5 Reasons to Visit Mexico in 2025

Mexican always camera ready and places almost waiting to be discovered. In the past year, new motorways, new airport connections and anniversaries have brought attractions to the fore right now.

New road in Jalisco gives travelers a reason to visit towns in Mexico’s interior

The western state of Jalisco is rolling out the red carpet with a brand new super highway connecting Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. Say goodbye to five hours of winding driving; This new route reduces journey time to less than three hours, so you can hop from the plateaus to the coast whenever you have time to spare.

One of the stops on this highway is the town of Tequila, which in September celebrates 50 years since it was officially recognized as the origin of tequila (just like champagne in France). Visit traditional distilleries such as Jose Cuervo and Fortalezabut beware of boutique, lesser-known distilleries: El Tequileño, for example, is one of Mexico’s top tequila brands, but because it doesn’t produce as much as Jose Cuervo or Sauza, it doesn’t have the same international following. Its roots date back to 1959 and it has always been a family-run distillery. There is also Destileria La Tequileña, which is more of a production facility producing 12 brands of tequila than just one brand. Don’t miss the town, which has cobblestone streets, lively bars and a vibrant main square perfect for tasting a margarita in the sun.

Photo: Lorraine Mojica/Unsplash

Traveling from Oaxaca City to the legendary waves of Puerto Escondido is easier than ever

Puerto Escondido’s waves are legendary, but getting there used to be an arduous journey. Now, thanks to a newly built super highway, Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido are connected to each other in three hours, not 10; This means you can reach the mountains to surf in a very short time.

This laid-back Pacific town is about to explode as the winter season approaches, ramping up from November to February and attracting wave riders from around the world. Zicatela Beach, often referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline,” offers barrel waves that will challenge even experienced surfers, while Playa Carrizalillo is a gentler choice for beginners. After a day of surfing, settle into one of the town’s cozy beach cafes or upscale seafood spots for fresh ceviche and sunsets.

Beyond the surfing, there’s a vibrant local culture here that blends Oaxacan traditions with a laid-back beach town vibe. Artisanal mezcal distilleries are worth a visit. Or take an evening trip to Laguna de Manialtepec for a surreal, bioluminescent swim. Puerto Escondido’s pace, now slower than ever, is the perfect complement to its high-octane waves.

Photo: Fabian Rudolf/Shutterstock

A new airport unlocks the treasures of southern Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo is the state on the Yucatán Peninsula that hosts heavyweights such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. But if you wait a few more hours south of Tulum, you’ll enter a different, dreamy side of an overly touristy province. Now more accessible since the opening of Tulum International Airport nearly a year ago, this area is where you’ll find Mayan ruins and eco-conscious luxury.

Start in Bacalar, home to the famous Laguna de Siete Colores (Lake of Seven Colors), where you can spend your weekend kayaking, snorkeling, or swimming in the peaceful expanse of the lagoon. From Bacalar, head east towards Mahahual, a small coastal village where the Caribbean meets forest-covered shores. Less touristy than Cancún or Playa del Carmen, Mahahual is ideal for unwinding and enjoying the slower, quieter charm of Yucatán.

There’s plenty of history at Kohunlich, a hidden Mayan ruin with sweeping views and ancient temples dating back to 200 AD.

Photo: Ramiro Reyna Jr/Shutterstock

There are new ways to explore the lesser-known side of Mexico City

There’s never a wrong time to visit the crazy, dizzying, colourful, chaotic region. capital of mexico. It’s not hard to find new reasons to visit Mexico City, but thanks to the emphasis on conscious travel, this might be the year you visit. A. UNESCO pilot modelLaunched in 2023, the project encouraged local communities to create creative tourism experiences designed to reverse the traditional tourism scenario. Take your eyes away from the crowded Zócalo and towards the chinampa-hopping in Xochimilco. This is the CDMX you don’t see.

Available to book through Airbnb Experiences, these ventures are community-supported stories designed with sustainable tourism in mind: Don a beekeeper suit or navigate Xochimilco’s secret canals. Sandra Corrales”Beekeeper for a Day” tour allows you to collect honey while supporting Abets de Barrio’s eco-initiatives. Or maybe you prefer Snacking on tostadas and tlayudas with Rodrigo While uncovering the neighborhood’s artist-hungry history in Coyoacán. Feeling adventurous? Ride a bike with Paulina and pedal through Tláhuac to see fresh vegetables grown on lakeside chinampas and artisan workshops.

Photo: Jose Moreno/Shutterstock

Riviera Nayarit makes it easier for visitors to get to the beach

Riviera Nayarit is a coastline stretching 200 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, skirting Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Filled with quiet, laid-back beach communities, Riviera Nayarit is known for its barefoot laid-back vibe, castaway aesthetic and surf culture. To visit the area, most travelers fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which is usually already underwater. The rebranded Riviera Nayarit International Airport’s new terminal, scheduled to open in early 2025, will have capacity for an additional 4 million passengers, easing much of the congestion in Puerto Vallarta and getting you to the coast much faster.

If you’ve heard of any town along the Riviera Nayarit, it’s probably Sayulita. But those in the know will tell you to skip Sayulita and head to the small town of San Pancho, Sayulita’s more artsy, quieter sister. The atmosphere here is all about beach days and community events, with local galleries and music venues offering an alternative look at Mexican coastal culture. If your plans include a day or two, book a room at Hotel Cielo Rojo and don’t miss the delicious delicacies. jokes (fried tortilla base with toppings like beans and vegetables) and the garden patio at Su Pancha Madre. Or head further north to Lo de Marcos or Playa Las Tortugas, where uncrowded beaches and nesting sea turtles offer an idyllic escape.