A country as vast and varied as Mexico offers travelers an almost unlimited array of enticing options. Mexico vacations come in countless forms – relaxing on the beach, exploring ancient archeological sites, discovering the vibrant side of city life in Mexico City and other regional capitals and more.
If Mexico is on your mind as a potential destination for your next trip, consider immersing yourself in one of these three regions, each of which has natural and cultural appeal and plenty of activity options to keep you busy, no matter how long you stay. Then, use a travel booking site like Travelocity.com to find cheap flights to Mexico, which are widely available, no matter which region you choose to visit.
*Yucatan: The warm waters and powdery sand beaches of the Yucatan peninsula are a great choice for travelers in search of a sun-and-fun vacation. However, while relaxing beachside will always be one of the region’s strongest appeals, it has plenty to offer visitors of all interests. An added benefit to visiting the Yucatan Peninsula is that flights to Cancun, one of the top destinations in the region, are abundant and often very well priced.
Visit the legendary Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum (or any of the 20-plus sites in the Mexican Yucatan) to get an in-depth look at the region’s rich history. The cities of Campeche and Morelia are colorful places to immerse yourself in the elaborate architectural beauty, while Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox, just off the coast, offer exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities.
*Central: Mexico City, also known as “Distrito Federal,” stands out as the most obvious destination in Central Mexico for its sheer size and diversity. Explore the historic center, indulge in delicious cuisine and visit Xochimilco Ecological Park, an area of islands and canals that have earned it the nickname “the Venice of Mexico.” Not far from the city is the site of Teotihuacan, one of the greatest archeological sites in the world.
The city of Puebla is also well worth a visit. Its elegant colonial architecture makes the city perfect for strolling, and the city is also famous for a number of traditional crafts and fine arts, such as Talavera pottery. Those seeking a natural wonder should plan to visit the state of Michoacan during the migration of the monarch butterflies when the pine forests of the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary are alive with clouds of millions of bright orange monarchs.
*Pacific: The appeal of Mexico’s Pacific coast can create a conundrum for beach-seeking travelers, but there is no wrong choice. With offerings like Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Manzanillo (known as the “sailfish capital of the world”) for seaside relaxation – or adventure – the Pacific coast has an appeal all its own.
Also in the Pacific region are a handful of exceptional colonial cities with fascinating history and unique urban beauty. Taxco has long been celebrated for its silver, which helped build the town up and today still draws travelers in search of beautiful jewelry. Oaxaca state, also along the Pacific, is home to a wide diversity of ethnic groups, which give the state and its eponymous capital city a vibrant cultural atmosphere.