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Mexico is huge and with so many beautiful places to visit you may wonder which region to explore. Did you know that Mexico is the 13th largest country in the world and covers an area of 1,972,550 square kilometers?
We spent 5 months riding our BMW F800 GS motorcycle across Mexico. We rode through the Sonoran desert, the Sierra Madre mountain range, beautiful colonial cities and explored the abundance of natural beauty the various regions of Mexico have to offer.
In this blogpost we will cover what we believe are the TOP 5 REGIONS TO EXPLORE IN MEXICO!
For more inspiration, also check out the TOP 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MEXICO or watch our travels through Mexico on YouTube!
The 32 states of Mexico are split into 9 main regions:
– Baja california
– The Pacific Lowlands
– The mexican Plateau
– the sierra madre oriental
– The sierra Madre Occidental
– The cordillera Neo-Volcánica
– the gulf coastal plain
– the Southern HIghlands
– The Yucatan Peninsula
1. Baja California
In the north of Baja California, you will find the historic wine route ‘Ruta del Vino’. Further south the Sonoran desert awaits you, as well as endless white sand dunes. Then, as you ride down south on Highway 1, you can soak in the stunning ocean views and rugged coastline of Bahía Concepción. If you ride up into the mountains from here, then you’ll be able to enjoy the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range. In addition, you can also visit one of the oldest and best preserved missions in Mexico built by the Jesuits.
Continue south in order to visit the gorgeous beaches around ‘El Arco de los Cabos’. It is the most southern part of the peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the ‘Sea of Cortez’. Or if you want something completely off the grid, then check out the undeveloped beaches around Cabo Pulmo. And don’t forget that there is also excellent surf, an abundance of delicious fresh seafood and some exceptional snorkelling. And if you visit in season then you can even swim with whale sharks. Want to find out more? Check out our blogpost on:
TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN BAJA CALIFORNIA
Best region in Mexico for:
- Off-road riding
- Surfing
- Ultimate desert experience
- Beach hopping
- Seafood
Who will love this?
- Overlanders
- Surfers
- Foodies
- Wine Lovers
2. San Luis Potosí
This is certainly a less frequently visited region of Mexico. ‘La Huesteca Potosina’ is a particularly beautiful part of San Luis Potosí. In order to get here you need to make your way across the windy roads of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. Then you will be greeted by tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls, cenote-like sinkholes and caves. You’ll also find rivers with the most perfect shades of turquoise-blue. In short, a true piece of paradise!
Aside from the abundance of natural beauty, you can also step into the surreal world of Edward James and visit ‘Las Pozas‘. In the middle of the mountains surrounded by thick jungle he created a bunch of surrealistic structures. The sheer size of it, including natural pools and small waterfalls, were especially impressive. A bizarre kind of wonderland or pure madness? You’ll have to judge for yourself!
But the most rewarding part of coming here is just how undeveloped it is. In fact, there is not a single luxury hotel here. Instead it has a real ‘back-to-basics’ feel and the most wonderful camping sites. So we felt truly blessed to be able to discover this region of Mexico! Check out the blogpost below to find out more about this hidden gem!
LA HUESTECA POTOSINA: MEXICO’S BEST KEPT SECRET?
Best region in Mexico for:
- Windy roads
- Connecting with Mother Nature
- Budget-conscious travellers
Who will love this?
- Hikers
- Nature-lovers
- Overlanders
- Anyone who appreciates discovering beautiful, yet undeveloped destinations
3. Oaxaca
Oaxaca was my absolute favourite region of Mexico! I just love how diverse it is. Oaxaca City, for example, features some of the finest colonial architecture and has a thriving art scene. Getting lost in this vibrant and colourful city is simply amazing! This region of Mexico is also very rich in culture and traditions. And for all you foodies out there, take note! Oaxaca is the epicentre of Mexico’s food culture.
Oaxaca also has thousands of archaeological sites, allowing you to discover the ancient world of the Mayans. And if you are willing to take on the windy mountain roads of the Sierra Madre range and head south, then you’ll be blessed with a tropical coastline. In fact, some would even say Mexico’s best surf breaks! And if you are looking for a yoga retreat, spiritual healing classes or just want to chill, then check out Oaxaca’s Hippie Hangout: Mazunte!
OAXACA: TOP 5 PLACES YOU HAVE TO VISIT
Best region in Mexico for:
- Exploring colonial architecture
- Indulging in Mexico’s rich food culture
- Learning about local culture & traditions
- Taking a surf class
- Yoga retreats / Spiritual journeys
Who will love this?
- Artists
- Foodies
- Surfers
- Free Spirits
- Beach Bums
4. Chiapas
Chiapas is one of the poorest regions of Mexico, but it is rich in every other way! Take its abundance of natural beauty for example. It has particularly beautiful waterfalls and is famous for its turquoise coloured waters. You’ll also be able to visit some of the most impressive Mayan ruins like Palenque. The city of San Cristobal de las Casas is another prime example of beautiful colonial architecture and also has a thriving art scene.
In fact, it was my favourite city we stayed in Mexico! And if you visit its many traditional markets, then you’ll be able to get a sense for its strong indigenous culture. You can also drive through the windy mountain roads and explore ‘Ruta del Cafe’. Check out our blogpost below if you want to find out more about staying at a coffee farm and everything else this region of Mexico offers!
CHIAPAS: TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Best region in Mexico for:
- Exploring colonial architecture
- Learn about culture & traditions
- Hiking
- Reconnecting with mother nature
- Visiting Mayan ruins
- Coffee plantations!
Who will love this?
- Hikers
- Artists
- Digital Nomads (San Cristobal de las Casas is a great base)
- Coffee Addicts
- Overlanders
5. Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula needs little introduction. It comprises the states of Yucatan, Campeche as well as Quintana Roo and is blessed with Caribbean waters and white sand beaches. It is the most visited part of Mexico as it features magical cenotes as well as some of the most iconic Mayan ruins. Due to its proximity to Cancun it can get pretty crowded with all-inclusive package holidays. So this may be no hidden gem but rest assured it absolutely worth visiting!
Besides, you can always get away from the crowds by visiting less popular cenotes, spot pink flamingos in one of the biosphere reserves and even snorkel with turtles. World class diving awaits you in Cozumel, as well as some cenotes. And if you want some downtime, then head to the car-free island of Holbox. Or perhaps you are looking for a chilled vibe with some fancy restaurants and hotel options, then you might want to hang out in Tulum. You can also find truly beautiful and quieter places on the peninsula, like Bacalar: The Lagoon of 7 colours.
TOP 10 PLACES TO SEE IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA
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Best region in Mexico for:
- Experiencing cenotes
- Go diving or snorkelling
- Spot pink flamingos
- Nightlife
Who will love this?
- Divers
- Anyone who is after the perfect cenote experience
- Travellers who can stretch their budget a little
- Party People
Which region of Mexico will you choose?
We hope that our blogpost has been able to provide you with some useful information of what the most beautiful regions of Mexico have to offer. Please check out the individual blogposts on these regions in order to get a better overview and plan your itinerary. We have basically highlighted the best places to see in each of them. Still undecided?
Perhaps sharing our TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN MEXICO will help you decide!
Questions? Comments? Feedback? We’d love to hear you from you 🙂
