It’s an art to plan a trip around Mexico. There are, after all, so many places and cities in Mexico that one can go to, and selecting which ones to visit and which ones to exclude can be an endless dilemma.
To add insult to injury, when we finally decide where to go, we might find that they’re thousands of kilometers from each other, and that traveling between them is impossible.
In this case, the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to change your route. After all, little by little you will realize that seeing all the incredible places in Mexico in a single trip is not a reality for most travelers.
Which isn’t really a problem, after all, Mexicans never tire of welcoming us with open arms. Whether it’s once, twice, three times, or as many times as necessary, we can get to know all these cities and places that I’ll mention below.
1- Mexico City
Travelers who enjoy vibrant metropolises will want to spend an entire month in the Mexican capital. Which wouldn’t be a bad idea, after all, there’s no shortage of attractions and places to visit in Mexico City .
Set aside at least four full days of your trip to lose yourself in its dozens of museums, parks, restaurants, bookstores and historic buildings.
To enjoy the night, the cool La Condesa neighborhood is one of the liveliest places in the city.
Some of the tourist attractions that are convenient for a first trip are: Historic Center (Zócalo), Torre Latinoamericana Viewpoint, Bosque Chapultepec and the National Museum of Anthropology.
2- Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Less than 70 kilometers from Mexico City, the Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone is one of those essential day trips for anyone visiting the Mexican capital.
Unlike other ancient cities that exist in the country, many facts about the Teotihuacán civilization are still a mystery to this day.
Of course, there are some hypotheses about its history, however, none of the theories are unanimous among researchers.
Despite this, one thing is certain: it is impossible not to be impressed by the grandeur of the temples and buildings there.
3- Puerto Vallarta
Anyone who thinks that Mexican beaches are only part of the Caribbean is very mistaken.
Although it doesn’t have the fame of the Rivera Maya, Puerto Vallarta , which is located on the Riviera Nayarit – Pacific Coast – also has its value.
In addition to the postcard-worthy landscapes, expect to find a diverse structure and a lively atmosphere.
4- Puebla
Just two hours by bus from Mexico City, Puebla is one of the most iconic historical sites in the country. And although its colonial buildings alone are worth the trip, the destination has much more to offer.
For those who don’t want to miss out on eating well while traveling, this is the opportunity to try some of the most Mexican dishes there are, including Mole Poblano.
Other places equally worthy of your attention in these parts are the town of Cholula and the imposing Popocatépetl Volcano , which are less than 30 minutes from Puebla.
5- Oaxaca
Another cultural, gastronomic destination with beautiful natural scenery is the city of Oaxaca.
In the city itself, it’s worth setting aside a whole day to wander around its historic center and markets.
In addition, other attractions that you shouldn’t miss are the natural pools Hierve el Agua, the ruins of Mitla and Monte Albán, as well as visiting a Mezcal factory – a typical Mexican drink, related to tequila.
6- Puerto Escondido
Far from the ostentation of the Riviera Maya, Puerto Escondido , which is on the Pacific Coast, 250 kilometers from Oaxaca, is one of the most authentic and unpretentious beach towns you will find in Mexico.
Tourism has obviously already arrived in these parts. However, the travelers who arrive here are looking for tranquility and do not care about sophistication, or about the perfect waves.
Yes, Puerto Escondido is one of those spots that surfers can’t fault. But that doesn’t stop it from attracting regular travelers who just want to sit back and relax on a beach chair.
7- San Cristóbal de las Casas
Located in the state of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas was one of the most pleasant surprises I had during my trip through Mexico.
The vacation spot, that is close to the border with Guatemala, has the entirety an average colonial town can offer: swish buildings, bars and eating places galore, street markets, and, excellent of all, very friendly prices.
Although its historic center can be explored in just one day, it is worth setting aside more time to also visit some places in the region.
8- Palenque
Also in the state of Chiapas, another place to visit in Mexico is the Palenque Archaeological Site , which is just a few kilometers from the town of the same name.
Although not as imposing as other Mayan constructions, Palenque was one of the most influential cities of that time, mainly due to its strategic location.
9- Merida
Despite its almost one million inhabitants, Mérida is a destination that offers a pleasant and organized environment that is uncommon in cities of this size.
Considered one of the most important cultural hubs in the country, thanks to its dozens of museums and similar events, the city is a perfect stop for those who want to combine urban places and Caribbean beaches on the same trip.
In addition, Mérida offers good accommodation and restaurant options, to suit all tastes and budgets.
10- Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is not popular among peoples for no reason.
In these parts, there is no shortage of places capable of impressing us with their water that seems to have been carefully painted.
Whether in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum , the blue sea is the main attraction in all of these Mexican cities. However, as if that weren’t enough, we are also gifted with many ways to explore it.