22 Beautiful Places in Mexico (ULTIMATE Guide)

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Getting around Mexico is easier than you might think. Long-distance buses (like ADO, ETN, and Primera Plus) are the backbone of travel, comfy and affordable: expect $20–40 for trips between major cities. Budget airlines like Volaris and VivaAerobus can save you time, with domestic flights often under $60 if booked early.

If you’re backpacking Mexico on a tighter budget, you can hop into colectivos (shared vans) or second-class buses for just a few pesos. In more remote areas, hitchhiking is still common and surprisingly safe if you stick to rural routes.

Renting a car ($35–50/day) makes sense for places like the Yucatán or Baja, where public transport is limited. With so many transport options, it’s easy to tick off both the famous sights and the more unique places to visit in Mexico.

San Miguel de Allende is the kind of town that grabs you instantly with its cobblestone streets, colourful facades, and old-world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s best known for the pink spires of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, which light up dramatically at sunset. The historic centre is a maze of colonial mansions, leafy plazas, and art galleries, making it easy to spend days just wandering with your camera in hand.

But San Miguel isn’t just about pretty architecture; it’s got a buzzing creative energy. The city has attracted artists, writers, and creative spirits from around the world. You can take affordable art classes, explore galleries housed in colonial mansions, and join cultural events.

The rooftop bars offer stunning sunset views over terracotta rooftops, while street food vendors serve incredible regional specialities. Don’t miss local street food staples like gorditas or huaraches, and consider joining a walking tour to dive into the city’s revolutionary history.

While San Miguel draws its fair share of retirees and expats, it hasn’t lost its Mexican heart. For many travellers, it’s one of the most beautiful places to stay in Mexico, combining colonial history with a bit of boho soul.

Mexico’s cultural heartbeat, Oaxaca City, is a place where history, food, and traditions blend together in the most colourful way possible. The city seamlessly blends pre-Columbian traditions with Spanish colonial architecture. The historic centre’s UNESCO-protected streets buzz with markets selling textiles woven using techniques passed down through generations.

But Oaxaca’s real magic is in its flavours. This is the birthplace of mole, mezcal, and some of the best street food in the country. You can eat like a king for a few pesos. Try tlayudas (giant tortillas with beans, cheese, and meat) or chapulines (toasted grasshoppers, if you’re feeling adventurous). If you’ve got the time, a cooking class is a fantastic way to dive into Oaxacan culture.

The city is also a springboard for adventure. Day trips take you to ancient Zapotec ruins like Monte Albán, or to natural wonders like Hierve el Agua, with its petrified waterfalls and mineral pools. Oaxaca is easily one of the top 10 places to visit in Mexico, especially if food and culture are high on your list.

Mérida, the Yucatán’s “White City,” is where colonial elegance meets a relaxed, tropical pace. Built directly on top of an ancient Maya city in the 16^th century, Spanish colonisers used stones from Maya temples to construct the colonial buildings, literally building the new city from the ruins of the old. Today, Merida’s historic centre is filled with pastel-coloured mansions, shady plazas, and vibrant markets. The main square, Plaza Grande, comes alive with music and dancing most nights, giving you a taste of the city’s welcoming spirit.

This is also one of the best bases for exploring the Yucatán. Just outside the city, you’ll find cenotes, which are natural sinkholes (perfect for a refreshing swim!), and Mayan ruins like Uxmal, which are far less crowded than Chichén Itzá. Inside Mérida itself, you’ll discover free cultural events almost every evening, from folk dancing to live music in the plazas.

Travelling here is easy on the wallet. Street stalls dish up cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork tacos) for pocket change, and hostels in restored colonial homes give you great value. Mérida is also considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, which makes wandering at night stress-free. For me, this is the most beautiful place in Mexico to balance history, food, and a welcoming vibe.

If you love colour and character, Guanajuato will sweep you off your feet – be sure to add it to your Mexico itinerary. This mountain city is a maze of winding alleys, underground tunnels, and houses painted in every shade imaginable. From above, it looks like a rainbow split across the valley. The best view is from the Pípila Monument, where the entire city stretches out below you.

