Places to visit in Mexico

Baja California Mexico – desert running straight into the sea. The peninsula stretches 1,300km south from the US border, separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortés, all rugged canyons, remote coastline and near-constant sunshine. Baja California holidays include parched desert on one side and turquoise water thick with marine life.

White-sand beaches, turquoise waters and ancient Maya ruins meet along this stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Riviera Maya holidays run south from Cancún to the cliff-top ruins of Tulum, while Holbox Island offers a slower, sand-streeted alternative just off the northern tip of the Yucatán. This combines relaxation, nature and culture.

Chiapas is a stronghold of indigenous lifestyle, where jungle, rivers, canyons and lakes form the backdrop to traditional settlements and some of the finest pre-Columbian ruins in Mexico. From the highland streets of San Cristóbal de las Casas to the rainforest temples of Palenque, this is Chiapas Mexico at its most atmospheric.

Centuries of silver wealth built some of Mexico’s most beautiful towns. Colonial & Silver Towns holidays take in the hills and fertile valleys north-west of Mexico City, where Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Morelia, Querétaro and Puebla showcase the country’s rich colonial heritage, vibrant cultural life and enduring architectural beauty.

Ancient Maya cities rise out of the jungle, colonial towns, and the Caribbean, this is the Yucatán Peninsula Mexico’s most varied region has to offer. Sites like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Tulum sit within easy reach of colonial Mérida and the Riviera Maya, making Yucatán Peninsula holidays one of the most rewarding trips.

Mexico City is one of the world’s great capital cities, where ancient civilisations, colonial heritage and contemporary culture converge. Built on the foundations of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, this vast metropolis offers everything from historic architecture and world-class museums to vibrant neighbourhoods and exceptional gastronomy.

Few places in Mexico bring indigenous tradition, colonial architecture, exceptional food and ancient civilisations together quite like Oaxaca. Tucked beyond the Sierra Madre mountains in southern Mexico, it’s known for its colourful markets, artisan workshops, lively fiestas and remarkable archaeological heritage, all packed into one of the country’s most culturally rich regions.

Golden beaches curve round the Bay of Banderas, backed by jungle-covered peaks and dotted with fishing villages turned boutique escapes. This is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at its best: cobbled streets and colonial charm meeting sophisticated resorts and the laid-back Riviera Nayarit coastline beyond. Puerto Vallarta holidays remain one of our most requested Mexico itineraries.

The Sierra Madre mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to sandy beaches, rolling surf and Mexico’s beautiful coastal scenery. Southern Pacific Coast holidays take in everything from the sheltered bays of Huatulco and the surf culture of Puerto Escondido to the resort areas around Zihuatanejo and Manzanillo, combining relaxation, adventure and natural beauty.