2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Mexico. Thanks to huge investments in tourism and infrastructure, traveling across the country has never been easier. With new roads and airports across the country, this could be the year you get out and really explore what Mexico has to offer.
Here's a range of destinations, from mountain peaks to stunning coastlines, that are worth your visit in 2025.
Mountains
Xalapa, Veracruz
Xalapa is the hidden gem of the coastal state of Veracruz. The city combines history, nature and culture for an unforgettable experience. Nicknamed “the Athens of Veracruz,” this mountainous college town enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, cloud forests, and the tantalizing aroma of locally grown coffee. Start with a licker at La Parroquia before exploring the Anthropology Museum, which houses impressive Olmec artifacts like colossal stone heads.
Xalapa's culinary delights reflect its rich heritage. Flavor xiqueño mole from the neighboring town of Xico, local fish specialty huachinango in Veracruzana or enjoy wood-fired enchiladas at Cerro Gordo. Botanists can wander through the misty Clavijero Botanical Garden or visit Coatepec, Mexico’s coffee capital.
Beyond its attractions, the charm of Xalapa lies in its people, known for their warmth and hospitality. Participate in lively conversations at Parque Juárez or the bustling Mercado Jáuregui. Xalapa invites you to savor, explore and connect, offering discovery in every moment.
The city also has the most Mexico News Daily contributors per capita in the world, so make of that what you will.
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
OK, so this one is a road trip that takes you through multiple destinations, ending with what could be The most authentic city in Mexico. Journey through vibrant landscapes and rich culture on a journey inspired by the annual Guelaguetza Festival, a week-long adventure in the heart of Mexico that combines history, cuisine and breathtaking sights.
Departing from Puebla, travelers can enjoy mole-making in a talavera-tiled kitchen before heading to the ruins of El Tajín de Papantla (chile not included) and its lively neighborhood. walk. A stop at the historic port of Veracruz reveals Caribbean charm, fresh seafood and excitement Danzon representations. From here the route winds through the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere, featuring extensive cactus forests and salt marshes.
There is of course too much to mention about Oaxaca here. Highlights include the extensive, historically significant ruins of Monte Albán, the Textile Museum, and rooftop restaurants overlooking the illuminated Templo de Santo Domingo.
Of all the regions of Mexico, Oaxaca is the most purposeful, which has rightly earned it the reputation of a must-visit destination. Road trip enthusiasts might also want to head down the mountain to the Pacific coastal towns of Mazunte, Zipolite, and Puerto Escondido, thanks to the new highway that has dramatically reduced transit times.
Beaches
San Carlos, Sonora
Nestled on the Gulf of California, San Carlos is a hidden gem offering serene beaches, spectacular desert landscapes, and an abundance of outdoor adventures. The city is far from the hustle and bustle of La Paz or Los Cabos and charms visitors with its boutique hotels, cliffside villas and unspoilt beauty. Accessible in a 90-minute drive from Hermosillo, the journey is as scenic as the destination.
Adventurers can dive into the “aquarium of the world,” as Jacques Cousteau called the Gulf of California, with activities like kayaking, diving and sailing. For earth lovers, hiking and biking the region's lunar terrain are equally exciting. Don't miss the Mirador Escénico for stunning views of rugged canyons and the iconic Tetakawi Peak.
San Carlos' culinary scene is a seafood lover's paradise. From fresh aguachile at Mesa Cortez to casual delights at Tortuga's, every meal is memorable. Whether you're looking for vibrant sunsets or unparalleled tranquility, San Carlos promises an unforgettable escape.
San Carlos' northern location means it doesn't suffer from the overtourism of other major beach destinations in the region, like Mazatlán and the Riviera Nayarit – so you can get a taste of what life is really like in edge of the Mexican ocean.
