Mexico is a big country with so many things to do and places to see. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed while planning your trip. And you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of Mexico’s highlights and bucket list destinations. To help you build your itinerary or inspire you to start planning a trip to Central America we came up with this complete list of 19 must-see places and things to do in Mexico. Whether you like beautiful beaches or prefer stunning temples and historic sites there is something for everyone on this list.

We at Guide your Travel love Mexico and its many hidden gems. However to truly give you a list of the most beautiful locations and best things to do in Mexico we decided to partner up with some of our favourite travel bloggers and ask for their opinion. We hope you like it!

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1.TEOTIHUACÁN

About an hour outside of Mexico City lies Teotihuacán, one of Mexico’s most famous ruin cities. This incredible archaeological site is estimated to be around 2,000 years old. At its most prosperous times, it had more than 125,000 inhabitants. Why the city collapsed is unclear. Due to major reconstructive work, it is now the most visited archaeological site in Mexico with more than 4 million annual visitors.

To see Teotihuacán for yourself you can either hire a driver to take you there from Mexico City or opt for a ride on a public bus. The latter will be cheaper, however, most private drivers double as a tour guide which will let you truly appreciate the history of the site. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and tourist crowds. Definitely make sure to climb at least one of the impressive pyramids and enjoy the best view you could imagine.

2. CHICHEN ITZA

Estimated to be around 500 years younger than Teotihuacán, Chichen Itza is another ruin city that is not to be missed when you visit Mexico. Located on the Yucatán peninsula this beautiful place is best reached from either Mérida or the east coast with popular tourist places like Playa del Carmen or Cancún. The drive will take around 2,5 hours.

Chichen Itza is the perfect day-trip to really dive into Mexico’s ancient history and admire incredible Mayan architecture. Definitely keep an eye out for the impressive ball court where the Maya’s played their famous sport Pok-a-Tok. It’s a must-see.
Unfortunately, unlike Teotihuacán you are unable to climb to the top of the pyramid at Chichen Itza. The area and the surrounding jungle are still well worth a visit though!

3. HOLBOX

Holbox is a sparsely populated island located on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s sometimes viewed as a secret tip for people looking for a more untouched and less touristy Mexico. Holbox doesn’t allow any cars so the main way to get around the island is via golf cart. Definitely an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Holbox is perfect for relaxing. While it’s not the cheapest place to go in Mexico it’s definitely worth the trip. Its picturesque beaches are not as crowded as the east coast of Yucatán and you get to experience island life like it was 30 years ago.

Holbox is a hotspot for swimming with whale sharks (see number 4 on this list). It’s also great for snorkelling, watching wild birds like flamingos and experiencing bioluminescent plankton. Truly a little paradise off the coast of Mexico.

4. SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS

While there are many places in Mexico that let you swim with whale sharks, Holbox might just be the best place to do it. This tiny island is famous for its whale shark tours which have been drawing more and more tourists to this beautiful place every year.

Swimming with sharks might sound intimidating but in this case, it’s actually quite the opposite. Whale sharks grow to a length of around 5 to 12 metres but they actually only eat plankton and very small fish. They are peaceful and non-aggressive sharks which makes swimming with them such a great thing to do on your trip to Mexico.

There is a great selection of tours that all offer similar packages. A boat takes you out onto the open ocean with a small group of people. Whalesharks only swim in deep water so this is definitely not a serene snorkelling experience. To help you navigate the rough waters a guide is swimming with you at all times so no need to be scared even as an insecure swimmer.

If you’re lucky you might even spot a giant manta ray alongside the whale sharks.

5. EL CIELO, COZUMEL

El Cielo might just be one of the most beautiful beaches and snorkel spots I have ever seen. You can find this famous beach on Cozumel, a small island located off the coast of Playa del Carmen. The beach is accessible via boat and the area can get quite crowded with different tours.

Many tourist boat companies offer tours to El Cielo as part of a package with other stops included. This is a great option and usually reasonably budget-friendly. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience you can opt to hire a private boat to take you to El Cielo. As always going early in the morning will help you avoid the crowds.

El Cielo is especially famous for its many starfish which are a great photo opportunity in the crystal clear waters. The snorkelling experience of a lifetime.

Love taking photos and posting on Instagram? These Mexico captions and quotes will be perfect.

6. ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres is Cozumel’s smaller sister which lies close to the coast of Cancun. Like many of the islands in this region, it is easily reachable via a speedboat ferry that leaves multiple times per day. It’s a great day trip destination but also has a good selection of resorts and hotels if you want to stay longer.

