Mexico attractions

Next to the Sierra Madre mountains and part of the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, Parque La Huasteca is one of Monterrey’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure, just a short drive from the city proper. Nearly 500 acres (200 hectares) of jagged limestone peaks, desert, and pockets of lush forest comprise the Huasteca Park, making it a must-visit for joggers, bikers, and climbers alike.

Located close to one of Cozumel’s most popular beaches, The Mayan Cacao Company offers a glimpse into the important role chocolate plays in Mayan culture. Here, you’ll pass through interactive exhibits before sampling a pre-Hispanic chocolate drink and a chocolate margarita.

At Cenote Chaak Tun, outside Playa del Carmen, venture inside hidden subterranean caves that the ancient Maya believed were sacred portals to the underworld. Follow the beam of your headlamp into an enormous cenote, where centuries-old stalactites drip from above, and swim and snorkel in its fresh water rivers and pools.

Keeping guard over the Port of Veracruz since the 16th century, the imposing San Juan de Ulúa Fortress was once one of the most important strongholds of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. Now preserved as a national historic monument; the long-abandoned fortress stands testament to the city’s colonial past.

This pre-Columbian archaeological complex is among the stand-out sights on Mexico's Pacific coast. Excavated features include a Mesoamerican ball court, sacrificial altar, and clay pyramids, while the on-site museum showcases around 800 smaller artifacts, including an ancient town sign in the indigenous American language, Nahuatl.

Located off the coast of Acapulco and reachable by boat, La Roqueta Island (Isla de La Roqueta) is an ideal spot for travelers looking to relax. Visitors lounge on the golden sand beaches, snorkel and kayak at secluded coves, and hike a network of trails that lead to stunning scenic overlooks. The island also offers a handful of restaurants and a small zoo.

This 19th-century henequen plantation is a living museum, immersing guests in Merida’s colonial heritage as they explore the site’s working machines, sprawling grounds, and horse-drawn railways. The hacienda is also home to a restaurant and hotel, as well as a traditional Mayan dwelling and private cenote.

Quieter than its more popular sister sites of Monte Albán and Mitla, Yagul is home to the second largest Mesoamerican ball court after Chichén Itzá. Visitors can admire striking views over the Tlacolula Valley from the vantage point of these elevated ruins; explore the elaborate stone palace and courtyards, which date from between AD 750 and 950; and enter the underground tombs.

Once home to Hollywood superstars Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Gringo Gulch is now a sleepy Puerto Vallarta neighborhood which spills down the hillside above the Cuale River. Characterized by red-roofed, whitewashed "Vallarta-style" mansions—including Casa Kimberly, Taylor’s one-time villa—Gringo Gulch has some of the best views over downtown Puerto Vallarta, as well as a distinctly colorful past.

Originally built in the 16th century, the Montejo House-Museum--one of Mérida’s oldest buildings--is now a bank and free-to-enter museum. There, visitors can explore the permanent, four-room collection of historic furniture and three exhibition halls which typically house artworks. However, the main draw of Casa Museo Montejo is the original and elaborate Spanish Plateresque-style façade, one of a few of its kind in the Americas.

At a cool elevation of 4,000 feet (1,220 meters), the Veracruz uplands have the perfect climate for growing Mexican coffee. At the Coatepec Coffee Museum, you can learn about some of the secrets behind Veracruz’s coffee, from its rich history in this part of Mexico to its production. Plus, you can taste coffee samples and take some local beans home with you.

Looming over the southern end of Monterrey’s sprawling Macroplaza, the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Known for its blend of architectural styles, including the ornate baroque facade and neoclassical bell tower, the cathedral is just as beautiful inside as out—the colorful murals and vaulted ceilings are particular highlights of the eclectic interior.

Taking its name—which translates as “the place of twenty waters”—from the aqueducts and irrigation systems that fed its fertile farmlands; Cempoala was once one of the region’s most important pre-Columbian cities. Inhabited by the Totonac, Zapotec, and Chinantecas people, the scattered ruins date back to 1200 AD.

Impressively preserved and brightly colored colonial architecture characterizes downtown Tlacotalpan, a UNESCO-recognized former river port city. Highlights include the whitewashed San Cristóbal Church, the salmon-pink Church of the Candelaria, and the striking riverside sunsets.

One of Mexico’s lesser-visited archaeological ruins, Quiahuiztlán offers a quieter alternative to similar Totonac sites such as El Tajín or Cempoala. Highlights include commanding views over the Gulf of Mexico, numerous tombs, and the remains of both pyramids and a ball court.

