Mexico is a country that has everything! Due to its geographical location, this country has several ecosystems, making it an impressive tourist destination. Jungles, forests, mangroves, beaches, rivers, and mountains are just some ecosystems you can find.
In addition to nature, Mexico is especially recognized for its culture. It is not reduced to a single history but is the mixture of several histories, civilizations, and traditions that vary with each state of the Mexican Republic.
Many people around the world are interested in traveling through Mexico but do not know where to start during their vacation planning, so here we leave you a guide to 11 destinations in Mexico, carefully selected for you to choose from while planning for vacation 2022.
If you are wondering how to plan a vacation for 2022, read on đ
This port in Guadalajara cannot be missing from any tourist destinations in Mexico. Besides the fact that its people are very hospitable, it has beautiful places that you can visit. Don't miss the Malecon, the Botanical Garden (to learn about the most popular flora of the region), and the Marina Vallarta, where you can go shopping, go barhopping, and visit the famous lighthouse.
The nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
Every travel plan in Mexico has to include a stop in the wonderful Mexican Caribbean. Places like Cancun are the favorites of every traveler. If you want to plan a vacation to Cancun, a trip to Isla Mujeres is a must in your itinerary.
There are many activities in Cancun, and without a doubt, a tour to Isla Mujeres is something you can't miss.
On this small and charming island, you will find beautiful beaches with clear water and white sand and ideal areas for snorkeling near reefs. To learn more about this destination, visit our Isla Mujeres Guide here.
And don't forget to visit the best restaurants in Isla Mujeres that offer dishes with local ingredients, some based on ancient Mayan recipes.
Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de CancĂșn (CUN).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
This destination is located on the Baja California Sur Peninsula in northwestern Mexico. Cabo San Lucas is a mix of desert and beach that lends itself to various activities. Sportfishing, off-road vehicle activities, and sunset catamaran tours are among the most popular activities in the destination.
The nearest airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
This time, we introduce you to a destination in the country's southeast. Valladolid Yucatan is a Magic Town that is gaining popularity thanks to its proximity to one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World: Chichen Itza. This picturesque Yucatecan city is famous for being a gastronomic destination where many tourists come to taste Mayan cuisine and for being in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, surrounded by jungle, cenotes, and culture.
Nearest airport: Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
The country's capital, Mexico City or CDMX, could not be missed. Being the cradle of the Aztec civilization and the heart of Mexico, this city has thousands of cultural, historical, religious, and gastronomic attractions. In addition, you will find an impressive number of natural and artistic museums, such as La Casa Azul, better known as the Museum of Mexican artist Frida Khalo. Like any large city, for a small fee, you can hop on the City Tour Bus and visit the highlights of the central area.
Nearest airport: AICM Benito Juarez Mexico City International Airport (MEX).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
This destination, located in Guanajuato and considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, has gained much popularity as it is considered a picturesque place for photographic tourism. According to Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines, San Miguel de Allende was considered the best tourist city in the world. If you are looking for a cultural-historical destination with impressive Mexican architecture, this is the place to visit.
The nearest airport is Del BajĂo International Airport (BJX).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
This natural area, formed by seven canyons, is located in the Sierra Tarahumara in the north of the country. It is the perfect place for adventurers who enjoy outdoor experiences such as hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cable car rides. Due to its beauty and tourist importance, it has been used to film commercials for beer brands, BMW cars, and an episode of Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls.
Nearest airport: General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport (CUU).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
This Magical Town is ideal for a weekend getaway if you are on vacation in the middle of the country. It is located in Morelos, less than 2 hours from the capital, right at the foothills of El Tepozteco National Park. Here, you will find the Exconvento de la Natividad (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO). In the town's market, you will find pre-Hispanic food. Away from downtown, you may visit holistic centers. Those places offer temazcal ceremonies, massages, and tarot reading, for example. TepoztlĂĄn has great mysticism and is considered an energetic place (where even UFOs have been sighted).
Nearest airport: AICM Benito Juarez Mexico City International Airport (MEX).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
Zihuatanejo is a port located in the state of Guerrero. It has always been one of the most important tourist destinations in the country due to its great variety of beaches, gastronomy, and luxury. Due to the number of tourists it receives, it is part of the Triangle of the Sun, a tourist area of Guerrero composed of Acapulco, Taxco, and Zihuatanejo. This destination is famous for its incredible beaches, and the hotel complex is known as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
Nearest airport: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
Zihuatanejo is a port located in the state of Guerrero. It has always been one of the most important tourist destinations in the country due to its great variety of beaches, gastronomy, and luxury. Due to the number of tourists it receives, it is part of the Triangle of the Sun, a tourist area of Guerrero composed of Acapulco, Taxco, and Zihuatanejo. This destination is famous for its incredible beaches, and the hotel complex is known as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
Nearest airport: Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
Located in the northeast of Mexico, in the state of San Luis Potosi, is the area of the Huasteca Potosina. This huge destination has enormous cultural and historical value for Mexico because it is where many important historical events occurred. The Huasteca is an eco-tourist destination for hiking and adventure tourism; it also includes territories with towns of great cultural and gastronomic importance.
The nearest airport is Ponciano Arriaga International Airport or San Luis Potosi International Airport (SLP).
Top 3 attractions:
Location:
Now that you know the best destinations in Mexico, we will also give you 7 Tips for Planning Your 2022 vacation. So you won't have any excuses to enjoy an incredible time during your trip to Mexico. Let's go!
1- Mexico changes with each state: This is very important. Mexico is made up of 32 states, and each one is very different from the other. It is advisable to research the traditions and the gastronomy of each place you visit to make the most of your trip.
2- Weather: As mentioned before, Mexico has almost all climates, from deserts to jungles and forests with snowy peaks. Before visiting Mexico, remember to check the weather conditions and pack according to your needs.
3- Gastronomy: You already know that gastronomy changes with each state, but there is something that is found equally in Mexico, and we are referring to spicy food. Most Mexicans have a high tolerance for spicy and salty flavors, so always ask if you are buying spicy.
4- Water: In Mexico, you cannot drink tap water. You must buy bottled water or ask your hotel if they have purified water so you can drink confidently.
5- Crime: Maybe you hear about crime in Mexico in the news. However, there are many ways to prevent these situations:
Most of these tips are commonly used in any destination and will keep you safe from dangerous situations.
6- There are many delicious drinks besides tequila: Mezcal, pulque, pox, tepache, tejuino, torito, xtabentĂșn. The list is long! Ask the locals for the typical drink of the area.
7- Beware of cash: In 2018, Mexican banknotes changed their image, and nowadays, the $500 bill is very similar to the old $20 bill. Pay close attention, or you could make a mistake that will cost you dearly.
To conclude...
A list of 11 destinations is not enough to capture the beauty of a country as vast as Mexico. However, we hope that this guide gives you a better idea of how to plan vacations in this incredible place. Remember that it is well said that once tourists visit Mexico, they always want to come back!