Mexico is often associated with beaches, resorts and holiday towns, because its most borders are near the sea & ocean but the country contains a much wider range of landscapes and places. Like deserts, mountains, forests, colonial towns and archaeological sites are all part of it.
Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the easiest places to see how different parts of Mexican life meet in one place. Historic buildings, museums, markets, restaurants and busy neighbourhoods sit close to each other.
The historic centre has some of the city's most important sights, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Zócalo. Nearby streets are full shops, food stalls and old buildings. Other parts of the cities like Coyoacán are known for its cobbled streets, plazas and traditional atmosphere, Chapultepec gives the city a large green space in the urban area.
Mexico City also has a strong food culture. Tacos, tamales, quesadillas and other everyday dishes are available and are easy to find, but the regional Mexican cooking goes far beyond most of the familiar foods.
Small Towns
Some of Mexico’s character is more visible away from the largest cities.
San Miguel de Allende is known for its historic centre and colourful buildings, Oaxaca combines colonial architecture with strong Indigenous influences, local markets and a well-known food tradition. In the Yucatán Peninsula, towns such as Valladolid have a slower pace and provide access to nearby cenotes and Maya sites.
These places show how different Mexico can be from one region to another. The north, central highlands and southeast all have their own architecture, food, climate and local traditions.
Open Landscapes
Mexico has a lot of different landscapes. The Baja California Peninsula has dry deserts and long coastlines. Central Mexico has mountains and highland valleys, while the Yucatán Peninsula is known for limestone landscapes, underground water and cenotes.
Copper Canyon in Chihuahua is another striking area. It covers a large mountainous region with deep valleys, forests and viewpoints overlooking the canyon.
Ancient Mexico
Mexico's history can be seen in many parts of the country. Teotihuacán, near Mexico City, is known for its huge pyramids and ancient city. In Yucatán, Chichén Itzá is one of the best-known Maya sites, while Palenque sits among the forests of Chiapas.
Each site has something different to see, from the architecture and ruins to the landscape around it.
Before the Trip
Entry requirements depend on nationality, travel document and the way a visitor enters Mexico. Travellers who are eligible for the country's electronic visa should check the current Mexico eVisa requirements before travelling. The electronic visa is for authorised nationalities travelling by air, and the current rules allow one entry during its validity period.
Mexico is a very large country, so choosing one region and spending more time there can make a trip easier. The experience can be very different depending on whether the focus is on cities, food, history, nature or the coast.
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