Nestled among the lush mountains, Taxco is known as the country’s silver capital. With its winding cobblestone streets and white houses with red tile roofs, Taxco exudes the old-world charm of Mexico’s rich colonial heritage.

Rich in history and tradition, this picturesque city offers a fascinating combination of Spanish colonial architecture and indigenous influences, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors from near and far.

Main attractions in Taxco:

• Santa Prisca Cathedral
• Charming Plazas and Alleyways
• Vibrant Markets

What to eat in Taxco?

Try the local specialty, pozole verde, a hearty hominy soup flavored with aromatic herbs and spices. For dessert, enjoy sweet treats like churros dusted with cinnamon sugar or creamy flan topped with caramel sauce.

How to get there?

From Mexico City, visitors can take a scenic drive along the Autopista del Sol. Additionally, buses depart regularly from Mexico City’s Southern Bus Terminal, offering a convenient and affordable form of transportation.

Located on the Pacific coast, Todos Santos beckons travelers with its bohemian charm and laid-back atmosphere. This eclectic town boasts a vibrant community of artists, surfers, and expats, creating a melting pot of cultures.

With its quaint picturesque streets lined with colorful adobe buildings, swaying palm trees, golden sands, and azure waters, Todos Santos exudes a relaxed vibe that invites visitors to unwind and explore at their own pace.

What to Eat in Todos Santos?

Savor the local specialties like fish tacos, ceviche, and seafood enchiladas, paired with refreshing margaritas or local craft beer. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample traditional Mexican desserts like churros or creamy flan.

How to get there?

From Cabo San Lucas, embark on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Alternatively, shuttle services and buses are available from Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, providing convenient transportation options.

Puerto Escondido enchants visitors with its pristine beaches and laid-back ambiance. With its golden sands, turquoise crystal waters, and breathtaking sunsets, this coastal town offers travelers a paradise away from the crowds.

What to do in Puerto Escondido?

• Visit Mercado Benito Juárez
• Surf on Zicatela Beach
• Visit the bioluminescent Laguna de Manialtepec

What to Eat in Puerto Escondido?

Indulge in the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine with local delicacies like tlayudas, mole negro, and fresh seafood ceviche. Try a refreshing michelada or mezcal cocktail for an authentic taste of Mexico’s culinary heritage.

How to Get There?

From Oaxaca City, travelers can reach Puerto Escondido via a scenic drive along the coastal highway. Additionally, buses and shuttles depart regularly from Oaxaca City, providing convenient transportation options.

Sayulita embodies the essence of bohemian charm and luxury. This seaside village has transformed from a surf haven to a vibrant cultural hub for travelers seeking sun, surf, and a taste of Mexico’s bohemian spirit.

What to do in Sayulita?

• Relax in a hammock on Sayulita Beach
• Discover the bustling town plaza – the main square
• Get diving lessons at Sayulita Surf School

What to Eat in Sayulita?

Taste fresh seafood tacos and ceviche, grilled fish and shrimp. Wash it all down with a refreshing agua fresca or a tangy margarita. Don’t forget to indulge in Sayulita’s famous street food, from savory tamales to churros.

How to Get There?

Sayulita is just a short drive or bus ride from Puerto Vallarta. Adventure seekers can drive along the scenic coastal route, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and lush tropical landscapes along the way.

Real de Catorce is a relic of Mexico’s mining past. This enigmatic ghost town, once a bustling silver-mining hub, now stands frozen in time, its cobblestone streets and abandoned buildings whispering tales of bygone eras.

Main attractions in Real de Catorce:

• Plaza Hidalgo, the town’s historic central square
• La Parroquia de Immaculada Concepcion
• Tunnel of Ogarrio and silver mines labyrinths

What to Eat in Real de Catorce?

Savor the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with hearty dishes like carne asada tacos, chile rellenos, and savory tamales, served with a side of homemade tortillas and fiery salsas. Wash it all down with a glass of pulque.

