10 destinations in Mexico to visit in 2022

Mexico is a country of unparalleled destinations, from Pueblos Mágicos those towns that seem taken from a fantasy dream where a delightful stroll can be enjoyed to beaches with stunning sunsets, places fully-connected with nature, to cosmopolitan cities. North or south, east or west, or whatever your next travel purpose may be, these are 10 destinations in Mexico you should add to your 2022 itinerary.

Shall we start?

1. Mérida

This charming city in Yucatan fascinates travelers with picturesque streets displaying the architecture of the place, and the exquisite gastronomy. Some tourist places and activities that you can visit are:

• Stroll through Paseo de Montejo, the main avenue of Mérida. You can do it on foot or rent a carriage with horses and admire buildings such as the Twin Houses, the Cantón Palace house for the Regional Museum of Anthropology, the “Quinta Montes Molina” museum, and the famous Monument to the Homeland.
• Visit the Great Museum of the Mayan World, which has a collection of more than 1,160 pieces that tell the story of the Mayan culture, from ancient times to our days.
• Visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the oldest in all of Mexico, inaugurated in 1598.
• Eat, eat and eat! You absolutely must try cochinita pibil, salbutes, panuchos, papadzules, lime soup, motuleño eggs and sweet marquesitas, among other delicacies. In markets like Lucas de Gálvez, Santa Ana, or San Benito you can find an incredible culinary variety!
• Visit the nearby Mayan ruins and learn more about this important civilization: Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Dzibilchaltún, or Kabah.

2. Valle de Guadalupe

If you are a wine lover, Valle de Guadalupe is an ideal option for you. It is located in the city of Ensenada, in Baja California state, one of the most important wine producers in Mexico.

• You will be able to travel the wine route in an off-road vehicle under the guidance of experts.
• Visit the Museum of Vine and Wine, with historical pieces from the wine-growing area in the north of the country.
• Walk through the vineyards and take a tasting at wineries and vineyards such as “Mogor”, “Casa de Piedra” and “La Lomita”. You can also enjoy the amazing food at their own restaurants.
• Try the delights of “La Cocina de Doña Esthela”, a small restaurant that was named “The Tastiest Breakfast in the World“, but set that alarm clock early, as it is a highly visited place.

3. Mazamitla

This destination is perfect for those who love to reconnect with nature. Mazamitla is a Magical Town in Jalisco where you will get to know the culture of the area through activities such as:

• Stay in one of the beautiful cabanas, surrounded by nature.
• Tour the Sierra del Tigre with Sierra Tour Mazamitla Adventure, or tour La Zanja forest, where you can have a picnic with your partner, or with family.
• Walk through the town and its narrow streets to the Plaza Municipal José Parres Arias, buy handicrafts and enjoy the restaurants or cafes.
• Visit the iconic Church of San Cristóbal with stained glass on its windows and an architectural design of Chinese influence.
• The Jardín Encantado (Enchanted Garden) has straw kiosks and several bridges that cross the water streams that come down from the mountains. Very close to town you can find El Salto, a 35-meter-high waterfall!

4. Akumal

Akumal’s beaches are distinguished by their beautiful turquoise colors. This destination in Quintana Roo state enjoys a warm climate all year round and is perfect to escape the cold of winter or to cool off in its waters during the summer.

• Akumal is a Mayan term that means “place of turtles“, so swimming with this species is a must.
• Admire the Yal-Kú Lagoon and swim with colorful fishes; this is a protected area that is still not overtouristed.
• Immerse yourself in the cenotes of EcoRancho Mayamar or Ecopark Kantun-Chi, with crystal clear waters, sounds of nature, and an environment where you can feel the Mayan culture.
• Visit the Ecological Center to swim on its beaches and snorkel, and at the same time help protect turtles in the area.
• An incredible place to visit is the monkey sanctuary, which rescues these animals to be restored into natural environments. You will be able to observe species such as the spider monkey, the capuchin monkey, and the squirrel monkey.
• Finally, a tour of the town of Akumal cannot be missed!

5. Santuario de mariposas monarca or Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Located between the states of Michoacán and Estado de México, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is considered a World Heritage Site in Mexico by UNESCO.

In this area, several sanctuaries play a crucial role in the conservation of this species. The monarch butterfly travels from Canada through the United States to some areas of Mexico to hibernate during the winter. These sanctuaries protect them from extreme climates and serve as a break before starting their return journey.

The sanctuaries open to the public are:

• Senguio, El Rosario, and Ejido Cerro Prieto in the Sierra Chincua (Michoacán).
• La Mesa, El Capulín, and San Mateo Almomoloa in Piedra Herrada (Estado de México).

There are some rules to take into account to keep these sanctuaries intact, under the guidance of the people in charge of the place.

6. Puebla

A city that has it all: Culture, history, architecture, gastronomy, fun, and impressive views. In 2022, Puebla was named the “No.1 Best Destination in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler.

