The Most Stunning Landmarks in Mexico (Trust Us, #14 Will Steal Your Heart)

1. Templo Mayor (Aztec Temple)

Centuries ago, the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan was the central location for the Aztec Empire.

After the Spanish conquest, it was buried, and the present-day Zocalo (Town Square) in Downtown Mexico City was built on top of it.

The first efforts to find the templo began in the 19th Century, though public interest was low.

Archeologists persisted, and by the 20th Century, they had a good idea of where the temple might be — however, it was ultimately discovered by accident. 

Today, visitors can tour the temple’s remnants and see some of the site’s most important archeological treasures.

Over 7,000 objects and artifacts were recovered during the Mexico City Aztec Temple excavations.

Some of them are now displayed at the adjoining Templo Mayor Museum, one of the best museums in Mexico City.

2. Metropolitan Cathedral

The Templo Mayor and Catedral Metropolitana are two of the most important landmarks or monuments of Mexico City.

The two are also intertwined, as the bricks used to build the cathedral were the same ones taken from the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan (Templo Mayor).

This opulent structure—one of the 10 largest churches on the Americas Continent—took an astounding 240 years to build.

The Mexico City Cathedral also has the largest pipe organs on the continent and is a must-visit for first-time Mexico City travelers.

3. Mexico City Zócalo

You’ll find a Zocalo (Main Square) in cities throughout Mexico. Being a huge city, the Mexico City Zocalo is larger than most.

There are a few sites in the Plaza de la Constitución, another name for the Zocalo, including the Templo Mayor, Cathedral, and Mexico National Palace.

🏰 Palacio Nacional (Mexico National Palace)

Located in the heart of Mexico City, the Palacio Nacional is a must-visit national landmark.

It is the main building in Mexico City, where government offices and the officials who keep the country running are located.

A long building, 660 feet (201 m) in length, it takes up one entire side of Zocalo Square.

It is one of the most famous Mexican buildings and is also one of the most important in present-day politics. The Mexican president has an office inside.

The Xochimilco canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico, offering a fascinating insight into the Aztec civilization.

Carved by hand, this prehispanic civilization once used the canals as a main thoroughfare for trade and commerce.

There are really two ways to visit Xochimilco — one a sort of party cruise, and the other by taking a tour of the chinampas, or floating gardens.

The latter shows the historic side of Xochimilco, where farmers still use ancient techniques to grow organic food.

5. Basilica de Guadalupe

The Basílica of Santa María de Guadalupe, usually just called the Basílica de Guadalupe, is the 13th-largest church in the world.

One of the best architectural sites in Mexico, the basilica’s most recent building was designed by famed Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. 

A popular place for religious worshipers and tourists all year, this holy site sees upwards of one million visitors and pilgrims on December 12.

This is the Dia de la Virgin de Guadalupe holiday, and this church was built in her honor.

6. Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)

Rounding out this list of the Top 10 landmarks in Mexico is La Casa Azul (The Blue House) — one of the best museums in Mexico City.

Once home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, two of the most famous Mexican artists of all time, people from all over the world come to visit the landmark.

The Blue House Frida Museum offers a glimpse into Frida’s life, her art, and ultimately, her death on July 13, 1954.

The museum is located in the historic Coyoacan Mexico City neighborhood — and you’ll want to save some space on your Mexico City itinerary to visit Coyoacan.

Besides the Museo Frida Kahlo Mexican artist house, don’t miss the Fuente de los Coyotes (Coyote Fountain) and 16th Century San Juan Bautista Church.

7. Estadio Azteca Stadium

The biggest Mexican football stadium, Estadio Azteca, is home to the Mexican national and Mexico City soccer teams, Club América.

It’s also one of the world’s highest stadiums, at 7,218 feet (2,200 m) above sea level, and the best place to see soccer games in Mexico City.

Mexico Fun Facts: Mexico City is about 1.5 miles above sea level (2.4 km), so remember to include altitude sickness meds when making your Mexico packing list.

🤼‍♀️ Arena México

To see another popular Mexico sport, lucha libre, you’ll visit Arena Mexico.

