You Don’t Want To Miss These 17 Sites on Your Next Trip to Mexico

Mexico is easy to reach from the U.S. and is full of beauty and culture — stunning white-sand beaches, charming villages, delicious cuisine, and iconic landmarks.

This guide will point you to some of the must-visit tourist sites in Mexico (as well as how to get there and what to know when visiting) so you can perfectly plan your next vacation in Mexico.

How To Get to Mexico

Getting to Mexico is relatively simple for U.S. travelers. Obviously, you need your passport, but you can fly nonstop to various hubs throughout Mexico from many cities within the United States on popular airlines like Aeromexico, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United, and more.

If you want to use your points and miles to fly to Mexico, your options are practically endless thanks to airline alliances and partnerships. For example, you can use your Delta SkyMiles to book an Aeromexico flight or Air Canada Aeroplan points to book a United flight.

What To Know When Visiting Mexico

Mexico is a massive country made up of 31 different states. U.S. travelers don’t need a visa to enter the country for up to 180 days, just a valid U.S. passport. Certain areas are safer than others, so don’t forget to check the U.S. State Department website to ensure wherever you plan to go doesn’t have any major travel advisories, and make sure to follow general safety tips when traveling.

The country uses the Mexican peso, and $1 is equivalent to around MX$20. Although many places accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

Finally, know that the best times to visit Mexico are usually outside of the Atlantic hurricane season if you want to take advantage of warm, dry weather (from December to May). However, for fewer crowds and better rates, you might visit in the shoulder or low season (June to November). If you’re traveling in the rainy season, getting Mexico travel insurance (or booking with a credit card that offers travel protections) may be a good idea.

Top Archaeological Sites To Visit in Mexico

Mexico’s history dates back many, many centuries — Maya history first emerged in 2,000 B.C. Thanks to some well-preserved archaeological sites, visitors can learn more about these ancient civilizations. Our top tips for visiting these sites are to arrive early to beat the crowds and not to forget your sunblock.

Hot Tip:

There are 194 official archaeological sites to visit in Mexico, and they’re open 365 days a year.

1. Chichén Itzá

One of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO-listed site, Chichén Itzá was once one of the most important areas in the Yucatan for the Maya civilization. The extremely well-preserved site is divided into 2 parts, with 26 different ruins you can visit. The most popular and well-known is El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan), but all are worth seeing.

2. Teotihuacán

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teotihuacán sits northeast of Mexico City and dates back to the first century A.D. It’s one of the largest pre-Aztec sites, home to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Like at Chichén Itzá, you can no longer climb the pyramids here, but you can marvel at their immense size from down below.

Hot Tip:

While Cancún might come to mind when thinking about spring break, Mexico City is actually one of our top cheap spring break destinations in 2025. It’s ideal for foodies and culture buffs.

3. Zona Arqueológica Palenque

Palenque is in the state of Chiapas and is known as one of the most impeccably restored Maya ruin sites in Mexico. Many areas are still being excavated after the jungle overtook much of the ancient ruins. Visiting these ruins is fairly simple, affordable, and you don’t need a guided tour. You can also see some of the famous waterfalls nearby: Agua Azul, Misol-Ha, and Roberto Barrios.

4. Xcaret

Although Xcaret isn’t one of the largest or most famous Maya ruins, it’s one of the most accessible for visitors who plan to spend time in Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or elsewhere along the Riviera Maya. Originally called P’olé, the site is actually within Xcaret Theme Park, featuring the ruins, an amusement park, and a water park with more than 50 natural and cultural attractions. The combination of all sorts of attractions under a single umbrella makes it easy for families to see the ruins, cruise down a lazy river, see local wildlife, dive into cenotes, glide along the treetops via zip line, and so much more.

5. Great Pyramid of Cholula

The largest pyramid in the world by volume isn’t in Eygpt, it’s in Mexico. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, or Tlachihualtepetl, is incredibly unique, and not just because of its size. The pyramid was constructed in stages between the third century B.C. through the ninth century A.D., but in the 16th century, the Spanish built the golden Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church atop the pyramid (which sort of resembles a hill), making it a must-visit tourist attraction in Mexico.

Best Cities To Visit in Mexico

Some of the best tourist sites in Mexico are its cities, starting with the capital, Ciudad de México, known in English as Mexico City (or simply as CDMX), and Oaxaca, a thriving hub for art, history, and culture.

6. Mexico City

Mexico’s enthralling capital city traces its history back to the 14th century and is home to incredible cultural attractions like the colorful Frida Kahlo Museum, the charming formerly Aztec canals of Xochimilco, Chapultepec Castle, and one of the most amazing food scenes in North America. Eat tacos, wander the historic center, or visit some of its many museums.

Hot Tip:

Mexico City is one of Upgraded Points’ top family-friendly destinations in Mexico, along with Isla Mujeres, Punta Mita, and several others.