• An obligatory stop is in the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, places where the Battle of May 5, 1862, took place. Here, General Ignacio Zaragoza together with the indigenous people of the region defeated the French army.
• The historic center offers impressive architecture from the Baroque era, such as the Temple of Santo Domingo and Rosario Chapel, bathed in 22-carat gold. Other attractions are the Palafoxiana Library; the El Parián market with delicious traditional sweets, such as camotes (sweet potatoes); and the colorful Callejón de Los Sapos full of handicrafts, gastronomy, and music.
• Get on La Estrella de Puebla, the largest Ferris wheel in Latin America. With 80 meters of height, you will be able to observe the city —the night view is a delight!— and nearby is one of the most popular shopping malls, Angelópolis.
• The famous roundabout of La China Poblana represents the woman from Puebla, with the typical region’s clothing.
• Visit the Museums of Amparo, Casa de los Serdán, Poblano de Arte Virreinal, Casa del Deán, Regional or “Casa de Alfeñique” and Religious Art, all with a great cultural heritage.

7. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is one of the most beloved beach destinations in the south of Mexico, located in the state of Oaxaca. It has many other beaches to visit, like Zicatela, Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, and Manzanillo. The best activities to enjoy are:

• Practicing water sports such as sport fishing, skimboarding, paddleboarding, diving, or snorkeling.
• Strolling through El Adoquín, the most important tourist walkway where you will find shops, restaurants, and tourist services.
• Living the nightlife at Zicatela beach, acclaimed for restaurants and bars lovers, and perfect for making new friends and dancing the night away.
• Admiring La Laguna de Manialtepec and its bioluminescence, located 20 minutes from downtown. The best time to witness this phenomenon is during the rainy season, that is from May to November.

8. Barrancas del Cobre y el “Chepe”

Situated in the Sierra Tarahumara in the southwest of the state of Chihuahua, Barrancas del Cobre has spectacular views with a mix of mountains, forest, waterfalls, and lakes. The adventure begins in the “Chepe”, the only passenger train in Mexico that makes this journey through the Copper Canyon. Among the activities and key points that you must visit on this tour are:

• The Basaseachi Waterfall National Park, one of the first stops onboard the “Chepe”. In addition to admiring the height of the canyons of more than 200 meters, you will find the highest waterfall in Mexico.
• If you are into more extreme activities, in Parque Aventura you will have a different view with a 3-kilometer cable car ride, on one of the longest zip lines with 2,530 meters long, or cross the suspension bridges with impressive heights.
• 30 minutes from the Creel Station are the Cusárare and Rukiraso waterfalls, which are unmissable if you are after incredible landscapes with pine trees and waterfalls from 30 meters high.
• In Lake Arareco you can have a relaxed afternoon among the pines and the incredible view of the lake. It will be an unforgettable postcard!
• The train journey is quite an experience in its own right, as it takes you through 86 tunnels, 37 bridges, and countless views to the cliffs.

9. Valle de Bravo

It is a Magical Town very close to Mexico City that has natural settings, architecture with a country touch, and delicious cuisine from Estado de México. Valle de Bravo is perfect to visit in spring, but if you enjoy the cold weather, the warmth of the people will make you have an incredible time during winter. Among the unmissable activities you will find:

• Walking through the cobbled streets to truly discover each and every corner. There are many restaurants and craft shops to delve into the culture of the place.
• We recommend you to visit the pier on Lake Valle de Bravo; on the shores, there are restaurants with beautiful views and you can also take a sailboat or yacht tour.
• Do you have the stamina for something more extreme? From Cerro de la Cruz, in addition to the panoramic view of the town, you can go paragliding or hang gliding and cross the lake.
• For a quieter moment, the Casa de Oración Carmen Maranatha is open to the public to visit its sculptures and paintings, or meditate and take a spiritual retreat.
• 30 minutes from Valle de Bravo is the Velo de Novia Waterfall with a 35-meter waterfall surrounded by a forest with a great diversity of flora and fauna. Perfect for hiking and mountain biking!

10. Xilitla

 

A destination located in the state of San Luis Potosí that houses the only surrealist castle that coexists with nature in the world, and undoubtedly, the most iconic attraction of this Magical Town.

• The Sculpture Garden of  Edward James —also known as “Las Pozas”— is a work of art built under the inspiration of Leonora Carrington’s and Salvador Dalí’s sculptures. The surreal castle is a National Heritage Site, so access is limited. Make sure you reserve in anticipation so you don’t have any trouble entering during your visit. Los Comales Cascade is also found in this area, with a drop of 36 meters high. The entrance is decorated with clay comals, and hence its name.
• Xilitla is also home to “Bosque de la Trinidad”, a natural protected forest with cabanas and activities such as hiking. You can also visit the Biological Corridor of the Jaguar.
• The Sótano de las Huahuas or Golondrinas (Swallows Basement) is another interesting attraction. It is a huge hole in the mountain, with a depth of 512 meters, and is home to several species of birds, including swallows, who delight visitors with their singing at dawn and during the sunset.
• Downtown cannot be missed. Right on the main square you will find the Miguel Hidalgo Garden with its central kiosk, a fountain, and green areas. Here is also the Ex-Convent of San Agustín, one of the oldest colonial buildings built in 1557, offering wonderful views of the town and the Cerro de la Silleta from the rooftop.
• Xilitla —and San Luis Potosí in general— are gastronomic sites par excellence; Enjoy a zacahuil (a giant tamale with pork and chili) and delicious enchiladas with dried beef cecina.

These attractions are just a sample of the many activities you can enjoy at each destination, but possibilities to explore new lands are endless to enrich your cultural knowledge, connect with nature, and delight in unique flavors.

Tell us which destinations you have visited and which ones will now be on your 2022 itinerary!