6 Things You Must Visit In Mexico

In the news, it sometimes seems like Mexico is all about gun violence and spring-break foam parties, with precious little in between. But the country’s enduring popularity is a testament to its many charms. From food that’s recognized by UNESCO to natural wonders you simply can’t find anywhere else, Mexico remains a treasure trove for the world traveler. Here are 6 of the absolute best things to do and great places to experience it all.

# Beaches

For many, a tropical vacation requires nothing less and nothing more than a perfect beach. But perfection, like beauty, is in the eye of the beachgoer, and so even something as simple as the classic combination of sand and surf isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor. With coastlines on the Caribbean, Pacific, and Sea of Cortez, Mexico offers many varieties of perfection: powdery sand beaches and rocky shores, crowd-free expanses and packed hot spots, and calm swimming bays and tantalizing surf breaks.

# Food

When you eat in Mexico, you're not just fueling your body, you're savoring the very foundation of the culture. In 2010, Mexico's traditional cuisine was among the first foods that UNESCO recognized on its list of intangible cultural heritage. The designation paid tribute to the country's "elaborate and symbol-laden" food, and drew special attention to the Michoacan state for its efforts to make traditional cuisine a means of sustainable development.

# Archaeological Ruins

The term New World doesn't do justice to the ancient splendor of Mexico's Aztec and Maya ruins. You've got to see these massive, majestic lost cities some of them thousands of years old in person to appreciate their impressive, sometimes sinister grandeur. Since many have spent centuries preserved under a thick blanket of jungle, ongoing archaeological excavations create a surprising what's-old-is-new-again feeling, offering fresh reasons to visit every few years.

# Art

From the stone carvings crowning Aztec pyramids to the vibrant folk art still produced today, art is woven into the very fabric of Mexico. You'll find it in equal measures in museums where you can go to admire paintings and murals by famous Mexican artists including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera street markets, galleries, and even wildly adorned cemeteries. But to really live and breathe the spirit of art, head to a destination known for nurturing and celebrating artists working today.

# Natural Wonders

Canyons longer and deeper than the Grand Canyon. A volcano that rivals Kilimanjaro. The world's second-largest barrier reef. Mexico's greatest natural wonders may not all be world renowned, but in terms of sheer "wow" factor, they're right up there with the global greats. And the variety of ecosystems from tundra to jungle and desert sands to beach dunes makes it a unique destination ideal for travelers looking to see the world from on high as well as down low.

# Heritage

Mexico is home to more than 30 sites including 10 historical cities on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Each represents a different chapter in the history of the land: Campeche is recognized for its city walls and colonial Baroque architecture; Oaxaca, with its historical center designed to resemble a checkerboard, and Mexico City in part for its chinampas, or floating gardens.