City

As the capital of Jalisco, Guadalajara embraces its local heritage, most notably in the form of tequila (for which Jalisco is famous) and mariachi music (celebrated with a week-long festival in September). The historic city center is home to an incredible collection of baroque churches and architecture that give Mexico City’s Centro a run for its money. The city also hosts one of the world’s largest book festivals every year.

In the central highlands of Chiapas, San Cristobal del as Casas serves as the nerve center of the region’s indigenous communities who live in the mountain towns throughout the region.

Coastal Oaxaca beach towns draw an entirely different crowd than you’ll find in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. Puerto Escondido anchors this region, and you’ll pay far less here than in the more popular Mexico beach destinations.

Note: Save these destinations for when it’s safe to travel again. Be sure to check the travel rules before visiting Mexico.

Merida is the cultural capital of western Yucatan. Expect a high concentration of boutique hotels, art galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants along the streets that line the center of town.