2024 Travel Guide to Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, one of Guanajuato’s Magic Towns.

Mexico seems to always be the destination du jour. How could it not be? It has all the ingredients for the perfect vacation: beautiful beaches, fabulous hotels, dynamic cities, cultural communities, gastronomy, art — the list goes on.

The list goes on so much that planning a trip to Mexico can be overwhelming. It has fantastic options for all different kinds of people and every single style of travel. Planning the perfect Mexico vacation is dependent on many different factors.

To make the planning process easier, we’ve put together a 2024 travel guide to Mexico detailing the best destinations and attractions for each kind of traveler. Here’s to planning the perfect Mexico getaway in the new year.

Best Destinations in Mexico

Puerto Vallarta: A spectacular, and constantly growing city on the sea, Puerto Vallarta provides that rare mix of historic village with beautiful beachfront. The Hotel Zone is lined with popular resorts, while downtown Puerto Vallarta has fabulous restaurants, and nightlife that overlap in harmony with local life.

Los Cabos: One of the leading destinations for luxury in Mexico, Los Cabos has some of the finest resorts in the country. Add to that spectacular Pacific Ocean scenery, fine dining, and tons of activities, and it’s no wonder Los Cabos continues to attract scores of tourists year after year.

Mexico City: It’s safe to say Mexico City has secured its position as one of the great international capitals of the world. Fine art, culture, gastronomy, exclusive hotels, enriching neighborhoods, and so much history, Mexico City is the heart and soul of Mexico.

Guanajuato: Mexico’s state of Guanajuato has so many destinations in one. It is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Cities (San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City), cultural Magical Towns, a thriving wine scene, and adventure tourism, and continues to increase its accessibility from the U.S.

Best Attractions in Mexico

Chichen Itza: Perhaps the most recognized landmark in Mexico, Chichen Itza is a gorgeous Mayan city and one of the top archaeological sites in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan. The 100-foot-tall monument is a tribute to the principal god of the Mayan world and the focal point for the legendary city.

Copper Canyon: Often overshadowed by Arizona’s Grand Canyon, North America has an even deeper, larger canyon and it’s found in Mexico. Copper Canyon, or Barranca del Cobre, is one of the most popular and most beautiful attractions in Mexico. The river-carved canyon takes its name from the copper-colored canyon walls and visitors can explore this natural behemoth aboard the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico scenic railroad.

Mexico City Centro Historico: No visit to Mexico is complete without a stop in Mexico City’s Centro Historico. The 5.5-square-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site has more than 1,400 historic Spanish-influenced buildings that date as far back as the 16th century. These include Plaza de la Constitution, the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor.

Cenotes: One of the many natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula is its mysterious and beautiful cenotes. These underground sinkholes carry great significance in the Mayan world, as they are said to be entrances to the underworld. Today visitors can snorkel or dive the crystal-clear subterranean rivers for an adventure travel experience totally unique to Mexico.

Palenque: Dive deep into the misty rainforests of Chiapas to discover one of Mexico’s other great archaeological treasures — Palenque. The ruins here date more than 1,000 years and are most famous for the Temple of the Inscriptions, which is a pyramid-shaped temple with hieroglyphics carved all over. Much of the city is still shrouded in jungle, but what has been excavated is a treasure to discover.

Must See 2024 Events in Mexico

Feria San Marcos: One of Mexico’s most popular festivals is one that is still relatively off the tourist trail. Aguascalientes’ Feria Nacional de San Marcos is a national fair held for three weeks every spring and attracts millions of visitors from around Latin America. Attendees of the festival can delight in free concerts, traditional charrería, street performances, art exhibitions, food, and much more. The 2024 Feria will be held from April 13 to May 5.

Dia de Los Muertos: Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico’s most sacred and important holidays. The time at the end of October and the beginning of November is a time to remember the dearly departed by constructing altars, leaving offerings, lighting candles, and decorating with bright orange marigolds. Cities and towns around Mexico celebrate with parades, music, traditional food, and tons of spiritual energy.

