37 Incredible Natural Wonders of Mexico that You Should Visit

When I left my job in Cancun to travel full time, I made a list of all the places I wanted to visit before leaving the country. This endless list included all the natural wonders of Mexico and I managed to visit them all.

Well, almost! So the list below is full of incredible places I had the privilege to visit and I want you to know about them too.

I understand that when you think of Mexico the first thing that comes to your mind, are tequila, tacos, and the incredible white sand beaches of the Caribbean coast.

However, Mexico is more than that. Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, full of natural wonders and beautiful sights. That’s why hundreds of thousands of people choose to enjoy their vacations here every year.

A lot of them revisit again and again because there’s just so much to see that even if you stay here for years, you’ll not cover all of the incredible natural landmarks in Mexico (I am speaking from experience here).

In this post, I will share all the most amazing natural places that you can find all across Mexico, from the pink lakes in the Yucatan Peninsula to the small islands of Socorro in the Pacific Ocean and every wonder in between.

Sit back and relax while reading and watching the most beautiful Mexican natural wonders that will leave you speechless.

Hierve el Agua Oaxaca

The top natural wonders of Mexico

1. The Huasteca Potosina – San Luis Potosi

The area of Huasteca Potosina was once part of the Huastec Civilization at the height of its power during the Mesoamerican period.

This region is an absolute treat for people who love to live in and explore nature. Also, if you love waterfalls, this area will basically be heaven for you; there are just so many magical waterfalls!

You can go the DIY route and explore the whole place on your own, or you can go the convenient route and book a tour (or a few) from one of the cities in the region. Keep in mind that you’ll need several days to explore the area properly, so plan accordingly.

Exploring this region will be one of the best adventures you’ll have in Mexico. I have a detailed post on the Huasteca Potosina where I share my own trip and recommend the places you should visit (and how) in the area.


2. La Media Luna – San Luis Potosi

The Media Luna lagoon is located in the middle of San Luis Potosi, just a short drive southwest of Rioverde. It’s a state park that’s considered one of the most ideal places for divers in all of Mexico.

The reason is that the lagoon is great for swimmers of all skills levels.

There are shallow, calm ponds where you’re only half-submerged in water; there are also deeper ponds where you can practice your diving skills.

Then there are currents where experienced swimmers can swim against the flow of the water.

The water is almost always warm and enjoyable throughout the year, and the park also has many cenotes where you can go and cool down during summer days.

A lot of people also love camping here because of the natural beauty. You can get there on the way from San Luis Potosi to the Huasteca or vice versa. It may be closed on Tuesdays for maintenance, so make sure you check before you go.


3. Sotano de las Golondrinas – San Luis Potosi

Sotano de las Golondrinas, also known as the Cave of Swallows, is an open-air pit cave that’s located to the west of Aquismon.

I recommend that you leave from this town in order to get there; there are vans that’ll take you directly from the main square to the Cave of Swallows, or you can use your own car to get here, or a taxi.

To access the opening of the pit cave, you’ll have to climb 568 steps. The visiting times are from 6 AM in the morning to 4 PM in the afternoon.

Sotano de las golondrinas

While you can visit Sotano de las Golondrinas during these hours, try to visit at dawn because the swallows come out in flocks at that time and it’s a breathtaking sight.

If you have your heart set on seeing the birds, don’t visit when it’s cloudy or raining because they most likely won’t come out in those conditions.

Also, rappelling and camping are great options here, but you’ll have to get the necessary permits for those. In case of rappelling, you’ll have to go through a tour provider to practice this sport safely. I recommend you come here with local guides.


4. Las Grutas de Tolantongo – Hidalgo

OVERVIEW OF THE POOLS
Overview of the pools

A lot of you will visit Mexico City during your travels to the country. When you do, don’t miss the Grutas de Tolantongo.

They’re located only 3-4 hours northwest of Mexico City. That being said, you cannot expect to take a day trip here due to the travel time involved. Expect to spend at least two days here, which works well because the area is absolutely beautiful, and although a little touristy and overcrowded, it’s worth it.

