7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Mexico

7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Mexico

Mexico is a country most people want to head to, whether for partying, beaches, history, or for the delicious food! What most people don’t realize is that this is a stunningly beautiful country too, but that often gets overlooked in favor of huge tourist resorts, with their all-inclusive vibe.

If you want to experience the real side of Mexico, the most beautiful side, then be sure to head to these seven destinations.

Photo by Jose Antonio Tovar

Most people picture Mexico as a beach or city destination, but did you know that it’s also one of the most natural settings on the planet. Chiapas really shows you this side of the country, as it is subtropical and surrounded by huge rainforests expanses and jungles. Picture the Jungle Book, and that is what you’ll find here! You’ll also be able to spot countless ruins dating back to Mayan times. Put simply, Chiapas will take you far away from the beach resorts and show you a taste of the natural side of this stunningly cultural country.

Chiapas is located in the south of Mexico and it sits on the border with Guatemala. Be sure to check out the ruins of Palenque if you have an interest in the Mayan Civilisation, as well as the huge canyon at Sumidero.

Photo by Adam

Another southern part of Mexico, Oaxaca is on the coastline, and will show you some stunning beaches. Because this isn’t on par with the party-central destination of Cancun, it offers a more laid-back, chilled-out beach destination, and one which will show you history and nature at the same time.

Oaxaca is UNESCO World Heritage listed and it has a lot of history dating back to Mayan times and beyond. The indigenous people who made this part of the country their home show their mark on Oaxaca, and this is fascinating to see and explore. Also be sure to check out the stunning waterfalls which sit deep in the forests, which make their way gently down to the beaches and shoreline.

For anyone interested in the ancient Mayan civilisation, Chichen Itza is a must visit, and the UNESCO people agree! A huge structure which was once one of the most important buildings in the civilisation, this is one of the most visited places in Mexico, hands down. For that reason, do bear in mind that you’re likely to see crowds, but don’t let that put you off.

Located in the Yucatan region, Chichen Itza’s most famous section is El Castillo, and it is one of the most photographed spots you’ll see in South America overall.

When visiting Chichen Itza, you should check out the various tours on offer, and bear in mind that to see it properly, you’ll need a full day.

Photo by Lance Fisher

Absolutely nothing to do with the dog, Chihuahua is a stunning part of Mexico, and is surrounded by nature at every turn. Just to the north of the main town you will find the Cooper Canyon, and if you want to have your mind blown, this is a sure-fire spot for you to head to!

Packed with huge cliff faces and mysterious caves, the Copper Canyon looks a little like the Grand Canyon in America, but the entire area is actually larger, when you take into account the sheer number of cliffs the area encompasses. If you love hiking and walking in general, this is an area you need to visit, and the highest points will show you views that your eyes will struggle to comprehend.

Photo by Kirt Edblom

Located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres is one of those island settings which is so blindingly blue, you’ll struggle to believe it. Basically, if you want to chill out in settings that are so perfect even your camera won’t capture it, then head to Isla Mujeres.

You can reach the island via boat from Cancun, and it doesn’t take too long to reach this literal piece of paradise. If you want to snorkel you can easily see all manner of brightly coloured marine-life, but if you want to lay back and soak up the sun, you’re more than catered for.

Photo by Andrew Milligan Sumo

If you want to avoid Cancun, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. Located on the western coastline, on the Yucatan Peninsula, this is a destination for chilling out and soaking up the sun. You can also take it a step further and head to the main old town, where there are coffee shops aplenty, fantastic people watching opportunities, and small boutiques to shop ’til you drop at. You’ll also find many traditional restaurants, where you can try authentic Mexican food at its finest.

Banderas Bay is one of the most famous beaches in the area, and one of the largest too. This area never feels crowded, even when the summer is at its peak and locals and tourists are hitting the beach to cool down. Be sure to visit Cenotes, the underground lakes within the national park.

Photo by David Prasad

For something a little different, be sure to head to Bufadora in Baja California. This is a huge sea cave which you will remember for a long time to come. As the tide comes in, the cave floods and a huge geyser shoots water high into the sound. It’s a real sight to see, so be sure to have your camera at the ready!

The area itself is a great spot for nature and relaxation, with plenty of beaches for kicking back, relaxing, and not really doing much else. It’s also worth pointing out that Baja California is a huge peninsula which is the second largest in the world, so you’re sure to find plenty of nature and wildlife, including imposing mountain ranges. Why not hire a car and venture around the region?

 

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