Inhabited by thousands of green parakeets, thrushes, woodpeckers, and more, the 460-foot-deep (140-meter-deep) Sinkhole of Parrots (Sima de las Cotorras) is one of Chiapas’ most magnificent natural attractions that will entice bird watchers and adventure travelers alike. Watch as the birds take flight morning and evening, before rappelling into the sinkhole or taking a guided tour to the cave paintings.

Once an unoccupied stretch of sand and swampland, the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) is now the top tourist district in Mazatlán, dominated by hotels, resorts, and several popular beaches. A jumping-off point for further exploration of the region, travelers can visit the modern marina, lounge on Sábalo or Gaviotas Beach, and party all-night in the bars and clubs.

Designed by Oaxacan artists Francisco Toledo and Luis Zárate, Oaxaca’s Ethnobotanical Garden (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca) is home to hundreds of plants native to Oaxaca, Mexico’s most biodiverse region. Look out for towering cacti, medicinal plants, and rescued agaves as you learn about the relationship between people, culture, and plants on a guided tour of the truly impressive garden.

Facing Cozumel’s white sands and turquoise waters, Playa Uvas Beach Club sits directly on the coast and offers a variety of activities and amenities. Active visitors will enjoy snorkel tours, parasailing, and kayaking, and there are lounge chairs, beachside massages, and pool facilities for those who simply want to relax in the sun.

Home to pieces by major 20th-century Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Rufino Tamayo, the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) is a circular, domed building with a wealth of mainly post-1930 Mexican art. Here, explore permanent exhibits, the on-site sculpture garden, and regularly rotated temporary exhibitions in the heart of Chapultepec Park.

Home to monuments, historic residences, and a cultural center, the San Angel neighborhood is a charming respite from busy Mexico City. But, one day a week, the Bazaar Sábado (Saturday Market) bustles with activity, with vendors selling art and crafts, original paintings and sculptures, and cheap eats.

One of the oldest and largest markets in Oaxaca—if not the entire country—the fragrant and bustling Abastos Market is a hub of fresh produce, Oaxacan goods, and more. Also known by its official name of the Central de Abastos, this market is the perfect place to pick up Oaxacan snacks and souvenirs, from local pottery to chili-laced candies and freshly made mole.

The 82-foot (25-meter) Horsetail Waterfall (Cascada Cola de Caballo) is the star attraction in a park of the same name, situated just outside the pueblo mágico (magic town) of Santiago. Popular among local families, picnic alongside the tumbling falls for a back-to-nature escape from hectic Monterrey.

Just outside Monterrey, La Boca Dam (Presa La Boca) is an artificial lake best known for watersports, mountain views, and lively social gatherings. Go fishing, rent a 4WD, or ride horses around the reservoir by day or visit in the evening for barbecue- and beer-fueled parties, catamaran rides, and lots of loud music.

Rosarito Beach is a Mexican resort town that’s about 30 minutes south of San Diego. Known for its beaches and nightlife, Rosarito’s close proximity to the border makes it a popular destination for US visitors and retirees. Hollywood is fond of the area, too. A number of films, includingTitanic andPearl Harbor, were filmed in Rosarito.

With calmer, warmer waters than other popular beaches in Mazatlán, plenty of opportunity for snorkeling, and several open-air seafood restaurants, Stone Island is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Mazatlán. Palm-lined Isla de la Piedra—which is not technically an island—is also a hub of soft adventure activity, such as horseback riding and hiking, as well as relaxation.

Situated atop one of the highest hills in Monterrey, the Mirador del Obispado (Bishop’s Lookout) offers near-unbeatable panoramic views over the city below. Highlights of the viewpoint are Mexico’s largest monumental flag and the mustard-yellow 18th-century Palacio del Obispado (Bishop’s Palace), now home to a comprehensive regional museum.

The largest city in the state of the same name, Querétaro is a charming and often overlooked colonial city that’s easy to access from the Mexican capital. Ideal for visitors looking to escape the crowds, once there you can explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; admire the 18th-century Querétaro Aqueduct; and browse for arts and crafts.

Set sail and have a swashbuckling adventure aboard the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship, which offers a family-friendly evening that includes dinner, an open bar, and a theatrical performance. Expect a mix of action and comedy during your sail on a boat inspired by the Santa Maria galleon, complete with dramatic sword fights, acrobatics, live music, dancing, games, and fireworks. Basic, Deluxe, and Premium options let you tailor your package to your budget.

Often known simply as San Pedro, upscale San Pedro Garza García is home to shopping malls, big business, and some of Monterrey’s best nightlife. Use San Pedro as a jumping-off point for exploration of Chipinque Ecological Park, catch a concert at Auditorio San Pedro, or go stargazing at Planetario Alfa, an interactive science museum.