If you want to visit the caves themselves, be sure to pack shoes that can withstand water. Don’t worry if you don’t already have shoes like that, the local shops sell them for around 100 Mexican Pesos.

In case you haven’t heard, this park is famous for its naturally heated water springs; entering the caves is like entering a spa or a steam bath. You can even swim in the heated pools, something which Las Grutas is famous for.

LAS GRUTAS DE TOLANTONGO POOL OVERLOOKING THE CANYON

Speaking of money, carry enough cash (in pesos) to cover your whole trip; whether you’re staying 2 days or a week. The hotels and shops here don’t accept cards and the nearest ATM can be 7 miles away. So keep cash handy and have tons of fun here.


5. Nevado de Toluca – Estado de Mexico

Nevado de Toluca
Nevado de Toluca

Nevado de Toluca is a stratovolcano that also happens to be Mexico’s 4th highest peak. It’s situated only around 2.5 hours away from Mexico City. You can take a bus directly to Toluca from Mexico City, and, from there, it’s another hour’s drive to this mountain.

The volcano and the area around it have been converted into a national park. You don’t necessarily have to go to the summit to enjoy the serene atmosphere here.

The park offers many hiking trails as well as lagoons that are quite easy to access on foot. If you want to hike to the summit you have to be quite fit, and most of all be used to high altitude as you will be over 4000 mt, but the view from up there is absolutely stunning and worth the extra effort.

No matter which part of the park you explore, there are plenty of breathtaking sights and this is easily one of Mexico’s most beautiful places, so don’t miss it if you’re in the area.


6. Islas Marietas – Riviera Nayarit

Marieta islands

The Marietas Islands are located off the coast of Punta Mita. You can also book a boat trip here from Puerto Vallarta, and I highly recommend you visit here once. The islands are completely uninhabited and the scenery in and around them is amazing.

The tour will take you through the pristine beaches here, and, depending on the season, you might even get a chance to see humpback whales.

While you’re here, make sure to book a visit to Playa Escondida; it’s a hidden beach on the islands that you’ll have to book your visit to in advance.

Only 116 people are allowed to visit here per day so you’ll have to be proactive, and book in advance but the place is stunning so don’t miss it.


7. Sian Ka’an Biosphere – Quintana Roo

Siaan Ka'an Muyil
Siaan Ka'an biosphere aerial street and canals view

The words Sian Ka’an mean “Gate of Heaven” in Mayan language. After knowing that, you already know you’ll be going to one of the most beautiful places in Mexico.

This biosphere reserve is famous for being rich in flora and fauna and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. In order to visit here, you’ll have to book a tour depending on your needs.

There are different types of tours available, depending on what you feel like doing; there are active tours with water activities, there are also tours where you just sit back and enjoy the landscape. For couples on their honeymoon, there is even a private wedding tour available.

Here below I am sharing a few tours or you can read my detailed post on the Sian Ka’an biosphere for further information.


8. Cenote Taak-bi-ha – Quintana Roo

taak be a blue water

This cenote is one of the hidden gems of Mexico. It’s not very well-known among the tourists (at least not yet), so you can have a relatively secluded tour of the entire place.

Taak-bi-ha is situated at about a 20-minute drive from Tulum. This cenote is easily one of the most beautiful you’ll encounter, not just in Mexico but anywhere in the world, so I recommend you don’t miss it.

The atmosphere in this cenote is simply magical with the serene, turquoise waters and magnificent stalactites.


9. Cenote Cho-ja – Quintana Roo

CENOTE CHOJ-HA CAVE

Among all the cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula, the cenote Cho-ja is one of the most spectacular. Located on the way from Cancun to Merida, before Valladolid, at only 30 minutes before getting to Valladolid, make sure you plan a stop there during your Yucatan itinerary.

The cenote is very well maintained by the local community that owns it. You will find showers and bathrooms to use before entering and man-made stairs to get into the underworld where the cenote is situated.

It’s called the cathedral (La Catedral) for the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites formation that gives it the look of a cathedral. You will be left speechless when you see it.

