Visit Playa del Carmen

A cobbled old town on Banderas Bay, humpback whales in winter and the Malecon at sunset.

The Arch at Land's End where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, sport fishing and whale sharks.

Maya ruins on a cliff above a turquoise Caribbean beach — the only ancient city built right on the sea.

Visit Cancún, a resort city on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Explore the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá (a UNESCO World Heritage site with the iconic El Castillo pyramid), snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Mesoamerican Reef (the second-largest coral reef system in the world), and experience the vibrant nightlife and beaches of the Hotel Zone. Don't miss trying local Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) at a traditional market.

Visit Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and capital of Jalisco state. Explore the historic center with landmarks like the Guadalajara Cathedral (a 16th-century Spanish Renaissance structure with twin towers) and Hospicio Cabanas (a UNESCO World Heritage site housing murals by Jose Clemente Orozco). Experience local culture at the Mercado San Juan de Dios (one of Latin America's largest indoor markets for crafts and food) and try traditional dishes such as birria (spicy stew) and tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches).

Visit Oaxaca, a vibrant city in southern Mexico known for its rich indigenous culture and culinary heritage. Explore the Zócalo (main square with historic buildings and lively atmosphere), visit the Templo de Santo Domingo (a stunning 16th-century Baroque church with gold leaf interior), sample traditional dishes like mole negro (complex sauce with chocolate and chiles) and tlayudas (large crispy tortillas with toppings), and browse the Mercado Benito Juarez (a bustling market offering local crafts, textiles, and food).

Visit Mérida, capital of Yucatán state in Mexico. Explore the ancient Maya city of Uxmal (UNESCO site with the Pyramid of the Magician), see the grand Paseo de Montejo (tree-lined avenue with French-style mansions), visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (modern museum showcasing Maya artifacts and history), and try cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote).

Visit Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo León in northeastern Mexico. Explore the Macroplaza (one of the largest city squares in the world, home to the Faro del Comercio laser monument and the Government Palace), hike up Cerro de la Silla (the iconic saddle-shaped mountain offering panoramic city views), and try cabrito (traditional roasted goat dish) at a local restaurant. Discover the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO) for modern Latin American art and the Parque Fundidora (a former steel mill turned urban park with museums and gardens).