The island truly has some of the best beaches I have ever seen. Even when the mainland is plagued with the seasonal algae that make the water smelly and brown, Isla Mujeres is always blessed with crystal clear waves. Snorkelling and water activities are definitely a must-do here. But Isla Mujeres is also a great place to relax in a beach club all day with free-flow drinks and amazing food.

7. YAL-KU LAGOON, AKUMAL

White-sand beaches might be all you can think about on your trip to Mexico. But why not try something different? The Yal-Ku Lagoon lies just north of Akumal on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a magical snorkelling spot perfect for a day-trip. The lagoon is quiet with beautiful nature and underwater life. A light current lets you float through the water like in a natural lazy river.

Steps lead into the water at different locations which makes snorkelling and swimming easy and convenient. Why not take a picnic and relax at the Yal-Ku lagoon for a whole day. It truly feels like a natural swimming pool.

8. PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Playa del Carmen has it all: incredible beaches, stunning resorts and vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway this might not be the holiday destination for you. Playa del Carmen is far from an untouched Mexican town. But is that always a bad thing? We don’t think so.

While Playa del Carmen is definitely a tourist hotspot it also has a lot to offer. If you enjoy eating out and having a few drinks after a long day of sightseeing this is the place to go. The bar and restaurant scene is varied and widely spread. Plus Playa del Carmen is a great starting point for day trips to places like Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel or Chichen Itza. If all that doesn’t sound tempting to you why not relax in one of the rooftop beach clubs? The views are amazing and you get to enjoy this amazing scenery from above.

9. MEXICO CITY

Mexico’s capital city is often neglected by tourists who prefer white-sand beaches or the beautiful architecture of ancient Mayan temples. But Mexico City has so much to offer. Located at an altitude of 2,240 meters this city is already unusual. More than 9 million people call it their home and an estimated 9 million more visit this incredible city each year.

Definitely visit places like the Frieda Kahlo Museum, the Palacio Nacional, the Parque México, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Catedral Metropolitana, the Museo Soumaya and the Monumento a la Revolución. You’ll love Mexico’s captial just as much as its beaches.

10. TULUM

Tulum is the ultimate place to relax and explore. It’s far quieter and smaller than its neighbouring cities Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Even if you don’t choose to stay here you should add Tulum to your day-trip bucket list. Tulum has it all: beautiful cenotes, mysterious ruins and of course the famous beaches that look like they came straight out of paradise. Plus the food and drink selection is immaculate. In Tulum, you’ll find the best tacos and (dare I say it?) the perfect mojito.

Tulum is a great starting point for day-trips to Cobá, another incredibly famous ruin of a Mayan city. But even if you choose to just stay in Tulum itself you’ll love the relaxed vibe and beautiful scenery. There is definitely plenty to do.

11. XCARET PARK

Xcaret Park is hard to describe. Is it a theme park, a hotel or a resort? It’s a combination of all three and the perfect place to stay on your trip to the Riviera Maya. If you’re a fan of all-in-one packages and incredible holiday experiences then this is the place to go. No need for extensive research or hours of planning.

Xcaret has you covered and offers almost every tour you could imagine. Their resort is seconded by no other with incredible pool landscapes and beautiful rooms. With offers close to Playa del Carmen and Cancun there is something for everyone; families, couples and adventurers alike. So what are you waiting for?

12. CENOTES

One of the most famous bucket list experiences in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is swimming in cenotes. Cenotes are sinkholes in the ground that have exposed the clear groundwater underneath.

Some of the most lovely cenotes in the world are found in this land. The Mayans held deep spiritual respect for these cenotes and it is no mystery why – these cenotes were the only source of fresh water in the dry land and the Mayans believed they were a passageway between our world and the underworld.

Dos Ojos Cenote is one of the most beautiful cenotes lying between the towns of Cancun and Tulum. Dos Ojos or Two Eyes is named after the two cenote pools that connect through an underwater cave. It is an exhilarating feeling to walk down into the refreshing waters of the cenote pools and swim out above the crystals under the water as the Mayan must have done in the past.

The water in the cenote is crystal clear and you can see tiny fish flitting about. With your snorkelling equipment, you can explore the underwater world and then dry off in the sun on one of the hammocks next to the pools. If you are feeling a little more adventurous you can also take a tour and dive inside the underwater cave and experience the breathtaking beauty that lies under the water. Swimming in the Dos Ojos Cenote is one of a kind experience and cannot be missed.