Make sure you go early in the morning and during weekdays to avoid big crowds.


10. Visit Kaan Luum Lagoon

Kaan Luum Aerial view

Kaan Luum is a spectacular giant Lagoon with an 84-deep cenote inside. It’s located only 10 km from Tulum downtown on the way to Chetumal.

The entrance fee is 300 Mxn and you can spend the day laying on the wooden platform, swinging on the hammock or on the wood swings, and enjoying the views from the lookout.

Access to the cenote is only possible if you are diving with an instructor or a guide.

Read more about this fantastic natural wonder of Mexico in my guide to how to visit Kaan Luum, where I explain in detail how to get there, what to do, and what you cannot do.


11. Calakmul Biosphere – Campeche

Calakmul aerial view

Calakmul biosphere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico. Given the area, there’s a lot to see and explore here so I recommend you arrive here early morning so you can cover the most ground.

This reserve has something for everyone, historical sites, plenty of wildlife and nature, hiking trails, and absolutely beautiful views (especially from the top of a Mayan pyramid).

Due to the sheer size of this place, it’s never crowded so you’ll have a very peaceful time exploring nature and the temples.

I would choose to go with a local guide to have a better and more complete experience of the place.


12. Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) – Chihuahua

Barranca del Cobre

Mexico’s famous Copper Canyon is located in the state of Chihuahua. Located in the middle of Sierra Madre Mountains, this place is an absolute treat for hikers and nature lovers.

The best way to get here is through the El Chepe train, which you can catch from either Chihuahua or Sinaloa.

There are a ton of activities you can engage in here since the Copper Canyon is absolutely massive.

To give you an idea, it’s 4 times larger and 2 times deeper than the Grand Canyon in the US.

Barranca del Cobre

When you’re visiting here during the high season, you’ll have to plan and book your trips in advance. But during the low season, you can be more spontaneous and you’ll find accommodations and trips without problems.

While you’re here, make sure to visit the Parque de Aventuras Barrancas del Cobre. This adventure park is situated quite high up and offers beautiful views of the whole Copper Canyon. Even if you are not a fan of these kinds of place, this one is completely worth it.

I did the via ferrata and the ziplines and it was a thrilling experience. In fact his park also has the highest and the longest zipline in the world, which will be quite a rush for those of you who are chasing adrenaline.

Other than that after riding on EL Chepe you should spend a few days at Creel, a Mexican Pueblo Magico from where you can take many spectacular tours to the nearby natural wonders of Mexico.


13. Sierra de la Laguna – Baja California Sur

SIERRA DE LA LAGUNA

Sierra de la Laguna is a mountain range located in the south of Baja California. This mountain range is also called “an island in the sky” because the climate here is very different from the surrounding desert.

This area offers a very diverse and beautiful landscape for hikers, mountain biking, and naturalists. To disconnect from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives and to connect with nature, a lot of people take 3-4 day camping tours of the area with a guide.


14. Sierra de la Giganta – Baja California Sur

Sierra de la Giganta - natural wonders of Mexico

This fabulous mountain range (and bio reserve) covers some of the least explored territories in Baja California Sur.

The vegetation around the area has suffered because of the recent droughts and, at first glance, you might think that the area is lifeless.

However, nature here hides a lot of beauty in countless canyons, calm ponds, picturesque waterfalls, stunning views, and extremely rich biodiversity.

Apart from hiking, there are also expeditions that take you to spend a few days with the indigenous people of the area.


15. Coronado Island (Isla Coronado) – Baja California Sur

pristine beach in Coronado island - Landmarks of Mexico

Isla Coronado is famous for its picture-perfect beaches with crystal clear waters. It’s situated off the eastern shoreline of Baja California Sur.

The Island and the area around it are rich with marine life as well as other flora and fauna. The beaches are spotless and the turquoise waters are perfect for swimming in; those of you lucky enough to visit in the rich conditions can see dolphins.

A group boat tour to the island costs around 2000 Mexican Pesos and lasts around 5-7 hours. Remember to bring your own snacks and other supplies as the island is completely uninhabited.


