, or hop on a relaxing boat tour. After a day of fun in the sun, head into town to check out the local art galleries and grab a bite to eat at one of the tasty restaurants (Sayulita is a burgeoning foodie destination), which feature everything from cheap eats to fine dining.
Ixtapa.
This resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast may sit less than 5 miles northwest of Zihuatanejo, but it deserves its own spot on this list. With lush golf courses, immaculate beaches (Playa El Palmar and Playa Linda are two traveler favorites), and a scenic marina, Ixtapa is the perfect vacation destination for those looking to unwind. Take a short boat ride to Isla Ixtapa for top-notch snorkeling opportunities and a chance to see wildlife like iguanas and crocodiles, or rent a bike to explore the area on two wheels.
Huatulco.
Boasting nine bays and 36 beaches, Huatulco is a pristine town near Oaxaca that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Visitor accommodations are upscale without being flashy, and protecting the environment is one of the town's top priorities. As such, buildings cannot be taller than six stories, and much of the lush natural landscape remains untouched. Popular activities include snorkeling and ecological tours. If you'd rather take it easy, you can spend your days lounging on the beach and dining at the town's variety of seaside bars and restaurants.
Punta Mita.
Punta Mita is known best for its luxurious lodging options (from lavish vacation rentals to high-end hotels like St. Regis and the Four Seasons), golf courses, and pristine beaches. This secluded resort village sits on a peninsula in Nayarit's Banderas Bay and appeals to travelers seeking a relaxing atmosphere with a touch of opulence. Those interested in scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and horseback riding on the beach will be able to enjoy those activities here as well. Visit between December and March for the best surfing conditions and a chance to see humpback whales, who migrate to the area during their breeding season.
Merida.
Mérida may be known as the "white city" for its collection of white stone mansions, but its colorful culture and rich heritage tell another story. Stroll along the tree-lined Paseo de Montejo or peruse a vibrant Sunday market for a taste of old-world Mexico. Or, indulge in the Yucatan capital's more modern comforts: plaza De Grande, the main public square of Mérida, offers free Wi-Fi access, and you'll have your pick of luxurious boutique hotels and Instagram-worthy rental homes.
Museum and art enthusiasts will find their place here, too; the Elo Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Merida is considered a must-see to understand the history of Mérida, while art galleries and local murals abound. When it's time to dine, savor traditional Mayan fare like cochinita pibil, the national dish of the Yucatan consisting of slow-cooked pork marinated in sour orange and a variety of spices. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you should expect to dress in light, airy clothes and leave with a golden tan, a full stomach, and a deeper understanding of this one-of-a-kind Mayan destination.
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