2023 Travel Guide to Mexico

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Thu January 26, 2023

The Best of Mexico

1/13 Mexico weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better than most countries and continues to be among the world's most-visited destinations in 2023. In addition to being easily accessed from the U.S., Canada, Latin and South America and even Europe, Mexico offers travelers a wide variety of unique experiences, from quintessential worry-free beach getaways in areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya to world-class golf, whale watching and rejuvenating spa treatments in places like Los Cabos. Visitors will also want to explore Mexico's vibrant capital city in Mexico City and make some new friends in the LGBTQ-friendly Puerto Vallarta.

There's much to explore here but it helps to have some background. Let this be your helpful guide as you plan your 2023 Mexican vacation.

Best Destinations

2/13 In terms of accessibility, affordability and elite tourism infrastructure, it's hard to find three better Mexican destinations than Cancun, Los Cabos and Mexico City. Fly into Cancun to experience tremendous beaches and award-winning resorts along with the enchanting Riviera Maya, which offers access to cenotes, ancient ruins and so much more. For visitors to Baja California Sur, Cabo is another destination appealing to travelers of all tastes, including luxe guests who may be seeking a weekend getaway filled with golf, oceanfront dinners and spa treatments.

If soaking in the local culture is your top priority, Mexico City is not to be missed as visitors can learn a lot simply by watching and listening in popular sites such as the Zocalo (main square) and sampling the local restaurants and bars.

Best Attractions

3/13 Mexico is loaded with exceptional attractions but some that stand out include the intriguing Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in the Yucatan and the bustling Zocalo gathering place in Mexico City. The mile-long Puerto Vallarta Malecon is another can't-miss attraction as is the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. The Mexican Caribbean island of Cozumel is another highlight that can be easily accessed and experienced for visitors to Cancun.

Seeking more nature and seclusion, Isla Holbox should be at the top of your Mexican travel wish list in 2023.

Must See 2023 Events

4/13 You can bet that Mexico will be lively for the duration of 2023 with festivities taking place from coast to coast, including star-studded concerts and celebrations like autumn's annual Day of the Dead celebration and the Closer to the Sun all-inclusive reggae vacation in the Mexican Caribbean. In February, tennis fans will arrive to Acapulco for the Mexican Open and, in April, the PGA Tour will descend on Nuevo Vallarta for the 2023 Mexico Open at Vidanta. Mexico City will also come to life in the fall for Formula 1's Mexico City Grand Prix on the final weekend of October.

Best Places for Families

5/13 Visiting Mexico as a family is fun and easy when you zero-in on the right destinations. Cancun, Cabo, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta are excellent landing spots for groups with guests of all ages. Properties like Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya and Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort are sure to entertain the entire family while the youngest visitors to Los Cabos will be wowed by the region's natural arches, majestic whales and marine life. In between, Puerto Vallarta is also safe and kid-friendly, offering visitors access to not only amazing beaches but pirate ship adventures, ziplining and horseback riding tours, among other fun experiences.

Best Places for Couples

6/13 Romance is nearly inescapable in Mexico so couples will have plentiful destinations to choose from. In the Mexican Caribbean, for example, Playa del Carmen is a standout locale where adults-only, all-inclusive resorts such as Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen and the recently opened Secrets Impression Moxche are certain to have guests in Cupid's chokehold while Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos in the Mexican Pacific has the scenery, amenities and services to ensure that every duo is not only taken care of but more in sync by the time check-out comes.

Best Places for Group Travel

7/13 Groups will have an amazing time in Mexico, whether opting for the convenience of an oceanfront all-inclusive resort or venturing inland to one-of-a-kind destinations like the one and only Patron tequila distillery in Jalisco. Guadalajara, Durango and Loreto are just a few of many off-the-beaten-path places where visitors to Mexico will have plenty to see and do while also feeling less like tourists. The latter even offers glass bottom boat tours that are best experienced as a group.

Best Places for Solo Travel

8/13 San Miguel de Allende has been racking up the accolades for years and was recently named the Most Friendly Destination in the World by the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers' Choice Awards. It's the perfect landing spot for solo travelers this year who can not only tour a UNESCO World Heritage Site but discover endless charm, friendly locals and amazing food. Individuals traveling alone might also target places like Tulum and Merida along Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. These places aren't too far from major airports and wow with splendid scenery, one-of-a-kind heritage sites and nearby nightlife.

Just over the U.S. border, Tecate is another worthwhile stop for individuals seeking a solo Mexican getaway.

Best Foodie Destinations

9/13 Delicious food isn't hard to come by in Mexico but destinations such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Oaxaca and Puebla clearly separate themselves from the pack as visitors will uncover a special blend of beloved tradition and creative touches from some of the best chefs on the planet. The capital city of Mexico City is the perfect starting point for a culinary tour as visitors can dive into authentic tacos before venturing out to other cities and towns to try mouthwatering enchiladas, mole and ceviche, among other phenomenal dishes.

Best Places for Adventure Travel

10/13 Mexico offers visitors adventure in many forms, including diving in mesmerizing cenotes, sport fishing off the coast, hiking and mountain biking, off-roading through the desert on an ATV and zipling and other adrenaline-pumping activities. Consider the Riviera Maya your one-stop-shop for it all as Grupo Xcaret offers access to as many as eight parks and tours.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts

11/13 Sports fanatics can look forward to many exciting activities and events in Mexico. Soccer (football), baseball and bullfighting are among the most beloved games here and are practiced in many parts of the country. The Big Four Mexican football clubs include Club America, Guadalajara, Cruz Azul and Pumas. All but Guadalajara are based in Mexico City so the capital, specifically the iconic Estadio Azteca is where you'll want to take in a match. Meanwhile, the Mexican Baseball League was founded nearly a century ago and features 18 teams from all across the country.

Golf lovers will want to head to Los Cabos to put their skills to the test on any one of the destination's 18 fantastic courses while tennis enthusiasts might book a stay at the TRS Coral Hotel or Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa in Costa Mujeres north of Cancun to experience the world-class Rafa Nadal Tennis Center.

Unique to Mexico

12/13 Mexico has a magical culture evidenced by its nearly three dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites and numerous Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns). There's certainly nothing wrong with limiting your experience to a relaxing all-inclusive resort stay but there's a wealth of natural beauty, history, cultural richness and fascinating tradition to explore along the way. If this interests you, talking to a travel advisor is the best starting point as these experts can help you build out the ideal itinerary to explore some of Mexico's lesser-seen gems.

Safety Index Check-In

13/13 The vast majority of popular tourist areas throughout Mexico remain safe to visit in 2023. The country's most-visited places, including states like Baja California Sur, Mexico City, Quintana Roo and the Yucatan are listed at a Level 1 or Level 2 on the U.S. State Department's four-tier travel advisory scale, meaning that visitors can exercise normal precautions or increased caution upon arrival. Coveted destinations such as Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya continue to be safe places for international travelers who practice common sense.

Mexico is a remarkable travel destination with something for everyone but maximizing your visit in 2023 requires having a plan.

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