16. Playa Balandra – Baja California Sur

playa balandra

You won’t find yourself lacking in stunning beaches while you’re touring Baja California Sur, so driving for hours just to visit Playa Balandra in La Paz might seem like too much of an effort.

However, Playa Balandra is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico, which isn’t a small feat when you consider how many beaches there are in the country. This beach offers pristine water and sands, as well as breathtaking views, to its visitors.

Be aware that this beach is a Natural Protected Area, which means you won’t find commonly found facilities like shops or restaurants here. Just bring your own snacks and supplies and have a blast here.


17. Isla del Espíritu Santo – Baja California Sur

Isla Espiritu Santo - Natural Wonders of Mexico

Isla del Espiritu Santo is an uninhabited natural reserve that’s popular for snorkeling, swimming in blissfully clean and warm waters, and immaculate beaches.

In order to visit this magical place, you’ll have to stay in La Paz and catch a boat there for a day trip. A boat trip usually costs around 1600 to 2700 Mexican Pesos ($75-125), and takes you through the stunning turquoise waters to see, and maybe even swim with, manta rays, dolphins, sea lions, and more.

When you’re booking a tour, make sure that it includes a visit to the Ensenada Grande beach. Playa Ensenada Grande is a little-known gem on Isla del Espiritu Santo that’s well worth taking a detour for.


18. Sea of Cortez – Baja California

Blue Whale

The sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a body of water situated between the state of Baja California and mainland Mexico.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s also named by Jacque Cousteau the “Aquarium of the World.”

As you might already guess from the name, the Gulf of California is the premier location for water activities in Mexico.

Due to the area’s unique geography, there are countless species of rare marine life that you can witness here. Spread over an area of 160,000 square kilometers, the Sea of Cortez is filled with some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in Mexico.

And if you are a diver you may even want to join a liveaboard cruise in Mexico.


19. Isla Contoy – Quintana Roo

Contoy island overview

This island paradise is a national park that’s situated off the shore of Cancun. You can book a tour to Isla Contoy using any of the tour companies, and I highly recommend that you do.

When you google the name of this island, you get pictures that look like they’re straight out of a movie. One might even be forgiven for thinking that it’s the magic of Photoshop. But the island is that stunning in actuality and is easily one of the most beautiful places in Mexico.

Since this island is an eco-reserve, you’ll be able to see over 150 species of tropical birds as well as 4 species of endangered sea turtles.

In addition, there are also snorkeling activities available here which might even let you swim with the aforementioned sea turtles.

Do keep in mind that, because of the present situation, with restrictions in place, the tours have been limited to around 200 visitors per day for this island; you’ll have to book your spot in advance to be able to visit this enchanting island.


20. Cozumel Coral Reef – Quintana Roo

Cozumel fish corals

You’re here and exploring natural wonders in Mexico (which the country has a ton of), why miss out on the second biggest coral reef on earth?

It’s largely because of this coral reef that Cozumel now ranks among the top 10 travel destinations in the world. You can fly directly to Cozumel Island or catch the ferry from Playa del Carmen

For those of you who are fond of diving and snorkeling, Cozumel Coral Reef will easily be one of the most memorable destinations for you anywhere on earth. There’s an abundance of sea life (more than 500 different species of fishes and turtles) as well as colorful corals (more than 65 different types).

There are many different great dive shops in Cozumel where you can book your incredible diving experience. But you should also know that there are so many other incredible things to do in Cozumel besides diving!


21. The Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar – Quintana Roo

Cenote Azul Bacalar

The lagoon of Seven Colors, located in Bacalar, is also known as the Maldives of Mexico by people who are fond of the magical beauty of the water here.

This beautiful lake is fed by crystal clear waters from underground cenotes and is surrounded by a ton of natural beauty on all sides.

In case you’re wondering, the seven colors part is not an exaggeration; you’ll actually get to witness seven different shades of blue in the waters here. Speaking of waters here, they are blissfully warm, crystal clear, and a ton of fun to swim in.