Festival Internacional Cervantino: Guananjuato’s most important festival, shortened to El Cervantino, is an annual celebration of the work of playwright, Miguel de Cervantes. The festival puts on a series of short plays by the author throughout the plazas of the city. Now in its 51st year, the 2024 festival will be held from October 13 to 29, with the Mexican state of Sonora, as well as the United States of America, invited as guests of honor.

Mexican Grand Prix: One of the top F1 races in the world. The Mexico City Grand Prix takes place over 71 laps of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. The 2024 event will be held October 25-27 and draws thousands of spectators from all over the world.

Guelaguetza Festival: One of Oaxaca’s most important celebrations is the Guelaguetza Festival, held in 2024 throughout the month of July. The origins of the festival date back to the Zapotec tribe, which hails from the area of Mexico now known as Oaxaca. The festival is dedicated to honor the Goddess of Corn, Xilonen. During the festival, visitors can expect numerous colorful parades, elaborate costumes, live music, and plenty of food and drink.

Best Places for Families in Mexico

Riviera Maya: Packed with family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, theme parks, water parks, beautiful beaches, restaurants, performances, and tons of activities, Riviera Maya is one of the best destinations in Mexico for family travel.

Riviera Nayarit: Families who like to keep it low-key, with plenty of nature and beautiful views will love Riviera Nayarit. The region has a nice mix of all-inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly five-stars, plus it is close to outdoor adventure like zip-lining and ATV tours, swimmable beaches, and funky beach towns.

Cabo San Lucas: The gateway to Baja California has so much to offer families, from its many all-inclusive resorts to its downtown restaurants, adventure tours, and water activities. For families who want to go a little bit more off the beaten path, they can discover Cabo Pulmo National Park, known for its snorkeling and diving.

Huatulco: Spread out over a series of nine bays along the coast of Oaxaca, Huatulco is a low-key beach destination that has a little something for everyone. From beachfront all-inclusive hotels to more boutique and locally owned options, Huatulco is a great spot for families who want to hang on the beach, swim in a great pool, and be away from the large crowds.

Puerto Vallarta: The tourist capital of Pacific Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is such a wonderful option for families who want the combination of a beautiful resort and proximity to an exciting downtown scene. Choose from one of the many beachfront hotels in the Hotel Zone, wander the exciting Malecon with its string of restaurants and shops, or venture into the historic Zona Romantica for beaches and al fresco dining. Puerto Vallarta has plenty of outdoor adventure, too, from zip lining and ATV tours to snorkeling and kayaking in the Bay of Banderas.

Best Places for Couples in Mexico

Holbox: Couples will love the idyllic island vibes of Isla Holbox, a Caribbean-style island flecked off the coast of Quintana Roo. The powder-soft sand, chic hotels, barefoot luxe vibe, and sparkling turquoise sea is all you need to set the mood for a blissfully romantic getaway.

Merida: Couples who prefer their romance with a side of culture will soak up every bit of Merida. The capital of the state of Yucatan, Merida is an internationally influenced city with Spanish architecture, Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, Mayan gastronomy, and European plazas combined with tree-lined boulevards.

Todos Santos: Beachfront, boho Todos Santos is a romantic seaside town along the Baja Peninsula, just outside of Los Cabos. Known for its stunning boutique hotels, elevated Baja cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, Todos Santos has long been a favorite of traveling hippies, artists, and, of course, romantics.

San Miguel de Allende: With its storybook cobblestone streets, beautiful Spanish-style architecture, rooftop restaurants, and charming hotels, San Miguel de Allende is easily one of the most romantic cities in Mexico.

Costalegre: Wild, rugged, and naturally beautiful, Mexico’s Costalegre is the perfect backdrop for couples who want to get away from it all. Its handful of high-end resorts have an off-the-grid vibe, with a focus on sustainability, excellent food, and swoon-worthy scenery.

