15 Enchanting Places in Mexico You Won’t Want to Miss

Mexico is home to scenic nature, including deserts, jungles, mountains, and oceans, as well as towns and cities rich with culture. From serene beaches to ancient ruins, every corner of this country offers something unique.

In this article, we’ll take you on a photographic tour of 15 of Mexico’s most picturesque places, ensuring your camera is always ready to snap that perfect shot.

The Most Beautiful Places in Mexico

Here are some of the best locations throughout Mexico for landscape and travel photographers.

1. Copper Canyon

Located in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, Copper Canyon is a colossal natural wonder that’s deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon. This series of six canyons is home to rugged cliffs and verdant forests that blanket its peaks.

To capture the grandeur of Copper Canyon, consider taking the Chihuahua al Pacífico Railroad. This scenic train ride offers incredible views and angles of the canyon, allowing you to shoot from vantage points otherwise inaccessible by foot. Always keep your camera ready as the train navigates through tunnels, bridges, and switchbacks that reveal new vistas at every turn.

2. Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon, carved by the Río Grijalva, is a photographer’s dream, with its towering cliffs that rise over 3,000 feet. The canyon is also home to wildlife, including crocodiles, spider monkeys, and many bird species. The contrast between the emerald waters and the canyon’s rugged walls provides an ideal setting for dramatic landscape photos.

For a unique perspective, head to the canyon’s lookout points, which offer panoramic views of the river below. Here, you can set up your tripod and camera for sweeping shots that showcase the canyon’s scale. Capture the intricate patterns formed by the river as it winds through the gorge.

3. Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is a geological wonder and a photographer’s paradise. It’s known for petrified waterfalls, formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich water. The cascading terraces filled with turquoise water create a scene unlike any other.

If you’re interested in capturing the cultural aspect, make sure to document the local Zapotec community, whose ancient irrigation systems are still visible in the area.

4. Tulum

Tulum combines history with natural beauty. The ruins of this ancient Mayan port city stand boldly against the backdrop of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, providing a dramatic contrast between the stone structures and the vibrant blue waters. The site’s cliffside location allows you to capture both architectural and seascape elements together.

Early morning is the best time to visit Tulum, avoiding the crowds and capturing the soft, golden light that enhances the texture of the ancient stones. Beyond the ruins, the town of Tulum itself is worth visiting. for interesting street scenes, local markets, and the laid-back vibe of the beach community.

5. San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and artistic flair. The town features cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and a thriving art scene. Every corner offers a new perspective, with the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel serving as a central focal point.

Golden hour in San Miguel de Allende transforms the town with warm hues that accentuate the architectural details of its historic buildings. Capture the intricate Baroque designs of the churches or the vibrant street art that adorns many walls.

6. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a popular archaeological site. The ancient Mayan city is dominated by the imposing El Castillo pyramid, which offers a stunning centerpiece for your photos. The expansive layout includes temples, ball courts, and sacred cenotes.

It’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the soft morning light. This is when the site feels most mystical, with the sun casting long shadows across the intricate carvings and stone structures.

Chichen Itza is also known for its celestial alignments, which can be seen during the spring and autumn equinoxes. During these times, the “Serpent of Light” descends the steps of El Castillo, creating a visual spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.

7. Las Coloradas

Las Coloradas, located on the Yucatán Peninsula, is known for its otherworldly pink lakes. These vibrant hues are caused by salt production and the presence of microorganisms that thrive in the saline water. For photographers, the stark contrast between the pink lagoons and the surrounding white salt flats creates a surreal landscape that’s as captivating as it is unique.

The best time to photograph Las Coloradas is during midday when the sun is high and the colors are at their most intense. Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the saturation of the pink water.

While the lakes themselves are the main attraction, the surrounding area is home to wildlife, including flamingos that add something special to the scene.

8. El Arco at Cabo San Lucas

El Arco, the iconic rock formation at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is a must-visit for photographers. This natural arch, known as “The Arch” or “Land’s End,” rises dramatically from the turquoise waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

The best time to photograph El Arco is during the golden hour, when the warm light bathes the rock in rich tones and the ocean sparkles below. And for those who enjoy wildlife photography, the waters around El Arco are home to sea lions and a variety of marine birds.

9. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, situated along Mexico’s Pacific coast, is a vibrant city that offers a blend of beachside serenity and bustling urban life. For photographers, this means a diverse range of subjects, from the golden sands and crashing waves of its beaches to the colorful streets and lively markets of its downtown area.

Capture the beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s sunsets, which paint the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. The Malecón, a beachfront promenade, provides a perfect vantage point for these evening scenes, with its sculptures and performers adding interest to your compositions. Don’t miss the iconic Los Muertos Pier, whose unique design and brilliant lighting create a striking subject against the night sky.

Beyond the beaches, venture into the Zona Romántica, where cobblestone streets and colonial architecture offer a charming backdrop for street photography. Here, you can document the vibrant culture of Puerto Vallarta, from its bustling marketplaces to its festive celebrations.

10. Huasteca Potosina

Huasteca Potosina is a hidden gem in the heart of Mexico, known for its lush landscapes and dramatic waterfalls. This region offers photographers a chance to capture the raw beauty of nature, with its turquoise rivers, dense jungles, and towering cascades such as Tamul and Micos Falls.

Begin your adventure at the Tamul Waterfall, where the crystal-clear water plunges dramatically into a deep blue pool. A boat ride on the Tampaón River offers a unique perspective, allowing you to frame the waterfall against the backdrop of the vibrant greenery. Alternatively, the Micos Falls, a series of cascading drops, provides multiple vantage points.

11. Guanajuato City

Guanajuato City’s labyrinth of alleyways and vibrant pastel-colored houses is ideal for photography. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its colonial architecture, underground tunnels, and lively cultural scene.

Start at the Pipila Monument, with panoramic views of the city spread out before you. Then venture into the heart of the city to explore its architectural gems, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato and the Teatro Juárez.

12. Cabo Pulmo National Park

Cabo Pulmo National Park is a marine sanctuary on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. For photographers, this offers a rare opportunity to capture the underwater beauty of the Sea of Cortez, referred to as the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau.

Snorkeling or scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo allows you to see the vivid coral formations and the myriad of fish species that inhabit this protected area. Capture intriguing sea turtles, the vibrant colors of parrotfish, and the mesmerizing schools of jacks that create dynamic patterns in the water. Of course, you’ll need an underwater housing for your camera.

13. Chiapas’ Waterfalls

Chiapas is a region filled with breathtaking waterfalls, each offering unique photographic opportunities. Among these natural wonders is El Chiflón, a captivating cascade tucked away in the lush landscape. El Chiflón is renowned for its series of powerful waterfalls, with the most impressive being the “Velo de Novia” (Bride’s Veil).

This waterfall plummets over 390 feet, creating a curtain of water that cascades down a rocky cliff. The vibrant, turquoise waters at the base of the falls are surrounded by dense vegetation. Elevated walkways and viewpoints offer various angles to capture the splendor of El Chiflón, making it a must-visit destination.

14. Teotihuacán

Teotihuacán, the ancient city of the gods, is one of Mexico’s most significant archaeological sites with monumental pyramids and expansive plazas. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon serve as iconic focal points for your photos.

To capture the essence of Teotihuacán, visit early in the morning when the site is bathed in the soft light of dawn, and the crowds have yet to arrive.

A hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán offers a unique perspective, allowing you to capture aerial views of the site and the surrounding landscape.

15. Palenque

Palenque, in the lush jungles of Chiapas, is an ancient Mayan city known for its well-preserved ruins and intricate carvings. The Temple of the Inscriptions, with its towering steps and detailed hieroglyphs, serves as a central focal point for your photos.

Conclusion

Mexico’s landscapes and towns offer endless opportunities for photographers to capture the essence of a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the towering cliffs of Sumidero Canyon to the vibrant streets of Guanajuato City, each location presents its unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza or the tranquil beauty of Hierve el Agua, these locations promise to inspire your creativity and expand your photographic horizons.