22. El Arco – Cabo San Lucas – Baja California Sur

El Arco - Cabo San Lucas

The arch of Cabo San Lucas, also known as El Arco, is a natural rock formation off the coast of Cabo San Lucas and it’s one of the natural places to visit in Mexico.

You might think there’s just the arch to see here, but this place is also popular for several other reasons. For one, El Arco is one of the rare places on earth where you can witness two seas joining together; the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet here.

This is also a very popular spot for sea lions and whales to gather so you’ll be able to take some memorable shots.

The tour of El Arco usually lasts 40 minutes, but if you get the chance to get dropped off at the Lovers’ Beach for a couple of hours, by all means, take it. On that note, the sunset cruises here are extremely romantic, so those of you who are here on a honeymoon (or similar) should take advantage of that opportunity.

If you want to make your visit to El Arco even more memorable, there’s a time once every 4 years when, for one month, the water recedes from beneath the arch and you can walk on the ground beneath it.

It’s quite popular even so expect more crowds than usual during this month.


23. La Peña de Bernal – Queretaro

peña de bernal

This monolith, located in San Sebastián Bernal, is one of the tallest in the world, standing at an impressive 433 meters.

It is also considered one of the 13 Wonders of Mexico. If you’re fit enough to hike all the way to the top, or even somewhere in between, it’s well worth the effort.

A full hike to the top will take you around 60 minutes and the views from there are simply breathtaking. That doesn’t mean visiting here is only worth it for people who are willing to hike the monument. Even the views from below the monument are very beautiful.

Plus, you’ll get to take some awesome pictures and enjoy the delicious food in Bernal.

A tour to Bernal is one of the most interesting things to do in Queretaro. But if you have time you could also get there on your own by bus and then spend a couple of nights which will give you the time to actually hike up to the highest level.

After that only professional climbers have access. But if you are lucky you mind find some of them getting up to the top which is fun ( and a little scary) to watch.


24. The Sierra Gorda – Queretaro

Puente de dios serra gorda

Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is a fantastic national park in Mexico that also happens to be one of the most biodiverse places in the whole country.

When you hear the term “biosphere reserve” you might think that there’s just an endless wilderness; it is somewhat true, but there are also excellent towns, restaurants, hotels, and more where you can stop by and refresh yourself, maybe even spend a night or two before you continue on with your adventures.

The reserve itself is spread over an area that’s larger than 3,700 square kilometers. It’s safe to say that you’ll have to take multiple trips here to truly appreciate the diverse landscape and natural beauty on offer here.

The terrain spans over deserts, jungles, mountains, serene waterfalls and lakes, and even historical places. There’s something for everyone and you definitely won’t regret spending a week or two here. I spent there two full days and I am sharing everything I know in my Sierra Gorda itinerary.


25. Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa – Guerrero

Cacahuamilpa

This national park is famous for its magnificent cave system, which is one of the largest cave systems in the world. The tour of this system will take you through 19 rooms (essentially, caverns), most of which are huge.

All in all, the tour takes around 2 hours during which you’ll walk/hike for almost 4 kilometers; so this tour might not be for those of you who have trouble walking, the whole area is not wheelchair accessible.

Those of you who can take the tour will be able to marvel at the different stalactites/stalagmites in them, as well as take part in activities like kayaking, zip-lining, rappelling, and even attend concerts in the amphitheater situated in the caves; these concerts usually happen late during the year, starting in September.

The best way to visit the Cacahuamilpa caves is from Taxco, where in fact you can spend a couple of days and explore the beautiful pueblo magico and its surroundings.


26. Las Lagunas de Montebello – Chiapas

Montebello laguna

Las Lagunas de Montebello national park, named after more than 50 multicolored lakes situated within it, is situated in the south of Mexico near the border of Guatemala. If you go here, especially during warm season, take plenty of mosquito repellant with you.

A lot of people prefer to visit Las Lagunas through tour agencies because it’s affordable and you get the lay of the land through an expert.

