The 15 Best Places to Visit in Mexico

This stretch of Caribbean coastline along the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the country’s most concentrated tourist destinations. Beginning south of Cancun and extending to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Tulum, the area offers plenty to explore, from hidden limestone cenotes, or freshwater swimming holes, to tucked-away ruins like Coba, a site with the region’s highest temple and oldest network of stone causeways in the Maya world. Some of the area’s top resort stays include Etéreo, a 75-room luxury hotel set along a protected stretch of white-sand shoreline, and Palmaïa, a secluded sanctuary set south of Playa del Carmen that’s revered for its plant-based cuisine and jungle spa. Further south in Tulum, top stays include the private and relaxed Olas Tulum, an all-suite property, and Sanará, a wellness-centric property with the plant-focused kitchen, Real Coconut.

Guadalajara

Agave fields in Guadalajara.Photo: Getty Images

Not only is Guadalajara the land where mariachi music hails, but it’s also the undisputed origin of the Mexican charro, or cowboy. It’s where tequila became tequila, and it’s even the region that produced Luis Barragán, revered as the country’s pioneer of modern Mexican architecture. Though rich with tradition, today Guadalajara is becoming more known for its hip cafés, upscale restaurants, and craft breweries. Base yourself at the city’s original boutique property, Casa Habita, a 37-room hotel with a rooftop pool. From here, it’s easy to arrive at restaurants like Xokol for an upscale presentation of traditional corn-based dishes like tacos and tlacoyos and El Terrible Juan, an all-day café and brew bar. And don’t leave town without a visit to the lienzo, or arena, of the Charros de Jalisco, to see a classic charrería, a rode-style competition that’s also the country’s national sport