15 recommended tourist spots to visit in Mexico!

Mexico, with an area about five times larger than Japan, has a diverse culture formed through the colonial era under Spain. Tourist spots in Mexico range from the Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan ruins to bullfights at Plaza Mexico, as well as cave hot springs and even underwater museums.

In the southeastern part of Mexico, where warm weather continues throughout the year, there are plenty of tourist attractions, including beach resorts! Here are 15 must-see spots to visit for your first trip to Mexico.

1. Cancun Beach (Cancun)

Cancun Beach is a luxury resort destination representing Mexico. Along its beautiful white sandy beach, there are many resort hotels, making it a popular honeymoon spot. It’s a dream destination to visit at least once.

You can swim with dolphins, enjoy marine sports, and it's also recommended as a base for island tours or exploring World Heritage sites.

2. Pink Lake (Yucatan Peninsula)

Pink Lake (Las Coloradas) is a pink-colored lake located in the village of Rio Lagartos in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a scenic spot that has gone viral on social media. But why is it so beautifully pink?

In fact, Pink Lake is a salt lake where you can experience floating. The pink color is due to the presence of red-colored phytoplankton. It’s such a fantastic sight!

It takes about 4 hours by car from Cancun, so it’s best to go on a tour. The best season is from November to April during the dry season.

3. Central Post Office (Mexico City)

In the historical district of Mexico City, there is the Mexico Central Post Office, often called the "most beautiful post office in the world." Its splendid and classical space feels like a palace!

However, this building is not just a tourist spot; it is still a functioning post office, so tourists can also use it. Why not buy a stamp as a souvenir and send yourself a postcard? There is also a display corner about the history of the post office.

The Mexico Central Post Office is located just east of the Bellas Artes Palace, about a 15-minute walk from the Zócalo Square, so be sure to include it in your historical district stroll.

4. Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula)

Chichen Itza is one of the largest ancient Maya city ruins. It is divided into two areas: Old Chichen Itza, which prominently displays the unique characteristics of the Maya civilization, and New Chichen Itza, which incorporates the culture of the Toltecs and central highlands.

At the center of New Chichen Itza is El Castillo, a temple completed in the early 9th century. It is a pyramid-shaped temple about 25 meters tall with a 9-layered base. The 91 steps on each of the four sides, plus the steps to the top temple, add up to 365 steps, representing the Maya calendar, which aligns closely with the modern solar calendar.

Other ruins, such as the Temple of the Warriors, the ball court, and more, allow insight into Maya civilization. The Caracol observatory in Old Chichen Itza is said to have been used for astronomical observations, with a 13-meter high platform and three observation windows positioned towards the south, southwest, and west.

5. Uxmal Ruins (Yucatan Peninsula)

The Uxmal Ruins, a pride of Mexico, were founded around the 7th century and feature various ruins, such as the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery, the ball court, the Governor's Palace, and the Gran Pyramid. It is one of the most significant ruins of the Maya civilization, alongside Chichen Itza.

The Pyramid of the Magician is a massive pyramid about 37 meters tall, with stairs leading up to the temple at the top on both the east and west sides. It is called the Pyramid of the Magician due to a legend that it was built overnight by dwarfs who hatched from eggs warmed by a magician.

Other buildings, such as the Nunnery, decorated with mosaic patterns and deity reliefs, and the Governor’s Palace, made from more than 20,000 stones with intricate designs, showcase various Maya architectural styles.

6. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (Cancun)

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is located in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and offers both land and marine experiences, including coral reefs, wetlands, seas, and deserts.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, Sian Ka'an is Mexico's first natural heritage site. Covering over 500,000 hectares, it is home to over 300 species of birds and more than 800 species of plants, making it ideal for bird watching.

A tour is recommended for visiting. You can enjoy floating down a river, observing sea birds while kayaking through mangrove areas, snorkeling in cave springs and cenotes, and even trekking through vast jungles to see Maya ruins up close.

7. Xel-Ha Ocean Park (Riviera Maya)

Facing the Caribbean Sea, Xel-Ha is one of Mexico's top water activity spots. You can swim with colorful fish in the rocky areas while snorkeling, or enjoy playing in the river while floating in an inner tube.

One of the most popular activities at Xel-Ha is the program where you can interact with dolphins. You can touch them in the water, have them push you to swim, or even kiss a dolphin.

The park is well-equipped with changing rooms, showers, and restaurants, making it a comfortable place to spend the day. Snorkeling gear is also available for rent.

8. Teotihuacan Ruins (Teotihuacan)

The Teotihuacan Ruins, built around the 2nd century BCE by the Teotihuacan people, are a religious city ruin in Mexico. It flourished as the largest city in Mesoamerica until its collapse in the 7th century.

The Pyramid of the Sun, located at the center of Teotihuacan, is the third largest pyramid in the world, with a height of about 65 meters and a width of about 225 meters. The 248 steps leading up to the top offer a refreshing view and a pleasant breeze.

The Pyramid of the Moon, slightly smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun, is positioned higher, so its top is almost the same height as the Pyramid of the Sun. Other attractions include the Avenue of the Dead, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl.