Best Places for Group Travel in Mexico

Riviera Maya: From Cancun down to Tulum, the Riviera Maya is packed with features that are perfect for groups of all sizes. All-inclusive resorts have convention centers on-site, while nearby attractions include theme parks, golf courses, great restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

San Jose del Cabo: With beautiful beachfront resorts, a thriving art scene, historic downtown, and great restaurants, San Jose del Cabo has a lot to offer groups with different interests. Not far from golf courses or a world-class marina, working organic farms, hiking trails, and more, San Jose del Cabo has something to please everyone.

Puebla: The historic downtown of Puebla is one of Mexico’s most fascinating and beautiful. The walkable streets are home to museums, restaurants, and dozens of churches. The hotel scene in Puebla is wonderful, as well, with luxury and boutique options. Puebla is better suited to smaller groups, rather than larger conventions, but it does offer something for everyone — particularly if the group loves cuisine and culture.

San Miguel de Allende: A stunning historic backdrop sets the scene for gastronomy, wellness, art, culture, and a robust hotel inventory. Groups visiting San Miguel de Allende will have so many activities at their fingertips to keep everyone busy. Choose from smaller boutique hotels or larger brand names like Rosewood or Live Aqua.

Puerto Vallarta: One of the best places in Mexico for groups, Puerto Vallarta has lovely beachfront resorts with tons of amenities. It also has a convention center, restaurants, a lively Malecon with great entertainment, nearby golf courses, a marina, and plenty of natural and adventurous attractions.

Best Places for Solo Travel in Mexico

Puerto Escondido: Bohemian and beachy, with a youthful energy and locals who are passionate about the environment, Puerto Escondido is one of the best places for solo travelers. Over the past few years, more high-end hotels and villas have opened, as have new restaurants and boutiques, turning this once-backpacker town into a well-heeled hotspot.

Merida: A walkable Centro Historico, with tons of restaurants, parks, and bars, Merida is a safe and beautiful spot for solo travel. Visitors can hop a quick Uber or bus ride to archaeological sites like Uxmal, or visit the spectacular nearby beaches of Progreso or Celestun.

San Miguel de Allende: San Miguel de Allende is a city full of local culture, art, history, and cuisine. It is also a city that draws travelers and expats from all around the world. It’s one of the best cities in Mexico to meet both other travelers and locals, all set against a backdrop of a maze of beautiful cobblestone streets, rooftop restaurants, and funky, boutique hotels.

Sayulita/San Pancho: Two of Riviera Nayarit’s best beach towns are the neighboring Sayulita and San Pancho. Sayulita is one of Mexico’s most famous Magical Towns for its surfer vibe, thriving restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Its neighbor, San Pancho, is the quieter version with arguably better beaches and a low-key vibe.

Best Foodie Destinations in Mexico

Oaxaca: One cannot list the top foodie destinations and skip Oaxaca. The city of Oaxaca, and the state overall, is one of the top foodie destinations in Mexico. We can thank Oaxaca for foods like mole, tlayudas, memelas, enmoladas, and, of course, mezcal.

Puebla: Just like Oaxaca, Puebla is yet another fabulous foodie destination in Mexico. Visit Puebla to try mole, tacos arabes, cemitas, chalupas, and chiles en nogada.

Mexico City: All cultures and cuisines converge in Mexico City. The capital of the country is the best place to try regional dishes from all around the country, as well as international and modern cuisine. But foods that are indigenous to Mexico City include tacos al pastor, barbacoa, chicharrones, tamales, esquites, churros, and so much more.

Baja: With a heavy emphasis on seafood, Baja is one of the best spots for foodies in Mexico. The Baja fish and shrimp tacos are iconic, as are ceviche, aguachile, tostadas, shellfish, and sweet empanadas.

Guadalajara: The capital of the state of Jalisco is the perfect place for foodies to try specialties from around the state. This includes the iconic torta ahogada, birria, pozole, tacos al pastor, and Jalisco’s most famous product: tequila.

Best Places for Adventure Travel in Mexico

Mesoamerican Reef: The second largest barrier reef in the world is found right here in Mexico, and it begins off the coast of Cancun. The reef runs down the entirety of the state of Quintana Roo into Belize and Central America. It’s one of the top spots in the world for diving and snorkeling.

