Travel Guide: The Coolest Places to Visit in Mexico
Mexico is home to a wide range of destinations for every type of traveler. The country is home to a diverse group of people and a rich cultural scene. Mexico has everything from beautiful, clean beaches, to a vibrant nightlife that's just full of fun and memories.
If you're thinking about visiting Mexico but don't know where to go, then you've come to the right place. Check out this list of the coolest places to visit in Mexico perfect for your next travel itinerary.
Cenote Pet Cemetery
Pet Cemetery is a well-known scuba diving spot for anyone looking for a beautiful diving trail deep inside a jungle. The cenote got its name due to the animal skeletons found in the cave system. The skeletons are said to belong to prehistoric animals that have gone extinct.
Pet Cemetery, which is part of the one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, is also one of the most breathtaking cenotes you'll ever come (or swim) across.
San Miguel de Allende
The city was voted as the world's best city in 2017, and it isn't just for show. San Miguel de Allende is a city full of charming architectures and bathed in bright colors. The views are spectacular and enchanting.
San Miguel is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history that dates back to 1542. The city holds eclectic shops ranging from art galleries to a centuries-old pharmacy.
Tlacotalpan
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this city sits at the margins of the "River of the Butterflies" or Papaloapan river.
The town's architecture will take you back to the 16th centuries where the color palette was extraordinary---from subtle oranges to wild yellow tones. Travelers who visit this iconic city can get a glimpse of the idyllic life the city is Tlacotalpan known for.
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, which means "the place where the gods were created," has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is a Mesoamerican city founded by the Aztecs in the 1400s.
The city's history and origins remain a big mystery. The site holds some of the most jaw-dropping architectures and some of the darkest histories. Teotihuacan was the site for numerous ritual ceremonies and sacrifices where people and animals were "offered" to the gods.
Note: Teotihuacan sees thousands of visitors each day. If you're planning to visit, get ready for massive numbers of tourists and a long line to get to the top of one of the pyramids.
Palenque
Related: Long-Lost Mayan City Unearthed in a Backyard in Mexico
Located at the foothills of Chiapas altiplano, Palenque, which was originally called Lakamha, was one of the most important Maya cities. The city was once a prosperous inland trade center which allowed the Maya people to control a large territory and form alliances with other powerful cities.
The city contains some of the most impressive Maya architecture and sculptures. Researchers believe only 10% of the area has been explored, leading others to think there may be more Maya artifacts lost in the surrounding jungle.
Crater Joya Honda
The 800-meter crater has been the site of numerous legends and tales. Some legends say the crater housed bandits and gunmen, along with their bountiful loot. Other tales speak of witches you can sometimes see during the night. The crater, according to stories, is a "landing area" for UFOs.
Travelers who enjoy intense physical activities can hike from the bottom of the crater. For safety precautions, take bottles of water and food with you as the location is a bit isolated.