Top 10 UNESCO Sites In Mexico - Updated 2024

Max
Max 
Updated
| 6 min read

Boasting an astounding mixture of natural and cultural heritage, Mexico is home to over 30 World Heritage Sites which are considered to be of unmatched value to humanity. As per UNESCO, Mexico has the most number of World Heritage Sites compared to any country in the continent but it is placed sixth when it comes to the whole world. Beautified with breath-taking views, hued sand dunes and craters, thrillingly intact archaeological sites and over 130 indigenous languages, Mexico is the perfect destination for those who have insatiable hunger for history and nature lovers. If you are planning to visit soon, check out the top 10 UNESCO Sites in Mexico.

1. Sian Ka'an (from USD 399.0)

top 10 unesco sites in mexico | sian ka'an

In this tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the wilderness of Sian Ka’an from the driver’s seat of a jeep. Sian Ka’an is one of the largest eco-reserves in the world and it is protected by UNESCO. Your tour will always start at Boca Paila where you will get the chance to explore the estuary as you enjoy refreshments. Your next stop will be Punta Allen—while here you’ll enjoy snacks and beverages as you enjoy a boat ride into the sea. Later you will arrive on Bird Island where you will discover countless birds including herons, cormorants, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and osprey. This tour also includes snorkelling along the Mesoamerican Reef where more beautiful marine life waits underneath the turquoise waters. As the tour ends, you will be offered a buffet as you enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

Visited this place?

Riviera Maya or Cancun: Sian Ka'an Jeep Expedition

Duration: 12.0 hour

15 reviews

2. Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan (from USD 237.0)

top 10 unesco sites in mexico | pre-hispanic city of teotihuacan

In this activity, you will get the chance to enjoy a private tour of the City of the Gods as you learn about the history of the architectural site of Teotihuacan from your expert guide. This is a full-day tour which will be enriched by anecdotes, stories and historical commentary from your professional guide. When done exploring this site, you will then head to a local family’s obsidian workshop where you will have your lunch and enjoy tasting liqueurs made from cactus, as well as mescal, tequila and pulque before heading back to your hotel.

Visited this place?

Mexico City: Private Full-Day Teotihuacan Archeological Tour

Duration: 9.0 hour

25 reviews

3. Historic Town of Guanajuato (from USD 350.0)

The City of Guanajuato is a beautiful city located in the mountains of Mexico and it started as a mining town in the 16th-century. This city is famous for the underground streets that run under the city and the mountains, its colourful houses, the historical buildings and the museums. During this nine-hour tour, you will get the chance to explore the Teatro Juarez, Hidalgo market, the kissing alley and the University of Guanajuato. When done with those parts, you will take a small lunch break and then continue exploring Diego Rivera House museum, the Mummy museum, the tourist mine, and the Ex Hacienda de San Gabriel Barrera. This tour is ideal for all ages.

Visited this place?

Guanajuato City Tour

Duration: 9 hours

7 reviews

4. Guadalajara Historic Center and Tlaquepaque (from USD 256.0)

Grab this opportunity and explore Guadalajara without the hassle of planning. This tour normally starts with a pick up from the hotel or airport to the Historical Centre of Guadalajara. While in Guadalajara you will take a walking tour through four huge squares surrounding the cathedral in the shape of a cross. Afterwards, you will then head to Tlaquepaque, a picturesque village where you will find art galleries, workshops and handicraft houses. Apart from navigation, your professional guide will give you inside recommendations as he tells you the legends, history and culture of the region. This activity is perfect for all age groups.

Visited this place?

Private Tour Guadalajara Historic Center and Tlaquepaque

Duration: 12 hours

5. Historic centre of Puebla (from USD 10.0)

historic centre of puebla

In this tour, you will explore the historic centre of Puebla and discover many monuments as you experience unobstructed views of this UNESCO World Heritage City from the top of an open double-decker sightseeing tram. During your 55-minute tour of this World Heritage City, you will be able to point out top attractions including the Cathedral, City Hall, Palafoxian Library, Los Sapos flea market, Analco flea market, Convention Centre, 5 de Mayo Battle forts, Principal Theater and the Candy street. The tour always starts at the Zocalo, or main city plaza and the tram departs daily at 1000 hrs. This tour is Ideal for all age groups.