Find more of Kanu’s adventures at My Lost Camel.

13. ZIPLINING AND RAPPELLING IN PUERTO VALLARTA

After relaxing and drinking all the tropical drinks at your resort in Puerto Vallarta, make sure to save time for the ultimate adventure. After booking your zip line tour, prepare yourself for the thrill of a lifetime. At just over 100 dollars, this is a bucket list adventure you do not want to miss.

Your day will begin with a boat ride across the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins along the way! Once arriving on land, you will ride a 4×4 jeep and then a mule through the forest and up to your zip lining starting point. 

Then you are ready to enjoy the adrenaline rush as you zip and rappel through the sub-tropical forest. You will zip line over the treetops, rappel into waterfalls, and experience a roller-coaster zip line! The tour lasts over 6 hours and ends with the highest waterslide in Mexico!

It may look a bit intimidating at first, but the guides are wonderful and will be sure you are safe. The equipment complies with international standards. 

Although you are not able to bring a camera, they do take pictures for you that you can purchase afterwards (highly recommend). 

Let the adventure begin!

Read more about Jordan’s adventures at The Homebody Tourist.

14. SWIMMING WITH SEA TURTLES IN AKUMAL

Swimming with the turtles at Akumal Bay is one of the highlights of any trip to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Akumal is a sleepy town on the Riviera Maya that draws many day-trippers to snorkel and swim with the giant green sea turtles off the gorgeous beach.

In order to swim in the main turtle sanctuary area, visitors need to purchase a guided tour. You can book tours in advance or at the Akumal beachfront. The tour company provides snorkelling gear and an inflatable vest. A guide in the water brings swimmers to the area where the turtles feed. The rules enforced by the tour companies protect the turtles as they feast on seagrass. These regulations are critical to reducing stress on the animals. Touching a turtle is strictly prohibited. Sunscreen is not allowed as it is harmful to reef life.

The tour also includes snorkelling to an off-shore reef where you can see schools of colourful tropical fish and stingrays. A guide provides interesting information about the turtles and their habitat. Taking an early morning tour will be less crowded as day-trippers from Cancun or Tulum come later in the day.

Certainly, seeing the sea turtles glide through the water like they are flying in turquoise air is a Mexico bucket list experience.

Read more of Karen’s adventures at Outdoor Adventure Sampler.

15. VISIT THE BIRTHPLACE OF TEQUILA

Tequila is a small town in the state of Jalisco not far from Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-biggest city. The town is best known for being the birthplace of the alcoholic drink tequila, which is made from the blue agave plant that is native to this region. Nestled among agave fields, the town features colourful houses, cobblestone streets and numerous tequila distilleries.

Due to its local charm and the cultural richness, Tequila was designated a “Pueblo Mágico” (magical town) by the Mexican government. About 80 Mexican villages with special traditions and culture have received the title “Pueblo Mágico” to promote tourism in smaller towns and rural areas. Besides that, Tequila is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tequila is perfectly suitable for a day trip from Guadalajara. The most renowned tour is the Tequila Tour by Mickey Marentes at an elevated price of 135 USD. If you ask at your hotel or hostel, they might offer a more affordable tour or at least suggest an agency to book your trip with. These tours usually include transport, a visit of 1-2 distilleries and a tequila tasting. If you happen to be in Guadalajara on a weekend you can board the “Jose Cuervo Express” which is a train that takes you to Tequila on a scenic route through the countryside while sampling Tequila during the ride. Alternatively, you could also stay a night in Tequila and explore the town and the distilleries from there.

At the distilleries, you’ll visit the production sites together with a guide who explains the process of making tequila. Later, there’s a tasting of different tequilas and you have the option to buy some.

A visit to the town Tequila and its distilleries is a memorable experience that definitely shouldn’t be missed on a trip to Guadalajara.

Read more of Maria’s adventures at A World of Destinations.

16. SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Visiting Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the most unique bucket list activities in Mexico. Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers the unique opportunity to explore a tranquil nature reserve and observe wildlife in their native habitat. Sian Ka’an is home to thousands of different species of flora and fauna, and you can expect to see many different types of marine animals, wildlife, and plant varieties. 

Due to its remote location, the easiest way to explore Sian Ka’an is through a guided eco-tour, which is a full-day wildlife expedition offering a small boat tour, snorkelling, and nature observation. On the tour, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife including crocodiles, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and massive starfish—all in their natural habitat. Another highlight is visiting Isla de Pajaros (Bird Island) where you’ll observe a large population of pelicans, frigates, and other native birds.