But if you’d like to go solo, you can also rent a boat and explore to your heart’s content. When you’re exploring solo, make sure not to miss out on the Mayan ruins within the park; they’re definitely worth a visit.

Keep in mind that tours usually start from San Cristobal de Las Casas and they are very convenient if you have a limited time.

Otherwise you can go on your own from there but keep in mind that you will need to spend a couple of nights there in order to make the most of your visit. There are no direct busses from San Cristobal to Montebello and you will need to change busses in Comitan.


27. Cañon del Sumidero – Chiapas

Canyon del Sumidero look out

Sumidero Canyon, also known as Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero, is one of the most visited places in the state of Chiapas.

There’s a very good reason for that; the breathtaking and majestic beauty of Sumidero Canyon is almost fantastical.

Guided tours are very cheap, costing only around US$12 per person from the pier ( embarcadero) in Chapa de Corzo.

However, if you join a tour from San Cristobal de las Casas you will get to visit the few miradores around the Canyon where you will enjoy spectacular views of the canyon from above.


Chiflòn Waterfall – Chiapas

El Chiflon - Chiapas

Las Cascadas El Chiflon is considered Mexico’s most beautiful waterfall by some. In a land filled with so much natural beauty, that’s a lofty title to bestow upon any place; so I’ll let you make the final judgment on that by yourself.

I just wanted to tell you not to miss this place because, Mexico’s most beautiful waterfall or not, El Chiflon definitely makes the list of Mexico’s most beautiful places.

Contrary to its name, Chiflon waterfall is not a single waterfall. It’s is actually a series of 5 stepped waterfalls that are surrounded by lush and green countryside.

You basically get 5 stunning waterfalls for the price of one! If you love El Chiflon, like so many do, you can stay the night in one of the cabanas or just camp here and wake up to one of the best views in Mexico.

El chiflon waterfall- surrounded by vegetation

28. Las Coloradas – Yucatan

Las Coloradas

Almost everyone who’s fond of traveling has seen pictures of this lake, even if they’ve never visited Mexico.

Think “pink lake,” and that’s Las Coloradas. The pink color results from the plankton and algae in the water, which are attracted to the abundance of salt in this lake. Scrap all thoughts of swimming here, though.

The Mexican government has banned swimming in this lake since it’s a biosphere reserve with a very delicate ecosystem besides actually being a salt mine.

On the other hand, you do get to capture some very memorable pictures of the lake itself and the unique wildlife that has made a home here.


29. Rio Lagartos – Yucatan

rio lagartos pink flamingos

Chances are that when you’re in and around the area of Las Coloradas, you’ll either hear of or happen across the town of Rio Lagartos.

This small fishing town has become quite a popular tourist destination recently. Tourists are really fond of the rustic Mexican experience this town provides, but it goes way beyond that. Rio Lagartos is also a biosphere reserve; it’s basically heaven for people who are fond of wildlife and bird-watching.

There have been more than 350 bird species documented in the area, with the pink flamingos being the most popular with tourists. Due to this reason, this town is one of the best places in Mexico for bird-watching.


30. The Cave of Snakes – Yucatan

This cave in Yucatan might not be for everyone, because the snakes in this cave are not figurative. There are actual snakes that hang from the ceiling of this cave to catch bats.

In order to protect the ecosystem of bats and snakes in this cave, only 5-10 tourists are allowed inside at a time.

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of hanging snakes, and this phenomenon can’t be observed anywhere else.

There’s no real reason to worry about these snakes, they’re not venomous and at this point, they’re quite used to the visitors (and being celebrities).

And they are not actually hanging all the time. They stay in their small caves which are natural walls in the cave and they come out when they are hungry to hunt bats.

That is why the tours are done at night, which is when they normally come out. I am terrified by snakes but I did this tour accompanied by local guides and everything went very well.


31. Hierve el Agua – Oaxaca

Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is a rock formation whose name translates to “the water boils”. Despite the name, you won’t find any boiling water here, but this is one of the few petrified waterfalls in the world.

Hierve el Agua’s rock formation was created over thousands of years by flowing water that contained minerals that formed the illusion of flowing rock.

