Here are three very different islands, easy to reach from the Yucatán, between snorkeling, chill vibes, and more active stays. True little paradises with turquoise water and white sand.

Of course, Mexico isn’t just about its islands—there are tons of other places to discover on the mainland. Promise: our mainland Mexico guides are coming very soon!

Map of recommended hotels in Mexico

As you’d expect, Mexico offers a very wide range of accommodations: beach hotels, small city stays, haciendas, nature lodges… Basically, these are the types you’ll come across most often. The upside is that there’s something for every taste and every budget.

Hotels and small hotels

To be honest, they’re everywhere, with very different comfort levels. It’s the simplest option if you move around a lot and want easy logistics (check-in, luggage, transportation). It ranges from small family-run hotels to large complexes with lots of amenities and services. One thing’s for sure: you’ll easily find what you’re looking for.

Boutique hotels and charming stays

These are often well located (historic centers, pleasant neighborhoods) with typical, well-crafted Mexican décor. They add extra character while immersing you more in the local vibe: very colorful, with lots of greenery. It’s ideal in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, or Valladolid if you want something charming and intimate without aiming for luxury.

All-inclusive and big resorts

Honestly, you’ll mostly find them on the Riviera Maya and in certain areas of Cancún. They’re convenient if your goal is simply to relax and stay put. Plus, some are very luxurious and huge, with high-end services. On the other hand, if you’re out exploring every day, it’s not necessarily the best fit for you.

Apartments and rentals

Very practical for families, long stays, and travelers who want to cook their own meals to reduce food costs. Still, we recommend paying attention to the location: in some areas, if you’re too far out, it can quickly complicate getting around. At least, you’ll feel freer and more independent during your trip through Mexico, no matter the area.

Bungalows and nature stays

They’re perfect in more laid-back or nature-focused destinations (Bacalar, Mazunte, some parts of Baja). Comfort tends to be pretty simple, though. So double-check hot water, A/C or ventilation, and insulation to avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive.

Haciendas and traditional homes

This is the best way to get off the beaten path—it’s a nice change from the usual classics. You’ll mostly find them in the Yucatán and around Mérida for a more authentic setting and atmosphere. They’re often quieter, sometimes a bit remote: it’s better if you have a car. And the setting is just incredible—character-filled places you won’t find anywhere else but Mexico. It’s the kind of stay you remember for a long time.

Unsurprisingly, Mexico is often visited in multiple stops. The country is huge and divided into several states. Before booking, the main thing is to think about your priority: beaches and excursions, culture and cities, road trip, nature, surf, or a mix of everything.

Staying in the Riviera Maya / Quintana Roo

If you want to mix dream beaches, cenotes, Mayan sites, and time out on the water, the Riviera Maya is often the most convenient area to easily explore several must-sees. Between lagoons, turquoise water, and jungle, the scenery is truly spectacular—making it a great choice for a first trip. Since the region is very touristy, you won’t run out of accommodation options, from well-located small hotels to big resorts, rentals, and eco-lodges. The trade-off is that it’s not the quietest area, especially in high season: some beaches and town centers can be very crowded, and prices tend to climb.

Staying in Mexico City or Oaxaca

For a more urban vibe in lively neighborhoods with lots of cultural sights, Mexico City (the capital) is a must. That said, it’s one of the most populated cities in the world, so plan your itinerary well before you arrive so you don’t get lost and can focus on the essentials. In Oaxaca, it’s ideal for a trip centered around markets and day trips in the surrounding area.

Staying in Chiapas

San Cristóbal de las Casas is the most touristy town in the region. It’s great if you’re looking for a cooler, mountain feel, with outings focused on nature and culture, all at a slower pace. You’ll see—this region and this town give you real immersion in local life. It contrasts quite a bit with other Mexican states.

Staying on the Oaxaca / Nayarit coast

To discover another side of Mexico, far from big beach resorts, the Pacific coast between Oaxaca and Nayarit offers wilder beaches, spectacular sunsets, and a surf vibe. Puerto Escondido is the liveliest area, with plenty of places to stay, restaurants, and famous surf spots, while Mazunte wins people over with a calmer vibe focused on nature and a slower pace of life. Farther north on the Pacific side in Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta is more developed and convenient, especially for a first time in the region. On the flip side, Sayulita draws people in with its bohemian spirit, small beaches, beginner-friendly surf, and laid-back atmosphere—ideal for a chill stay.