How to Get There?

From San Luis Potosi drive through the rugged landscapes of the Catorce Mountains.

Bernal welcomes travelers with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage.

This picturesque town captivates with its meandering cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and historic 18th- and 19th-century buildings, set against the dramatic backdrop of one of the tallest monoliths in the world.

Main attractions:

• Hike to the Peña de Bernal summit for panoramic views
• Visit local craft shops and artisanal markets
• Visit the Museum of the Mask

What to Eat in San Sebastian Bernal?

Taste traditional dishes like enchiladas queretanas, gorditas de nata, and barbacoa, accompanied by a refreshing glass of local wine or pulque. For dessert, treat yourself to local handmade candies and sweets.

How to Get There?

• From Querétaro City, Bernal is just a short drive away.
• Visitors can also reach Bernal by bus or taxi from Querétaro.

Oaxaca City stands as a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and tradition. Surrounded by the mountain range, this colonial gem enchants visitors with its colorful streets, centuries-old architecture, and rich indigenous heritage.

From its bustling markets and lively plazas to its world-renowned cuisine, Oaxaca offers a blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the magic of Mexico’s cultural capital.

Main attractions:

• Explore Oaxaca’s UNESCO-listed historic center
• Marvel at the ornate facades of the Templo de Santo Domingo
• Visit Mercado Benito Juárez
• Visit the ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Albán, perched atop a hill

What to Eat in Oaxaca?

In Oaxaca, the flavors of indigenous ingredients and centuries-old recipes come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Sample tlayudas, tamales, and mole negro with a refreshing mezcal or tejate.

For dessert, treat yourself to a sweet empanada or ice cream.

How to Get There?

From Mexico City, travelers can reach Oaxaca City by bus, car, or plane, and long-distance buses connecting the two cities. Alternatively, embark on a scenic road trip through the rugged landscapes of southern Mexico.

San Miguel de Allende is a town with timeless beauty and colonial charm. The town enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, and historic architecture, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploration and discovery.

From its courtyards and plazas to its world-class restaurants, San Miguel de Allende offers a captivating mix of old-world elegance and modern sophistication, inviting travelers to experience the magic of Mexico’s cultural capital.

Main Attractions:

• Marvel at the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
• Explore San Miguel’s UNESCO-listed historic center

What to Eat in San Miguel de Allende?

Indulge in the flavors of central Mexico with traditional dishes like enchiladas mineras, chiles en nogada, and pozole, served with a side of handmade tortillas and fiery salsas.

Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or mezcal for an authentic taste of San Miguel’s culinary heritage, and don’t forget to save room for dessert, whether it’s a decadent tres leches cake or a sweet concha from a local bakery.

How to Get There?

From Mexico City, travelers can reach San Miguel de Allende by bus, car, or shuttle.

Alternatively, adventurous souls can embark on a scenic road trip through the picturesque landscapes of central Mexico, enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.

Pátzcuaro enchants visitors with its colonial charm, indigenous heritage, and natural beauty.

This picturesque pueblo mágico (magic town) captivates travelers with its cobblestone streets, red-and-white adobe walls, and centuries-old traditions, creating a timeless haven where past and present converge.

From its bustling markets and historic plazas to its tranquil lakeside promenades, Pátzcuaro offers a captivating glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and connect with the soul of Michoacán.

Main Attractions:

• Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, the city’s central square
• Admire the colonial architecture
• Marvel at the majestic Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
• Embark on a scenic boat ride to Isla Janitzio

What to Eat in Pátzcuaro?

Indulge in the flavors of Michoacán with traditional dishes like uchepos (corn tamales), corundas (triangular tamales), and pescado blanco (whitefish), served with a side of rice, beans, and spicy salsa.

Wash it all down with a glass of local charanda (sugar cane spirit) or atole (hot corn drink), and don’t forget to sample the region’s famous artisanal sweets, including candied fruits, tamarind candies, and sugar-coated peanuts.

How to Get There?