The pools here aren’t boiling, on the contrary, they are freezing cold, but safe to swim in. This attraction has become quite popular recently, so if you’re like me and bothered by crowds, you should visit the place early during the day and you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

Or even better, you could sleep in one of the cabañas there and wake up early in the morning when you will be alone!


32. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve – Michoacan

Monarc butterfly

This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Mexico City and is famous for being the over-wintering site of the endangered monarch butterflies.

During the right season, you can witness millions of these majestic butterflies in this protected habitat.

These countless butterflies attract many visitors to this reserve every year.

But they are not only in Michoacan. I have visited the Monarch Butterfly sanctuary that is close to Valle de Bravo and it was an incredible experience.


33. Tepozteco – Morelos

tepozteco

Tepozteco is an archaeological zone that’s situated atop a mountain. Unfortunately, these days you can hike to the top of the mountain (takes about 60 minutes), but you won’t be able to visit the Aztec temple or climb the pyramid because the area has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic.

I’m still featuring El Tepozteco here because it’s undoubtedly a beautiful place, and I’m hoping that it opens up soon. The view alone makes the hike totally worth it.

Once you’re on the top of the hill, you can view miles and miles of magical scenery that looks like it’s from a painting.

The Aztec temple here was dedicated to Ometochtli, the god of pulque, which is an alcoholic beverage. The entrance to the pyramid area costs about 55 pesos, and there’s no ATM there so take cash with you accordingly.


34. Basaltic Prisms – Hidalgo

Basaltic Prisms

Prismas Basalticos are a series of impressive geometric basalt columns along the Santa Maria Regla ravine.

The four waterfalls add even more beauty to the already stunning area. Basaltic Prisms are great for at least a full day of family fun; there’s a children’s play area, several places where you can enjoy delicious food, you can go horse riding and explore the area that way, and the daring among you can try the extreme zipline (which is very safe btw).

There are tons of activities available, but I recommend arriving here early during the day because it can get very crowded, especially during the high season (December to April).


35. Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve – Coahuila

Cuatro Cienegas

Cuatro Cienegas reserve is basically an oasis in the desert that is home to countless unique species of flora and fauna, including 33 endemic species.

There are more than 500 bodies of water in this biosphere reserve, ranging from transparent to dazzling shades of blue and sapphire. You can also take advantage of several outdoor activities like rappelling, mountain biking, and diving.

Gypsum outcrops situated within the reserve form the second largest dune field in the Americas, but you’ll have to travel quite a bit to visit here and, if you’re not a nature lover, there isn’t much to do here.


36. Firefly forests – Tlaxcala

Just from the name Firefly Forests, you can guess that it’s going to be a downright magical experience to visit this sanctuary in Nanacamilpa.

The firefly season lasts from July to August. Provided you’re in Mexico during these months, you’d be missing out a lot if you don’t visit the Firefly Sanctuary.

Each night, thousands of fireflies endemic to the Tlaxcala state light up the forest around them, making for a show that you’ll hardly witness anywhere else.

Make sure you go there with a guide because it’s possible to get lost in the huge forest at night without one.


37. Popocatépetl-Iztaccíhuatl National Park – Puebla

Iztaccíhuatl National Park

This national park is very famous among mountaineers and hikers for the incredible landscapes around its dormant volcanoes.

The best part is that there are hiking and mountaineering routes for all difficulty levels available, whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or you’re completely new to hiking and want something easy.

If you’re going camping then check the weather forecast in advance because the weather here can vary a lot from day to day, ranging from sunny and clear to cold and muddy.

The high-altitude peaks offer breathtaking views for those who are fit enough to take up the challenge of scaling them.

All in all, this national park is a heaven for adventurous people while still offering plenty for those of us who are looking to relax and connect with nature.


I hope you have enjoyed reading this list of amazing natural landmarks in Mexico although I am not sure there are more. I will add them as I visit them for sure. I would save this article for future updates if I were you. And by all means, if you consider that I have left something out, please let me know.