Things not to miss

updated 7/9/2020

Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Mexico

#01 Guanajuato

This gorgeous colonial town, sandwiched into a narrow ravine, is home to one of the country’s finest Baroque churches, a thriving student scene and a relaxed café and bar culture.

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#02 Silver jewellery from
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#05 The Bonampak murals
#06 Baja beaches
#07 Diving
#08 Baja Whale watching
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#13 Museo
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#16 Mariachi
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#18 Nightlife in
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#21 Pyramid of the Sun,
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#23 Charreada
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#28 The Rivera murals
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Colored Houses Iglesia de San Roque Market Mercado Hidalgo Guanajuato, Mexico © Bill Perry/Shutterstock

#02 Silver jewellery from Taxco

The town of Taxco, an interesting place in itself, offers the most exquisite silver products in the country.

© S and S Imaging/Shutterstock

#03 Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

A huge, stunning coastal nature reserve with ecosystems ranging from tropical forest through fresh- and saltwater marshes to barrier reef. Wildlife of every sort lives here, but it’s especially good for birdwatching.

#04 Tequila

Visit the town that gave birth to Mexico’s favourite tipple, surrounded by fields of blue agave, and enjoy tours of local distilleries.

T photography/Shutterstock

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#05 The Bonampak murals

The ancient temples at Bonampak depict vivid scenes of Maya life.

#06 Baja beaches

The Sea of Cortés coast around Bahía Concepción, with pristine azure waters contrasting with desert-fringed mountains.

© Shutterstock

#07 Diving Cozumel

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In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Mexico has fantastic diving opportunities: the coral reefs off Isla Cozumel provide some of the best.

© RVLIKEMIDGLEY/Shutterstock

#08 Baja Whale watching

From December to April, thousands of grey whales come to mate in the lagoons of Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio.

© Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock

#09 The Zócalo, Mexico City

The eternal heart of the city, the capital’s main plaza is surrounded by its cathedral and the ruins of Aztec Tenochtitlán.

© Shutterstock

#10 Voladores de Papantla

An ancient religious ritual, this gravity-defying spectacle is still mesmerizing.

#11 Tulum

This important Maya spiritual and cultural centre is one of the most picturesque, with a spectacular beach.

Mayan Ruins Besides Caribbean Sea. Riviera Maya, Traveling America © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock

#12 Cenotes, Valladolid

Take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear sinkholes, one with the roots of a huge alamo tree stretching down into it.

#13 Museo Frida Kahlo

Politics, art and national identity combine at the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

#14 Palenque

This Maya site is remarkable for its distinct architectural style and its setting in jungle-smothered hills.

Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico © Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock

#15 Chichén Itzá

The most famous of the Maya sites. See the sprawling ruins and complex carvings over a couple of days.

Chichen itza sunset, Mexico © Ondrej Kucera/Shutterstock

#16 Mariachi

You’ll find mariachi played the length and breadth of the country but most notably in Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi.

#17 Museo Nacional de Antropología

An enormous collection of artefacts from all the major pre-Hispanic cultures.

Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico © Mikiko/Shutterstock

#18 Nightlife in Playa del Carmen

Dance on the sand or in super-hip small clubs alongside stylish Mexico City weekenders and European expats in this Caribbean boomtown.

© DisobeyArt/Shutterstock

#19 Xochimilco

Take in the carnival atmosphere and colours while being punted around the canals and serenaded by mariachi bands.

© Shutterstock

#20 Oaxaca markets

Any market in Mexico is a feast for the senses, but Oaxaca’s are especially vibrant, with everything from fresh produce to some of the country’s most imaginative textiles.

© Tati Nova photo Mexico/Shutterstock

#21 Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacán

The granddaddy of all ancient Mesoamerican pyramids, built in 100 AD and some 70m high.

Teotihuacán, Mexico © Rafal Kubiak/Shutterstock

#22 Acapulco’s cliff divers

Watch the clavadistas plunge into the sea from precipitous cliffs.

© Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock

#23 Charreada

If bullfights aren’t for you, head to a charreada (rodeo) instead; the ultimate charro (cowboy) event, traditional charreadas make a brilliant spectator sport.