Once one of Mexico’s richest silver mining towns, Guanajuato has a fascinating history. Founded after the discovery of silver, the city became one of the world’s richest silver mining centres and produced about 1/3 of all silver circulating in the world during the 18th century.

But that’s not it. Guanajuato is also a university city, so it’s buzzing with youthful energy. The callejoneadas (traditional walking tours with student musicians) will give you affordable entertainment that combines history, music, and local humour into unforgettable evening experiences. You’ll find grand theatres, colonial churches, and quirky attractions like the Mummy Museum, which displays naturally mummified bodies found in local cemeteries.

Tulum is a backpacker favourite for a reason: where else can you swim in turquoise waters below ancient Mayan ruins? Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, the Tulum Ruins are one of the most iconic sights in Mexico. After exploring the site, you can literally walk down to the beach for a swim. There is no end of weird and wonderful things to do in Tulum.

But there’s more here than ruins. Tulum is surrounded by cenotes like Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera, where you can enjoy snorkelling and cave diving that feel like exploring alien planets. The crystal-clear waters revealing millennia-old limestone formations are a treat to see! Plus, you can also explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area of wetlands, mangroves, and wildlife.

Yes, Tulum has become pricier and trendier in recent years, but you can still keep things budget-friendly. Stay in a hostel in town (rather than on the beach strip), rent a bike for just a few dollars a day, and fill up on tacos from roadside stands. Despite the growing crowds, Tulum is still one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta is where golden beaches meet jungle-covered mountains, creating one of the most picturesque settings on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The lively malecón (seaside boardwalk) is packed with sculptures, street performers, and food stalls – and it’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

The town itself is full of charm. Cobbled streets wind through the Zona Romántica, where you’ll find cheap eats, colourful markets, and buzzing nightlife. The surrounding Banderas Bay creates a natural playground for water sports, with some of the world’s best humpback whale watching from December through March. Budget-friendly boat tours give you close encounters with these massive creatures, while the bay’s protected waters offer excellent conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

One of the best things about Puerto Vallarta is the balance. You can live the beach life without blowing your budget, and hike the nearby Sierra Madre mountains to escape the crowds. With its mix of affordability, culture, and coastal beauty, Puerto Vallarta is easily one of the top 10 places to visit in Mexico.

High in the Chiapas mountains, San Cristóbal de las Casas is another unique place to visit in Mexico. Cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured houses, all surrounded by misty pine forests, along with the cool mountain air,  make the town a welcome change if you’ve been travelling through Mexico’s hotter regions.

The culture here is fascinating. Indigenous markets sell colourful handwoven textiles and crafts, representing traditions that have survived centuries. From town, you can also arrange day trips to jaw-dropping natural wonders like Sumidero Canyon or the waterfalls at El Chiflón. The city also serves as a base for exploring Palenque’s jungle ruins and Lagos de Montebello’s colourful lakes.

San Cristóbal is cheap and welcoming. Hostels in this part of Mexico are plentiful and cosy, cafés are perfect for long mornings with a book, and the nightlife is low-key but fun.

Morelia is one of Mexico’s lesser-known gems, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding to visit. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Morelia Cathedral sitting in the heart of it all. This colonial historic centre is built entirely from local pink stone that glows like rose gold in the Michoacán highland sun and lights up beautifully at night. The city feels traditional and authentic, with plazas, aqueducts, and colonial mansions at every turn.

And do you know what makes Morelia extra special? It’s food scene. This is the birthplace of carnitas, and you’ll find the best versions here – cheap, juicy, and delicious. With some of the best street food in the world, markets are packed with other regional specialities like corundas and uchepos, which you won’t see elsewhere in Mexico.

Traditional craft villages like Santa Clara del Cobre and Pátzcuaro offer authentic cultural experiences that showcase Michoacán’s rich traditions. From Morelia, you can also easily take a trip to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where millions of butterflies gather between November and March. Seeing the forests come alive with orange and black wings is nothing short of magical!