Copper Canyon: Serious hikers and outdoor adventurists will be in heaven all around Copper Canyon. Challenging hiking routes can be found all around the canyon, including the truly demanding rim-to-rim trail, which covers 25 miles and nearly 23,000 feet in elevation.

Jalcomulco: Meandering through the state of Veracruz, specifically Jalcomulco, Rio Antigua is one of the top spots in Mexico for white water rafting and tubing. The riverside town sits at a curve in the river, where the rapids are wild and full of energy, with class II, III, IV, and V rapids.

Pena de Bernal: If the sport is mountaineering or rock climbing, then the spot must be Peña de Bernal, one of the largest monoliths in the world, located in the state of Queretaro. Peña de Bernal offers hundreds of routes for all skill levels and some of the best rock climbing in Mexico.

Baja: Surfing, kitesurfing, deep-sea fishing, ATVing, hiking, mountain biking. You name it, Baja has a backcountry for it. It’s some of the most impressive landscapes in Mexico and was thoroughly designed for outdoor adventurists.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Mexico

Mazatlan: Believe it or not, baseball is extremely popular in the state of Sinaloa. One of the strongest rivalries is between the Mazatlan Venados and the Culiacan Tomateros. The Vends play at the Teodoro Mariscal Baseball Stadium in Mazatlan, and a night of baseball here is full of entertainment, great food, and thousands of excited baseball fans.

Puerto Escondido: Mexico has epic surf spots all up and down the Pacific Coast, but Puerto Escondido is particularly popular thanks to the Mexico Pipeline. One of the most challenging breaks in the world is just offshore Playa Zicatela. Surfers from all over the world come to Puerto Escondido each year to try their best to tackle the beast.

Baja: Baja’s La Ventana on the Sea of Cortez side is one of the most popular spots in Mexico for kitesurfing. The sleepy small town is spectacularly beautiful, with sandy streets, open-air restaurants and a laid-back vibe. The winds, however, are what bring kitesurfers to this jewel of a destination.

Mexico City: Mexico City is Mexico’s capital for two very different sports: soccer and lucha libre. Soccer is dominated by Club América, the leading soccer club in Mexico. Lucha Libre, or Mexican wrestling, is one of Mexico’s more unique sports, complete with elaborate costumes and dramatic pageantry. A lucha libre event is full of energy, excitement, and a rowdy crowd.

Unique to Mexico: Archaeological Ruins

Riviera Maya: A veritable treasure trove for lovers of history, the Riviera Maya is the most famous destination for Mayan ruins in Mexico. The most famous is Chichen Itza, which is technically one state over in Yucatan, but most tour companies that visit Chichen Itza provide transportation to and from resorts all along the Riviera Maya. Here is where travelers will also find the ruins of Tulum, Coba, Kohunlich, and several others.

Palenque: The ancient Mayan world extends far past the beaches and jungles of Quintana Roo. Buried deep in the jungles of the state of Chiapas are the ruins of Palenque, an ancient city that rivals the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala. Chiapas is a fantastic destination for Mayan culture in general, with thriving Mayan communities that still exist up in the mountains around San Cristobal de las Casas.

Oaxaca: Nestled in the mountains surrounding Oaxaca City is the ancient city of Monte Alban. Over 1,500 years it was inhabited by the Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs, who created terraces, dams, canals, and pyramids. The sprawling city is a wonder to explore, with spectacular views down over the city of Oaxaca.

Mexico City: Mexico City has long been a thriving capital. Before it was the capital of Mexico, it was the capital of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlan, which stood where the Centro Historico now stands. About an hour outside of Mexico City are the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, a sprawling archaeological complex built between the 1st and 7th centuries.

Campeche: Campeche is a state in the Yucatan Peninsula that is far less visited by tourists than other areas in the region. But it is also a state that is one of the richest in Mayan ruins. Calakmul is its most famous, a city shrouded in thick jungle. Hardly visited, but overwhelmingly impressive, Calakmul is both a natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, with impeccably preserved ruins that date back 2,000 years.