The capital of Mexico, Mexico City is a cosmopolitan, high-altitude city that's packed with historic ruins and monuments. It's also home to some of the country's best museums.
Start by visiting the Zocalo, Mexico's largest and most important public square. Here you'll find the Templo Mayor and National Palace, as well as a number of Aztec relics.
Tulum
Tulum is a stunning coastal town that combines all the elements of a dream holiday. Its pristine beaches, seaside hotels and spectacular Maya ruins make it one of Mexico’s top destinations.
If you want to see some incredible marine life, hop on a catamaran tour along the coast of Tulum. You’ll get to sail by stingrays, turtles and coral reefs in their natural habitat.
You can also explore the ruins of Tulum on your own, or book a guided tour. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the city and see the sites from a different perspective.
Cozumel
Cozumel, which is pronounced "Coh-zoo-mel," is a popular tourist destination in Mexico due to its beautiful white sand beaches, clear water and plenty of things to do by the sea. It is also home to a number of Mayan ruins, including San Gervasio (pronounced “Her-vah-sio”) which is one of the island's most important archaeological sites.
In addition to its many attractions and activities, Cozumel is also famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are plenty of well-organized dive operators offering courses for beginners and experienced divers alike.
For those who are not looking to get wet, a visit to the Planetarium is a great way to learn about the night sky and watch a variety of space-themed movies. It's located just a short walk from the cruise ship dock so it's easy to include it in your itinerary!
Palenque
If you love ruins but also want to stay in a place that’s surrounded by nature, Palenque is the perfect choice. Its ruins are set against the backdrop of the lush jungle that towers over them as if they were swallowed by it.
A great way to experience the ruins is by hiring a guide, who will take you through them and explain everything in depth. They’ll tell you about the Mayan culture and give you plenty of interesting information to help you get the most out of your visit.
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, take a day trip to nearby waterfalls such as Agua Azul and Misol-Ha. These waterfalls are some of the most beautiful natural swimming spots you’ll ever see.
Izamal
Izamal is a charming city in Yucatan with some impressive Mayan pyramids, beautiful churches and a decidedly colonial centre. Moreover, this Pueblo Magico is an excellent destination for shopping and dining.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Izamal is a great place to learn about the rich culture of Yucatan and to try its delicious Yucatecan cuisine. The town is also home to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, which was built in 1561 on the site of a destroyed Mayan temple.
This monastery is a must-visit for its outdoor atrium, which is the second largest in the world (after the Vatican). Its 16th-century frescoes and a gold-plated Baroque altarpiece are just a few of the religious treasures you can find inside.
Morelia
The colonial city of Morelia, Mexico, is the ideal place to get a feel for Mexican history. Its UNESCO World Heritage status is reflected in the historical center’s beautiful renaissance, baroque and neoclassical buildings.
- It also has a great selection of hotels, restaurants and taquerias (taco stalls) to keep you busy. The Mercado de Dulces, for instance, is renowned for its traditional handicrafts.
- You can also explore Morelia’s fascinating religious sites, from the majestic Cathedral to the dazzling Santuario de Guadalupe. The UNESCO-listed church’s exterior features an exquisite combination of pink paint and gold trim, a style known as plateresque.
- A museum dedicated to independence hero Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon is another must-see attraction in town. It’s housed in one of the old houses he bought.
