Unearth The Voyage
Mexico is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities. From turquoise lagoons to towering pyramids, this country offers endless adventures for travelers seeking culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more, these incredible destinations will make your 2026 trip truly special.
1. Historic Centre of Mexico City & Xochimilco (CDMX)
Walking through the heart of Mexico City feels like stepping into a living history book. Grand plazas open up before you, revealing centuries-old colonial buildings that stand alongside reminders of the Aztec empire. The Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor archaeological site offer contrasting glimpses into the city’s layered past.
Just south, Xochimilco’s floating gardens provide a completely different experience. Colorful boats called trajineras glide through ancient canals built by the Aztecs, and the chinampa farming system still operates today. This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines both areas, giving visitors a chance to explore urban history and traditional agriculture in one unforgettable day trip.
2. Teotihuacán, State of Mexico
Rising from the valley floor, the pyramids of Teotihuacán command respect and wonder. The Avenue of the Dead stretches between massive structures that were built over 2,000 years ago by a civilization whose name we still don’t know. The Pyramid of the Sun ranks among the largest pyramids ever constructed in the Americas.
Recent changes mean visitors should plan their climb carefully. As of May 2025, you can ascend the first tier of the Pyramid of the Moon, but the Sun and Quetzalcóatl pyramids remain closed to climbing. Still, walking the ancient avenue and exploring the murals gives you plenty of reasons to spend hours at this archaeological wonder.
3. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Cobblestone streets wind past pastel-colored buildings that look like they belong in a painting. San Miguel de Allende has preserved its colonial charm so well that UNESCO recognized the entire historic core. The pink spires of the Parroquia church dominate the skyline, drawing your eyes upward every time you cross the main square.
Artists and travelers have fallen in love with this town for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Galleries, cafes, and rooftop restaurants fill the narrow streets, while baroque architecture frames nearly every view. The town balances its historic beauty with a lively cultural scene, making it perfect for both relaxation and exploration during your 2026 visit.
4. Guanajuato City, Guanajuato
Imagine a city where roads run underground and houses climb hillsides in every color imaginable. Guanajuato started as a silver mining town, and its wealth built the baroque churches and plazas you see today. The entire historic center, along with nearby mines, earned UNESCO World Heritage status for good reason.
Exploring here means wandering narrow alleyways that suddenly open onto small plazas, then ducking into tunnels that were originally built for river water. The Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) is so narrow that balconies nearly touch across the gap. Street musicians, university students, and festivals keep the atmosphere lively year-round, making every visit feel like a celebration.
5. Oaxaca City & Monte Albán, Oaxaca
Oaxaca serves up culture in every form, from street food to folk art to ancient ruins. The city’s colonial center buzzes with markets selling handwoven textiles, black pottery, and mole paste in a dozen varieties. Indigenous traditions remain strong here, making Oaxaca one of Mexico’s most culturally rich destinations.
A short drive uphill brings you to Monte Albán, where the Zapotec people built their capital on a flattened mountaintop. The plaza offers 360-degree views of the valleys below, and the pyramids and ball court show the sophistication of this ancient civilization. Both the city and the archaeological site share UNESCO recognition, rewarding visitors with layers of history to uncover.
6. Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca
Rock formations that look like frozen waterfalls cascade down a cliff face, created over thousands of years by mineral-rich spring water. Hierve el Agua isn’t actually ice but rather calcium carbonate deposits that have built up into these stunning white curtains. The effect is so realistic that you might do a double-take.
Natural infinity pools sit right at the cliff’s edge, letting you soak in mineral water while gazing across mountain valleys. The site faced some closures in past years, but 2025 guides confirm it’s open with regular hours, so you can confidently plan your 2026 visit. Bring a swimsuit and arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy this geological wonder in relative peace.
7. Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre), Chihuahua
Bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, this network of gorges cuts through the Sierra Madre Occidental. The Chepe Express train carries passengers through landscapes that shift from desert to pine forest as you climb and descend through the canyons. Windows frame views that seem to go on forever, with cliffs dropping thousands of feet.
The Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people have lived in these canyons for centuries, and you’ll pass their communities along the route. Adventure seekers can hike, zipline, or ride horses between viewpoints, while those who prefer comfort can enjoy the journey from the train’s comfortable seats. The official Chepe Express service confirms routes and schedules, making trip planning straightforward for 2026.
8. Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas
Vertical limestone walls shoot up nearly 3,000 feet on both sides of the Grijalva River, creating one of Mexico’s most dramatic natural sights. Boat tours launch from near Chiapa de Corzo and motor upriver through this geological wonder. The canyon narrows in places, making the cliffs seem even taller as they block out much of the sky above.