Staying in Baja California Sur

Choosing where to stay in Baja California Sur depends a lot on how you travel and the pace you’re looking for. This region is full of contrasts between arid desert, turquoise sea, and almost lunar landscapes. Los Cabos and La Paz are two very complementary areas. Los Cabos is more touristy and focused on beaches, resorts, and water activities, with a wide range of accommodations. La Paz feels more local and calmer—perfect for those who want a relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches that are easy to reach on day trips.

To help you see things more clearly, here are the most convenient areas based on the most common Mexico itineraries, with the idea of limiting travel time and having solid bases to head out exploring every day.

Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar (Riviera Maya / Quintana Roo)

The Riviera Maya is often the first choice if you want beaches + excursions (cenotes, Mayan sites, time out on the water). Cancún is convenient for arriving/leaving (and the Hotel Zone if you’re looking for full comfort). Playa del Carmen is a central home base for getting around easily. Tulum also works if you want a calmer vibe (beach or town depending on your budget). Finally, Bacalar is perfect for slowing down around the lagoon and enjoying a more natural setting.

Valladolid and Mérida (Yucatán, cenotes and Mayan sites)

If your priority is visiting cenotes and archaeological sites, these two cities are perfect for you. Valladolid is ideal for exploring several cenotes and making a stop on your Yucatán itinerary. Mérida offers a more urban, cultural vibe, with great accommodations for discovering the region.

Mexico City (CDMX), Oaxaca (city), San Cristóbal de las Casas (Chiapas)

For a more cultural, food-focused, and local trip, these destinations are musts. CDMX is the dynamic capital (very different neighborhoods depending on what you’re looking for). Oaxaca is a great base for food, markets, and nearby excursions. San Cristóbal de las Casas is a beautiful place for a mountain escape.

Puerto Escondido / Mazunte (Oaxaca Pacific coast), Puerto Vallarta / Sayulita (Pacific)

The Pacific is perfect if you want to experience Mexico differently—often more “surf,” wilder, and with gorgeous sunsets. Puerto Escondido also works well for surfing and a more lively beach-town vibe. Mazunte is quieter, ideal for settling in. Puerto Vallarta is more developed, while Sayulita is often chosen for a more laid-back atmosphere.

Los Cabos / La Paz (Baja California Sur)

Baja California Sur is a great option if you love landscapes that are both desert-like and coastal. Los Cabos is ideal if you want comfort and all amenities close at hand. La Paz offers a more local vibe and easy access to natural spots (beaches, boat trips depending on the season).

Because your accommodation can completely change the vibe of your trip, here’s more on where to stay depending on what you’re after. Some places are perfect for stacking excursions, others for unplugging or doing a change-of-scenery road trip.

First time in Mexico

If you don’t want to do too many transfers, we recommend this simple combo: Riviera Maya (or Yucatán) + one city (CDMX or Oaxaca). You’ll already get a great overview with beaches, cenotes, Mayan sites, and a real taste of Mexican culture.

Beaches + snorkeling / scuba diving

Quintana Roo is the most popular, with the islands of Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Holbox. There are also some great spots on the mainland. On the Pacific side, the vibe is totally different: more surf-focused and often wilder.

Road trip (car)

Baja California Sur, Yucatán (with multiple stops), or certain routes along the Pacific coast work really well by car. In big cities, you don’t need a car—especially since there’s a lot of traffic and gridlock. So don’t make things harder than they need to be.

Relaxing, nature-focused trip

Bacalar, Mazunte, some corners of Baja, or accommodations in a natural setting around Mérida/Valladolid are perfect if you want to slow down and prioritize the vibe over rushing from sight to sight.

On a budget

Book as early as possible to find good deals and worthwhile offers. That’s what makes the difference in very popular areas like the Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Mexico City. More urban bases (Mérida, Valladolid, central Oaxaca) often offer great value, especially if you avoid high season.