From ancient pyramids and colonial cities to turquoise Caribbean coasts and volcanic highlands, Mexico captivates travelers with its diversity. Whether you seek archaeological wonders, culinary adventures, or beach relaxation, each region offers a unique lens on Mexico’s history and natural beauty.

Chichén Itzá

Yucatán Peninsula

Teotihuacán

State of México

Historic Center

Mexico City

Palenque

Chiapas

Tulum Ruins

Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo

Copper Canyon

Chihuahua

Oaxaca City

Oaxaca

Playa del Carmen

Quintana Roo

• Chichén Itzá
  Once a thriving Maya metropolis from the 6th to 10th centuries, Chichén Itzá is dominated by the imposing El Castillo pyramid—also called Temple of Kukulkán—where a shadow-serpent effect enthralls visitors at equinox. The Great Ball Court, the largest in Mesoamerica, echoes with ancient games, while the Temple of the Warriors features columns carved with feathered serpent motifs. Nearby, the sacred Cenote Sagrado—where offerings were cast into its depths—remains a place of ritual significance. Guided tours reveal Maya cosmology, highlighting the site’s astronomical alignment and advanced architectural techniques. Chichén Itzá earned UNESCO status in 1988 and stands among the New Seven Wonders of the World.

• Teotihuacán
  A short drive north of Mexico City unveils Teotihuacán, the “City of the Gods,” founded around 200 BC and reaching its zenith by 600 AD. Visitors ascend the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon to survey the Avenue of the Dead—a grand processional way flanked by imposing platforms and palaces. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent showcases intricately carved heads of Quetzalcoatl. Excavations at the Ciudadela reveal murals and residential compounds, illuminating daily life and ritual practice. Archaeological research continues to uncover evidence of Teotihuacán’s multicultural population and extensive trade networks, making it a highlight of any Mesoamerican itinerary.

• Historic Center, Mexico City
  The Zócalo—one of the world’s largest public squares—anchors the Historic Center, surrounded by colonial-era landmarks: the Metropolitan Cathedral, built atop an Aztec temple, and the National Palace, where Diego Rivera’s murals depict Mexico’s revolutionary history. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to hidden courtyards and baroque churches like San Francisco and Santo Domingo. Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de San Juan buzz with vendors peddling chilies, exotic fruits and artisanal goods. Nighttime brings mariachi performances at Plaza Garibaldi, where musicians dress in charro suits and serenade passersby. UNESCO-inscribed in 1987, the Historic Center melds ancient ruins, Spanish architecture and modern urban life into a dynamic cultural tapestry.

• Palenque
  Deep in the Chiapas jungle, Palenque’s graceful Maya temples rise above verdant foliage, dating from 500 to 800 AD. The Temple of the Inscriptions houses the tomb of King Pakal, revealed by archaeologist Alberto Ruz in 1952, while the Palace’s labyrinthine courtyards and stucco bas-reliefs illustrate ritual scenes. Jungle trails lead to hidden structures like the Cross Group, whose hieroglyphic inscriptions chronicle dynastic lineage. Wildlife—howler monkeys, toucans, and quetzals—echo through the canopy as guided tours explain complex Maya glyphs and advanced hydraulic systems. Palenque’s UNESCO designation in 1987 recognizes its architectural, artistic, and epigraphic significance.

• Tulum Ruins
  Perched on 12 m-high cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum served as a major Maya port from 1200 to 1521 AD. The iconic El Castillo temple overlooks the white-sand beach below, once guiding trading canoes laden with jade, feathers, and textiles. The Temple of the Frescoes displays well-preserved stucco murals depicting cosmological deities. A short hike leads to the beach beneath the ruins, where turquoise waves lap against coral reefs—ideal for snorkeling among tropical fish. Nearby cenotes, such as Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera, offer diving experiences into submerged caverns. Modern eco-resorts and boutique hotels ensure comfort while preserving the area’s ecological integrity.

• Copper Canyon
  Carved by six rivers in the Sierra Madre Occidental, Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) spans over 60 000 km²—larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The legendary Chihuahua al Pacífico train—popularly called “El Chepe”—chugs along trestles and spirals, linking Creel to Los Mochis across dramatic landscapes. Hiking trails in Urique Gorge lead to remote Tarahumara (Rarámuri) villages, where indigenous communities maintain centuries-old traditions of basket weaving and cliff dwelling. Rafting or kayaking on the Urique River thrills adventurers, while panoramic overlooks such as Divisadero offer breathtaking vistas of layered rock formations and verdant forests.

• Oaxaca City
  Nestled against the Sierra Madre del Sur, Oaxaca City charms with colorful colonial facades, bustling mercados, and a thriving arts scene. The Santo Domingo de Guzmán complex—once a Dominican monastery—boasts a museum preserving Zapotec and Mixtec artifacts, while nearby Mitla’s geometric tombs reflect pre-Hispanic funerary art. Culinary tours reveal mole negro, tlayudas, and mezcal tastings in local palenques. Artisan workshops in Teotitlán del Valle produce handwoven rugs using natural dyes. Annual Guelaguetza in July sees traditional dances and music groups from across the state converge in a grand display of Indigenous celebration.

• Playa del Carmen
  Once a small fishing village, Playa del Carmen has burgeoned into a cosmopolitan beach town along the Riviera Maya. Fifth Avenue (La Quinta) teems with boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife, while white-sand beaches and crystalline cenotes lie just steps away. Snorkeling and diving tours depart daily to Cozumel’s coral reefs, while eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há showcase Mayan cenote rivers, aviaries, and cultural performances. In the evening, seafood-stuffed tacos and artisanal margaritas draw crowds to beachfront palapas. Transportation includes colectivos (shared vans) to Tulum, and ferry services to Cozumel for a sun-soaked island day trip.