The beloved part-comedy, part-sport of Mexican wrestling is a cultural phenomenon, and many Mexico City visitors have a lucha libre match on their itinerary.

8. Teotihuacan Ruins

The Mexico City Pyramids of Teotihuacan (pronounced tay-oh-tee-wok-on) are located in San Juan Teotihuacan.

About one hour from Mexico City, head to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to climb the Teotihuacan pyramids — Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl.

On a personal note, I’ve been to A LOT of ruins in Mexico, and I think the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl has some of the most beautiful architectural features of them all.

After visiting, don’t miss all the local villages, restaurants and shops in San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico.

This is one of the 177 or so Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns). Some of the most noteworthy places in the country, the magic towns are worth a visit on your trip to Mexico.

🗿 Xochicalco Ruins

The Ruins of Xochicalco (pronounced so-chee-lack-oh) are another one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

Located in Morelos State, one state south of Mexico City, Xochicalco and the Tepoztlan pueblo magico (magic town) are popular day trips from Mexico City.

9. San Miguel de Allende Parroquia

If you’ve ever seen photos of San Miguel de Allende, you’re likely seen the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

Located in Centro Historico (Historic Downtown), you’ll find this iconic Gothic church from the 17th Century — one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico.

The parroquia is just one building surrounding El Jardín (the Garden), located in the Zocalo, or the main Town Square

Sit on a bench and enjoy people watching in this beautifully-manicured garden, as street vendors go by and the sounds of live mariachi music fills the air.

10. La Quebrada (Acapulco Cliff Divers)

The La Quebrada Cliff Divers are a professional high divers in Acapulco — the closest beach to Mexico City.

The divers perform shows for the public each day, diving from rocks 100—to 135 feet (30-41 m) from the cliffs of La Quebrada into the Pacific Ocean below.

👀 For another unique Mexico beach experience, there’s also Zipolite, Oaxaca — where you’ll find the only legal Mexico nude beach and a lot of natural beauty.

11. Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Every November, hundreds of millions (possibly billions) of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the northern United States to Central Mexico’s Oyamel Forests.

They remain there until April, when they begin their eight-month journey back. This is one of the largest animal migrations on Earth.

During the trip, four generations of butterflies will live and die. Scientists still don’t know how or why, but the monarchs return to the same place in Central Mexico each year!

The 139,000-acre (56,259-hectare) Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are numerous Piedra Herrada Sanctuary tours to see the butterflies, as it’s in a remote location — so a tour is definitely the easiest way to go!

There are a few places within the reserve to see the butterflies, including El Rosario in Michoacan State, and the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary.

The most popular is Piedra Herrada, located less than two hours from Mexico City in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

Once you reach the top of the mountain where the butterflies congregate, you stand and witness thousands of monarch butterflies.

They weigh down branches of trees, fly about and surround you, covering both you and the ground paths.

You’ll see the bright orange of the monarch’s bodies everywhere you look. They will land on you and flutter to the ground beneath you.

It is one of the most incredible natural sites you’ll ever see.

Among the most iconic sites in this hillside town in Sierra Madres is the Parroquia de Santa Prisca y San Sebastián (Church of Santa Prisca).

It towers over Taxco and dominates the skyline in this white and terra cotta-colored town.

💒 History of the Taxco Church

The construction was ordered by José de la Borda, one of the most prosperous mine owners of the region of Taxco in the 18th Century.

From 1758 to 1806, the temple was the tallest building in Mexico, but was surpassed by the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in San Luis Potosí City. (source: Wiki)

13. Monte Alban Ruins

Both Oaxaca City Centro Historico (Historic Downtown) and the Ruins of Monte Alban near downtown are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

Monte Alban Oaxaca is located high atop a mountain, and offers spectacular views of the towns in the valleys below.

Along with Hierve el Agua, Monte Alban is one of the best things to do in Oaxaca Mexico!

The ruins have been around since the 6th Century, and what remains today are terraces, large courtyards and some of the best pyramids in Mexico.

