Article: 10 places to discover in Mexico

Oct 3, 2020

10 places to discover in Mexico

Mapache is, above all, a love story with Mexico. With its diverse landscapes, colors, and culture, this country is full of wonders to discover. Following its various travels, the Mapache team has selected 10 places you absolutely must visit. So, are you ready to embark with us?

Sumidero Canyon

With its exceptional flora and fauna, this canyon is one of the most attractive places in the state of Chiapas. To fully enjoy this landscape, you have two options: follow the Calza del Sumidero road to reach the 5 viewpoints or embark on a cruise of approximately 2 hours along the Rio Grijalva (or even both!). Aboard a small motorboat, you will cross 30 km of striking gorges and face cliffs more than 1000 meters high. Enough to feel very small in front of the immensity of this landscape!

What you can see there:

A 750m moss-covered limestone formation that resembles a Christmas tree;
Impressive waterfalls that cascade from the cliffs;
A natural chapel nicknamed “The Cave of Colors” with its walls turned pink by the infiltration of minerals and its small Virgin of Guadalupe in the hollow of a rock;
Crocodiles appearing on the banks, howler monkeys and gallinazos

Blue Water

At Mapache, we're big fans of waterfalls. So, of course, we're going to recommend the area around Palenque in the state of Chiapas. The Xanil River runs through the jungle to form waterfalls that can be found throughout the region. What makes these waterfalls so charming is their clear, turquoise waters, due to the limestone found at the bottom of Chiapas' rivers. In addition to observing the landscape from the various viewpoints, you can recharge your batteries in natural pools of varying depths or feel like Tarzan by jumping into the water using vines.

Hierve el Agua

Another waterfall, but not just any waterfall. 80km from Oaxaca, in the Mitla Valley, you can discover a waterfall with a unique appearance. In the middle of lush nature, the water seems to have stopped in time, which explains the nickname given to this phenomenon "The Petrified Waterfall." This result comes from the bubbling effect of the spring caused by an excess of minerals. Moreover, you can take advantage of this spring, which forms natural pools at the top of the cliff, to bathe and take very Instagrammable photos.

Marietas Islands

Mapache presents this little corner of paradise: the hidden beach of the Marieta Islands, near Puerto Vallarta. Artificially created by the accidental explosion of a bomb during military tests, this beach is located in an open-air crater and is only accessible at low tide by swimming through a cave. Having remained deserted for years, these islands offer fascinating natural beauty that has remained untouched. Whales, turtles, and dolphins will be within easy reach thanks to diving and snorkeling.

Toluca Snow

We're all familiar with volcanoes originating from the Puy-de-Dôme region! But this one is breathtaking. The Nevado de Toluca is the fourth highest volcano in Mexico, reaching an altitude of up to 4,690 meters. A short hike awaits you to discover the two-kilometer-wide crater and its landscape frozen in time. You'll be able to spot the brilliant blue Lake of the Moon and the Lake of the Sun with its colorful reflections. Be careful, snow can sometimes be found in the hollow of the Nevado, so dress warmly!

Huasteca Potosina

Looking for exclusivity? A quiet getaway away from all the tourists? The Huasteca Potosina region is for you. With its waterfalls, turquoise rivers, small, typical villages, and breathtaking landscapes, there's plenty to get away from it all.

What you can see there:

The Tamul waterfall: with its 105 meters high it is the most impressive waterfall in the state of San Luis Posot

Puente de Dios: a stunning viewpoint overlooking a dazzling blue abyss of water surrounded by waterfalls, lush vegetation and sunlit caves.

Edward James Gardens: A former coffee plantation transformed into a surreal setting with a castle, waterfall, and sculpture garden. A work of art in the heart of the Mexican jungle.

Sótano de las Golondrinas: The sixth largest sinkhole in the world, at 390 meters deep and 60 meters in diameter, a million swallows emerge from it every sunrise and sunset. Simply breathtaking.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest Mayan cities. A true treasure trove of history to discover, with more than 5,000 ruined structures, including the Great and Small Acropolis, and pyramids between 40 and 50 meters high. Climbing to the top of these pyramids, you can observe exceptional flora and a very diverse fauna that includes pumas, jaguars, monkeys, reptiles, and more than 300 species of animals. A journey through time in the heart of a unique natural environment.

Cenote Samula

Cenote Samula is ideal for a swim sheltered from the Mexican sun. A cenote is an underground cavity in a limestone cave with refreshing water. When the sun is at its zenith, the spectacle is magnificent: sparkling beams illuminate the water through a small opening in the rocky roof. These natural spotlights will give your experience a divine feel.

Laguna Rosa

An edifying natural phenomenon, this pink lagoon is located in Las Coloradas in the state of Yucutan. Although this water color is surprising, it has a good explanation. Laguna Rosa is a natural reservoir of water highly concentrated in salt and microorganisms. A protected area, you will not be able to swim there in order to respect the ecosystem. All you have to do is take lots of photos of this magical place: it's the height of Instagrammability!

Playa Balandra

On the Baja California peninsula, you can visit Balandra Beach, a desert-like setting. The contrast between the reddish mountains full of cacti and the crystal-clear waters bordered by white sand gives the landscape a breathtaking effect. Shallow, you can cross the entire bay and observe small exotic fish and even small rays!

We warned you, Mexican landscapes are dreamy. So put on your Mapache boots and take part in the journey!