7. Oaxaca

This cultural gem is known for its vibrant and beautiful historic center and delicious food (mole or mezcal, anyone?). Make sure to visit Oaxaca’s many food and artisan markets, and take day trips outside the city to explore destinations like the Hierve al Agua petrified waterfalls and natural pools and the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán.

Charming Villages and Towns To Visit in Mexico

Beautiful towns and quaint villages dot Mexico’s entire landscape. Mexico even deems its best small towns “pueblos mágicos,” or magical villages, because they’re so enchanting. Our favorites are listed below, but you can see the full list of Mexican magic towns here.

8. San Cristóbal de las Casas

This vibrant colonial town is in the Chiapas region, the same as the archaeological ruins of Palenque. Admire the golden San Cristóbal Cathedral beneath the sun’s rays in the Parque Central and take a free walking tour to get a feel for the city’s brightly hued buildings and pedestrian-only streets.

9. San Miguel de Allende

A budding cultural hub, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its pink-toned church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and bold, floral-covered buildings. Stroll around the museums, galleries, and boutiques to experience the town’s history and creative charm.

Hot Tip:

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10. Tequila

Famous for the liquor of the same name, Tequila is the place to visit if you want to understand more about the process and backstory of cultivating tequila. Visit the tequila distilleries and factories and the agave fields, and check out the museums in the town center dedicated to the history and craftsmanship of this special spirit.

11. Izamal

If you’re ready to up your social media game (or just love the color yellow), head to Izamal, a town beloved for its geometric yellow architecture. Known as the Yucatan’s Yellow City, the best way to see it is to roam the streets and capture all the glowing, lemony architecture. Nearby, there are several ruins you can visit for more cultural and historical context.

Other Top Tourist Sites To Visit in Mexico

Mexico has so much to offer beyond just cities, villages, and archeological ruins. From glorious islands and rock formations to 7-colored lakes and secret cenotes, even canyons and wine regions, Mexico is full of iconic tourist sites you can’t miss.

12. Isla Mujeres

Home to a sanctuary for sea turtles, Maya temple remains, and diverse coral reefs, the car-free island of Isla Mujeres is a quick ferry from Cancún. It’s ideal for a day trip or a vacation alternative to the busier Riviera Maya. Rent a golf cart or scooter and zip around the island to explore white sand beaches and quiet waters, stopping to snorkel or dive at Museo Subacuático de Arte, or MUSA, an underwater museum with more than 500 sculptures.

13. Cabo San Lucas Arch

This craggy rock formation, a massive arch, sits off the coast of Los Cabos and is often visited by sea lions or whales. See it up close by boat, Jet Ski, or kayak, or catch sight of the formation by hiking up nearby trails back on land. Many whale-watching tours also cruise past the spot.

14. Cenotes in Yucatan

Tourists have endless chances to visit cenotes, or limestone swimming holes, in the Yucatan region (and beyond, but we love that there are many close to the Riviera Maya). There’s the circular Cenote Ik Kil, which is a short drive away from Chichén Itzá, Cenote Atik Tulum, which also has a rainforest area scattered with sculptures, and Cenote Samaal, home to a zip line. For a more nature-inspired experience, Cenote Xooch is partially covered, and Cenote Choj Ha is covered with stalactites. You can visit on your own or go on a tour, but don’t forget your swimsuit.

15. Lake Bacalar

One of Mexico’s largest lakes, this freshwater spot is known as the Lake of Seven Colors, because its water often seems to have varying tones, like light blue, turquoise, and dark blue. Experience Lake Bacalar by swimming, boating, kayaking, or just admiring the ever-changing shades of water from the shore.

16. Valle de Guadalupe

Aficionados of a great glass of vino should immediately head to Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, a region that produces more than 70% of the country’s wine. Thanks to the mild weather, red grapes like cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo tend to thrive in the region. Make the most of your stay in this area by lodging at a Mexican hacienda, exploring the wineries, picking fruit, enjoying wellness experiences, and riding horses and bikes.

Hot Tip:

Mexico is a top destination for wellness experiences. Find out what to do and where to go with this article on the best wellness retreats in Mexico.

17. Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon isn’t just a single canyon, it’s a series of them, all part of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The coolest way to see this wild, rocky landscape is by the Chepe Express train. The train runs through several areas over the course of several areas, but for the best views of the canyon, make sure to ride through Divisadero, where you’ll catch sight of Copper Canyon, as well as Urique and Tararecua canyons.

Final Thoughts

From Maya ruins and cenotes to rainbow-colored villages and lively cities, there are endless must-see tourist sites in Mexico. Whether it’s natural wonders or ancient relics, there’s so much to explore in this immense country. Start by deciding which tourist sites call to you the most, then plan your Mexico vacation around them.