From Morelia, travelers can reach Pátzcuaro by bus, taxi, or rental car. Alternatively, adventurous souls can embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of Michoacán, enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.

Famous picturesque Playa Ruinas is the beach that most often represents Tulum, with its beautiful white sands and turquoise waters home to well-preserved Mayan ruins.

The clifftop Castillo (“Castle”) was constructed as a watchtower in the 13th century and is now the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico.

The beach itself with its warm Caribbean waters is popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and all manner of water sports, while a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops are available to enjoy after a day of fun in the sun.

Lover’s Beach, officially known as Playa del Amor, is one of Mexico’s most famous beaches.

The beach is easily accessible by water taxi from the Cabo marina and boasts some incredible rock formations, fascinating caves, and clear azure waters. On the Sea of Cortez side, you can enjoy some outstanding snorkeling too.

While you’re here you can enjoy dining at the area’s many upscale restaurants, as well as take part in the happening party scene with numerous cozy bars and clubs.

Balandra Beach is the very best beach in all of Mexico.

Located a short drive from the city of La Paz, it boasts ultra white, soft sands that frame a gorgeous lagoon with clear cerulean waters that make it look as if it should be in the Caribbean.

This place is home to a unique mushroom-shaped rock that’s easy to swim out to, or even walk to when the tide is low.

In nearby La Paz, stroll the promenade that hugs the shoreline known as the Malecon, a beautiful place to enjoy a sunset as well as to dine at waterfront eateries and shop for local goods.

Chen Rio Beach is located on Cozumel, an island located off the Yucatan Peninsula.

Considered one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

Explore a spectacular underwater world and enjoy soaking up the sun and sand, or rent a scooter and explore some of the lesser-visited areas of the island, Mayan ruins, and a marine park.

Nestled between the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, Todos Santos is a fabulous arts community, with a thriving food scene and a nearly always empty beach that stretches for miles.

Punta Lobos is an ideal place for surfing. Don’t forget your board, or just enjoy long strolls, watching the baby sea turtle releases and some of the most stunning sunsets on the planet.

Playa Norte (“North Beach”), is the main beach on Isla Mujeres, a tiny island just 10 miles off the coast of Cancun.

Playa Norte is famous for its glistening white sands that are lined with palm trees, and strikingly clear warm waters that are calm, shallow, and for safe swimming and snorkeling.

At Playa Norte you can rent a lounger at any one of the beach clubs, and enjoy live reggae parties starting at sunset with live salsa music and dancing on Sunday afternoons.

Hobox is a small island located just three hours from Cancun, the best-kept secret on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering a tranquil escape with seven miles of postcard-perfect sands and crystal-clear cerulean waters.

While there is little in the way of facilities, and no upscale hotels, unspoiled beaches can be discovered around every corner.

Every year from May through September, whale sharks gather in this area to feed on the plankton-rich waters that have made it one of the best destinations on Earth to see or even swim with the ocean’s largest fish too.

The island is also a bird watcher’s paradise, with more than 150 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.

Playa de Tecolote or Tecolote Beach is one of the best beaches for swimming near La Paz and the entire Baja Peninsula.

Enjoy barefoot dining at the casual eateries on the beach, which serve tasty local dishes while gazing out at the brilliant waters in varied shades of blue and out to the uninhabited island of Espíritu Santo.

Wave runners and paddle boards are available for rent too.

Playa Maroma, or Maroma Beach, has become one of the Riviera Maya’s top resort destinations, offering luxurious accommodations and indulgent amenities to its already enticing natural advantages.

Playa Maroma boasts a lush tropical backdrop, bordered by mangroves and jungle, along with perfect white sands and extraordinary Caribbean waters in a shade of blue that causes jaws to drop.

Cabo Pulmo is also named the “jewel of the East Cape”.

Cabo Pulmo is a breathtaking 70-mile coastline that arcs from San Jose del Cabo to Los Barriles.

