Regions

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The touristic zones of Mexico and their unique cities

Please click on the map to select a region

North/Baja Region México's Northwest region has so often been the location for American cowboy movies that most people are familiar with its distinctive geography. The Sea of Cortés borders it on the west and, heading eastward, you encounter the Sierra Madre mountains, eventually the Copper Canyon and a vast territory beyond into Chihuahua and Durango. Said to be grander than the Grand Canyon, The Copper Canyon has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, but for the most part the area offers many new travel adventures.

Alamos
The quaint town of Álamos reached its splendor during the height of the silver rush in the 1800s. Registered today as a UNESCO world heritage site, it is exceptionally well preserved and very pleasant for exploring on foot. Photo buffs, hikers, amateur pilots and bird watchers heed it´s call as do those searching for an intermediary point when visiting the Copper Canyon.

Los Cabos
This fast-growing resort area near the US and a sea away from mainland Mexico is one of a kind. Not only for its cultural duality, but for having two towns with contrasting personalities and two major bodies of water that merge serendipitously right here...

Central Pacific Region Also known as the "Mexican Riviera", this region has warm tropical weather year round. This coastal area to the north of Manzanillo up to Mazatlán has some of Mexico's great undiscovered treasures. This secluded area is sprinkled with some of Mexico's loveliest beaches, bays and towns such as Puerto Vallarta, Costa Careyes and Barra de Navidad.

Costalegre
The Costalegre is a remote, pristine paradise that links Puerto Vallarta with Barra de Navidad and Manzanillo. This 133 mile (212 km) stretch along the Mexican Pacific offers unspoiled tropical jungle, mountains, mango, papaya and coconut plantations, hidden beaches, bays and lagoons filled with exotic water birds, tiny fishing villages and a few very exclusive luxury hotels.

Mascota
Hidden away in the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains of Northern Jalisco, Mascota, know as the "Emerald of the Sierra" is a charming colonial town with an interesting history.

Puerto Vallarta
Set on the shoreline of the second largest bay in the Americas with the green foothills of the majestic Sierra Madre at its back, this is the romantic city on the Mexican Riviera–the traditional Mexican village–the city of grand hotels and cobblestone streets. If ever there was a town full of beautiful contrasts, that town is Puerto Vallarta.

Bajio Region For travelers wanting to broaden their horizons, there is no better adventure than a journey to Mexico's colonial cities in the Bajío. This region embodies the true character of Mexico as a nation and showcases the country's 300 years under Spanish rule. This zone includes the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Querétaro and San Luis Potosí, Morelia.

Guadalajara
Guadalajara, capital of the state of Jalisco, better known as the “City of Roses” is where history and traditions converge. This fascinating destination is characterized by its folklore “mariachis”, tequila, “charros” and handcrafts, made in ceramic, wood and blown glass. The Basilica of the Virgin of Zapopan and the Degollado Theatre are some of the popular heritage sites for national and foreign tourists.

Guanajuato
The city of Guanajuato, one of the richest during Mexico´s silver rush, is today one of Mexico´s most well-preserved cities. Surrounded by high, arid hills and certain features set this small city apart from all others: an underground road system, steep crooked streets, silver mines and mummies.

Lagos de Moreno
This quaint town is one of the best preserved in the state of Jalisco. Charming colonial buildings line narrow streets that lead to many small parks and plazas that recognize the citys´ heroes. Hacienda Sepulveda, located less than 5 kms from the city center is the perfect lodging to get the most from this destination–historical insight and fresh air.

Mineral de Pozos
This quaint rustic Mexican village known for many years as a "ghost town" with an abundance of ruins and abandoned mines, is a destination that has recently been rediscovered. In addition to the mystical surroundings and colorful vistas available to artists and photographers, Pozos offers other activities such as hiking, mountain biking and shopping . Besides the many talented locals, it is now attracting a diverse group of foreign artists, photographers and sculptors, who exhibit their art in galleries located throughout the town that is reminiscent of an early San Miguel.

Morelia
Morelia´s central historic area is perfect for strolling through beautiful parks and plazas, peeking into private homes or admiring the religious art on facades and interiors of the innumerable churches and convents. Those who love art and culture will find the best colonial architecture in Morelia.

Patzcuaro
Rolling pastures and pine forests separate Morelia from the artisan town of Patzcuaro located on a hill above Lake Patzcuaro. It and the quilt of small villages nearby is unsurpassable for finding handicrafts such as handmade linens, copperware, guitars, hand-carved furniture, ceramics and many more beautiful surprises. This quiet haven takes one back to simpler times.

