Mexican vacation spots are diverse, ranging from the heart of Mexico City to the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza to the sugar-fine white-sand beaches and Cozumel and Cancun on the Riviera Maya. Mexico has a lot to offer tourists, and in addition to being an amazing spot for honeymoons and destination weddings, it’s also a terrific choice for cruises and last minute vacations, meaning that there’s something for nearly every traveler.

Nightlife, music, romantic settings, tours, and authentic Mexican food are among the many reasons travelers visit the country. Many popular places to experience the best vacations in Mexico offering these options include Oaxaca, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas—it all depends on whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting city getaway.

Mexico City provides one of the best vacations in Mexico for those seeking to visit one of the world’s major cities. One of the top 10 places to go in Mexico, the country’s capital is home to sights such as the Catedral Metropolitana, Chapultepec Park, and the Plaza Mexico, which is the world’s largest bullfighting ring. It’s also a popular place to visit if you’re interested in attending Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, which take place each year on November 1 and 2. Residents participate in parades, wear decorative masks, and display skeletons wearing elaborate costumes, in addition to offering food and prayers in rituals that honor deceased loved ones.

Puerto Vallarta is consistently considered one of the top 10 places to go in Mexico. This city on the Pacific Ocean, located between Mazatlan and Acapulco, has 40 miles of coastline and is bordered by the Sierra Madre Mountains. It’s perfect for tropical vacations—this destination offers a range of outdoor activities including deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and parasailing, golf at one of seven courses, or swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Adventures, and there’s a terrific selection of high-quality hotels and resorts.

One of the hidden Mexican vacation spots ideal for those interested in getting away from the crowds is the tiny village of San Sebastian in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Not far from Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastian was settled in 1605 as a mining town for gold and silver. The village has maintained its colonial atmosphere with eighteenth-century haciendas, cobblestone architecture, and pristine-white buildings. San Sebastian is accessible by bus, and it’s a great place to enjoy local cuisine and learn about local history.

For vacationers interested in archaeological sites, there are plenty of interesting destinations, including both Aztec and Mayan ruins. The Mayan city of Tulum is easily one of the top 10 places to go in Mexico as it is a major site for exploring ancient ruins. Set against aquamarine waters, the site is one of the most beautiful in the Yucatan, and visitors can also take day trips to see Coba and Chichen Itza, which are also among the top 10 places to go in Mexico for history buffs.

Beach destinations are usually the country’s biggest draw, however, so cities such as Cabo San Lucas and Cancun are always popular among vacations. Other great Mexican vacation spots include Isla Mujeres, which is accessible by ferry from Cancun and Akumal; it has terrific beaches and lagoons that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

About fifteen miles from Ixtapa, the Pacific city of Zihuatanejo offers inexpensive shopping venues, picturesque beaches, deep-sea fishing charters, and a lovely walking trail through the lush tropical landscape. Zihua, as it’s also known, is between Acapulco and Manzanillo, and it’s one of the smaller vacation destinations, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for something quieter.

Cozumel is another popular destination. Off the coast near Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this idyllic island has something for everyone, with its amazing hotels, nightlife, and diving and snorkeling opportunities among the coral reefs. For nature enthusiast, The Chankanaab National Park and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve are home to numerous birds and mammals.

Booking a cruise is one of the best vacations in Mexico, as you have your accommodations and meals taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy visiting several ports of call during your vacation. Driving into Mexico or flying in and renting a car is possible as well, and both of these options allow more autonomy, as you can travel at your own pace and stop at whatever beaches, cities, and historic attractions interest you.