The unspoiled beaches give way to a calm, shallow bay that houses one of just three living reefs on the entire continent, located in a 10-mile-long by a three-mile-wide underwater park.

This area has one of the oldest living coral reefs and has the highest concentration of sea life in the Sea of Cortez, including tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, sea lions, moray eels, and bull sharks.

No matter where you are on the beach, you can expect to catch some of the most glorious sunrises you’ll ever wake up to.

Colonial Zacatecas, Mexico’s second-highest city at 2469 meters above sea level, offers a chance to take a trek back through history with stunning architecture that includes many civil and religious buildings from the colonial area.

The Cathedral dominates the center of Zacatecas City and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Churrigueresque architecture in Mexico.

Best known as one of the clusters of old silver mining cities, Zacatecas has long been valued for its rich deposits of silver and other minerals. The city also hosts the famous Holy Week Cultural Festival which features more than 50 dancers and other performers.

This UNESCO-listed nature reserve is an outdoor lovers’ dream come true.

Located off the coast of Baja, California, it’s a must-see, with pristine turquoise bays, windswept sand dunes, fiery red cliffs, and rich marine life as part of one of the most unspoiled ecosystems in Baja.

In the surrounding waters, view gray whales, swim with manta rays and sea lions, and on land, you’ll find five species of mammals and reptiles that are unique to the island, including a ring-tailed cat and black jackrabbit.

Chiapas is unlike anything you probably envisioned Mexico to be.

Here you’ll find a land filled with lakes and waterfalls as well as magnificent ruins in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, nestled within a rainforest along the northern border of the state.

The stunning structures here were built with remarkable artistry, while the onsite museum features stucco hieroglyphs, intricately carved panels and fantastical clay earns.

The incredible detail of the carvings and frescoes have revealed to archaeologists much of what they know about Mayan life today.

At nearby Agua Azul, you can take a dip in waters that appear so amazingly blue it’s hard to believe they’re real, but they’re actually the result of crystal clear water that runs over a smooth limestone riverbed, illuminated by the sun.

Puebla’s city center is also a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its magnificent monuments of Spanish colonial architecture and a colorful blend of cultures.

Stroll its central streets, passing buildings, facades, and gardens that reflect its history, and shop for intricately designed Talavera pottery. Nearby, you can view the world’s largest pyramid at Cholula, topped by a church.

After dark, head to the Plazuela de Los Sapos to enjoy the sounds of traditional mariachi.

This quiet fishing village hidden away on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, though it still remains a favorite budget-friendly destination in Mexico.

It’s also under the radar, with the exception of those who come here to surf. A beach break known as the Mexican Pipeline, putting Mexican surfing on the map, brings surfers from across the globe.

From May to July, waves can reach 30 feet or higher. Even if you don’t surf, the experience here is all about the beach, though you’ll also find an authentic Mexican culture and a bustling outdoor food market.

Huatulco is in one of the most bio-diverse regions of the country along the Pacific Coast, about 70 miles east of Puerto Escondido, and also in Oaxaca State.

It boasts a Green Globe Certification for sustainable tourism and features an abundance of eco-attractions and wildlife, along with nine pristine bays and 36 picturesque beaches connected by rocky cliffs that lead to lush rainforest-covered mountains.

Visit coffee plantations and explore pre-Hispanic ruins or enjoy endless snorkeling and diving among brilliant reefs – you’ll be stunned at how crystal clear the waters in Huatulco are.

This seaside village 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit was a secluded surfing town and sleepy fishing village just a decade ago, but that’s changed in recent years, with travelers from across the globe discovering Sayulita’s charms.

Don’t wait too long to visit, while you can still enjoy a low-key, bohemian vibe, unspoiled beaches, and rustic seafood eateries on the sand. If you’re new to surfing, this is also a good place to learn.

While the experience will find plenty of challenges, the bay has a nice break that’s ideal for beginners, and you’ll also find lessons as well as board rentals of all types available.