Isla Holbox sits off the Yucatán Peninsula, a car-free island where sandy streets, hammocks over turquoise shallows, and sunsets that light up the sky set the pace. Life slows right down here, and it doesn’t take long to slip into days spent drifting between the beach, a hammock, and the water. For backpackers, it’s an easy place to settle in – hostels are everywhere, and the beach bum rhythm comes naturally.

Holbox is also full of adventure if you want it. Between June and September, you can swim with whale sharks – an unforgettable experience that won’t break the bank. The island’s location within the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve protects these experiences while supporting local communities through sustainable tourism practices.

Kayaking through mangroves, renting a bike to explore the island, or just lazing in a hammock on the beaches are all perfect ways to spend your time here.

Hostels here are chill and social, often just steps from the beach. Fresh seafood is cheap, especially the local speciality, which you must try: lobster pizza. Holbox may be getting more popular, but it still feels like a hidden corner of the Yucatán compared to Cancún or Playa del Carmen.

Campeche’s massive colonial fortifications tell stories of pirates, Spanish treasure fleets, and strategic importance that shaped centuries of Caribbean history.

Campeche is a colourful city on the Gulf of Mexico with pastel-painted streets, colonial churches, and sea walls straight out of a storybook. The historic centre is another UNESCO World Heritage Site preserved within walls built long ago to defend against pirate attacks. You’ll find the pirate lore woven into local museums. Walking along the old fortifications at sunset is a highlight, in beautiful hues of pink and orange.

The city’s location on the Yucatan Peninsula gives access to incredible Maya archaeological gems that have far fewer visitors than famous destinations like Chichen Itza. From Campeche, it’s an easy trip to the nearby Edzná ruins, where you can explore preserved Mayan pyramids.

Campeche’s seafood culture also celebrates specialities that you will not find elsewhere in Mexico, like massive portions of shrimp cocktails and regional fish cooked with authentic local techniques. The malecón provides the perfect sunset backdrop to street vendors serving these regional specialities.

The city is compact and flat, so it’s more fun to rent a bicycle and explore both the urban neighbourhoods and nearby coastal areas. Campeche may not be on every traveller’s radar, but it deserves a spot among the top 10 places to visit in Mexico for its history and charm. If you’re a solo traveller in Mexico, you’re sure to uncover some hidden gems and meet other backpackers along the way.

Mexico’s premier wine region, Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, offers rolling vineyards, boutique wineries, and gourmet restaurants. The scenic landscapes are ideal for photography, wine tours, and relaxing escapes. Visit during harvest season (August–October) for wine festivals and book tastings in advance, as many wineries require reservations.

This ghost town sits high in the desert mountains, accessible only by a dramatic tunnel through solid rock. Explore old mines, cobblestone streets, abandoned buildings and local culture. The tours you can take here are pretty damn cool – take a guided mule or horseback tour to the surrounding hills for the best views and cultural stories from local guides.

Home to Peña de Bernal, the world’s third-largest monolith, this charming small town offers hiking, rock climbing, and local artisan markets. Start early to hike the monolith before midday heat, and sample local treats like “gorditas de maíz” in the town centre after your trek.

A tranquil lake surrounded by ancient cypress trees, Lago de Camécuaro is perfect for boating, swimming, or picnicking. The protected natural area provides a refreshing escape from Mexico’s heat with incredibly pure, cool water. Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be common, and plan a visit in the morning for calm waters and beautiful light for photos.

Hidden in a desert canyon, these natural hot springs create turquoise pools and tunnels perfect for soaking in the mineral-rich waters. Hike trails or relax in the river pools. Arrive early or on weekdays to avoid crowds, and bring swimwear, water shoes, and cash for entry and small food stalls.

These stunning mineral formations create the illusion of frozen waterfalls cascading down mountainsides. The natural infinity pools offer incredible valley views, while the mineral-rich waters provide therapeutic soaking experiences. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven rock formations, and pack snacks and water, as facilities are limited. Go before sunrise or sunset to make use of the stunning light for photography.

