Mexico is the number one choice for Americans going on an international trip, and it’s not hard to see why: few countries have a tourist offer as vast and a hospitality sector as well-equipped as the Latin American giant.
Now more than ever, U.S. nationals traveling abroad are in desperate need of relaxation and a break from their stressful routine.
For many, Mexico is just that: a sunny paradise offering affordable getaway deals, great weather, and a pristine coastline that extends for miles on end.
We know Mexico is hugely popular among Americans, with as many as 11.7 million of them visiting in 2022, but where exactly are they headed South of the border, and why?
The Top 3 Destinations In Mexico
If you’re dreaming of a Mexican holiday, yet you’ve never been to the country and you’re unsure where to go, perhaps you should follow in the footsteps of your fellow nationals, who are flocking to these three destinations:
Los Cabos
The busiest resort zone in the Mexican Pacific, Los Cabos comprises the sister-cities of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, home to some of Mexico’s most-renowned and luxurious hotels and an abundant nature.
As it concentrates a large number of wellness spas and relaxation retreats, where the well-being of guests is a priority, and they’re treated like royalty, Cabo is ideal for newcomers, as well as those looking to unwind and soak up the coastal atmosphere from the safety of an all-inclusive.
Cabo’s most famous landmarks include the Arco, an arch-like geological formation protruding out of the rocky ocean, and Playa el Medano, with its soft, golden sands bounded by the azure waters of the Pacific.
If these sound appealing to you, then the Zona Hoteleira between San Jose and San Lucas is the hottest place to be. This year, the Cabo duo is the third most sought-after destination in Mexico, having welcomed as many as 1.2 million international visitors so far.
Mexico City
If it’s culture you’re after, and you have reservations about taking a long Transatlantic flight to Europe, you’ll be thrilled to learn Mexico City offers some of the best traditional architecture and perhaps the richest cultural heritage in all of North America.
A city of wide boulevards lined by stately, Spanish-era buildings, regal parks, and built on top of far more ancient pre-Columbian structures, which can still be seen scattered all around the historic center, it is an open-air museum awaiting re-discovery.
You won’t get the beach, but braving this big metropolis instead, you’ll get to witness Mexico at its most vibrant, colorful, and multicultural. With a population of over 20 million, it is a big city that never sleeps, with an endless supply of fascinating corners, museums, and award-winning restaurants.
The figures don’t lie: Mexico City may not straddle the coast, but it truly doesn’t need the ocean to face up to its national competitors. It is the second most popular destination in Mexico among foreigners, with over 2 million visitors having arrived in Mexico City International in the first semester.
Cancun
Unsurprisingly, Cancun takes the lead as America’s favorite Mexican destination.
A globalized coastal hub with a growing expat community, a booming shopping scene, and a marvelous coastal strip, it is the go-to spot for young travelers looking to socialize and sip on some margaritas as they bask in the sun.
It is easily the simplest Mexican coastal city to reach from the U.S., with new flight routes launching every few months and the country’s most iconic postcard, what with its glitzy hotel towers lining the white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Other than the resorts, Cancun is extremely popular for serving as a gateway to the wider Mexican Caribbean, which includes smaller tourist towns like Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum, as well as countless ancient Mayan ruins and magical cenotes.
It is worth noting that, as of January, Americans have been eligible to use eGates arriving at Cancun International. This year, Cancun has already hit the 5-millionth visitor mark, mostly hailing from the U.S. and Canada, making it the busiest entry point into Mexico and the country’s crown jewel.