Just an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is one of the most charming towns in Baja with its quirky mix of New Age spiritualists, surfers, artists, and fishermen.

It offers a world-class foodie scene too, though it’s managed to escape the rampant tourism of other towns in the region.

This unique, artsy desert oasis is tucked among ancient orchards of mango and palm while offering breathtaking views that overlook powdery white sands and the expanse of the dazzling Pacific.

Its rich history with centuries-old tradition and friendly hospitality combined with modern conveniences make it an ideal less-traveled destination.

Morelia is another one of Mexico’s most spectacular colonial cities, located in the state of Michoacan, home to the only indigenous people who were never conquered by the Aztecs.

The state capital of Morelia proudly displays its Indian roots among the majestic, pink quarry stone colonial buildings.

The cozy and picturesque town of Morelia It’s surrounded by villages devoted to the single crafts industry, including musical instruments, textiles, furniture, copper, and pottery.

Several of the most important monarch butterfly wintering sites on the planet are located in eastern Michoacan’s mountains.

The annual monarch migration is one of the greatest spectacles found in the nation when as many as 60 million to one billion of the orange-colored butterflies journey from eastern Canada to the forests of western central Mexico.

Cooper Canyon, located in the heart of the Tarahumara Mountains, is so enormous it could swallow the entire Grand Canyon.

Copper Canyon, formed by the confluence of six rivers, is lush and green with oak, fir, pine, and fig trees. Indigenous people have made the canyons their home for centuries, and living in this remote region, their way of life has largely been preserved.

You’ll need to venture deep into the canyon floor to meet the Tarahumara people. The best way to get there is via the Chihuahua al Pacifico Train which can be boarded at El Fuerte, a small colonial town on the El Fuerte River.

Ixtapan de la Sal is best known for its healing thermal springs. It’s a popular destination for Mexico City residents, located just a little over two hours southwest.

It’s also been an important source of salt since pre-Hispanic times, while its two rivers and the carbonated water of La Laguna Verde, a spring that erupts from the volcanic landscape, served as a public bath for indigenous people.

During the Aztec empire, it was said to be a sacred place for chiefs who took advantage of the warm waters for their healing and soothing properties.

The town is typical of others in Mexico, with high tile roofs and cobblestone streets framed in the traditional surroundings of 16th-century buildings.

This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of central Mexico’s most picturesque and best-preserved colonial towns manages to be cosmopolitan and quaint at the same time.

With narrow cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and idyllic weather, many feel it’s the prettiest town in the country.

Foreign retirees, artists, and writers, mainly from Canada and the U.S. are flocking here for its vibrant art scene featuring numerous studios and galleries with working artists and artisans along with a moderate cost of living.

There’s something interesting to be found around nearly every corner, with its parish church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Jardin Park, and Mercado Ignacia Ramirez a few of the highlights.

The small state of Tlaxcala, located just two hours west of Mexico City offers something for almost everyone, including fascinating sites for history buffs and beautiful scenery for nature lovers.

At Cacaxtla, one of the most important ancient cities in central Mexico, perfectly preserved pre-Hispanic murals vividly depict battles and pyramids from the different stages of the Olmeca-Xicalanca culture.

Its compact capital is filled with colonial buildings painted in warm, colorful hues, all set in a verdant valley with soaring twin volcanoes as a backdrop.

It rivals the Yucatan for restored and ruined haciendas and is also home to over 1,000 archaeological sites. During the summer, visit the Firefly Sanctuary where you can witness countless fireflies lighting up the forest at night.

An ideal destination for wine enthusiasts, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Americas, Casa Madero, can be found in the town of Parras de la Fuente, located in Coahuila state in northern Baja California.

It was actually this very winery that exported the grapes that started the wine industry in Napa Valley, back when the Golden State was still a province of Spanish Mexico.

Its wines are still found alongside the finest in the region and among the winners of international competitions.

