As a large and geographically diverse country there isn’t just “one Mexico”. Thanks to its sprawling landscape, varied cities and towns a holiday to Mexico can be as invigorating or as relaxing as you want.

From the culturally rich bustle of Mexico City, to the tourist traps of Cancun, to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá a trip to Mexico can be what you want it to be. But with that in mind, one of the best things Mexico has to offer is letting you get away from it all. Here are some suggestions of places to visit to enjoy a relaxing Mexican getaway.

 

Take a trip to Tulum

 

The striking coastline at Tulum with its mix of blue waters, jagged cliffs, white sands, and ancient ruins is a popular one for tourists. While the ruins themselves attract a throng, there are many scenic and relaxing beaches to while away the hours. Found on the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula and across the waters from the tropical island of Cozumel, Tulum is one of the finest seaside destinations in Mexico. There are multiple resorts that offer a relaxing break, and the small town of Tulum itself is a pleasant coastal town well stocked with restaurants, shops, and other tourist-focused businesses.

 

Visit Mérida

For a city of nearly a million people Mérida has a surprisingly relaxed feel to it. The city is the capital of the Yucatan state and is one of the safest cities in Mexico. Thanks to its flat landscape and simple grid pattern it is also easy to explore and discover on foot. With its quality central markets and excellent restaurants it is also an excellent culinary destination. One restaurant to lookout for is La Chaya Maya, which has two eateries in the city and offers the very best of Yucatan cuisine.

Often referred to as the “real Mexico” Mérida is a world away from the sprawl of Mexico City, yet still has all the amenities of a state capital. A majority of its inhabitants are of Maya ethnicity, and the city also boasts an intriguing mix of Spanish, French, Dutch, and British colonial influences. This all makes Merida a truly beguiling destination, with many beautiful colonial era buildings, many of which act as hotels today. It is also close the finest Mayan ruins in Mexico at Chichén Itzá, which is easily reachable for a day trip.

 

Go to Play del Carmen

 

Mexico’s position with the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean on either side means there are no shortage of beautiful coastal towns to visit. One of the most picturesque may be Playa del Carmen. Found in the ever-popular state of Quintana Roo, the city is only 70km from Cancun and offers a far more relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to its boutique hotels, European vibe, and beautiful beachfront the town is an ideal spot to get away from it all, while still having all the amenities of a well-appointed tourist town to hand. The snorkelling is well worth trying, too.

Images by Dennis Jarvis & VasenkaPhotography