The Best Vacation Spots in Mexico

Photo by Gerardo Davalos Ocampo.

For a true outdoor adventure, consider heading to Mexico. The country boasts a wide variety of vacation spots that offer many outdoor activities--from SCUBA diving and rock climbing to trekking, exploring jungle-covered ruins and discovering the country's rich cultural heritage. From the windswept deserts of lonely Baja to Cuernavaca's ancient temples to the long sandy beaches and crystal seas of Cancun, Mexico has much to offer the nature enthusiast.

Baja Peninsula

Head to Baja, Mexico. This 800-mile strip, a narrow peninsula that bumps against California to the north, offers a wide range of adventure possibilities, from its solitary beaches to its many sand dunes to its coves, rock formations and interior mountains. For high-octane adventures, consider taking a motorcycle or ATV tour of Baja. Or, spend several days to several weeks trekking its lonely coastline, through quaint little fishing villages, from one end to the other.

Baja Off-Road Tours
(866) 262-8635

Cuernavaca

Try visiting Cuernavaca, located in Mexico's rugged interior. From here, you are minutes from the quaint town of Tepoztlan, where you can hike up to an ancient temple overlooking the city, which offers grand views of the countryside all around. Trek from Cuernavaca to Temixo, home to a number of centuries-old edifices, but also, every Monday, to a giant bazaar and a sizable water park. There also are the ruins of Xochicalco and the underground caverns of Cacahuamilpa.

Tour by Mexico
Calle Jacarandas #85, Colonia Satelite
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
+52 (777) 3313388

Yucatan Peninsula

Consider heading to the Yucatan, and specifically to Cancun--not for the resorts. Hidden nearby, mostly away from beach, deep in the jungle, lie a number of impressive Mayan ruins. At one time, the Mayans were spread from modern-day Yucatan all the way to the Mexican states of Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas, and into the countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize. Chichen Itza is a must-see, including its 75-foot high stone pyramid of Kukulkan and its famous ball court. Tours typically include a walk-through of the major sites, as well as free time to wander the jungles on your own. Consider, too, visiting the ruins of Tulum and Coba. While you are here, you may want to visit Xcaret, one of Cancun's most impressive nature parks.

Cancun Vista Tours
Av. Coba #31, SM 22 MZ 13, Edificio
Monaco, Oficina #2
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
(800) 860-5917

Xcaret
Boulevard Kukulcan Km 9.5, Hotel Zone
Cancun, Mexico
+52 (998) 8830470

Article Written By William Jackson

William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.

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