Hidden gems in Mexico

Mexico's diverse geography and history are represented through sites like the surrealist concrete sculptures of Las Pozas and the 333-meter deep Sótano de las Golondrinas pit cave. Archaeological landmarks include the circular pyramids of Guachimontones and the UNESCO-listed Paquimé ruins. Natural sites feature the travertine rock formations of Hierve el Agua, the underground river system of Rio Secreto, and the overwintering grounds of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Cultural highlights include the syncretic San Juan Chamula Church and the historic Postal Palace.

Mexico's Hidden Gems — Map

Anahi Ávila / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Cave of Swallows

The Cave of Swallows, also called the Cave of the Swallows, is an open air pit cave in the Municipality of Aquismón, San Luis Potosí,…

AlejandroLinaresGarcia / GFDL

B

Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is a set of natural travertine rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas, Oaxaca, Mexico that resemble cascades of water.

Fabienkhan / CC BY-SA 2.5

C

Cabañas Cultural Institute

The Hospicio Cabañas or Cabañas Museum in Guadalajara, Jalisco was one of the oldest and largest orphanage and hospital complexes in the…

Maxtreiber / Public domain

D

Xochicalco

Xochicalco is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Miacatlán in the western part of the Mexican state of Morelos.

Luis Avalos / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site containing most of the overwintering sites of the eastern population of…

christian von wissel / CC BY 2.5

F

Las Pozas

Las Pozas is a surrealistic group of structures created by Edward James, more than 2,000 feet above sea level, in a subtropical rainforest…

G

Great Pyramid of Cholula

The Great Pyramid of Cholula, also known as Tlachihualtepetl, is a complex located in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico.

Thelmadatter / Public domain

H

Postal Palace of Mexico City

The Palacio de Correos de México, also known as the "Correo Mayor" is located in the historic center of Mexico City, on the Eje Central…

(WT-shared) Lorenaak at wts wikivoyage / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Rio Secreto

Don't miss out on this spectacular natural gem! Explore the long underground river that will take you pass unforgettable rock formations.

Elelicht / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Ría Celestún

The beautiful piece of land is protected by UNESCO because of its unique ecosystems.

Adam Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0

K

San Juan Chamula Church

San Juan Chamula is a municipality and township in the Mexican state of Chiapas. It is situated some 2.9 km from San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Editoryuca / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Cenote X-Kekén

Located near Valladolid, this limestone sinkhole is housed within a cavern featuring massive stalactites and a singular ceiling opening that allows a beam of natural light to illuminate the turquoise water below.

RichardMills65 / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Yelapa Village

Yelapa is a small beach town in Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico. The village lies in the southernmost cove of Bahía de Banderas.

Carlos Rojas / Public domain

N

Laguna Miramar

Last vistas of untouched nature in Mexico. Strikingly beautiful area dotted with Maya ruins and old settlements.

Public domain

O

Montebello Lakes

Lagunas de Montebello, or Montebello Lakes, is a national park in the Mexican state of Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala, comprising…

Chris Muenzer / CC BY 2.0

P

Garcia Caves

Grutas de García is a cave complex located 9 km outside García, Nuevo León in northern Mexico about 30 km from Monterrey.

Public domain

Q

Guachimontones Pyramids

Los Guachimontones is the largest Late Formative to Classic period pre-Columbian archaeological site in the state of Jalisco.

Mitrush / CC-BY-SA-3.0

R

Chapel of Peace

A stunning open-air chapel featuring modern architecture, wonderful views and tranquil atmosphere. Well worth the visit.

Luis Serrano / Public domain

S

Casas Grandes

Casas Grandes is a prehistoric archaeological site in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua.

Patricia Garcia / CC-BY-SA

T

Valley of the Monks

Wander and get lost among these solemn rock columns - they make a wonderful backdrop for taking pictures.

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