Wildlife adds to the experience: crocodiles sun themselves on riverbanks, spider monkeys swing through trees clinging to the cliffs, and waterfalls tumble down from hidden springs. Tours operate regularly in 2025, and the regulated trips ensure visitor safety while protecting the environment. Bring a hat and sunscreen, because the sun reflects intensely off the water.
9. Palenque, Chiapas
Jungle mist clings to stone temples that the Maya built during their Classic period, creating an atmosphere that feels almost mystical. Palenque’s architecture stands out for its elegance: delicate roof combs, detailed stucco reliefs, and hieroglyphic texts that tell stories of ancient kings. The Temple of Inscriptions holds one of the most famous royal tombs ever discovered in the Americas.
Only a fraction of the site has been excavated, meaning countless structures still hide beneath the forest canopy. Howler monkeys call from the trees as you explore, reminding you that this UNESCO archaeological park exists within a living ecosystem. Visiting early in the morning lets you experience the ruins before crowds arrive and while wildlife is most active.
10. Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche
Deep in the jungle near the Guatemala border, Calakmul offers something rare: a chance to experience both ancient Maya civilization and pristine wilderness in one place. The archaeological site contains over 6,000 structures, including pyramids tall enough to let you see across the forest canopy. Climbing to the top rewards you with views that stretch to the horizon in every direction.
The biosphere reserve protects jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species across nearly two million acres. UNESCO recognizes Calakmul for both its cultural and natural significance, making it a mixed World Heritage Site. The remote location means fewer visitors, so you might have entire plazas to yourself while toucans fly overhead.
11. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo
Stretching south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an protects over 1.3 million acres of mangroves, lagoons, marshes, and coral reef. The name means “origin of the sky” in Maya, and the endless horizons of water and wetlands make it easy to see why. This UNESCO site hosts incredible biodiversity, from manatees and crocodiles to dolphins and sea turtles.
Low-impact boat safaris take you through narrow channels where birds outnumber people by thousands to one. The reserve limits visitor numbers to protect its fragile ecosystems, so tours book up quickly. Fly-fishing, birdwatching, and simply floating through crystal-clear lagoons offer peaceful alternatives to the busier beaches farther north along the Riviera Maya.
12. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
No cars. Just golf carts, bicycles, and sandy streets that lead to endless beaches. Isla Holbox sits where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean, creating shallow turquoise waters perfect for wading. The island’s laid-back vibe attracts travelers looking to escape the crowds and development of Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
Whale sharks visit seasonally (typically June through September), offering a chance to snorkel alongside these gentle giants. At night, bioluminescent plankton sometimes lights up the water with every movement, creating a magical glow. Frequent ferries run from Chiquilá on the mainland, and you’ll need to park your car there before crossing. The island’s simplicity and natural beauty make it perfect for unwinding in 2026.
13. Bacalar Lagoon (Lagoon of Seven Colors), Quintana Roo
Shades of blue shift from pale turquoise to deep sapphire as you move across the lagoon, creating a natural gradient that photographs can’t quite capture. Bacalar’s colors come from varying depths and the white limestone bottom, making the water so clear you can see ancient stromatolites (living rock formations created by bacteria) beneath the surface.
Kayaking or sailing lets you explore at your own pace, drifting past cenotes that feed fresh water into the lagoon. Tours are active in 2025, and operators emphasize environmental protection after past stress on the ecosystem. Use mineral-safe, reef-friendly sunscreen to help preserve the water quality. The town of Bacalar offers a quieter alternative to the busy beaches farther north.
14. Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach (Nayarit/Jalisco)
A beach hidden inside a collapsed volcanic crater sounds like something from a fantasy novel, but Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach) is completely real. The ocean carved a tunnel through the rock, creating a secret cove open to the sky where waves wash onto white sand. Sunlight streams down from above, illuminating the turquoise water in an almost otherworldly way.
Access requires an authorized tour and permit because the Marietas Islands are a protected national park. Operators were running trips in 2025, but visitor numbers stay limited to protect nesting seabirds and marine life. Snorkeling around the islands reveals tropical fish, manta rays, and sometimes dolphins. Book well ahead, because permits sell out quickly for this bucket-list destination.
15. Las Coloradas Pink Lakes, Yucatán
Water the color of cotton candy fills shallow salt ponds along the coast, creating one of Mexico’s most surreal landscapes. The pink hue comes from tiny organisms and high salt concentration, and the color intensifies during certain times of year. These aren’t natural lakes but rather working salt flats operated by a company that controls access.
Current guides from 2024 and 2025 confirm visiting logistics and rules, which include staying on designated paths and respecting the industrial operation. You can’t swim in the pink water, but the photo opportunities are incredible. Flamingos often feed in nearby lagoons, adding even more pink to the scenery. The remote location on the Yucatán’s north coast makes it a full-day trip from most resorts.
