Ahh, I thought this place was dreamy, and I loved the flamingos here! According to locals, the Island of Holbox, or Isla Holbox attracts tourists and natives alike. It combines classic Caribbean-style beaches with spectacularly colored buildings matched by crystal clear waters.
Thanks to its pristine beaches and variety of marine life, Island Holbox is famous for water sports, scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Holbox means Black Hole in Yucatec Maya, but you will not feel the name matches the island’s personality.
Walking along the shore, shopping in the shops, or just enjoying the view of native birds, such as flamingos and pelicans, will make for an enjoyable afternoon as you sit back, relax, and enjoy all that Isla Holbox offers.
However, since the Island of Holbox is a relatively car-free area, you can explore the island on foot or take one of its many golf cart taxis.
My highlights…
4. Bernal
I love this pretty and intimate town! Bernal’s residents live longer than in other parts of the country, mainly due to the area’s laid-back atmosphere.
Locals prefer to take life as it comes and limit stress as much as possible. I was charmed by how their way of thinking and living differs from other towns and cities in Mexico.
However, Bernal is not without plenty to do. Bernal is home to the third-largest natural monolith in the world, making it one of the best destinations for climbing enthusiasts, where tourists and locals enjoy the challenge of climbing to its peak.
My favorite highlights…
- Dining alfresco in the serene courtyard at El Arrayán.
- Browsing the intricately locally made handcrafts at the “Centro artesanal La Aurora.”
- I hiked the leisurely trail from Bernal to Chichidho, which took me an hour and took me past some incredible rocky scenery!
5. Lago de Patzcuaro
Finding your way to an impeccably beautiful beach is easy in this rich North American country, but if you prefer your waters still, Largo de Parzuaro is the place for you!
This lake is an average of 5 meters deep and provides a calm place to enjoy the scenery and relax your cares away.
A volcano formed Largo de Parzuaro and is home to several aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, including the rough-footed mud turtle and the Mexican garter snake. The beauty of this remarkable place inspired Pixar’s Coco.
My personal highlights…
- Taking a very scenic boat ride to the main island.
- Spotting Monarch Butterflies.
6. Isla Mujeres
Just a short boat ride from the package holiday favorite Cancun, Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women) is a perfect tropical paradise a world away from the mainland and Mexico City’s craziness.
It’s a small island with not an awful lot going on – but that’s its main selling point. Swim, snorkel, scuba diving, or indulge in the sweet art of not doing much.
The island is serviced by a ferry, which makes it an ideal day trip for travellers visiting Cancun.
My highlights…
- Sipping on incredible cocktails in the Tiny Gecko bar.
- Eating tasty vegan tacos at Lola Valentina.
- Staying at the gorgeous Casa de los Suenos boutique hotel which combined modern amenities and a rustic local feel.
7. Celestun
Located on the already unique Yucatan Peninsula, Celestun is famous in its own right. Apart from being very easy on the eye, it’s a fantastic area to see pink flamingos. When you hear them honking and gabbling, make sure to leave a reply!
This seemingly sleepy town is an environmentally friendly area drawing flamingos and many other forms of wildlife to Reserva de la Biosfera Ria Celestun.
Bring your camera and plenty of sunscreen when visiting Celestun. I would suggest taking pictures and then relaxing along the shores of this picturesque area. With buses making the 90-minute ride and leaving every hour, Celestun is a great place to visit on a day trip from Merida.
My favorite highlights…
- Photographing the flocks of stunning flamingos.
- Spotting other birds like pelicans and herons which also reside here.
- Going swimming in the wonderful fresh water.
8. Puerto Vallarta
This cosmopolitan resort on the country’s west coast is known for its beaches, water sports, and nightlife. I personally think Puerto Vallarta is a picky vacationer’s dream!
It’s also the perfect choice for those on a limited schedule who want, in one destination, to get a taste of all aspects of Mexican life.
One of the biggest draws is the gorgeous stretches of sand beaches along Banderas Bay, and so is the pretty old town of Puerto Vallarta, which offers traditional architecture, stylish restaurants, and plenty of interesting shops and art galleries.
My personal highlights…
- Hanging out at Malecon and chatting with locals
- Going on a fun Taco Tour and tasting a huge variety around the area.
- Shopping for artisan crafts at the Old Town Market Viejo Vallarta.
9. Cabo San Lucas Arch
The coastal city of Cabo is a tourist hot spot. I personally love its sandy beaches, world-class scuba diving locations, and holiday atmosphere!
Although the highlight of Cabo is undoubtedly the stunning natural rock formations that jut out from the turquoise sea, the Cabo San Lucas Arch sits at the meeting point of two seas. He has rightly earned his place in Mexican legend and folklore.
You can visit the city on foot or get around by water taxi, which will take you from downtown to one of the city’s amazing beaches.
My highlights…
- Photographing the striking natural arch.
- Lazing around on the stunning white sand beach and meeting locals.
- Enjoying the delicious cocktails and stunning views at the Mango Deck views.