Queretaro
Queretaro is so much more than just a world-class destination for rock climbers, spelunkers and collectors of semi-precious stones. Major Mexican historical events have happened in this beautifully preserved, picturesque city. That historical significance, coupled with its outstanding restoration has earned its nomination as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

San Miguel de Allende
This gem of a village, nestled on a hillside facing a river with a view to the Guanajuato Mountains, is a well-known artists´ colony. The town, registered as a national monument, is one of the loveliest of Mexico´s colonial cities, with old mansions and flower-filled patios that make strolling along the winding cobblestone streets a delightful activity in itself.

Zacatecas
The city "with a face of quarry and a silver heart" is situated in a valley surrounded by spectacular mountain range and deep canyons. This geography has created romantically charming streets that wrap and wind their way throughout the city, perfect for walking and exploring. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1993 in recognition of its architectural value and the beauty of its buildings.

Central Region Like an enormous living museum, this region has Mexico City as it's base. Mexico City is a remarkable showplace for Mexico's 3,000 years of human cultural achievement. It is from here that you would set out to explore the surrounding archeological sites and colonial cities such as Puebla, Tlaxcala and Cuernavaca.

Cholula
Among the most important religious and educational centers in ancient Mesoamerica, Cholula, which means "place of those who fled", is the oldest continually inhabited city in the northern hemisphere. Sites of historical, religious or artistic interest abound. In addition to the magnificent architecture, one can observe the second highest volcanoes in Mexico and walk a few blocks to one of the largest pyramids in the world.

Mexico City
...one of the largest population centers in the world with its 20 million inhabitants, Mexico City is challenging. Art and culture and recreation are all available in this multi-faceted city. From east to west, along the tree-shaded Avenue Reforma-relic of a short-lived empire-you see on the left Chapultepec Park with its castle....

Puebla
Rich in history and colonial architecture, Puebla has become a haven for those interested in history, antiques, handicrafts and cuisine. Many of the cities finest hotels date back to the 19th century, many converted from what were once large mansions. Talavera, the colorful painted ceramic that was first introduced here by the Spanish, adorns many buildings.

Pacific South Region For today's "culture & comfort" vacationers searching for that destination that offers high-rise luxury along with seaside village charm, this region delivers the best of both worlds. This region encompasses Acapulco, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, down to Huatulco and up through Oaxaca.

Acapulco
Known as the coastal playground of México since the early sixties, Acapulco attracts tourists from all over the world. Its spectacular bay is lined with hotels, beautiful homes, restaurants and its famous nightclubs. Many activities such as sailing, golfing and fishing are readily available.

Huatulco
...with sunny days and an average annual temperature of 82F, Huatulco combines comfort and luxury with a natural setting of jungles, waterfalls and almost pristine rivers. It was, in fact, the first ecological tourist resort in America. Situated on the Pacific coast of the southwestern Mexican state of Oaxaca....

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
Just North of Acapulco, beside the planned resort town of Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo offers the true flavor of Mexico as a quaint seaside town with cobblestone streets and fabulous beaches. Free of high-rise hotels that dominate Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo´s laid-back and low-key ambience makes it a long-time favorite of sailors and cruisers.

Oaxaca
In a valley at the foot of the Sierra Madre del Sur and enveloped in the warmth of a perennial spring, Oaxaca displays its wonders among smiles, gold filigree, mezcal, pyramids and stone mosaics, embroideries, cupolas, squares, markets and moles....

Yucatan REGION Mexico's Caribbean coast has become one of the world's most popular playgrounds. This area is home to a string of white sand beaches, coastal villages, new resorts and Mayan ruins ready for you to explore. The region's main allure is its stunning Caribbean beauty. Its craggy limestone shore is a mixture of long stretches of sugar-white, palm-fringed beaches, grottos and desert-island-like tropical coves. From north to south the main cities in this region are Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Playa del Carmen y Cozumel.

Isla Holbox
On the highway heading to Mérida from Cancun, a side road can be taken northward to a large lagoon called Yalahau. On the other side lies the ultimate escape, with incredible virgin beaches and turquoise waters, a truly intimate island experience enlivened by the mood and flavor of this colorfully joyful country.

Isla Mujeres
This little island is only five miles long and less than half a mile wide and you can walk the length of it in a couple of hours. Yet it offers good beaches for swimming, coral reefs for diving and snorkeling, a tranquil lagoon, the ruins of a pirate´s hacienda....

Merida
...Capital of the state of Yucatán, Mérida offers easy access to a world of centuries-old haciendas and the many Mayan archaeological monuments found on the peninsula. Extensive underwater caves (cenotes) in the area attract the most adventurous of divers while Yucatán beaches are just under an hour away.

Playa del Carmen
...on Mexico´s beautiful Caribbean coast with its white sand beaches and clear blue waters lies Playa del Carmen... The once sleepy village of Playa del Carmen doubled twice in population in the last few years, mainly due to Europeans who discovered the alabaster-white beaches, gentle surf, coral reefs and slow lifestyle.