This UNESCO reserve protects incredible ecological diversity from desert to cloud forest and waterfalls.

This place is ideal for eco-tourism and wildlife spotting, and has its fair share of eco hostels too. Plan multi-day trips with local guides, and carry layers for temperature changes; mornings can be chilly in higher altitudes.

Villages like Chiapa de Corzo and Comitán are budget-friendly destinations that showcase perfectly preserved colonial architecture and offer authentic Mexican experiences. Explore the colourful local markets for traditional handicrafts, and hire a local guide for canyon tours or indigenous cultural history.

This massive canyon system rivals Arizona’s Grand Canyon – it’s larger, deeper and more dramatic. The famous El Chepe train offers budget-friendly access to Tarahumara indigenous communities, incredible hiking trails, and some of Mexico’s most spectacular mountain scenery. Pack layers as temperatures can vary widely between canyon bottoms and peaks.

Known as the “Maldives of Mexico” and the “Lagoon of Seven Colours”, Bacalar boasts clear waters in seven shades of blue, calm beaches, and historical forts. Budget accommodations, free kayaking access, and swimming in cenote-fed waters make this Caribbean paradise perfect for backpackers.

This beautiful place in Mexico is a hidden gem that features stunning turquoise waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and lush jungle landscapes. The Rioverde waterfalls and crystal-clear cenotes will give you incredible swimming and cliff jumping opportunities, all accessible through budget day trips and affordable local accommodations. Visit early in the morning to enjoy the waterfalls with fewer crowds and pack water shoes for slippery rocks.

This colourful Mexican beach town combines world-class surfing with vibrant Mexican culture and bohemian charm. Rent a surfboard or take lessons from local instructors, and explore surrounding jungle trails for hidden beaches and viewpoints.

One of our favourite coastlines in the whole of Mexico is in Baja.

What makes Baja so special is its sheer remoteness. With nearly 2,000 miles of coastline, most of it completely uninhabited, this is one of the last truly wild frontiers in North America. But that raw beauty comes with challenges. Outside of one paved highway, the rest are rugged dirt roads. Public transport is scarce, cell signal is spotty, and the places worth seeing often don’t show up on Google Maps.

The Broke Backpacker’s tour company, Elsewheria, has deep roots in Baja, with over a decade of exploring here and members of our family living on the peninsula. That insider knowledge means access to hidden spots, trusted local boat captains, and experiences most travelers never get.

You can’t go wrong with either our Baja Wildlife Expedition or our Baja Slow Living Retreat. Accommodation, guides, private boats, meals, and transport are all included. You just get yourself here, and we’ll handle the rest.

Think face-to-face moments with gray whales in the only place they actively seek human interaction. Snorkeling with playful sea lions in turquoise coves. Bonfires under star-filled skies. And sharing it all with a small crew of ocean-loving friends just as stoked on adventure as you are. Add in a private chef, beachfront eco-lodges, and a small group of like-minded ocean lovers, and you’ve got the perfect balance of wild connection and total comfort. 

I can talk all day about these glorious places in Mexico. Here are some common questions:

Beautiful Travels Stay That Stay Insured

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Mexico.

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They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Travelling through Mexico is like flipping through the world’s most colourful photo album. One day you’re climbing Mayan pyramids, the next you’re swimming in cenotes, and by the weekend you’re sipping mezcal in a colonial plaza or chilling on a hammock-strung beach. This country is massive, and the sheer variety of landscapes and cultures makes every region feel like a new adventure.

If you’ve only got limited time, I’d recommend mixing a few highlights: Oaxaca City for its food and traditions, Isla Holbox for a slice of island paradise, and San Cristóbal de las Casas for mountain air and indigenous culture. Round it off with some history in Campeche or a colourful city like Guanajuato, and you’ll see why there are so many beautiful places in Mexico worth adding to your list.

For me, the standout is Oaxaca City – nowhere else combines food, history, and energy quite like it. But honestly? Wherever you go, Mexico delivers. So pack your bag, hop on a bus, and let Mexico surprise you.