Visited this place?

Puebla Sightseeing Tour by Double-Decker Tram

10 reviews

6. Pre-Hispanic City and national park of Palenque (from USD 63.0)

Come to Palenque and experience a day full of natural wonders and cultural exploring. During this activity, you will get the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Palenque archaeological site and spend a couple hours discovering the temples and artefacts of this ancient city as you learn about the roles it played in Mayan civilization. When done here, you will then head to the two local waterfalls Misol-Ha and Agua Azul which are perfect for a refreshing afternoon swim, or you can relax as you admire the tranquil scenery. There is always the opportunity of purchasing refreshments and regional snacks along the way. After your visit, you will be dropped back to your hotel.

Visited this place?

Mayan Ruins, Misol-Ha, Agua Azul Waterfalls Tour from Palenque

Duration: 9 hours

19 reviews

7. Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen Itza (from USD 60.3)

pre-hispanic city of chichen itza

This is a 12-hour excursion whereby you will get the opportunity to learn more about the roles Chichen Itza played in the Mayan world from 600 to 1200 AD. Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city which was built by the Maya people during the Terminal Classic period. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and it has also been named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The tour always starts with a buffet in the restaurant located just five minutes’ walk from the Chichen Itza archaeological zone. When done with your meal, a specialist guide will then take you to the archaeological zone and help you discover the role that the Chichen Itza played in the Mayan civilization. After the tour, you will be offered lunch before refreshing yourself by swimming in a cenote.

Visited this place?

From Cancun or Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá Tour

Duration: 12 hour

284 reviews

8. Protected tropical forest of Calakmul (from USD 108.0)

protected tropical forest of calakmul

Calakmul is one of the few places in the world where archaeology and ecology blend. It is one of the oldest, greatest and largest Mayan sites and ecological reserves of Mexico. Calakmul is home to many species that are in danger of extinction such as the king vulture, jaguar, harpy and spider monkey. The tour always starts with a hotel pick-up in Bacalar or Palenque and you will have a 5-hour drive into the biosphere reserve, where you will find the ancient Mayan Capital of Calakmul. Once there, you will have approximately three and a half hours to admire the beautiful flora and fauna that surrounds the archaeological zone. This tour is a must for those who are looking for a full-day break in a calm, quiet and unique natural environment.

Visited this place?

From Palenque & Bacalar: Full-Day Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Duration: 15 hour

1 review

9. Historic Centre of Oaxaca (from USD 32.0)

historic centre of oaxaca

This is a four-hour tour of Oaxaca which normally starts with a stroll through the central market as you head to the main city square. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the architectural and historical monuments of Oaxaca de Juárez. The historic centre of Oaxaca comprises 227 blocks including 26 colonial-era temples, 5 convents, and a wide variety of civil structures all built in resemblance of architectural styles of the 16th-20th centuries. Major monuments you will see during this tour include the Government Palace, the cathedral and the city hall. This activity is ideal for all age groups.

Visited this place?

Oaxaca: Half-Day City Tour

Duration: 4.0 hour

4 reviews

10. Pre-Hispanic town of Uxmal (from USD 69.0)

Uxmal is located in a stunning location surrounded by nature. The city is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in the Puuc Maya area and it was named after the architectural style of their temples. While you are here, you will get the chance to learn more about the life and traditions of the Mayan ancestors who lived here. Once at the site you will be able to explore its beautiful palaces which are all designed in a quadrangular way and are surrounded by pedestrian walkways. During the tour, your guide will tell you about the magical legends of this place as you get amazed by the richness and detail of the architecture of monuments such as the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Pyramid of the Magi, the Temple of the Masks and the Governor’s House.

Visited this place?

Uxmal Light and Sound Show from Merida

Duration: 8 hours

15 reviews

Explore Mexico

Whether you are here for business or just for fun, you should make sure you visit one of the sites listed above. Select one and be ready to experience the best moments of your life.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Mexico
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.