🗿 Mitla Ruins in oaxaca

The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla is another Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two are located not far from one another, both near Oaxaca City.

Besides Monte Alban, the Ruins of Mitla is Oaxaca’s second most important archaeological site.

They are located in the Oaxaca pueblo magico (magic town) of San Pablo de Mitla, near Oaxaca City.

Rather than a group of pyramids, like many of the best ruins in Mexico, Mitla is a collection of shorter buildings decorated with intricate carved stone in elaborate geometric designs.

It is one of the holiest sites for the native Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, once used as a holy burial site.

14. Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

The most famous landmark in the Yucatan Peninsula, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, visiting Chichen Itza is a Mexico bucket list experience for most travelers.

As Chichen Itza is one the largest Mayan ruin sites in the world, there are several Mayan pyramids and unique structures to explore, like El Castillo (The Castle).

For one of the most unique landmarks in Mexico, visit the Pink Lakes of Las Coloradas, about 2.5 hours from Chichén Itzá.

Among the best things to see at Chichen Itza, there’s El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcan), which you’ve likely seen in photos.

Other notable sites include the Temple of the Warriors, Group of a Thousand Columns, Great Ball Court and Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote).

15. Palenque Mayan Ruins

The Mayan Ruins of Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the small pueblo magico of Palenque. It’s also one of my Top 10 Best Mexico sites!

It is about four hours from the town of San Cristobal de las Casa, which is the top Chiapas State travel destination.

Located deep in the jungle, there’s so much to see at Palenque Ruins (pronounced pa-lan-kay). When visiting Mexico, don’t miss these structures at Palenque:

• Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of the Inscriptions)
• Templo del Conde (Temple of the Count)
• El Palacio (The Palace)
• Tumba de la Reina Roja (Tomb of the Red Queen)

🗿 Bonampak Ruins & Murals

Located in Chiapas State, the same as Palenque, the Mayan Ruins of Bonampak are best known for the well-preserved Bonampak Murals, which are more of an artistic than architectural feature.

The paintings at Bonampak date back to 790 AD, making them about 1,250 years old!

🗿 Chacchoben Ruins

Not far from Tulum, the beach town of Mahahual, and Bacalar Lagoon, AKA “the Maldives of Mexico,” you’ll find the Ruins of Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben).

These off the beaten path ruins are deep in the jungle, with Mayan pyramids containing hieroglyphic writing.

17. Uxmal Mayan Ruins

Located less than two-hours from the colorful, colonial city of Merida, you’ll find the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal (pronounced yoosh-mall).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the second most important archeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula, behind Chichen Itza.

Though lacking the name recognition Chichen Itza has, Uxmal is equally impressive — if not moreso.

As it’s less crowded and less touristy, seeing only about one-tenth the annual visitors of Chichen Itza, many say Uxmal feels more authentic. 

🗿 Mayápan Ruins

This is one of the best Mayan Ruins near Merida, though sadly, so few visit.

For those who visit the Mayan Ruins of Mayapan, you may end up having the whole palace to yourself (especially if you visit on a weekday).

This makes for a truly magical experience at one of the best man made Mexico landmarks in Yucatan.

There are several structures and pyramids at Mayapan, including the large, central pyramid resembling El Castillo at Chichen Itza.

There’s also a The Observatory, a circular structure that closely resembles the round Toltec Ruins in the city of Tula near Mexico City.

18. Best Cenotes in Mexico

There are about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, which are natural jungle pools (sinkholes) containing crystal-clear waters.

Most Mexico cenotes are in the Yucatan Peninsula, like the Tulum cenotes, cenotes near Cancun and Merida cenotes, all fed by the same underground rivers and subterranean caves.

Located beneath the entire Yucatan, there’s the ​​Sistema Sac Actun, Sistema Ox Bel Ha and Sistema Dos Ojos, three giant, flooded cave systems.

Sistema Sac Actun is the longest underwater cave ever explored, and one of the few places on Earth you can go cave diving.

💧 Cenote Dos Ojos

Dos Ojos Cenote, meaning “two eyes cenote,” is actually two cenotes in one.