Bucerias, Nayarit
If San Carlos seems a little too isolated, consider Bucerias, Nayaritinstead. A quiet village on Banderas Bay, it offers a serene alternative to the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta. Cobblestone streets, vibrant houses draped in bougainvillea, and a seemingly endless beach define this charming getaway. With boutique hotels, fresh seafood, and an emerging arts scene, Bucerías embodies the magic of a classic Mexican retreat without the crowds.
A perfect weekend begins at the Ysuri Hotel, known for its ocean-view rooms and relaxed elegance. Visitors can dine at La Negra, a lively restaurant serving seafood tacos and killer margaritas, before admiring a fiery sunset over Playa Bucerías. Saturday highlights include exploring the Bucerías arts district and enjoying beachfront dining at Karen's Place, followed by paddleboarding adventures. Dinner at Mar y Sol offers unforgettable seafood with ocean views.
Sunday invites you to go on a treasure hunt in the lively neighborhood tianguis market, before returning easily to the perfectly connected Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
Holbox, Quintana Roo
Holbox is a paradise island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. The car-free island offers stunning natural beauty, eco-friendly accommodations, and a vibe reminiscent of Mexico decades ago. Arriving by ferry (or even private plane), the journey feels like a passage to a simpler, more serene world – which it certainly is.
Stay in trendy hostels like Tribu, boutique gems like Casa Cat Ba with its zero-waste philosophy and sunset views, or the tranquil Las Hamacas Club de Playa for luxurious privacy. Dinner is just as memorable: enjoy an innovative fusion at Parador 33 or fresh avocado toast with the Caribbean sunrise.
Holbox isn't just for lounging around – but it's perfect for that if that's your jam – and activities like kitesurfing, swimming with whale sharks, and long swims on the beach satisfy active travelers. As you return to the mainland, you will take with you the peaceful charm of the island, already preparing for your return.
Magical cities
The convent road
Yucatán Convents Route is a history lover's dream, blending Mayan ingenuity with colonial charm on a day trip south from Mérida. Avoid the crowds at Chichén Itzá and instead explore hidden gems like Acancéh, where ancient stucco masks of the sun god Kinich Ahau and a bustling colonial church coexist. From there, Tecoh draws you in with its pyramid-perched church and proximity to Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, a glimpse into the historic henequen industry that made Yucatán what it is today.
Further south, Mayapán, the ancient Mayan capital, offers tranquil ruins ideal for (responsible) climbing and reflection. Towns like Mama, Tekit, and Chumayel are home to fascinating churches, including Mama's bell-shaped dome and Chumayel's connections to legendary Maya Chilam Balam texts. Finally, the Pueblo Mágico de Maní enchants with its bustling market, honey products and the haunting history of burning Mayan codices. Don’t miss Poc Chuc at El Príncipe Tutul Xiu for a delicious finale!
Take a trip on the Convent Route to discover the best of Yucatán
The itinerary, which can take place in a single day or be spread out over a full-fledged vacation, offers a window into the region's Mayan history that other, more developed sites have now neglected as they are consumed by tourism mass. Dotted with magical towns, the route also offers visitors the opportunity to understand how the Mayan community in the region lives today and what life is like for the descendants of those who built such magnificent monuments.
Cuetzalan, Puebla
Nestled in the misty hills of Puebla's Sierra Norte mountain range, the sleepy town of Cuetzalan is a mass of vibrant culture and authentic charm. Cuetzalan is home to much of the region's exceptional cottage industry, giving the town a unique character. This character is made even warmer by the cobblestone streets, waterfalls and a culture as rich as its landscapes.
If exploring the city's many workshops, colonial architecture and alleyways isn't for you, there are hiking trails, abseiling and the chance to get closer to nature, before retreating to enjoy delicious local dishes and delicious cocktails made with traditional regional herbs.
How a “girls trip” to Cuetzalan introduced me to the real Mexico
Cuetzalan's Sunday market features local coffee, textiles and ceramics, embodying its artistic soul. Authentic, realistic and unforgettable, Cuetzalan promises a feast for the senses and a touch of magic that the country's big cities struggle to offer.
