Mexico
Beaches, ancient ruins, and the most popular all-inclusive coastline in the Western Hemisphere
Mexico is the easy answer for an unforgettable vacation: short flights from almost any U.S. city, world-class all-inclusive resorts, ancient Mayan and Aztec history, and food that ranges from beach-shack tacos to refined modern cuisine. Whether you’re after a beach week in the Riviera Maya, a cultural deep-dive in Mexico City, or a destination wedding on the Pacific coast, our agents have stayed at the resorts and walked the ruins.
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Places To Go
The Caribbean Coast
Cancun: The biggest resort destination in Mexico. Powder-soft beaches, every chain hotel imaginable, and an easy jumping-off point for excursions.
Riviera Maya: The 80-mile coastline south of Cancun, home to Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and a long roster of all-inclusive resorts — from family-friendly to adults-only luxury.
Tulum: Bohemian-chic boutique hotels, cliff-top Mayan ruins overlooking the sea, and the most photographed beaches in Mexico.
Cozumel: An island just off the coast known for some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean and laid-back beach clubs.
The Pacific Coast
Cabo San Lucas & San José del Cabo: Desert-meets-ocean drama at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Golf, sportfishing, and adults-focused resorts.
Puerto Vallarta: A walkable colonial town with great restaurants, a long beachfront promenade, and famously warm locals.
Riviera Nayarit: Punta Mita, Sayulita, and a string of quieter beaches north of Puerto Vallarta. Surf, whale watching, and growing luxury infrastructure.
Inland & Colonial Mexico
Mexico City: One of the great food cities in the world. Anthropology Museum, Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, Diego Rivera murals, and the floating gardens of Xochimilco.
San Miguel de Allende: A UNESCO World Heritage colonial town in the central highlands — cobblestone streets, art galleries, and a thriving expat scene.
Oaxaca: Indigenous markets, the seven moles, mezcal country, and the dramatic ruins of Monte Alban.
Things to See
Mayan Ruins
Chichen Itza: The iconic step-pyramid of Kukulcan and the New Seven Wonder of the World. Best visited at opening time before the tour buses arrive.
Tulum: The only Mayan site built on the coast — ruins perched above the Caribbean.
Coba: A jungle site where you can still climb the main pyramid for sweeping views over the canopy.
Palenque: Deep in the Chiapas jungle, often considered the most artistically refined of the Mayan sites.
Natural Wonders
Cenotes: Underground freshwater sinkholes that dot the Yucatan. Swimming and snorkeling in cool, clear water — a perfect midday escape from the heat.
Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre): Four times larger than the Grand Canyon, traversed by the spectacular ChePe train.
Sea of Cortez: Whale watching (gray whales in winter, blues in spring) and some of the best sportfishing in the world.
Things to Do
On the Coast
- Snorkel or dive the Mesoamerican Reef — the second-largest in the world
- Cenote tour by jeep or bike through the Yucatan jungle
- Swim with whale sharks off Holbox or Isla Mujeres (summer only)
- Sunset sail in Cabo or Puerto Vallarta
- Sportfishing for marlin, sailfish, and dorado
Cultural Experiences
- Cooking class in Oaxaca, Mexico City, or Puerto Vallarta
- Tequila or mezcal tasting tour
- Day of the Dead celebrations in late October/early November
- Lucha libre wrestling in Mexico City
- Mariachi at Plaza Garibaldi
Notable Places to Stay
Luxury All-Inclusive
Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya: Lagoon-side suites with private plunge pools and one of the best spas in Mexico.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya: Adults-only, Zen, and Ambassador sections — multi-course tasting menus included in the all-inclusive rate.
One&Only Palmilla, Cabo: The benchmark for service on the Pacific coast.
Family-Friendly All-Inclusive
Hyatt Ziva & Hyatt Zilara properties: Family resorts (Ziva) paired with adults-only buildings (Zilara) on the same campus — great for multigenerational trips.
Beaches/Sandals (Caribbean & Pacific): Reliable upscale all-inclusive options.
Moon Palace Cancun: A massive resort with extensive kids’ programming, three nine-hole golf courses, and frequent promotions.
Boutique & Colonial
Belmond Maroma, Riviera Maya: A small, palapa-roofed beachfront retreat that’s long been the favorite of design-savvy travelers.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: The grandest colonial property in town, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Parroquia.
Dining Musts
Tacos al pastor: Pork shaved off a vertical spit, on a fresh tortilla, with pineapple, cilantro, and lime. The Mexico City classic.
Mole: Oaxaca’s legendary sauces — rich, complex, sometimes containing dozens of ingredients. The seven moles are a must-try in Oaxaca itself.
Cochinita pibil: Yucatán’s slow-roasted pork wrapped in banana leaves and served with pickled red onion.
Ceviche & aguachile: Fresh-from-the-sea seafood “cooked” in lime juice. The Pacific coast does it best.
Mezcal: Tequila’s smoky cousin. Visit a palenque in Oaxaca to taste it where it’s made.
When to Visit
High season (mid-December through March): Dry, warm, busy, and pricey. Book early for holidays and spring break.
Shoulder (April–May, October–mid-December): Excellent weather and notably better pricing. Our agents’ preferred travel windows.
Hurricane season (June–November): Mostly fine, but watch the September peak; consider travel insurance.





