Best Holiday Destinations in Mexico, Ranked
Holiday destinations in Mexico are among the world’s most popular. Outstanding beaches and a strong Mayan cultural heritage make it a fascinating place to visit. Its cuisine and subterranean adventures are also compelling. Natural attractions are plentiful, from coastal scenery to jungles, filled with wildlife. There are dozens of appealing resorts too. Here’s a list of Mexican holiday options, with recommendations on places to stay in Mexico.
Cancun
Cancun is near the north-east tip of the lush Yucatan Peninsula. The clear waters of the Caribbean lap its shores. It has a tropical climate, ranging from 30.4°C to 37.5°C during the year. The best weather occurs between November and April, with the lowest rainfall. It’s less humid, in the mid-70% range. Winds are mild, averaging 4.3 mph and 7 mph.
Known For
Cancun is most famous for its stunning beaches and banging nightlife. Of all the holiday destinations in Mexico, this is party central. It’s a tale of two cities. On one side is the Zona Hotelera. Its 13 miles of shoreline has the major resorts, beaches and clubs. The downtown district of El Centro is the polar opposite. Here you’ll find budget accommodation in the midst of local markets, with tiny restaurants serving traditional Mexican food.
Best For
If you want to relax on the beach during the day and go clubbing with people from all over the world at night, Cancun beats all other holiday destinations in Mexico. Playa Delfines and Playa Forum are the popular beaches, and its nightclubs are world-renowned. It also offers a feast of water sports like scuba diving, safe snorkelling at Punta Nizuc, and parasailing.
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Playa del Carmen
Compared to Cancun, Playa del Carmen is an oasis of peace and quiet. It’s on the same strip of coast so it’s also warm and sunny. The dry season is the best time to visit, from December to April. Temperatures range from an average of 22°C to 30°C.
Known For
Playa del Carmen is known as one of the more laid-back holiday destinations in Mexico. Instead of party energy, you’ll find a bohemian vibe. It’s famed for its local art and culture, with plenty of small galleries to explore. Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is another big drawcard, a pedestrian strip with cafés, restaurants and quaint shops.
Best For
This is one of the best holiday destinations in Mexico if you’re looking for a quieter experience away from the crowds. Playacar Beach is perfect for sunbathing or swimming. You can also immerse yourself in small town Mexican culture. Join the locals as they take their traditional strolls around Parque Fundadores every afternoon as the sun goes down.
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Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is also on Mexico’s Yucatan coastline. It covers a larger area, from Cancun in the north, past Playa del Carmen, to Tulum in the south. We’ve already discussed the climate here, and the northern Mexico holiday destinations, so we’ll focus on the southern part.
Known For
Riviera Maya is known for its wildlife, serene lagoons, and cenotes. The latter are naturally-formed sinkholes with turquoise underground pools at the bottom. These were sacred Mayan sites in days of yore. Today you can go diving, swimming and snorkelling to enjoy their unusual beauty. At the lagoons, you’ll encounter sea turtles and vibrantly-coloured tropical birds.
Best For
Riviera Maya is best for exploring natural attractions. It has unspoilt beaches where you can swim or picnic, particularly Xpu-Ha. There are also lots of jungle trails to walk near the towns of Puerto Aventuras and Akumal. These will take you past picturesque natural rock formations from where you can look out over the shoreline and the Caribbean beyond.
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Cozumel
Cozumel is an island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s less developed than other holiday destinations in Mexico. The temperatures range from an average of 24°C to 28°C, so there’s little variation throughout the year. The best time to visit is from December to May, as July to October has torrential rainstorms. The sea temperature is warm all year round, averaging 28°C.
Known For
The island is famous for its coral reefs, part of the larger Mesoamerican Reef. It’s also known for its eco-parks and abundant marine life. You can stand on the shore and watch dolphins, sea turtles and adorable manatees. The relaxed island lifestyle is another hallmark.
Best For
Cozumel is a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving, thanks to its clear water and abundant coral reefs teeming with sea creatures of all descriptions. There’s also Museo Subacuático de Arte, a fascinating collection of underwater sculptures. Keeping with the theme, you can explore underwater caverns at Chankanaab. Or visit the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park that over a thousand marine species call home.
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Playa Mujeres
Playa Mujeres is also on the Mexican Yucatan coast, north of Cancun, so it has the same climate. The best time to visit is the dry season from December to March. In the wetter months, the rain comes in heavy but short downpours interspersed with sunshine.
Known For
Playa Mujeres is known for its private, tranquil atmosphere, and for expansive beaches with calm, translucent water. The resorts typically aren’t as crowded either. You can stay near the region’s renowned natural habitats and wild mangrove thickets, and spend many happy hours communing with nature.
Best For
This stretch of the Yucatan is best for serene getaways surrounded by natural splendour. It’s not far from the Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Marine Park, where tropical fish swim through the reefs and dolphins play on the ocean’s surface. Or you can go birdwatching in the mangroves to spot herons. It’s one of the best holiday destinations in Mexico if all you want to do is relax in a peaceful, rejuvenating retreat.
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Book now to experience these places to stay in Mexico
Holiday destinations in Mexico offer varied locations and experiences, each with its own special appeal. No matter where you visit, you’ll enjoy consistently warm temperatures, long white beaches and that picture-perfect Caribbean seawater. There’s something for everyone at the best holiday destinations in Mexico. From the party fever of Cancun to the peace and quiet of Cozumel island. Natural beauty, exciting nightlife, exotic wildlife, and underwater adventures – the Yucatan has it all.
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