9. Pinacate Volcano and the Great Desert of Altar (Mexicali)

Pinacate Volcano and Altar Desert were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. Located on the border between the United States and Mexico, this vast biosphere reserve is part of the Sonora Desert, one of the four major deserts of North America, situated east of the Colorado River.

In this biosphere reserve, you can enjoy various beautiful landscapes. At Pinacate Volcano, there are numerous craters and lava caves formed by steam explosions resulting from reactions between magma and underground water. In Altar Desert, you can see sand dunes as high as 200 meters and massive craters, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Additionally, despite being a dry region, the Pinacate Volcano and Altar Desert are home to about 540 plant species, 200 bird species, and around 40 species of mammals such as coyotes and rabbits, including many endemic and endangered species, making it a great spot for wildlife observation.

10. Gran Cenote (Yucatan Peninsula)

Cenotes, also called "mysterious springs," are cave systems formed over millions of years by rainwater eroding limestone.

Cancun, a Caribbean resort area, is said to have nearly 7,000 cenotes, and among them, Gran Cenote is one of the largest. It is conveniently located near Cancun, and since the Tulum ruins are nearby, you can minimize travel time between tourist spots!

The rainwater filtered through limestone is so clear that you can see up to 100 meters, and in the mornings, when the sunlight shines through, a breathtaking curtain of light falls into the water. It's best to visit in the morning. Gran Cenote offers many tours such as snorkeling and scuba diving, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery while interacting with the fish.

11. Rio Secreto (Riviera Maya)

Rio Secreto is an amusement park located in the Cancun area, formed by stalactites and stalagmites. It is a theme park where you can explore the caves with a guide. You’ll wear a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, and headlight as you progress through the cave.

You will walk through shallow waters and along a 1km course, with explanations about the surrounding stalactites. Sometimes you will be in deeper water, where your feet won’t touch the bottom, and at other times, the passageway will be so narrow that the ceiling is only a foot above your head. You can enjoy floating along the river, listen to explanations about the terrain and history, and experience various aspects of the cave.

12. Tolantongo Caves and Hot Springs (Hidalgo)

Have you ever thought about visiting a hot spring while traveling abroad? About three hours by car from Mexico City, the Tolantongo Cave Hot Springs, located in the mountains of Hidalgo state, is a tourist spot surrounded by nature.

The Tolantongo Cave Hot Springs not only has hot springs inside caves, but also has waterfalls and rivers that are hot springs!

The water temperature ranges from 35°C to 38°C, making it perfect for enjoying various hot springs without being too hot. There are also pools and slides suitable for children. When you tire of soaking in the hot springs, you can enjoy activities like zip-lining and barbecuing. It’s recommended to stay overnight and fully enjoy the experience.

13. Plaza Mexico (Mexico City)

Are you wondering about bullfighting in Mexico? After the Spanish colonial era in the 16th century, Spanish culture remains in various places throughout Mexico, and Plaza Mexico is one such example. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in front of Plaza Mexico, and the seats on the highest level can have long lines during the high season.

Bullfighting is very popular in Mexico and takes place regularly throughout the year, but the best season, with top matadors, is from October to February. The red cape that the matador waves might seem like random gestures, but each wave has a name and technique.

At the start of the fight, a lance is inserted into the bull’s back to weaken it, but if it’s done too harshly, there will be boos. This moment builds the excitement, and the audience, both tourists and Mexicans, shout "Olé!" to enjoy the bullfight.

14. Tulum Ruins (Riviera Maya)

Facing the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins are said to be the first Maya city seen by the Spanish. Located near Gran Cenote, the ruins aren’t too large, making it an ideal spot to visit alongside the cenote.

The Tulum Ruins feature the El Castillo temple, which is built on a cliff. The pillars at the entrance of the temple are decorated with snake patterns, offering a glimpse into the civilization of the time. Additionally, the frescoed temple built in three stages is divided into three realms: the world of the dead, the world of the living, and the world of paper, reflecting the Maya worldview.

You might also encounter iguanas at the Tulum Ruins. Don’t worry if you’re afraid of reptiles, as they move slowly. After exploring the ruins, be sure to descend the stairs to the beach, where you can enjoy the view of the ruins while playing on the beach.

15. MUSA Underwater Museum (Cancun)

MUSA Underwater Museum, located in Cancun, is an underwater museum, as the name suggests. This museum was created to protect coral reefs, which are a major issue in Cancun, and has attracted global attention.

The 400 pieces of art exhibited here are made of materials that promote coral growth. Some of the pieces are already covered in coral, and visiting the museum is a unique experience, as the artworks change each time you visit. Many of the submerged pieces depict everyday life, and seeing coral grow on human figures and furniture is both eerie and beautiful.

◎ Summary of recommended tourist spots in Mexico

This list of 15 recommended tourist spots in Mexico showcases a variety of experiences, from history and activities to resorts. Mexico is full of unique natural and historical attractions that you won't find in Japan. Be sure to embark on a trip to Mexico, where unforgettable and wonderful experiences await you!