10. Mahahual
The splendour of the Caribbean coastline attracts visitors worldwide, and Mahahual is among the most popular destinations.
Unlike other, more touristy areas, Mahahual is just a tiny fishing village on the surface. But those who have visited have marveled at the area’s turquoise waters and serene nature.
Things move slowly here, which is what the locals and visitors love about Mahahual. Temperatures never reach above 85 degrees F, making for a relaxing day at the beach at any time of the year.
My personal highlights…
- Snorkelling and seeing the super-cute sea turtles!
- Exploring the fascinating Mayan ruins.
- Lazing around on Playa Mahahual.
11. Morelia
Relaxing on the beautiful beaches is a great way to spend your time. Still, if museums, art galleries, and history are what you seek, colonial towns like Morelia should be your destination.
This area has seen its fair share of battles – including during the Mexican War for Independence. Monuments to the many battles fought here can be seen throughout the city, and there are many stunning sites to enjoy.
The historic center of Morelia is made up of pink-stone buildings, which, in addition to their unique beauty, provide a backdrop for a vibrant dining scene, theatres, museums, and tamale shops.
Among the most famous historic sites this colonial city boasts is the Temple of San Francisco, built in 1610. Locals and officials have painstakingly kept the interior well-preserved and in pristine condition. Their efforts have paid off, as it is one of the most photographed temples in Morelia.
My favorite highlights…
- Dining at the trendy Cuish Cocina Boutique, I highly recommend the Ceviche en Morelia!
- Relaxing in the peaceful Jardín de las Rosas, I loved the pretty water fountains!
12. Isla Espiritu Santo
Isla Espiritu Santo is the country’s 12th-largest island in the Gulf of California. Rare creatures inhabit this UNESCO-protected landmass, including the black jackrabbit, which is not known to inhabit any other part of the world.
Isla Espiritu Santo is known as one of the world’s top 12 places to visit. Here, you can see dolphins, whales, sharks, and turtles, to name a few animals inhabiting the area. Snorkelling and scuba diving are highly encouraged.
My highlights…
- Exploring the island’s waterfalls.
- Going on a scuba diving tour.
- Jumping off the platform and swimming in the stunning Matevulu Blue Hole.
13. Campeche
Declared a World Heritage site in 1997, Campeche has attracted many visitors. Officially, it is known as the Free and Sovereign State of Campeche.
A few notable tourist attractions in Campeche include the colonial architecture, the archaeological sites Becan Ruins and La Zona Arqueologica Edzna, and the archaeological site of Calakmul.
Visitors can also enjoy Chicana Mayan Ruins and Fuerte Museo San Miguel. With a history of well over 3,000 years, Campeche is the best place to soak up the country’s illustrious history and diverse archaeological sites and relax along its picturesque coastline and beautiful beaches.
My personal highlights…
- Dining on the terrace at Casa Vieja del Río and watching the sunset, make sure you try the mezcal!
- Learning all about the ancient fortifications which surrounded the city.
A trip to the Yucatan Peninsula would not be complete without visiting Valladolid. The city is well worth a visit and is known for its important colonial buildings (including the 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena).
The city also boasts one of the best places for Mexican folk art and furnishings.
Of all the colonial towns, Valladolid is home to one of the best cenotes in the country. With over 6,000 cenotes in existence throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, Zaci is said to be among the best.
What is unique about this particular cenote is that it is not on the city’s outskirts, like others, but right in the middle of Valladolid. You can enjoy Zaci’s park-like setting for just a few dollars, so be sure to put that at the top of your to-do list.
My personal highlights…
- Going on a fun swimming and breakfast tour to Suytun Cenote.
- Photographing the gorgeous pastel-colored streets.
16. Lacandon Jungle
The Lacandon Jungle stretches from Chiapas to the southern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula. As you’d expect, this illustrious jungle is full of amazing wildlife and photo opportunities around every corner.
Lacandon Jungle is part of the reserve, the largest rainforest in North America. The Lacandon people within the jungle speak their language, but most of the area’s inhabitants have adapted well to speaking fluent Spanish.
My highlights…
- Going on a Jungle tour and safely exploring the unique area!
- Spotting super-cute spider monkeys!
17. Chiapas
The Chiapas is a gorgeous, subtropical paradise characterized by dense rainforest jungles and ancient Mayan ruins!
As a southern state bordering Guatemala, some highlights include the river-carved Canyon of Sumidero, the lakes at Montebello and the ancient ruins at Palenque.
My favorite highlights…
- Going on a private full-day tour and exploring the beautiful natural scenery safely.
- Exploring the photogenic Las Nubes Waterfalls.
18. Chichen Itza, Yucatan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s new seven wonders, Chichen Itza stands as a testament to the might of the Mayan civilization.
Dominated by the imposing El Castillo structure, this archaeological site is of high interest the world over. It is also one of the country’s most gorgeous spots and should be on everyone’s list!
The important site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State. When planning your trip, ensure you allow a whole day to visit—the area covers over 2.5 square miles.
My personal highlights…