Visiting Sian Ka’an is such a unique experience and offers an exclusive way to discover the untouched natural beauty of the Mexican Caribbean. It’s such a special place where you’ll get to appreciate the beauty of wide-open blue water and an undeveloped natural landscape. It’s perfect for the nature lover and those looking for an out of the ordinary adventure.

Find more of Allison’s adventures at Viva La Travelista.

17. UXMAL

Uxmal is an ancient city ruin, less than an hour’s drive from Merida on the Yucatán Peninsula. It dates back to Mayan times and is said to have been home to 20,000 people at the height of its occupation between 600-900 AD. Now, tourists can wander around the ruined buildings and jungle to imagine how life would have been back then.

It’s a fascinating place to visit while you’re in Mexico, thanks to the beautiful structures that are so typical of Mayan architecture. At Uxmal’s centre is the Pyramid of the Magician with its unusually oval base and rounded edges. At 40m tall, it’s an imposing structure that offers something new from every angle and great photos too!

Aside from the Pyramid of the Magician, there’s plenty to explore. The Great Pyramid is slightly smaller, but perhaps even more special because you can still climb it to enjoy incredible views over the rest of Uxmal and the surrounding landscapes. The Temple of the Turtles, Ball Court and the Nunnery Quadrangle are not to be missed either. 

If you are pushed for time and are choosing between Uxmal and Chichen Itza, the best thing about Uxmal is that it’s much quieter. Chichen Itza can get incredibly busy, but in comparison, you’re much less likely to be bothered by hawkers or crowds of tourists at Uxmal. So for a historical bucket list item in Mexico that’s not to be missed, try Uxmal.

Read more of Anna’s adventures at Would be Traveller.

18. CHARTER A YACHT

Chartering a private yacht and sailing along the Riviera Maya with your closest friends is the perfect option and will definitely leave a lasting impression.

Popular with many groups and destination weddings, most charters offer a morning or afternoon of fun aboard a private yacht or catamaran, with various sailing and snorkelling trips or journeys to Cozumel and includes an open bar, food, music, and snorkelling, making it an economical and exciting excursion for large groups of people. There are also options to take a sunset cruise for great evening views of the cotton candy coloured skies.

Pass through the marina before setting sail on the turquoise open waters of the Caribbean sea and admire the stunning coastline. Try your hand at paddleboarding or snorkel with sea turtles and stingrays at the crystal clear Inah Reef – one of the best reefs in the Riviera Maya for viewing colourful and exotic marine life.

Enjoy an open bar including beer, Margaritas, Piña Coladas or cocktails and enjoy a home-cooked meal of fire-roasted chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, guacamole, and fresh-cut Mexican salsa before docking at the end of your journey.

The crews are professional and down to earth, providing entertaining stories and providing drinks while you catch some rays on the deck.

Most tours offer transportation to and from the marina for a minimal cost, depending on where you are staying, making their company a truly all-in-one experience. If you’re looking for a unique excursion with a group of friends, or celebrate an occasion with a loved one, sailing with a private yacht is a definite must-do and will leave you with lifelong memories.

Read about more of Sarah’s adventures at In Search of Sarah.

19. HIERVE EL AGUA, OAXACA

Have you got your camera ready? The Oaxaca region in Mexico is stunning all year round and no visit is complete without a day trip to the incredible Hierve el Agua. 

Translated, the name literally means, “the water boils”. This name comes from the minerals that bubbled out of the side of the rocks. Over thousands of years, these bubbles calcified and formed the rocks that appear in the form of a frozen waterfall.

Interestingly, this is one of only two petrified waterfalls in the world (the other being in Turkey). What’s more, it’s good to know that the springs at the top aren’t actually boiling. This means that you can swim in this natural wonder. Of course, this is especially welcomed if you’re visiting on a hot day. What’s better than a dip in the water after a sweaty hike?

Luckily, you can visit with a tour group or by catching the bus from Oaxaca to Milta. From here wait for a wagon or a bus to take you to the top, the driver will hold a sign with the destination. Get ready for a bumpy ride!

If you want a moment of solitude, or to take pictures before people arrive, it’s better to arrive early. You will not need a guide to hike the 2.5km trail but as always respect the exceptional fauna and do not go off the path. There are toilets and food stalls at the top too, the perfect spot to eat before heading onto your next adventure.

It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. An illusory waterfall.

Find more of Rachel’ss adventures at Average Lives.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.