There’s the ojo azul (blue eye), an open cenote with bright blue water, and the ojo negro (black eye), a completely dark cave cenote that you need a guide to enter.

It’s very popular with divers, snorkelers and those who just want to swim.

Cenote Dos Ojos is part of the Sistema Sac Actun, along with other Mexico cenotes like Cenote Pet Cemetery, Cenote El Pit and Cenote Taak Bi Ha.

💧 Cenote Suytun

Another one of the famous and Instagrammable cenotes in Mexico, Suytun Cenote is located fully underground in a cave.

There is a single ray of light that shines in from the top, onto a manmade platform in the center, making it the perfect place for Mexico cenote photos.

19. Mexico Hidden Beach of Isla Marietas

Those traveling to Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita, can cross the Marietas Islands off their Mexico bucket list.

On one of the small islands in this chain, you’ll see the famous hidden beach in Mexico — Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach).

As this Mexico hidden gem has grown in popularity thanks to social media and YouTube, the government has limited the number of daily visitors to preserve Islas Marietas National Park.

Now, only about 125 people per day may visit the secret beach on a Marietas Islands tour.

There is a small beach at El Arco called Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor), but it disappears during high tide.

For this reason, the best way to visit the Cabo Arch is by boat, kayak or this Cabo Arch SUP Tour on a stand-up paddle board, to see the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

💧 La Bufadora: Mexico Blowhole

Another one of the famous landmarks of Mexico is La Bufadora Blowhole, one of the most popular activities in Ensenada, Mexico.

Located about 75-minutes from San Diego, this is one of the largest marine geysers in the world. You can easily drive from the U.S. to Mexico to see it.

Landmarks in Mexico

21. San Ignacio Lagoon

Laguna San Ignacio lagoon is located a few hours from Mulegé, an off the beaten track town in Baja California Sur State on the West Coast of Mexico.

This remote lagoon is one of the winter sanctuaries of the eastern Pacific gray whales. From about late-January to early-April, the gray whales come to San Ignacio Lagoon.

With its relatively shallow waters, killer whales won’t enter this bay, making it safe for gray whales to give birth and raise their calves before returning to the Pacific Ocean.

Over the years, the whales have become accustomed to, and even friendly with, human visitors.

Unprovoked, they come right up to the tour boats on their own — the baby calf often right alongside the mother.

In doing so, the calves are socialized to humans from birth. When they have offspring of their own, they will teach their babies to do the same.

🐳 Magdalena Bay Whales

Located much closer to popular Cabo San Lucas, you can also visit Magdalena Bay and join a boat tour there to see the grey whales.

Since this area is a bit remote, two day Magdalena Bay tours are among the most popular options. Note: This is a seasonal tour and not available year-round.

MUSA is located underwater, between Cancun and nearby Isla Mujeres island, in the Mexican Caribbean.

While scuba diving, snorkeling or on a glass bottom boat tour, you’ll see some (or all) of the 500-plus pieces of art created by various artists, and now partially-covered in underwater tropical plants.

There are more than 65 species of stony corals and 500 different species of fish, as well as sea turtles or dolphins.

The largest fish in the sea, whale sharks, even migrate through this reef system near Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox between about May to September.

The best areas to snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef are Cozumel and Riviera Maya — especially the beach in front of Grand Sirenis Resort.

Make sure to take underwater photos as you swim surrounded by colorful fish and marine life, as there’s so few places like this on Earth.

24. Laguna Bacalar Lake of Seven Colors

Lake Bacalar is located in the Bacalar pueblo magico (magic town) in south Quintana Roo State, near the Mexico-Belize border.

Most people travel there on the Cancun to Bacalar route, and some continue to Belize and Central America after visiting.

It is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, after Lago Chapala near Guadalajara and the small town of Ajijic in Jalisco State.

Bacalar Lagoon, AKA the “Maldives of Mexico” and the “Lake of Seven Colors,” is said to have seven shades of blue.