While the main attraction here is the vineyards, you can also visit a sacred volcano and the charming chapel, El Santo Madero, which sits atop it, keeping watch over the town.

By visiting the “cave of the bats,” located in the Hotel Antigua Hacienda de Perote, just before the sun goes down, you can see and hear thousands of bats pouring out into the sky as they get ready for a night of hunting.

La Paz was once set to become the next Acapulco – Baja’s unassuming capital remained a laid-back city with just a few tourists joining vacationing Mexicans.

But that’s starting to change, much to the dismay of some, with resorts popping up just outside of town aimed at travelers looking for luxuries that can be found in places like Cancun and Cabo.

For now, the essential nature of the city hasn’t changed.

You can still enjoy a provincial Mexico town atmosphere along with picture-postcard beaches, lively squares, and city streets nestled between coconut palms, old laurel trees, and date palms along with the ultimate seafood smorgasbord.

Because of its temperate climate, the town is also known as “Cuernavaca of the State of Baja California Sur”.

There is evidence that demonstrates the human presence in Todos Santos for at least 3000 years.

The first European to discover the oasis was the Jesuit Jaime Bravo, who observed that there were nomadic tribes of guaycuras that took advantage of the water and collected shells from the coast.

The mission at what is now Todos Santos, Misión Santa Rosa de las Palmas was founded by father Jaime Bravo in 1723. In 1724 it was renamed Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz.

Located across the street to the southwest from the small town plaza, this mission contains the statue of the Virgin of Pilar, which is the focus of Todos Santos’s main festival in November.

The site was originally a station established in 1724 by the Jesuit subordinate to the mission of Our Lady of the Pillar of Peace that supplied water and fruits and vegetables to La Paz.

In 1725 the priest Lorenzo Carranco was permanently established throughout that year.

Father Jaime Bravo established three visits in this area, however, it has never been possible to establish with certainty where the other two were.

During the Mexican American War the Skirmish of Todos Santos, the last battle of the war, was fought near the town on March 30, 1848.

During the 19th century following the secularization of the missions, Todos Santos thrived as the Baja sugarcane capital, supporting eight sugar mills at the end of the 19th Century.

Only one existed by the time the town’s freshwater spring dried up in 1950 and that last mill closed in 1965.

Todos Santos faced a bleak future until the spring came back to life in 1981 and the Mexican Government paved Highway 19 in the mid-1980s. The highway brought tourists and the rich farmlands have been revived.

The town now prospers from farming vegetables, chilies, avocados, papayas, and mangoes; as well as from fishing and ranching.

More recently, there has been a gradual increase in tourist activity and a boom in real estate development.

Handicraft shops, owner-operated art galleries featuring landscape paintings of local scenes (some artists from Guadalajara and other parts of Mexico also exhibit works in Todos Santos,) upscale restaurants, boutique hotels, and restored colonial buildings have contributed to the gentrification and redevelopment of the town.

There are a few annual festivals including the Festival de Cine and the Todos Santos Music Festival.

The Hotel California is a favorite stop because of the name associated with the song made famous by the Eagles, even though the song does not specifically reference this particular hotel, nor any other existing hotel.

On May 1, 2017, the band The Eagles, filed a lawsuit against the Hotel California alleging trademark infringement.

The Eagles were seeking relief and damages.

The lawsuit was settled in 2018: The hotel continues to use the name, abandoned efforts to apply for a trademark in the United States, and now expressly denies any connection with the song or the Eagles.

There are many beautiful beaches within a 15-minute drive of Todos Santos. However, some of the area’s beaches, with rip tides, undertows, and fairly steep drop-offs close to shore, are not considered safe for swimming.

Playa Las Palmas and Playa Los Cerritos are great beaches for swimming and shell collecting.
San Pedrito Point, Los Cerritos, and other local surf breaks attract surfers from around the world.

There are many accommodations both at San Pedrito and at Cerritos beach.

The mission Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz contains the statue of the Virgin of Pilar, which is the focus of Todos Santos’s main festival in November.