It ranges from zero to 300-feet-deep (61 m). In the shallows, you see light blue or crystal clear waters, but in deep waters, the lagoon shows as dark blue or indigo.

25. Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon)

🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact: The Copper Canyon is the eighth largest canyon in the world, and second largest in North America, after the Grand Canyon.

The Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon), is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Mexico National Park.

To see it, take the El Chepe Express Train ride, which goes through some areas of the canyon and other beautiful landscapes in North Mexico.

Many board in the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and travel about 220 miles to Creel pueblo magico (magic town) in Chihuahua, Mexico.

This is the most popular way to do a Copper Canyon itinerary, but you do have other options.

26. Cave of the Crystals (Naica)

The Cueva de los Cristales (Cave of the Crystals) is a giant selenite crystal cave that looks downright otherworldly!

Only discovered in 2001, some of these crystals measure as much as 37.5-feet-long (11.4 m), and weigh an astonishing 12 tons (24,000 pounds).

It is located 980-feet (300 m) below the Earth, in the Naica Caves, in the city of Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Not open to the public, a group of scientists from the Naica Project have been studying the Cueva de los Cristales.

27. Chicxulub Crater

The Chicxulub Crater is where the asteroid hit that wiped out the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago.

The impact site is located in the present-day Mexico beach town of Puerto Chicxulub (pronounced chee-chee-lube).

You can’t see the impact site, as it’s partially located in the Gulf of Mexico and partially buried beneath the land.

However, what you can see is what was left behind after the meteor’s impact — cenotes! That’s right, the impact is said to have created the cenotes in Mexico.

28. Cave of the Hanging Snake

The Cave of the Hanging Snakes, known as the Bat Cave by the locals, is located in the small pueblo Kantemó, Quintana Roo State, Yucatan Peninsula.

In addition to the snakes, this cave is home to swarms of small bats, which make delicious meals for the serpents.

For ease of capturing (and eating) the bats, the snakes have moved from the ground to the cracks and crevices in the cave’s ceiling and high walls.

When the bat swarm starts leaving the cave at sundown, the snakes emerge, hanging down to catch the flying bats in their mouths. 

La Cueva de las Serpientes Colgantes is a popular tourist attraction, and you can get there in your Mexico rental car.

It is located about two hours from Merida, and two hours, 45 minutes from Tulum, and 3.5 hours from Playa del Carmen.

Incredibly, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is mostly buried underground! It is truly one of the coolest historic landmarks in Mexico.

When the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico, they put Catholic churches on top of preexisting temples, and the Great Pyramid is located beneath Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cholula church.

You can tour the excavated parts of the Cholula Pyramid, by heading to the Archeological Zone in Downtown Cholula.

The small Cholula pueblo magico (magic town) is in Central Mexico, about 30 minutes from the city of Puebla, Mexico.​​

30. El Tajin (Pyramid of the Niches)

Located in the Mexico state of Veracruz, El Tajín is an off the beaten path, but fascinating site. It is also a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Tajín was once among the largest and most important cities of Mesoamerica’s Classic Era until it was abandoned in about 1200 AD.

For those seeking Mexico hidden gems, El Tajin Mayan Ruins will wow you with their massive scale, and unique, carved stone pyramids.

If you visit, you’ll also want to check out the nearby town of Papantla, Veracruz, known for the Voladores de Papantla ritual.

31. Mines of Guanajuato City

Formerly one of the largest silver mining towns in Mexico, Guanajuato City and its mines are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

As the town now relies more on tourism rather than silver as its main source of income — the mines are mostly frequented by tourists.

History buffs will love visiting some of the old Guanajuato mines, like Mina de la Valenciana (Valenciana Mine), located not too far from Downtown Guanajuato City.

There’s also the Mina el Nopal, Mina de San Juan de Rayas, and the beautiful Bocamina San Ramón.

Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At

Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.

Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.

• The 30 Most Beautiful Cities in Mexico (#7 Will Shock You)
• Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
• 20 Hot Springs in Mexico That are Calling Your Name
• Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of
• Best Waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina Mexico
• The Coolest Mayan Ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

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